How do I count and assess a tire shop’s inventory before I buy?

Plan the count before the day. Agree who counts, whether the shop closes for it, and how damaged or old stock is to be treated. Tires age on the shelf, so look for date codes, cracking, flat spots and poor storage. Rubber stored in sun or near heat can be hard to sell, whatever the books say.

Count by size and type, not by rack. Passenger, light truck, winter, all-season and used lines behave differently, so the mix matters as much as the total. Compare the physical result with the inventory records and ask the seller to explain gaps. Ask which sizes sell fastest and which have not moved in a long time.

Last, check what you do not own. Ask whether stock is held on consignment, pledged to a lender or promised to customers. Your accountant can advise how inventory is carried on the books and how your agreement should handle the final count at closing. Think about tools and supplies as well. Wheel weights, valve stems, sensors and fasteners add up on the shelf and are often overlooked in the count. Decide with the seller whether they are included in the stock figure or in the equipment. A clear line avoids an argument on closing day over what was counted twice or not at all.

Key takeaways

• Agree the counting method in writing before you start.
• Check date codes, condition and storage, not only quantities.
• Ask whether any stock is consigned, pledged or already promised.