November 04, 2009
Road trip!
After 2,665 miles, I discovered two things: Selling tires isn’t a recession-proof business, and dealers know how to survive and thrive
By: Bob Ulrich
BJ’s Wholesale: 183 clubs, one price sheet
There are 183 BJ’s Wholesale Clubs in 15 eastern states from Maine to Florida, including Ohio.
Based on my investigation, tire pricing is the same at all of them, regardless of what the local retail tire dealers charge.
BJ’s embraces out-the-door tire pricing. It includes “lifetime” tire balancing, flat repair and tire rotation; mounting; a road hazard warranty; and valve stem. State and local taxes and disposal fees also are included.
I visited three outlets. In Mooresville, N.C., I talked with a shopper who told me the prices at the nearby Discount Tire store were lower than at BJ’s.
Here are some pricing examples, common to the clubs in Mooresville; Akron, Ohio; and Tampa, Fla.
P185/70R14 87S: Michelin X-Radial, 80K, $89.99.
P185/70R14 87T: Uniroyal Tiger Paw Touring, 80K, $75.99.
P245/65R17 105S: Michelin Cross Terrain, 65K, $225.99.
The least expensive tire sold at BJ’s was the Michelin X-Radial DT in size P185/65R14 85S. The 80,000-mile tire was priced at $71.99.
(In its “MemberSavings Book” for October, BJ’s offered $40 off any set of four Uniroyal passenger or light truck tires. The offer was “not available in all clubs.”)
Club hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9. p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
10 reasons why... Consumers should buy from Lanning Tire
The “Place to Buy Tires” according to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune Readers’ Choice poll, is Lanning Tire Service Inc. It has been every year for the last nine years.
Owners Steve and Sheryl Lanning know why they are the place of choice. They spell it out in their “10 reasons why we are the best place to buy tires” pamphlet.
1. Trust. 2. Integrity. 3. Knowledge. 4. Experience. 5. Quality. 6. Preventive Maintenance. 7. Service
8. Longevity. “For (35) years, Lanning Tire has provided the Sarasota area with tires and service nationwide chains cannot deliver,” reads the pamphlet. “We do business with the long view in mind. Which means we get to know you and you get to know us, in many cases, on a first-name basis. We compete with the big guys by providing a higher level of personalized service and support. When you do business at Lanning, your purchase is supported by a team of proven professionals.”
9. Reputation. 10. Locally owned.
Special promotions -- Alray conducts business one day at a time
Alray Tire & Muffler of Conover offers the following daily specials:
Monday: $15 four-wheel nitrogen fill (normally $21.40).
Tuesday: Free rotations (a $10 value).
Wednesday: Senior Citizens Day (10% off).
Thursday: 10% off all tires.
Friday: Ladies Day (10% off).
Saturday: Free brake inspections.
Alray offers a free alignment check Monday through Saturday to any customer who applies for a Car Care One/Michelin credit card (an appointment is required).
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