Quantcast
Jump to content


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


Recommended Posts

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 ;)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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
  • Available Subscriptions

  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest 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

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • By Transmission Repair

      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.

    • By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX, NAPA TRACS, and Automotive Management Network Scott Brown shares his profound journey through significant health challenges, specifically his battle with bladder cancer. Scott reflects on the lessons learned from his experiences, emphasizing the importance of living in the moment and preparing for the future. He discusses the emotional impact on his family, the illusion of control, and the necessity of succession planning. Scott’s story is a powerful reminder of life's unpredictability and the need to cherish each day, encouraging listeners to take proactive steps in their personal and professional lives. Scott Brown, Cardinal Plaza Shell, Springfield, VA. Scott’s previous episodes HERE Show Notes Watch Full Video Episode The Illusion of Control (00:03:25) The Diagnosis Revelation (00:04:21) Assessing Succession Plans (00:06:52) Health Challenges and Recovery (00:07:41) Living One Day at a Time (00:08:25) The Impact on Loved Ones (00:10:56) Long-Term Family Planning (00:12:10) The Copper Beech Tree Metaphor (00:14:05) The Importance of Values and Legacy (00:16:07) Succession Planning in Business (00:20:36) Competitive Advantage Discussion (00:22:28) Emotional Impact of Health Challenges (00:26:24) Busyness as an Idol (00:28:39)
      Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX, NAPA TRACS, and Automotive Management Network Set your sights on Las Vegas in 2024. Mark your calendar now … November 5th-7th, 2024. AAPEX - Now more than ever. And don’t miss the next free AAPEX webinar. Register now at http://AAPEXSHOW.COM/WEBINAR NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/ Get ready to grow your business with the Automotive Management Network: Find on the Web at http://AftermarketManagementNetwork.com for information that can help you move your business ahead and for the free and informative http://LaborRateTracker.com Connect with the Podcast: -The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976 -Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters -Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto -Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ -Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ -Follow on X: https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz -Visit the Website: https://remarkableresults.biz/ -Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider -All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books -Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom -Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections             Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • Fast Free Shipping on All Orders Over $50
    • 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.
      Click here to learn more about Top Tier Marketing by Shop Marketing Pros and schedule a demo:https://shopmarketingpros.com/chris/


      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 from Auto Fix Auto Shop Coaching delves deep into the crucial role of coaching in the auto repair industry. He discusses how coaching enhances performance, accountability, and long-term success for shop owners, service advisors, and technicians. Chris shares insights on the benefits of having a coach, including improved business strategies, goal-setting, and overcoming challenges. He emphasizes that coaching is a valuable investment, leading to significant returns and sustainable growth.


      Throughout the episode, Chris elaborates on the transformative power of coaching, illustrating how it can turn struggling shops into thriving businesses. He provides real-world examples of shops that have seen remarkable improvements in efficiency, customer satisfaction, and profitability after implementing coaching strategies. Chris also touches on the importance of personalized coaching, tailored to address the unique needs and goals of each shop, ensuring that the guidance provided is relevant and actionable.


      Moreover, Chris highlights the role of coaching in fostering a positive work culture. He explains how regular coaching sessions can boost team morale, enhance communication, and create a cohesive environment where everyone is aligned with the shop's vision and objectives. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, coaching helps shops stay ahead of industry trends and adapt to changing market demands.


      The episode encourages listeners to consider coaching to elevate their business and achieve excellence in the competitive auto repair landscape. Chris underscores that investing in coaching is about immediate gains and building a foundation for sustained success. He invites shop owners to take the first step towards transformation by exploring coaching opportunities, ultimately leading to a more prosperous and resilient business.


      Introduction and Podcast Overview (00:00:22)
      Coach Chris Cotton introduces the podcast and its focus on insights for auto repair businesses.


      Coaching Importance (00:01:16)
      Discussion on the significance of coaching for business owners and its impact on performance.


      Performance Through Coaching (00:02:23)
      Coached individuals consistently outperform those who go it alone, highlighting the value of accountability.


      The Role of Accountability (00:03:31)
      Accountability is crucial for achieving goals, ensuring follow-through on commitments.


      Perspective in Coaching (00:04:27)
      Coaching provides perspective, helping clients see the bigger picture amidst daily challenges.


      Long-Term Investment in Coaching (00:06:22)
      Coaching is a process that requires time, focusing on sustainable change rather than quick fixes.


      Commitment to Improvement (00:07:18)
      Successful coaching fosters a commitment to continuous improvement and resilience in tough times.


      Conclusion and Call to Action (00:08:20)
      Encouragement for listeners to embrace coaching for personal and business growth, emphasizing the importance of progress.


      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


  • Our Sponsors



×
×
  • Create New...