eTyres Seeking New Franchisees

At the time of going to press, the US government failed to back President Bush’s $700 billion bailout plan and banks seemed to be dropping like flies. With the UK economy inevitably affected by the knock-on effect of the credit crunch starting your own virtual business may seem like scary thing to do. However, if you did want to start up an online mobile tyre franchise, etyres reports that it has the consumer hook of charging up to 40 per cent less than the leading tyre depots.

However, some areas of the country are not yet covered so etyres is looking to expand its franchise. “Everyone wants to save money on essential purchases like car tyres,” says Tony Bowman, managing director of etyres, adding: ” Even though we have over 70 franchisees across the country we still have some key areas available and are looking to fill these. Priority locations include Manchester, South East London, Southampton and Liverpool.”

The franchise opportunity is adaptable. Franchisees can take a hands-on role and operate a man-in-a-van business or alternatively they can run a management franchise and oversee the brand development in their territory while a team of employees get to work fitting tyres and batteries for customers across their territory at a time and location that suits the customer. Either way, the opportunity can quickly become a multi-van enterprise and long term, once their business is established, franchisees can acquire a second or third territory and see their businesses continue to grow and their profits soar.

Established in 1992, etyres began franchising its business model in 1996 by selling tyres and batteries to companies in the contract hire, leasing and fleet management industries, however in 1997 etyres was able to extend its service to the general public via the internet. Tony Bowman explains: “We keep our costs down as we don’t have any of the overheads that traditional depots have, such as rent and rates. Instead franchisees work from vans and provide a mobile service – fitting tyres wherever it is convenient for the customer.”

Recession proof business…

The etyres website carries a vast selection of tyres, from top of the range brand names – including Bridgestone, Firestone, Pirelli, Continental and Michelin – to good quality mid-range and economy alternatives. “This is a recession proof business,” says Bowman: “As we head into the economic slowdown, etyres is seeing sales rocket as people who are strapped for cash search for a cheaper alternative to traditional tyre depots.”