Online Tire Sales: Being Off-line Is Not An Option

June 8, 2017

At the recent New England Tire & Service Association Trade Show in Mashantucket, Conn., Modern Tire Dealer’s first Tire Dealer of the Year, Barry Steinberg, led a discussion on “Competing Against Internet-Based Tire Sales.” Here are his principal takeaways.

1. Online pricing is a must.

2. Be aware of online pricing from competitors.

3.You must be involved in social media.

4. Create an internal system to match online pricing plus services.

“Even your best clients shop online for info and price,” said Steinberg, owner of Direct Tire & Auto Service, a six-store chain based in Watertown, Mass. “They want to buy local, so give them a reason to.”

About the Author

Bob Ulrich

Bob Ulrich was named Modern Tire Dealer editor in August 2000 and retired in January 2020. He joined the magazine in 1985 as assistant editor, and had been responsible for gathering statistical information for MTD's "Facts Issue" since 1993. He won numerous awards for editorial and feature writing, including five gold medals from the International Automotive Media Association. Bob earned a B.A. in English literature from Ohio Northern University and has a law degree from the University of Akron.