Where to buy tyres - Local, UK or USA?

[Yorkshire_Jon]

Guys,
Im shortly going to need 3 new BFG MTs (255x85 R16).

Given the strength of the $$ at the moment, is it better to buy them from overseas, or from here in Aus?

Can anyone recommend any trouble / hassle free websites? I know the UK places, but not here or in the USA.

A quick look on a UK site suggest each tyre is 159GBP, plus delivery.

Thanks
J

[Psimpson7]

www.tirerack.com (http://www.tirerack.com) seems to be very good

[josh aka sean]

I bought my tires of TireRack cost me about $310 a tyre for BFG 255/85 Mud terrains KM2. That price included shipping and fitting and balancing once in Aus. They arrived in just over a week. Was a lot better than anywhere in Cairns was offering seeing i was going to have to wait about 2 or 3 months for the tyres to get to the store.
Cheers
Josh

[big guy]

I would buy local.
Many reasons but some are to keep local economy strong, people employed and given australia is one of the harshest if not the worlds harshest enviroment, any warranty claim be out the window should you need to make a claim.

Just my thoughts and experiences with imports.

[trobbo]

big rap for tyrerack here in the D3 section with lots of info on the web page and who to contact etc.

Keep the cost of your purchase below $1000 AUD to avoid customs taxes.

Your tyres arrive in about 5 - 7 days. savings on 18 & 19 inch tyres work out to be between about $200 - $400 a set.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/d3-d4-rrs/117029-18-tyres-se-d3-good-news-story-change.html

[Tank]

Buy Local, something goes wrong, who you gonna call, Regards Frank.

[big guy]

big rap for tyrerack here in the D3 section with lots of info on the web page and who to contact etc.

Keep the cost of your purchase below $1000 AUD to avoid customs taxes.

Your tyres arrive in about 5 - 7 days. savings on 18 & 19 inch tyres work out to be between about $200 - $400 a set.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/d3-d4-rrs/117029-18-tyres-se-d3-good-news-story-change.html

WOW $200-400.

Please take no offence but if we all did that there be no tyre retailers to fit them to your car once they land here.
I guess with that huge saving you can buy a tyre fitting machine and wheel balancer from the shop that used to be there selling the tyres.

I find that too short sighted and will affect the economy short and definately long term. It will also impact your local area.

Go elsewhere by all means if you get terrible service but try and spend your $$$ here.

[roverrescue]

BigGuy,
How much margin on the actual rubber do you think a tyre retailer makes on 4wd tyres?

Do they survive on fitting and balancing, charging $10 for disposal etc etc?

IME the way tyre guys make money is by importing commy and falcon tyres by the container load - BUT when you walk in and ask for a set of 253 x 34R23s in a MTBFCoop Muddy, the retailer gets in the rubber incl freight charges minimal markup but then gets income at $40ish ea for fitting and disposal. IME he wont care if you do the leg work, wholesaling, importing and the freight component. You the punter just rocks up with shiny rubber for him to sting you $40 a hoop to deal with. In fact you are making him money helping him stay in business in a difficult marketplace ;)

Obviously if you are buying 31 10.5R15 its a different matter, but the OS saving would be minimal on that size... get it.

Steve

[josh aka sean]

My issue wasn't the huge saving in cost (only about $160 total) but I couldn't wait 2-3 months for them to get tyres in when I could get them in just over a week. As it was I ended up getting a BFGoodrich supplier to fit them and they were more than happy to.
Cheers
Josh

[inside]

My issue wasn't the huge saving in cost (only about $160 total) but I couldn't wait 2-3 months for them to get tyres in when I could get them in just over a week.
As you've shown shopping overseas is not just about money, the service is usually better too. How long before your average Joe is importing tyres for his Commodore because he can save $120 a set and the retailer replies to emails? Aussie retailers need to change or they will die.

[TerryO]

I have been on my high horse about this topic before ...so once more won't hurt I guess.

I'd like to ask a question of all those complaning about the service they get from Australian businesses and how they can save money buying os.

To those who complain, what do you do for a job or business?

I bet most who work for a company that sells products have a long list of people complaining about them and how expensive their products are compared to overseas and how bad their service is.

I bet if most people had a choice they wouldn't buy your employeers or businesses products as well.

I even heard recently people discussing about how great it would be if they could buy their groceries on line from overseas because we are getting ripped off here and we only get the rubbish left over from the exports.

In reality if every person who wanted to buy gear overseas did then a major percentage of the working population in Australia would lose their jobs. Maybe that would be a good idea then those who whinge about overseas prices and service would have a new topic to whinge about ...being why they can't afford an internet connection to talk to thier mates on websites like this because they are unemployed.

Still this is a free country and people can buy what they want from where they want and I totally agree with that but I must admit it gets up my nose about all the complaining about how useless Australian businesses and their workers are. I wonder how many people who do the non stop complaining ever stop and look in the mirror and ask themselves if they provide the best customer service they themselves could?

Or is it just everyone else out there in this fine county that is charging to much and providing a usless service?



cheers,
Terry

[Scouse]

I bet most who work for a company that sells products have a long list of people complaining about them and how expensive their products are compared to overseas and how bad their service is. Yes & they usually whinge here :).


I bet if most people had a choice they wouldn't buy your employeers or businesses products as well.Not in my case. I've bought 3 cars from my employer ;).



Maybe I'm not a good example :(.

[Andrew D]

Terry

Here's another take on it.

It's only a matter of time before it becomes common practice to go out to the 'Global Market' and not just the 'Local Market' (if it's not already).

We import and export Doctors, Engineers and you name it almost all professions. The concept of importing and exporting human resources will also spread to other areas. (Will be interesting to see what happens with the ASX and Singapore Exchange).

Australian businesses might have to re-think how they do business if they want survive, that is, become globally appealing. The ones that don't will not be business and that's reality.

Time to move with the times. We all live in the one fish bowl.

Regards
Andrew

P.S. I have no issue with buying materials from OS and if it's anything to do with the Land Rover, sorry but I’m not paying twice or three times the price on top of poor service. (If it wasn't for the poor service I would probably be still paying 2 or three times the price).

[big guy]

I do agree with timing and service etc being poor at times and I am also guilty at having bought online in many instances.

I do always give local guys a go 1st. They are having to charge the prices often not to get rich but just to be in business.

I am also in business and I charge $8.50 for an in imported or $7.00 for local beer.
I sometimes hear how can you charge that much when I can buy a carton for $50 or $40 respectively.
Well, there are so many expenses that make my margin at the end of the day at 10% net if I am lucky.

With Tyres in particular which are the main contact point between us and possible death, I do not believe its worth getting imported possibly non compliant tyres.
A good mate bought a online bicycle helmet from the UK.
He had a accident, not his fault and it was found his helmet which did not have a compliance sticker on it will now possibly void public liability claim.

He saved close to $100 on his helmet, cost him in the long term though big time. Guess where I be getting my next helmet from?

[one_iota]

When I buy tyres it's not just the rubber I'm buying... it's the fitting, balancing and the back up. A contract to supply and fix. If one of the tyres is a dud (and I've had one of these) then I have someone to go to to get it fixed. Great insurance when something goes wrong.

[longreach]

I was looking for tyres for my car and came across these guys in Brisbane,they sell imported tyres from china at 1/3 of the cost of local tyre dealers,all tyres are guaranteed.....the company will deliver all over Australia..the company name is ETYRE STORE 1/65 NORTHLINK PLACE,VIRGINIA,QLD......phone # 07 3260 7008 good luck.......I hope this helps...keith:cool:

[juddo]

longreach,

just looking at the Etyre website and they do not appear to have anything listed that would suit a newer Land Rover. ie 17/18/19 inch wheels. Not sure about 15/16 inch.

ETyreStore - Highest Quality, Lowest Prices- ETyreStore.com.au - New Tyre Store - Home (http://www.etyrestore.com.au/)

[josh aka sean]

I do always give local guys a go 1st. They are having to charge the prices often not to get rich but just to be in business.


I agree I did go to the local dealer first and up until this set of tyres I have always used the same dealer. The only reason, as I said, was because I was looking at a 2 to 3 month wait.



With Tyres in particular which are the main contact point between us and possible death, I do not believe its worth getting imported possibly non compliant tyres.


The tyres I imported weren't an overseas copy but the exact same tyre I would have bought in Australia.

Cheers
Josh

[wouldbeowner]

Terry
P.S. I have no issue with buying materials from OS and if it's anything to do with the Land Rover, sorry but I’m not paying twice or three times the price on top of poor service. (If it wasn't for the poor service I would probably be still paying 2 or three times the price).

You right that some things are 2 or 3 times the local price but I dont agree that the service is nec any better or worse.
Generally speaking, the stuff I get from OS takes 1 to 2 weeks to get to me. THis is fine if it is a planned job but when the task is unexpected and urgent then a local supplier is MUCH quicker (1 to 2 days).
I could get the item from OS that quickly but it would involve air freight which would then push the cost up to be similar to the OZ cost.
I agree with the comments of others that unless we support local industry then that industry will close down and we will be copping it in both holes rather than the one hole we currently cop it in.

[TerryO]

Terry

Here's another take on it.

It's only a matter of time before it becomes common practice to go out to the 'Global Market' and not just the 'Local Market' (if it's not already).

We import and export Doctors, Engineers and you name it almost all professions. The concept of importing and exporting human resources will also spread to other areas. (Will be interesting to see what happens with the ASX and Singapore Exchange).

Australian businesses might have to re-think how they do business if they want survive, that is, become globally appealing. The ones that don't will not be business and that's reality.

Time to move with the times. We all live in the one fish bowl.

Regards
Andrew

P.S. I have no issue with buying materials from OS and if it's anything to do with the Land Rover, sorry but I’m not paying twice or three times the price on top of poor service. (If it wasn't for the poor service I would probably be still paying 2 or three times the price).


I actually agree Andrew Australian businesses like all businesses around the globe will have to move with the times as the world changes and it is changing quite fast at present.

Right now this whole personal import thing is very popular because of a very high Aussie dollar, when our dollar goes back down, as it will, to its long term average exchange rate some 20% + less then it is now importing won't be so popular as it is now. I'm not against personal imports even though I have not done it myself yet but chances are on some items I will sooner or later.

What irks me is the constant knocking of how businesses are run in this country. Do people honestly think that every other business out there other then theirs is run by crooks and thieves who are rude and useless at their jobs?

In general most everyone trys hard to do the right thing by their customers and margins for most businesses in most quarters are at all time lows, yet no matter how tight it is alot of people just keep whinging.

cheers,
Terry

[Marshall]

Tempe Tyres will beat any price in Australia and supply any brand, almost.
Just need to eyeball the tyre first because they have a large stock, some of the tyres may be a few years old...
Tempe Tyres (http://www.tempetyres.com.au/)

[jakeslouw]

As has been mentioned: it's a global village. Your local tyre supplier imports ANYWAY: so whether YOU import, or HE imports, makes little difference.

What adds to the supplier cost is the following:

- import taxes
- storage
- transportation
- depreciation of static stock

So the local suppliers take the risk of keeping stock on hand, JUST IN CASE you want something. In future, I predict that most suppliers world-wide will soon build a network of overseas resources and then import on demand only: we know it takes 5-7 days for some tyres from the States, so why doesn't your local supplier import using Just In Time principals?

Well, one reason is because people are fickle these days: If I can't buy Product X now, at the best price, I will no longer support the corner shop. I will rather drive out 2 x the price saving by going somewhere else, and I then justify this by saying I have the buying "power".

I know of several LR accessory shops in South Africa that survive by importing EVERYTHING only AFTER they have an order and a deposit.
So if you want a thingamajig for your D3 from Britpart, they will only start the import once you have paid a deposit.

So in that case, for me to import direct is no contradiction of any morals or ethics, because all I'm paying for, is the capability of this moron to go onto the internet.

Funny things, people.

[doddsy]

Would Love to shop locally BUT. Cooer Zeon LTZ are selling for 170 US here they want $440. Now thats some serious markup!

In a global economy Aussie retailers need to be a little closer to a fair deal to get my vote. If US tyre sellers can sell at $170 and still make a profit whats the margin at $440 ?

[Mudsloth]

I'm buying mine from the US. I can get 37 inch super swamper radials for around 170 bucks each, over here they are at least 650 bucks each when you can find them. I love the swampers because they are roadworthy in Aus, are a radial and beat every other tyre I've come up against. Go US mate, buy two or three sets and you will be set for years.

[big guy]

I'm buying mine from the US. I can get 37 inch super swamper radials for around 170 bucks each, over here they are at least 650 bucks each when you can find them. I love the swampers because they are roadworthy in Aus, are a radial and beat every other tyre I've come up against. Go US mate, buy two or three sets and you will be set for years.

I always thought tyres have a shelf life of 7 years.
I do realise some farmers put their tyres in the shed for 10 years so they get hard and are less prone to punctures but on the road, I do believe 7 years is the acceptable life of a tyre.

Correct me if I am wrong though.

[Mudsloth]

I always thought tyres have a shelf life of 7 years.
I do realise some farmers put their tyres in the shed for 10 years so they get hard and are less prone to punctures but on the road, I do believe 7 years is the acceptable life of a tyre.

Correct me if I am wrong though.

Well, i was thinking anyone looking for muddies would be lucky to get two years out of em, mine are two years old and are shagged because by their nature they spit mud and find some very spikey and hard crap under it. Anyway, if it makes you happy buy two sets. sheesh. Oh yeah, 10 years is the used by date for newies, about 5.5 mins for retreads.

[p38arover]

I ordered a set of Dunlop Roadsmarts for the Yamaha XJR1300 today for US$328 delivered - that's A$305 and less than some shops here are asking for just the rear tyre alone. I got them from ATV Parts, ATV Tires, Dirt Bike Parts, Motocross Gear, Motorcycle parts and Motorcycle Tires | Rocky Mountain ATV/MC (http://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/)

[crispy]

Hey P38,
Just been trying to order tyres for my bike from Rocky Mountain but they wont ship tyres overseas? How did you go about it. Unless its a change of policy. Thanks.....

[rovercare]

Buy local? pffft, I bought 2 gate openers for $805 delivered, no better than $850 each here in aus, for the exact same unit, sure for a hunjy I'll buy local, but not %100+ markup

Atleast my job relies on services rendered which can't be imported:p

[penske61]

Ah, a subject I know something about...

Tyres, like everything else, are easily copied and passed off as genuine.
Buy from a reputable local dealer and negotiate. Their margin is normally lower than 35% so don't go crazy. As another member said, they buy stock in on the chance someone may want it, sometimes they don't sell for months, or even years!
I have seen numerous examples of parallel imports going wrong, and in worst cases insurance companies refusing to honour claims as tyres were not original spec's for the vehicle fitted.

Off road tyres buy American made Goodyears,
On road tyres buy Japenese made Dunlops.

Of course there may be exceptions, but I have spent 17 years in the industry !

[TerryO]

Buy local? pffft, I bought 2 gate openers for $805 delivered, no better than $850 each here in aus, for the exact same unit, sure for a hunjy I'll buy local, but not %100+ markup

Atleast my job relies on services rendered which can't be imported:p


Not all services industries are protected by distance Rovercare, I get quite a bit of graphic artist work done for website banner adverts and print media advertising. I have used for five years a local business because they are reliable, do good work and are not expensive.

I have now been pointed in the direction of an Indian graphics company that will do the same quality of work with a 24 hour turn around for roughly 20% of the cost of the local small business I use.

When I mentioned this to my local service provider he told me he expects that most Aussie graphics companys will be broke within five years as they can't compete with OS service providers who work for peanuts.

There are lots of different service based businesses that will struggle to survive especially once the Governments super fast broadband is up and running.

It won't be just local tyre companys and vehicle parts suppliers in Australia that people will soon be complaining about as being expensive rip offs.

This sort of thing will have wide ranging and serious economic fall out for many Australians in the future and I suspect that is likey to have a knock on effect for even those local service providers who don't have to worry about overseas service suppliers.

cheers,
Terry

[33chinacars]

Priced a set of General Grabers 255/60-18 Local price @ $390/ unit Total $1560 for 4. Tire Rack @ US$216 / unit = $864 + $412 freight Total US$ 1276.( A$ 1192 ??) Plus quoted $50 for fitting. A saving of $320 from US Thats nearly another tyre locally . What would you do ;)

Gary

[rovercare]

Not all services industries are protected by distance Rovercare, I get quite a bit of graphic artist work done for website banner adverts and print media advertising. I have used for five years a local business because they are reliable, do good work and are not expensive.

I have now been pointed in the direction of an Indian graphics company that will do the same quality of work with a 24 hour turn around for roughly 20% of the cost of the local small business I use.

When I mentioned this to my local service provider he told me he expects that most Aussie graphics companys will be broke within five years as they can't compete with OS service providers who work for peanuts.

There are lots of different service based businesses that will struggle to survive especially once the Governments super fast broadband is up and running. It won't be just tyre companys and vehicle parts suppliers in Australia that end up struggling because of cheap imports.

This sort of thing will have wide ranging and serious economic fall out for many Australians in the future I suspect.

cheers,
Terry

Its the nature of the beast unfortunately, its just the same as jumping online for some advice to fix something on your car, that's done a local out of work

Lucky my services cannot be reproduced online, good to be in a licensed trade, that require hands on work

[TerryO]

Lucky my services cannot be reproduced online, good to be in a licensed trade, that require hands on work

The point I am trying to make is its more of a case of how would your business be affected if a percentage of your customers, who may be in industries that are effected by OS service providers, find their incomes dramatically reduced and they can no longer afford your services?

Unfortunately nearly everything has some sort of a knock on effect in the end.

cheers,
Terry

[daveyp]

Hi,

Ii used Tirerack in the USA for mine, 4 off Continentals for a D3, $450 ea in Aus, $1100 delivered from the USA!! $350 was carriage and arived in 5 days!

No complaints, worth the leap of faith!!

Well thats my 2 cents worth!:)

[land864]

How do you go with warranty issues on tyres bought OS?

Does a local tyre supplier selling that brand honor the warranty on behalf of that brand ?

[imatt]

Hi all,
We all like to save money and I too am gulity of buying parts from overseas to save money, but there is definately a long term effect if we all do it all the time. If you are saving hundreds by buying overseas then why not but if it less than a hundred it might not be worth it, the big downside to buying overseas is if it goes wrong eg lost shipment, I have recently had small orders that have been lost in transit and although both times they have been re sent it takes time to sort out. I like to use a small tyre shop in Brooklyn in melb for my general tyre needs (punctures, removing of tyres from rims, etc), they deal mainly in cash and have a high turn over of cheap and second hand tyres, they look shonky from outside but the guys are genuine people who are very friendly. They sell a lot of s/h tyres to taxi drivers and they told me that these taxi drivers are the tightest in terms of wanting to spend money, they apparently argue at having to pay $30 or so for a tyre. The other day I was there and they had this pirelli 305 section tyre from a lamborghini, I asked about it because I had seen the car there the week before (very odd place to see a lamborghini), it had a large screw in it and the owner wanted a new one, he was quoted by another tyre shop $1500, these guys rang their pirelli contact and got the tyre for the bloke for $750, same tyre and same size, now that is definately a mark up and that is comparing two tyre shops in melb.
Cheers Matt

[big guy]

Priced a set of General Grabers 255/60-18 Local price @ $390/ unit Total $1560 for 4. Tire Rack @ US$216 / unit = $864 + $412 freight Total US$ 1276.( A$ 1192 ??) Plus quoted $50 for fitting. A saving of $320 from US Thats nearly another tyre locally . What would you do ;)

Gary

Buy local because if you don't, there will soon be no places left for you to get them fitted.

[clubagreenie]

I went to the local dealer and was quoted $259- for tyres. Mentioned prices from tryerack and showed him. He then showed me his cost. It was 50% more that my shipped price from tyrerack. He's considering using them to bring in stuff.

I have found another local contact where I can get Conti cross contacts for <$150-.

I'll buy to save money, but i'll spend more if I get better service. Sorry ARB if I can buy a pair of lockers cheaper than you can quote to fit one (and face it who'd trust you install) and thats after it's shipped around the world.

As for fitting costs, local rice boy centre quoted $80- each to fit and balance plus $20- ea disposal. Exhaust shop next door, $70- fitted, balanced and disposed all 5.

[twr7cx]

Buy local because if you don't, there will soon be no places left for you to get them fitted.

That's a bit far fetched now isn't it. If everyone is buying tyres elsewhere, all that would happen is you'd end up with shops that solely just fit tyres.

But the reality is that economics and commerce is not so simple, there's a lot more too it.

Why pay twice as much to buy local and keep someones business running? Were customers, not Centrelink. If they can't compete then, they need to take another approach or get out of the market. I find these stories of tyre shops that have buy prices that are more than that of Tire Rack odd. Why aren't they out finding a cheaper supplier so that they can be more competitive? Why should they instead rely on us to charity case them?

And thanks for the links people, I'm going to buy a set of 5x large 18" tyres from Tire Rack shortly. No one locally stocks them and were vague on information and pricing about them (that's places like Sparco, Bob Janes, Beaurepairs, K-Mart Tyre and Auto and various smaller tyre shops), Tire Rack on the other hand provided all the information that I needed and considerably cheaper than I was expecting.

[p38arover]

Hey P38,
Just been trying to order tyres for my bike from Rocky Mountain but they wont ship tyres overseas? How did you go about it. Unless its a change of policy. Thanks.....


I ordered off their website yesterday Dirt Bike Motorcycle Tires | ATV Tires | Motorcycle Tires |ATV Tires & Wheels | Motorcycle Tubes | Rocky Mountain ATV/MC (http://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/categoryDetail.do?navType=category&navTitle=Tires+and+Wheels&webCatId=8)

The site offers international shipping. Shipping was US$65 via FedEx - would you believe that is less that what it cost me to get some lighter and smaller stuff shipped from a company in LA to Seattle (two states away).

[303gunner]

YorkshireJon, nobody has mentioned it yet, but why are you only buying 3 tyres? Is it for a Trailer or Van? If you are buying them for a 4wd vehicle, I'd suggest replacing all 4 at once with tyres from the same batch or lot, particularly if it is a constant 4wd vehicle.

As for the Import Vs Local argument, why not buy your tyres OS cheaply and get the 5 day delivery which the local distributor can't match, but go to your local tyre dealer and give him $200 to $400 to fit them and keep him in business? I'm sure his face will light up and you will be guaranted of good service in the future.:angel:

[Solly]

Our problem here in Aust is we are a small market with limited competion.
A friend has just returned from the USA.
A new Toyota Hilux 4WD SR D/Cab T/D is around $39K on road in Aust (national fleet price). The same vehicle (with the steering wheel on the wrong side) cost $27K in the US.

Why... because of population and competion...

[Jeff]

Our problem here in Aust is we are a small market with limited competion.


Why... because of population and competion...


I have seen the same with my sidecar race tyres. Avon race tyres made in England cost about the same there as here ( A$455 for a rear), but the same tyres in the US of A are about $230 even after shipping from UK to US.

Jeff

:rocket:

[isuzurover]

Buy local because if you don't, there will soon be no places left for you to get them fitted.

Just as all the recording companies and movie producers have gone out of business because of internet downloads? :wasntme:

[Marshall]

I was thinking of a set of "Suntek" all terrains from a local guy in Ingleburn. 4 tyres for $640...
I don't know what the quality is like (any experience helpful) but they have also got / had pirelli scorpions 18" all terrains for $220 each... a tad cheaper than some other competitors. Now if they can do it, what's stopping others?

Greed?

Or just laziness in looking for a better supplier?

[Marshall]

Our problem here in Aust is we are a small market with limited competion.
A friend has just returned from the USA.
A new Toyota Hilux 4WD SR D/Cab T/D is around $39K on road in Aust (national fleet price). The same vehicle (with the steering wheel on the wrong side) cost $27K in the US.

Why... because of population and competion...

Why? Because of the luxury car tax introduced by John Howard together with the GST that's why... but that's yet another soapbox thread to do with how our politicians screw us;)

[twr7cx]

Why? Because of the luxury car tax introduced by John Howard together with the GST that's why... but that's yet another soapbox thread to do with how our politicians screw us;)

Luxury car tax only kicks in at around the $57,000.00 mark. So the $40,000.00 Hilux shouldn't be effected.

[33chinacars]

Was going to buy a set of Genuine R.R. carpet mats for my P38. Local price $430 + delivery. 4 days from UK $192 to my door. Where ever possible I buy locally even if the price is a few dollars more but not when its over twice as much. I'm on a very tight budget as I'm sure everyone else is, so when I can save a few dollars, I will. If the local industry can match global prices they need to change the way they do their jobs.

[Mike_S]

Just a question here for those advocating purchasing locally (which, where reasonable I agree with completely btw). What's stopping the tyre shops buying online overseas themselves ?

Some of you are quoting tyre shops saying 2-3 months delivery for tyres, well I'm sorry but that's just plain lazy on the part of the tyre shop *if* they want to stay in business. If I can go online & get them delivered inside of a week from overseas for 2/3rds the price, as the dealer I'd be going online myself, setting up an account with tirerack (for example) & offering that same service to the customer, albeit with the import tax & a few $$'s on top rather than this bloody huge markup they seem to put on. I'd then be giving the main importer some serious earache over the delivery times rather than just shrugging my shoulders & saying tough, that's how it is in Aus.

My local service / repair garage does exactly this, tyres aren't the main business but they do fit & stock them. I can go to mytyres or blackcircles for example, select tyres for fitting by them & that's where they're delivered. I get the tyres cheaper & chuck them £10 a tyre for fitting. Conversely, if I know what tyres I want, I can have a quick internet search, get the price, tell them & they use their account to order them from the same website (slightly cheaper than I can get them). Net cost to me is usually the same and I'm keeping a local business 'in business'. And guess what, I'm a happy customer & go back with our other cars, I tell my friends & neighbours because I've had great service from these guys and *they* go as well, next thing they're having their cars serviced by this small local garage as well & everyone's a winner. All for a little bit of thought & customer service.

I know this might inflame a few people and I might not be putting it across too well, but I just don't get this **** poor service you're getting . You're not talking small savings or sums of money for the tyres either. I also don't buy the 'you might be getting cheap copies of the real thing' argument. Tirerack are a massive company, they don't sell knockoff gear....

Anyway, rant over. I'm sure I'll get to experience this myself for good in 2 months time when I move to Melbourne. I'd best make sure I have an internet connection by the sounds of things. :p

[Slunnie]

The difference is in the perspective you are coming from - an overcharging business owner that wants customers to shop local so that he can keep his SWMBO in diamonds, or a switched on customer who is looking for the best price to make things more affordable and keep food on the table.

When I decided what tyre I wanted, Pirelli gave me the run around with wait times etc. I bought the tyres from tirerack and had them at my door within about 5 working days. That was about 3 years ago now and Pirelli still haven't gotten back to me.

If that tyre is $400 locally and $300 delivered from OS, then there is very little reason to buy it locally. if I pay someone, then they will fit it or they will plug a puncture but I have no inclination to waste my money on the whole "shop local" if I am just being blatently overcharged - I wont support those businesses who are taking advantage. If they close down, then fine, if they get themselves competitive then even better, but I have no obligation to them. Its much the same as I try not to buy fuel in Orange, my closest town. Last week fuel was 14cpl cheaper in Sydney is it is always cheaper anywhere out of Orange.

Also, if I can buy that tyre for $300 with airfreight out of the US through a shop as a set of 5, the the local shop will be able to do much better by going to the US wholesaler, buying in bulk even if a mixed order and shipping by sea rather than air. I have no doubt that they would be able to sell very close to what I paid but including their own markup. The standard line is that it is always the wholesaler who is making the money - then do something about it and make them get competitive or sidestep them.

[clubagreenie]

I've suggested exactly that in the past and got looked at very strangely. Issue is people don't want to try, if we could get to the owner it would be a different story since it's his money and name. The front line no longer have a stake and admittedly get paid peanuts so they don't want to try when really theyu should. I've been stuck in places where I have all the ideas in the world to improve heaps of stuff and it all falls on deaf ears.

[Jeff]

Remember that you are only a small part of a tyre company's business, and their main business would be car tyres. If they were to bypass their wholesaler they might be cut out of the majority of their supply, just to keep one or two customers. They may not be in a position to import large numbers for all types of vehicles. I don't see it as good business sense to cater to a small segment of the market and lose the major income. But then, I don't know much about business?

Jeff

:rocket:

[UncleHo]

One of the main reasons for delay in supply from local tyre shops/dealers is that they are tied in to contracts by major tyre companies,so it's the major suppliers that set the delivery times, I.E. when they place their stock orders with the manufacturers, plus shipping/containerisation,shipping time, wharfage,customs, so for the majors BJ,GY,Yoko,etc it is all tied into "Lee Time" same with parts,it goes something like this,stock order once a month,order O/s,they state delivery time/date,load container,take to dock wait for available ship to particular Aust port,ship arrives,container dumped into stack at wharf/park, customs get around to looking at it, checked & cleared,truck when available into majors store, clerk then gets around to filling orders,this could and quite often takes between 2-4 months :(

[Tombie]

Fine... Then lets import Fitters, Electricians and Boiler Makers :cool:

We do it here... OS labour, flown in for the shut down campaigns and paid & accommodated for less than the cost of a local bloke...

So to all you thieving Fitters, Electricians and Boiler Makers :angel: drop your hourly rates... Get back to US/EU type wages... you know... SFA....

Same as those in the hospitality industries... $5.00 per hour + tips sound good to you?

You cannot have your lifestyle for what you're asking in the long term...

Dont buy fuel in your nearby town - Servo closes...
Other businesses close
Town "Ghosts"
So for the savings the convenience of everything else goes to ****.
Ask the truckie how much he gets for lugging the fuel there...

just an example....

Importing 1 offs etc is cheap and easy...
Importing containers of product, which you pay upfront + taxes etc...
+ interest charges on credit as you got so much gear
+ staff to handle it + warehouse to store it

This is the reason I never grew TRT to what I envisioned.....
Because importing and holding product is not competitive...

[isuzurover]

Fine... Then lets import Fitters, Electricians and Boiler Makers :cool:

We do it here... OS labour, flown in for the shut down campaigns and paid & accommodated for less than the cost of a local bloke...

So to all you thieving Fitters, Electricians and Boiler Makers :angel: drop your hourly rates... Get back to US/EU type wages... you know... SFA....

Same as those in the hospitality industries... $5.00 per hour + tips sound good to you?

You cannot have your lifestyle for what you're asking in the long term...

Dont buy fuel in your nearby town - Servo closes...
Other businesses close
Town "Ghosts"
So for the savings the convenience of everything else goes to ****.
Ask the truckie how much he gets for lugging the fuel there...

just an example....

Importing 1 offs etc is cheap and easy...
Importing containers of product, which you pay upfront + taxes etc...
+ interest charges on credit as you got so much gear
+ staff to handle it + warehouse to store it

This is the reason I never grew TRT to what I envisioned.....
Because importing and holding product is not competitive...



There is a similar thread on OL about this topic. I thought this (mostly contrary) opinion from a small business owner was interesting:


I am in 2 states of mind about this, as a business owner I do agree with the consumers. I get complaints from a local competitor all the time about my price's driving them out of business, I explain that it is there pricing driving them out and thats not my problem.

I get a phone call abusing me due to the fact I sell product A for $125,

"you know we use to sell them for $240, and sell ten a week, now we sell none"

I replied "you know you can buy them online for $100 plus freight making them 125 anyway"

"yeah, and"

"and I sell 30 odd a week, 10 online and 20 over the counter, i've meet the market"

"your an idiot"

bottom line is, we pay $55 for the product, so are still making excellent profit on it and yes I could sell the product for more, but why? I believe moving it in volume to make the money and I AM selling more than my competitor.

The other side of the coin, I was buying product "B" from a supplier for $165ea and buying 10-15 a week, I asked if I could get them cheaper buying 50 at a time, they said no as there is no margin in them. I found the supplier in China, bought a container load delivered for $9800 (320units) and now sell them for less than everyone else, I now have 2 more containers on the water.

Business dont need to work smarter, they need to work better for more profit. I dont think I am taking business away from other small business in Australia. I am keeping the warfies, transport companys, fuel companies aswell as 6 Australians employeed.

I have a physical business as well as an online business.

NICK

[Slunnie]

Dont buy fuel in your nearby town - Servo closes...
Other businesses close
Town "Ghosts"
So for the savings the convenience of everything else goes to ****.
Ask the truckie how much he gets for lugging the fuel there...

They will shut down if they are not needed. A new servo came to town and didn't play the overinflated price game - more in line with everywhere else in the area and this forced the rest of the servos to become more realistic.

I think the situation really is, get real with the pricing otherwise a competitor will get the business - it's the usual competition thing, or perhaps the other usual one which is to charge what the market will bare... and if they wont bare it, then again that business will either drop their price or close, and if they close it was because they were superfluous anyway as the goods/services were able to be found elsewhere. I'm not a charity to a rich person (well, maybe I am).

[clubagreenie]

I briefly bought in some outdoor gear, mainly to order and was buying at wholesale rates through an overseas retailer (organised on an overseas trip). You could buy the same stuff through a retailer BUT you had to front 50% deposit and you'd only see it in a brochure.

I had a sample of everything, so could supply one immediately. They would airfreight within same time frames as today, free. Retailer was sea freight and charged extra.

[slug_burner]

My wife comes from a mid sized town in North East Victoria. Petrol prices were high, new servo opened up and sold fuel cheaper. He was soon given a visit by the local fuel distributor and told to play the game or else he would have no fuel and no suppliers of other items.

Maintain the status quo, don't rock the boat when everyone is on a good thing except for the consumer.

[twr7cx]

A good friend of mine is currently having big issues with a big name national tire company, no names mentioned, but we'll just refer to his as Rob Lane. Anyones end of last year my mate buys a brand new set of Yokohamas. Specifically got the Yokohamas because the tyre shop sells him on the Yoks warranty for sidewall rips and what not.
Anyways, two months later one of the treads rips. Tyre is still holding it's air, but it's a far chunk of rubber missing. Goes back to Rob's and they take the details say they'll call him. A week later nothing. Goes in again, speaks to the owner/manager of the franchise, same promise, within 2 days. 3 days later my mate calls them and they put him on hold for 20 minutes while they contact Yokohama to verify the warranty and find a replacement. 2 month wait for the replacement to come in - apparently they are out of stock.

So anyone care to tell me the advantage of buying local?

[alexturner]

Guys,
Im shortly going to need 3 new BFG MTs (255x85 R16).

Given the strength of the $$ at the moment, is it better to buy them from overseas, or from here in Aus?

Can anyone recommend any trouble / hassle free websites? I know the UK places, but not here or in the USA.

A quick look on a UK site suggest each tyre is 159GBP, plus delivery.

Thanks
J

Buy them overseas. We've long been ripped off with stupidly overpriced goods in this country.