Tuesday, September 1, 2009

What happened in August?

Was it just me? Tires bombed big and units were off 15% last month. it seems around here, everyone who's calling knows what they want to pay for that tire. Selling brand names are a joke, and I truly think it is a stroke of luck rather, than good salesmanship, when I sell a set of tires for $100 more than my competition.

Costco had a $70 Michelin instant rebate, which means we have to sell the tires at cost. Firestone and Sullivan Tire were dueling with the buy 3, get one free offer and Town Fair was getting them in the door. Tough tire month for an independent who had a $60 (wait 8 weeks) Visa card promotion. Little tacky, but it was ok.

We are tire brokers, our job is to get the best deal we can for the customer, while making a profit. We simply sell service time. Does anybody buy something big nowadays, without Googling it first?

The good news is that mechanical service was the same in August(despite being down a tech?) So last August was a freak. And now the kids are back to school (Fiona starts 7th grade today and made the Junior Varsity soocer team...so proud)and winter is coming.

Looking ahead,let's see if we can sell sell some tires. On offer this month at Kenwood Tire, with 4 tires we have a Panasonic 10MP Digital Camera from Continental and a neat, Hands Free Bluetooth Mobile Device from Michelin and American Car Care Centers. It's a great time to buy tires for us and them.

Try the $20 oil-change with any service special.

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