Who manufactures the private label tires sold at Big O Tires stores?
Big_O_Tires Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Tires. We sell lines of private label tires to Big O Tire Stores. These private label tires may be manufactured by Sumitomo Corporation, which holds a partial indirect ownership interest in us, or unaffiliated manufacturers. We may look to other manufacturers to produce tire products in the future. We do not manufacture tires. Most products are delivered to franchisees from the RDC servicing their area at a minimum of twice weekly. We commit to supply you with the Big O branded tire lines but we do not guarantee to supply you with any specific numbers or sizes of tires or with any other specific tire brands. However, we do have a fill rate policy which is described in Item 6, Note 2.
We are the only approved supplier of Big O private brand tires and other private brand products which are manufactured exclusively for us or TBC. We may add or change private brands of tires and other products periodically.
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 39–44)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Big O Tires' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the private label tires sold at Big O Tires stores may be manufactured by Sumitomo Corporation, which holds a partial indirect ownership interest in Big O Tires, or by unaffiliated manufacturers. However, Big O Tires does not manufacture tires themselves. Big O Tires may also look to other manufacturers to produce tire products in the future.
Big O Tires is the only approved supplier of Big O private brand tires and other private brand products which are manufactured exclusively for them or TBC. Big O Tires may add or change private brands of tires and other products periodically. They are also an approved supplier of various major brand tires. Franchisees must purchase their tires bearing the Big O trademark and other brands from the RDC in their area or, with Big O Tires' approval, other RDCs. In addition, franchisees may purchase other lines of tires through the RDC or from any other approved source.
This means that as a Big O Tires franchisee, you are required to purchase Big O branded tires from approved suppliers, but the specific manufacturer may vary. This gives Big O Tires flexibility in sourcing and potentially negotiating favorable terms. However, it also means franchisees may not have control over the specific manufacturer of the private label tires they sell. Prospective franchisees should inquire about the current manufacturers and any potential changes in the future to assess the impact on product quality and supply chain stability.