Quantcast
Jump to content


Costco, BJ’s Wal-Mart ,etc. a Factor in tire sales?

Joe Marconi
 Share

Recommended Posts

CARMandP Proficient

CARMandP

Posted
Posted

We have a superwalmart in our town and I have gotten several repairs from things they messed up :) We have gone over and talked to the manager about sending us more work but they are technically not allowed to refer anyone ;)

FROGFINDER Rising Star

FROGFINDER

Posted
Posted

Become so good at solving peoples car problems or alway's taking the time to point them in the right direction in a manner they never forget is the key to the door of referrals.

 

B)

milesauto Newbie

milesauto

Posted
Posted

I’d like to say they don't sell to my customers but they do. Let’s face it they are there selling convenience and a perceived cheaper price. most are open all hours when we are closed. To most customers a tire is a tire and a battery is a battery... they have no idea what TPMS is and why we torque a wheel. All the major brands have all their signage and promotional material plastered up so you see it as you walk in their doors. Heck I felt like I wanted to put a set of tires on my truck the last time I was there with my wife shopping. This business is much different than when I started and we must adapt or lose. I never believed in coupons or sending direct mail or advertising because I did not need too but all of that has changed.

tyrguy Collaborator

tyrguy

Posted
Posted

My family actually sold the land my tire store of 28 years was located on to Walmart to build a superstore. We ended up building a new store right behind the Walmart. I can throw a baseball from my bays to their bays. Before the Walmart, my unit sales had stagnated at about 3800-3900 units per year. The first year with Walmart next door [2008] we sold 4500 units, a near 20% increase. Believe me, having the traffic that a superstore generates next door far overshadows any competition they bring. Plus, we've developed a good relationship with them and they send us alignments, brake work, etc, as well as the stuff they break and need repaired. Additionally, when they run into complicated tires issues, they send them our way. Their tire prices initially seem low until you add in lifetime balancing, flat repair and road hazard, all services we include in the cost of the tire.To be frank about it, I don't know how they sell anything anyway. I usually buy stuff in the store and check out at the tire and lube service counter. What I observe just causes me to chuckle. They never answer the phone. People sometimes wait at the counter for 5 or more minutes before anyone even comes back to the counter from the service area. And recently, they quit taking appointments for anything which means they are constantly backed up several hours because they are so slow in the bays. And to be totally honest, even as slow as my business has been for the last year and a half, I probably don't want most of those customers anyway.

milesauto Newbie

milesauto

Posted
Posted

Great comments, I understand your frustration and agree that business today has changed. What are some of your ideas to compete with these changes?

Mainly we need to show how we are different from big box stores by the way we take care of our customers. Honesty still goes a long way along with personal service with a "thank you" and follow up call a day or so after we work on their car. We have remodeled our waiting room and have comfortable chairs with a gourmet coffee maker, wide screen cable TV, and Wi-Fi signal. We carefully schedule waiting appointments so they are convenient with their schedules. Have a loner car for those situations when a customer has a unexpected break down or when parts availability delay a repair. The list goes on but you will notice I never said cut price…..but try and make it a good value.

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Available Subscriptions

    See all Subscription Plans

  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

    • Joe Marconi
      The Toolbox is Last to Leave, First is the Heart
      By Joe Marconi in Joe's Blog
         0 comments
      It always amazes me when I hear about a technician who quits one repair shop to go work at another shop for less money. I know you have heard of this too, and you’ve probably asked yourself, “Can this be true? And Why?” The answer rests within the culture of the company. More specifically, the boss, manager, or a toxic work environment literally pushed the technician out the door.
      While money and benefits tend to attract people to a company, it won’t keep them there. When a technician begins to look over the fence for greener grass, that is usually a sign that something is wrong within the workplace. It also means that his or her heart is probably already gone. If the issue is not resolved, no amount of money will keep that technician for the long term. The heart is always the first to leave. The last thing that leaves is the technician’s toolbox.
      Shop owners: Focus more on employee retention than acquisition. This is not to say that you should not be constantly recruiting. You should. What it does means is that once you hire someone, your job isn’t over, that’s when it begins. Get to know your technicians. Build strong relationships. Have frequent one-on-ones. Engage in meaningful conversation. Find what truly motivates your technicians. You may be surprised that while money is a motivator, it’s usually not the prime motivator.
      One last thing; the cost of technician turnover can be financially devastating. It also affects shop morale. Do all you can to create a workplace where technicians feel they are respected, recognized, and know that their work contributes to the overall success of the company. This will lead to improved morale and team spirit. Remember, when you see a technician’s toolbox rolling out of the bay on its way to another shop, the heart was most likely gone long before that.

  • Similar Topics

    • Joe Marconi
      Have You Set Your 2025 Goals? If Not, Why Not?
      By Joe Marconi

      Premium Member Content 

      This content is hidden to guests, one of the benefits of a paid membership. Please login or register to view this content.

    • Joe Marconi
      Many Shops Have Raised their Labor Rates, But Still Struggle!
      By Joe Marconi

      Premium Member Content 

      This content is hidden to guests, one of the benefits of a paid membership. Please login or register to view this content.

    • Changing The Industry
      Episode 196 - Navigating Tax Deductions and Investments With Derick Van Ness of Big Life Financial
      By Changing The Industry
      Episode 196 - Navigating Tax Deductions and Investments With Derick Van Ness of Big Life Financial
    • carmcapriotto
      How to Increase Customer Trust and Sales with Effective Financing Solutions [E196] - Chris Cotton Weekly Blitz
      By carmcapriotto
      The Weekly Blitz is brought to you by our friends over at Shop Marketing Pros. If you want to take your shop to the next level, you need great marketing. Shop Marketing Pros does top-tier marketing for top-tier shops.
      I’d like to give another shoutout to our sponsor, Shop Marketing Pros. They are the only marketing company I recommend, and they handle all of the marketing for my own shop as well. If you’re serious about growth, you need strategies that actually work: better websites, higher Google rankings, and ads that bring real customers through your doors.
      Visit ShopMarketingPros.com/chris to partner with a team that understands your business. Because every great shop deserves marketing that’s just as great.
      Check out their podcast here: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/
      If you would like to join their private Facebook group go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autorepairmarketingmastermind
      In this episode of "The Weekly Blitz," Coach Chris Cotton delves into the critical need for auto repair shops to offer customer financing options, a topic of growing importance in the industry. He begins by addressing the pressing challenges that many auto repair shops face today, such as low car counts and declining repair orders. These issues can significantly impact a shop's bottom line, making it essential for shop owners to find innovative solutions to attract and retain customers.
      Chris emphasizes that offering multiple financing options can be a game-changer for both customers and auto repair shops. For customers, financing provides a way to manage unexpected repair costs without straining their budgets. This is particularly important in situations where a sudden car breakdown can lead to financial stress. By providing flexible payment solutions, shops can help alleviate this burden, making it easier for customers to approve necessary repairs.
      Throughout the episode, Chris shares valuable insights on various financing providers available in the market. He discusses the pros and cons of each, helping shop owners make informed decisions about which providers might best suit their needs and those of their customers. Chris also highlights the benefits of financing for auto repair shops, such as increased sales, improved customer satisfaction, and enhanced customer loyalty.
      Furthermore, Chris offers practical strategies for effectively communicating financing options to customers. He stresses the importance of clear and transparent communication, ensuring that customers fully understand their financing choices and the terms involved. By doing so, shops can build trust and foster long-term relationships with their clientele.
      The episode also features a sponsorship mention for Shop Marketing Pros, a marketing company specializing in services for auto repair shops. Shop Marketing Pros is recognized for its expertise in helping shops enhance their marketing efforts, attract more customers, and ultimately grow their businesses. Their sponsorship underscores the importance of strategic marketing in conjunction with offering financing options, as both elements are crucial for the success of modern auto repair shops.


      Introduction to Financing (00:01:26)
      Discussion on the importance of financing options for customers in auto repair shops.
      Current Challenges in Auto Repair (00:02:38)
      Overview of low car counts and declining average repair orders affecting repair shops.
      Importance of Customer Financing (00:03:43)
      Financing options are essential for building consumer trust and increasing average repair orders.
      Unexpected Expenses and Financing Solutions (00:04:58)
      Highlighting how financing helps customers manage unexpected repair costs effectively.
      Types of Financing Options (00:06:10)
      Introduction to various financing providers and their benefits for customers and shops.
      Making Financing Accessible (00:08:17)
      Strategies for simplifying the financing process and making it more accessible to customers.
      Communicating Financing Options (00:09:27)
      Importance of consistently informing customers about financing options at every touchpoint.
      Benefits of Offering Financing (00:12:50)
      Discussing how financing increases average repair orders and customer retention.
      Call to Action for Shops (00:13:56)
      Encouragement for shops to start offering and promoting financing options to enhance customer relationships.
      Connect with Chris:
      [email protected]
      Phone: 940.400.1008
      www.autoshopcoaching.com
      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
      AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYoutube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae


      #autofixautoshopcoaching #autofixbeautofixing #autoshopprofits #autoshopprofit #autoshopprofitsfirst #autoshopleadership #autoshopmanagement #autorepairshopcoaching #autorepairshopconsulting #autorepairshoptraining #autorepairshop #autorepair #serviceadvisor #serviceadvisorefficiency #autorepairshopmarketing #theweeklyblitz #autofix #shopmarketingpros #autofixautoshopcoachingbook
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • Joe Marconi
      Do you have a Shop Foreman?
      By Joe Marconi

      Premium Member Content 

      This content is hidden to guests, one of the benefits of a paid membership. Please login or register to view this content.



  • Joe Marconi

    Money Isn’t The Motivator We Think It Is

    By Joe Marconi, in Automotive Management,

    0 comments 307 views
    Joe Marconi

    Five Proven Tips to Improve Your Bottom Line

    By Joe Marconi, in Selling Automotive Repair,

    0 comments 461 views
    Joe Marconi

    Isn’t It Time We Rethink What a Master Level Technician Is?

    By Joe Marconi, in Automotive Industry,

    1 comment 439 views

  • Our Sponsors

Main Sections

More Sections

Discussion Forums

×
×
  • Create New...