Tire Rack Installation?

[rjundi]

Extremely variable. Some installers annoyed I was buying tires from tirerack.

In the end I have learning simply picking up the phone and calling around locally yields better tire prices.

I found a quality New England based chain called Sullivan tire matches the shipped price if you pay $80 to install four tires which includes an alignment check.

 

[Sayjac]

Quote:
Extremely variable. Some installers annoyed I was buying tires from tirerack.
I would think that could/would be an issue anywhere, even with some TR listed installers like Tire Kingdom.

Quote:
I found a quality New England based chain called Sullivan tire matches the shipped price if you pay $80 to install four tires which includes an alignment check.
If that includes lifetime balance and rotation, or at least rotation, that sounds fair and a place to stick with.

 

[JustinH]

I would stick with walmart, how sad is that.

Its a shame that we don't have a discount tire around here, I would buy from them in a heartbeat.

 

[charbaby]

rjundi,
Were these annoyed installers the TR's Recomended installers? If so, they have no right to be annoyed considering they have excepted this recomendation from the TR.

If they weren't TR's recomended installers then, they shouldn't be annoyed either. If they don't want to install you tires, don't install your tires!

Today, I don't except, and will do no business with any person/business that shows signs of being annoyed by my presents, with rolling eyes or raised lips. I'll easily spend my money elsewhere. These annoyed looking people can KMA!

When I was in business, I always treated customers with respect and I never turned down a job unless I was unable to perform the job that customer wanted due to...

Lack of time(either mine or thiers)couldn't perform the job in their window of time.

Lack of equipment, knowlage, experience(out of my realm/not my forte')

 

[PandaBear]

I brougth my Tire Rack tires to Walmart and they install them well.

 

[JustinH]

The problem with tirerack, is that if you take "internet bought" tires to a tire shop, they will run you through the coals to get them installed. Many shops will flat out refuse to do the work.

I have about three choices here. Get run through the coals and pay 100 dollars to mount and balance 4 tires. Just buy tires from a local retailer or take them to walmart.

I have been cashing in on a couple local vendors, they are selling tires with various gimicks that makes it somewhat affordable.

Also if you have a Sams club membership, take a look at tires there. They carry all the name brand tires at fair prices, they are the opposite of overpriced walmart.

 

[PandaBear]

Originally Posted By: JustinH
Also if you have a Sams club membership, take a look at tires there. They carry all the name brand tires at fair prices, they are the opposite of overpriced walmart.


Last time I check they only carry Michelin and Bridge Stone family brands of tires.

 

[Dave Hess]

Down here as long as the tires are new, they won't say a word about refusing to mount them....they might mention that its a good idea to have an alignment as an up-sell.

 

[WANG]

I had some tires shipped from TR to one of their recommended installers last week. Great experience, and I still saved a couple hundred $$ compared to buying them over the counter. This is how I'm buying tires from now on.

 

[Sayjac]

Quote:
This is how I'm buying tires from now on.
See you live in NC. There are many Discount Tire stores in NC. Also, DTDirect online(shipping included) is another option. Glad you had an excellent experience, but IME the DT/DTD options would give TR a run for their money in both price and service.

 

[charbaby]

I have been buying tires/wheels from DiscountTireDirect but, I have also bought from The Tire Rack and have been using W*M for my installer. They seem to welcome any business. I'm loosing count on how many times myself and friends/family have been going to W*M for their tire installation. Love W*M

 

[moggi1964]

I buy from Tirerack and 1010tires and always take them to my local STS: no issues!

I have yet to buy tires from anyone other than the two mentioned above; no problems to date.

 

[HTSS_TR]

Originally Posted By: moggi1964
I buy from Tirerack and 1010tires and always take them to my local STS: no issues!

I have yet to buy tires from anyone other than the two mentioned above; no problems to date.

There are no problems buying tires from them other than you might paying more than somewhere else.

 

[CivicFan]

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
I've used several of their recommended installers in the past (in 3 different states), and have generally been happy with the service.


I've done it once and the result was good. I chose an independent installer. He was quite passionate about wheels and tires so he really cares about what he does.

 

[FZ1]

Not for me. I'm buying the tires from Discount Tire and letting them install them. Less potential problems. I want the seller of the tires to also be the installer of the tires.

 

[CapriRacer]

I've resisted posting, because I didn't think it was a good idea. But the tone of this thread is very encouraging, so I'm going to speak up from a manufacturer's point of view.

Installing tires that have been purchased from an on-line retailer has some built in problems.

1) If the installer damages the tires or the wheels, then there isn't as much leverage for them to make it right.

2) If the tires have a problem (rare though they are!), then the installer is going to charge for the additional dismount/mount (maybe!).

3) If the tires have a problem, then the tires have to be returned to the on-line retailer - and the installer doesn't have to be cooperative. That means the customer may have to arrange shipment.

4) The tire manufacturer may try to help, but they are always at the mercy of the retailer - both the installer and the on-line guy.

5) If there is a problem with the "tires", the installer is under no obligation to figure out what is wrong. I can't tell you how many times I've been presented with a consumer with a problem and it is clear to me that the problem is not the tires, but something else, and a simple diagnostic would help (like swapping the tires around) - and the consumer can not get the installer to cooperate.

For this reason, I recommend that folks use a local retailer.

 

[FZ1]

I've got a feelin' some of these guys never got a proration in their lives!

 

[charbaby]

CapriRacer, I fully agree with your statement(s). I for one am aware of all of these things and am willing to take my chances there. Others may not have thought of all of these issues that could occure and they should. This is why I always keep an old tire(the best one) when having the new tires installed at W*M. If I do have trouble with a new tire that I have purchaced online, I will as least have something to work with. I realize that I'll have to pay to have the problem tire uninstalled, the old tire reinstalled and contact the online tire store(TR or DTD etc) about the prorating with documentation along with some waiting period between shipping back the problem tire and waiting for the new arrival. I also realize that I am responsible for all the running around. But, to me, it's worth the huge cost savings(in excess of $150.00-$200.00, total after installation) compared to buying localy for me.
I am so happy buying tires this way and have had such great succuss doing this and having them installed at W*M that, if I someday do have an issue, so be it and I'm ready for the inconvienience but, so far I have been blessed.

 

[FZ1]

"Huge cost savings"?? Purchased my new Michelins at Discount Tire. Mounted and balanced by Discount Tire,with free lifetime rotations,free balancing,free air anytime I want it. It was cheaper than the Tire Rack price.

 

[Sayjac]

Unfortunately, living in Roch. NY, Char doesn't have the luxury of having a brick and mortar DT store in his area, as you and I do. So, his DTD or TR purchase with the Wally install is the best purchase option that works for him.

Likely would be a consideration if I didn't have a DT store nearby. Also, one I have used to bring a reference price to DT for tire purchase.

Lacking a DT store, another option as previously mentioned, would be to find a local retailer that would match a TR or DTD price, and charge a reasonable installation fee.

Ideally though, yes it's extremely difficult in my experience, to beat the DT purchase and ownership experience.