[Llarry]

I'm in a quandry. I'm buying wheels and need to source new tires for the G80 M3 -- going from style 824M 18/19s to 19s all-around. I want to support local businesses and my local tire store (10 miles away) are good guys and have taken good care of my Porsche Macan. But I get a price quote for my 19s and TPMS that is hundreds more than if I order through Tire Rack and get the installation at a tire store that is 25 miles away. The worst example is TPMS transmitters: $40 each at Tire Rack and $93.99 each at the closest tire store! Over double the price! Ouch!

I'm sure this is a decision that has faced many of us. Of course, if I have a TPMS problem with a defective unit from Tire Rack, either tire store is going to charge me to correct the problem.

But do I leave several hundred dollars on the table? My gut tells me that I need to order from Tire Rack and put that several hundred dollars in my pocket as insurance if there is a problem down the road. On the other hand, I suspect that Tire Rack, like other mega-retailers, is driving local stores out of business over the long term. (See Home Depot and Lowe's, for example.)

I feel bad, but I think I need to go with Tire Rack... <sad>

[Gfit]

Try this. It's always worked for me. I tell them I would like to do business with them and recognize the fact that their business model has a higher cost then an online shop so how about we meet in the middle and perhaps they include free mounting. I do the same with parts department at the dealer.

[forcefed]

Originally Posted by Gfit

Try this. It's always worked for me. I tell them I would like to do business with them and recognize the fact that their business model has a higher cost then an online shop so how about we meet in the middle and perhaps they include free mounting. I do the same with parts department at the dealer.

Bingo, doesn't hurt to ask.

[Gfit]

Originally Posted by forcefed

Bingo, doesn't hurt to ask.

Yup. I negotiate a lot of stuff that many assume price is set but you need to do it nicely. Don't demand. I even negotiate with my doctors and dentists. I offer them immediate cash payment for a decent discount and have gotten it every time. Also need to know when it's just not possible like with cars these days. Key is to be fair and show the benefit to both parties. I recognize that they deserve to make a living as well.

[Llarry]

Appreciate the thoughts and yes, I have used that tactic in the past and tried it again yesterday; the local store wouldn't budge. The part that really gets me is the TPMS sensors: Tire Rack $40.00 each, local $93.99 each! Ouch!

I have a call into an alternate tire store (25 miles away) I've used a number of times. They are a recommended Tire Rack installer and I can buy tires and TPMS/valve stems at TR and have them install same for $180. Total cost beats the local tire store by $285. They're researching their price for the package and will get back to me. I have time to work the issue since I don't have the wheels yet -- probably another week until they're in hand, and then I need to get them ceramic coated.

[Llarry]

And it turns out the alternate (25 miles away) tire store was happy to have me bring in the wheels and Tire Rack tires but was also happy to work with me on coming close to the Tire Rack price on tires and TPMS. So they've ordered it all for me based on a phone call -- I'm a long-time customer so no deposit required. I'm still not certain of the actual bottom line price but satisfied with their attitude.

[Gfit]

Well you gave them a fair shot at your business. Time to move on I say.

[Likeanowl]

You’re lying. Gorillas aren’t selling you anything. They can’t even speak words and have never worked on cars. This post is a troll.