How to Avoid Dead Stock: A Smarter Way to Manage Tyres
You’re not in the storage business — you’re in the tyre business.
But you wouldn’t know it by looking at some garages and vans. Shelves stacked with tyres no one asks for. Dusty brands, slow sizes, stuff that’s been sitting for months.
That’s dead stock — and it’s killing your profit.
What is dead stock?
Dead stock = tyres that don’t move. They tie up your cash, take up space, and eventually get discounted just to make room.
You’re not just losing money on the tyre — you’re losing the profit you could’ve made with smarter stock.
The 3 biggest causes of dead stock
- Guessing what to buy instead of using sales history
- Over-ordering for discounts (buy 10 to save a fiver, but sell 4…)
- Holding onto old stock too long hoping it’ll move “eventually”
How to avoid it
1. Start tracking what sells
You don’t need a fancy system. Just write down:
- Size
- Brand
- How often it sells
After a few weeks, you’ll spot clear trends. Buy more of what moves. Ditch what doesn’t.
2. Review your stock monthly
Open your rack or van doors and ask:
- What hasn’t moved in 60–90 days?
- Do I need to reorder that size or not?
- Is there a better-selling alternative?
Don’t reorder out of habit. Reorder with purpose.
3. Be strict with what you carry
Not every size deserves shelf space.
Focus on your top 20% of fast sellers — they bring in 80% of your sales.
The rest? Order as needed.
4. Clear slow stock quickly
If something hasn’t sold in 3 months, it’s costing you. Time to:
- Discount it
- Bundle it (e.g. 2x tyres + free valve)
- Offer it to nearby traders
- Use it as a backup spare if it fits common sizes
Clear it fast — free up your cash.
5. Use just-in-time ordering
If you’ve got reliable next-day or same-day delivery (we offer it!), you don’t need to carry deep stock.
Buy what sells. Order what doesn’t. Let your wholesaler carry the risk.
6. Work with your supplier
A good wholesaler can tell you:
- What’s moving in your area
- What’s not worth stocking
- Which brands offer better resale margins
Ask questions. Get advice. You’re not alone in this.
Final thoughts
Dead stock eats profit. Fast-moving stock builds it.
Start small: track sales, review monthly, and order smarter.
With a few simple changes, your shelves (and wallet) will be in a much healthier place.
