Advertise | Subscribe | Contact Us | Connect with us    
 
Currently viewing 1 to 20 of 134
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
'Big Company' Marketing Savvy Can be Great for Tire Dealers
February 09, 2010
In very basic terms, marketers consider two primary groups: Leaders and Followers. Because most consumer goods and services evolve over time, Leaders can become Followers and vice versa. So these targets are regularly sifted, sought and catered to. Leaders seek out the latest technology or design or performance, constantly seeking an edge in their lives. Some are out front, most are invisible. Leaders... read more
 
The New Frugality: Consumer Withdrawal Runs Deep, May Last the Decade
January 13, 2010
The last tumultuous decade was the 1980s, which open­ed with hyper-inflation, high unemployment and astronomical interest rates, and closed as the “Me Decade” when dollars flowed easy and greed was good. The decade we just laid to rest – The Aughts – by contrast, will likely be remembered as the “Decade of Benign Neglect.” Coming out of the Comfortable... read more
 
Missed Communications?: TIA Government Relations Efforts Plain, But Perhaps Not Seen
December 15, 2009
It is difficult to express the disappointment I feel in regard to the recent letter to the editor from Alpio Barbara (TR, October 2009) concerning TIA and its government relations activities. He questioned our activities on a number of important legislative issues, and I’d like to take this opportunity to present to him – and your readers – the facts. But first, it must be acknowledged... read more
 
How Should Government Help?
December 14, 2009
President Obama recently announced a new emphasis on helping small business by shifting bank bailout money to programs designed to assist entrepreneurs survive and grow. So what should the president do? If you had the chance, what would you recommend be done to help small businesses? Tell us what you’d say in the comment section below. read more
 
Outline Your 2010 Plans!
December 08, 2009
As we approach the new year, what changes are you planning to make to your business in 2010? Everyone hunkered down in 2009. Businesses large and small cut expenses and focused on new ways to attract and retain business. As the economy seems to be improving, what changes are you planning to make to your business in 2010? Tell us how you plan to adjust your business outlook in the comment section below. ... read more
 
Reality Check: How Was the Show? Some Straight Talk About SEMA 2009
November 23, 2009
So, how was the show? In the past, that conversational query required minimal response. Kinda like, “So, how was vacation?” or “So, how was the movie?” the inquirer assumed the best and really wasn’t asking for any other reason than to be, well, politely interested. Today, post SEMA 2009, “So, how was the show?” is a serious question, one deserving... read more
 
How Many Stars Would You Have?
November 11, 2009
A number of years ago, TIA proposed creating a certification system for tire dealers. Unfortunately, nothing has come of that plan. But do you think independent tire dealers would benefit from such a program? Perhaps a star rating system similar to that used by the hospitality industry? Do you think such a program would be beneficial – to tire dealers and/or consumers? Use the comment area below... read more
 
Give Us Your Two Cents!
October 21, 2009
Dealers receive many requests for donations and assistance from local community groups. Tell us what criteria you apply in considering these requests. read more
 
Lack of Support? Dealer Says ‘We Don’t Know How to Make Our Voices Heard’
October 13, 2009
I’m usually the type of dealer that sits back and watches as events happen in our industry. That doesn’t mean I don’t care, it’s just that as an independent dealer I don’t really know how or what I can do to change things. That was until today, when I read the New York Times article that President Obama announced that the United States would levy tariffs of up... read more
 
Fixing a Hole: Total Tariff Fallout Still TBD, But Wrong Parties Were Wronged
October 13, 2009
The dust still isn’t settled on the president’s ill-advis­ed smackdown of China-made consumer tires. There have been plenty of claims, counterclaims, predictions, wringing of hands and well-moistened crying towels, but few tangibles to date. Despite all of the Chicken Little-ing, the sky has yet to fall and we are no closer to having a handle on the real impact the new three-year... read more
 
Tell us Your 'Green' Story
October 08, 2009
What kinds of things are you doing to make your business “green?” Everywhere you look today, someone or some company is going "green." Whether it is to save the planet or save some money, households and businesses – even your suppliers – are engaging in a variety of eco-friendly activities. So what are you – as a tire dealer - doing? Tell us about your green... read more
 
What do you hope to accomplish when attending an industry trade show?
September 15, 2009
No doubt, in today's economy, attending a major national trade show is an expense tire dealers are carefully measuring. But regardless of the times, use the comment area below to tell us what you try to accomplish at an industry trade show and what kind of return on your trade show investment do you look for. read more
 
50 State Solution? Add It All Up and the Writing is On the Wall
August 15, 2009
Three years ago, the RMA was busy crafting and politicking a federal bill on tire fuel efficiency that eventually became part of the 2007 Energy Bill. Back in 2005, you’ll recall, gas prices were going through the roof. $2.20, then $2.45, then $2.60. Tires, as always, became the focal point, with consumers looking for ways to save money with “better” rubber. A number... read more
 
In considering TIA and/or your state/provincial tire dealer association, what services do you most value from a dealer association?
August 10, 2009
National and state/provincial tire dealer associations have a long history of aiding tire dealers large and small. Some dealers especially credit their associations for helping them succeed. But in today's business and economic climate, what do tire dealers expect from their associations? Whether you're a member or not, tell us what you think in the comment area below. read more
 
The 'Cold, Hard Truth'
July 31, 2009
Of all that I have read on the topic of the ITC 421 “witch-hunt,” your ‘Red, White and Gray’ blog is the best of the best. No BS, no rhetoric, just the facts and cold hard truth. As a major player in this area and still severely handicapped by the last ITC/Titan/Steelworkers bogus attack on the OTR/Specialty Tire products from China, I applaud that an editor of a respected... read more
 
Twitiots & Me: When Old School Editor Goes New School, Bad Things Happen
July 15, 2009
Twitter I just don’t get. Fact is, the entire “social media” thing escapes me. It’s not media – there is no “news” involved – it’s just a bunch of people socializing...if you can even call it that. I’m an old-school guy. I still read newspapers – what few there are – and have a landline phone. Sure, I can see how the Internet... read more
 
With Both Feet: Dealers Show Business Success Means Doing Things Differently
June 15, 2009
Rare is the spring weekend in northeast Ohio with wall-to-wall pleasant temperatures and no rain. So rare that local brides grit their teeth and light votive candles by the score, hoping their dream day doesn’t become a deluge disaster. Indeed, holding a full weekend event in these parts involves more prayer than planning. Little wonder that Cleveland dealer Jim Enger let out a huge sigh... read more
 
Killer Instinct: Lessons Dealers Must Learn From an 800-Pound Gorilla
May 14, 2009
Bill Ihnken thinks the TBC Retail Group can be a “category killer” in the tire and service trade. The 800-pound gorilla that no one can ignore in every town it has a store. To reach that lofty goal, that pinnacle of retailing, the head of TBC Retail Group’s company-owned stores – Tire Kingdom, NTB and Merchant’s – is pushing the simplest tool in the toolbox... read more
 
Agrees to 'Walk the Talk'
April 15, 2009
I'm writing to comment on your “Walk the Talk” editorial in the March 2009 issue of Tire Review. Although I agree with nearly all of your monthly editorials, this one gets an A+ and deserves to be read by every person in the tire industry! The points you made ("They need to quit talking about how they need to work together and actually work together on something that really matters."... read more
 
Consumer Education Program Misunderstood
April 15, 2009
Jim Smith’s Viewpoints on NHTSA’s future consumer tire education program is certainly less hysterical than TIA Executive Vice President Roy Littlefield’s rant published by another trade journal. Unfortunately, Smith misses the point by the same mile. Until tire manufacturers trouble themselves to provide the people who distribute and sell their products with pertinent technical... read more
 
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
 
Top Sales Strategies to Win Over Customers
Sales and customer service go hand in hand. Without a qualified, trained and professional sales staff, you run the risk of customers walking away from your dealership feeling less than satisfied. read more