How to Set Trade Tyre Prices That Still Make You Profit
🕒 Reading time: 4 minutes
It’s easy to undercharge in this game.
A customer says,
“What’s your best price for cash?”
Or:
“Can you sort me out on 2 tyres, mate?”
You want to keep the business — but if you’re not careful, you’re giving away your margin every time.
Let’s fix that.
Here’s how to set trade pricing that keeps you competitive and makes you money.
💸 Know Your Minimum Price (Even Roughly)
Before you say yes to any price, know this number:
Your absolute minimum profitable price.
You don’t need spreadsheets or accounting software.
Just a rough idea of:
- What you paid for the tyre (delivered)
- What it costs you to fit it (time, labour, fuel, valve, disposal)
- A small buffer to stay in the black
If your price doesn’t cover those three, you’re working for free — or worse.
🎯 Create Simple Trade Tiers
Not all trade jobs are the same.
Try setting 2–3 price levels:
- Top tier — best price for reliable regulars (weekly payers, polite, zero hassle)
- Middle tier — decent price for semi-regulars and “I’ll call again” types
- Standard rate — price for one-offs and last-minute chancers
You don’t need to explain this to every customer.
But you should know what each price tier looks like — and stick to it.
🛠️ Don’t Be Afraid to Charge for Add-Ons
Lots of tyre shops and fitters include everything for free:
- New valve
- Balancing
- Old tyre disposal
But that all takes time and costs money.
Want to keep prices attractive?
Offer the tyre cheap — but itemise the extras.
“£55 for the tyre, then £3 valve, £5 balancing, £2.50 disposal.”
Sounds more professional.
And you’re not silently losing £10 on every job.
😬 Beware of ‘Mates’ Rates’ That Add Up
It’s one thing helping a loyal customer.
But when half your week is:
- Free this,
- Discount that,
- “I’ll pay you Friday,”
You’ve turned into a charity.
You can still help people — but keep it in balance.
Instead of slashing the price, throw in something that costs you less (like a coffee, or a free rotation next time).
💬 How to Say Your Price With Confidence
If you sound unsure, people will haggle.
Try this instead:
“For that size, we do £68 fitted all-in.”
[Say it once. Then stop talking.]
If they want to shop around, that’s fine.
But most just want to feel like they’re not being ripped off.
Confidence + clarity = less pushback.
⚖️ Fair Beats Cheap
Here’s the truth:
Most trade customers aren’t looking for the cheapest — they’re looking for value and consistency.
If they know:
- You show up
- You don’t mess them about
- Your prices are fair and clear
They’ll come back — and they’ll stop asking for discounts.
Final Thought
You’re running a business — not a favour factory.
Smart pricing protects your time, your money, and your reputation.
Need trade tyre supply that gives you margin to work with?
Tyreroom offers competitive wholesale prices so you can charge fairly — and still make profit.
