Consumers have growing options for online tire shopping and installation as CARiD works to expand its options for installation by almost sixfold, to 12,000 locations, by 2022.
The online platform says the expansion of its tire installation network is part of its growing business in the do-it-for-me channel. Shoppers at www.carid.com already have 2,117 options for installation, but the company plans to add 9,000 more by the end of 2021, and another 3,000 by the end of 2022.
Nino Ciappina, CEO of PARTS iD, owner of the CARiD platform, says, “We have been focused on increasing our presence in the do-it-for-me segment of the automotive aftermarket industry and this initiative is a great step forward. With our purpose-built data architecture and differentiated technology, consumers are able to visit CARiD.com, research and choose from a wide variety of tires, and in the same transaction select a tire installation center near them to schedule an appointment. This initiative is one of many programs we are working on to advance CARiD.com’s position as a one-stop shop and seamless solution for all car enthusiast needs.”
The company says it began offering tire installation in May 2020, and it's only available in the U.S. A spokesperson said, "The majority of the installation network is located where there is a greater density of the population residing in multiple states."
Installation is currently offered by "existing third-party chains" as well as "some independents." Consumers buy the tires online and pay CARiD for the tires online. They can choose installation and see the price for installation online, but shoppers don't pay that fee until they actually arrive at the tire installation appointment. That fee is paid directly to the installer, the company said.
"This is just a customer service initiative and not a profit-making initiative" for CARiD, the spokesperson said. "Our offering of (an) installer network is to provide an end-to-end offering to our DIFM customers."
The installer could then offer a vehicle inspection and suggest additional needed services. Those too would be paid directly to the installer.
If a tire dealer wanted to join CARiD's installation network, they should contact the company via email.
