American Tire Distributors has launched its consumer tire buying Web site – TireBuyer.com – and is offering users a major contest prize.
Announced last November, TireBuyer.com was developed to give independent tire dealers a leg up in competing against online tire retailers like Tire Rack, Discount Tire and other tire e-tailers.
Though TireBuyer.com is a consumer-oriented retail tire site, all transactions – and profits – go entirely through ATD-serviced independent dealers.
The easy-to-navigate site allows users to browse from an inventory of more than three million tires and wheels, narrow their search to products that fit their vehicle, and use a 3D imaging system to see how any given tire and wheel combination will look on their vehicle.
Once they find the right tire at the right price, buyers can purchase the product online and choose a certified local tire dealer where they can have their new tires delivered and installed. TireBuyer.com lets consumers know their installation charges up front, and pay for everything – including installation – in one simple online transaction.
Unlike other online tire retailers, in most cases, there is no delivery charge and tires are delivered to the dealer of the buyers’ choice within one or two days.
On the back side of the transaction, ATD said, tires are ordered via ATD’s existing ATDonline.com system and delivered to the dealer as needed for the appointment. Once the tires are installed, ATD pays the dealer for the full purchase, and includes the sold units on the dealer’s next ATD invoice.
ATD said it would set consistent national pricing for the tires – with a nominal transaction fee to help ATD offsets costs. Each dealer can establish their own fees for mounting/balancing, valve stems and accessories, tire disposal and shop supplies. Pricing, said ATD, will keep dealers price competitive vs. other online sources. The dealer, said ATD, gets the entire gross profit on the sale, and the opportunity to get the customer’s vehicle in for additional service opportunities. Plus, the dealer can develop a relationship with that new custome.
To celebrate its launch, TireBuyer.com is holding the “Freewheelin’ Road Trip Contest,” which people can enter online at www.TireBuyer.com beginning Sept. 30. Contestants will be asked to explain in 100 to 150 words “My Simple Tips for a Safe and Fun-filled Road Trip.”
The contest grand prize includes tires for life, $3,000 in cash, and emergency roadside car kit, and copies of Fodor’s Essential USA road trip guide and Lauren Fix’s Guide to Loving Your Car.
Five runners-up will each receive one set of premium tires, $500 cash, and the same roadside car kit, Fodor’s road trip guide and Fix’s book.
