A Fiero, two new tires and an unfair business practice (Page 1/3)
Kitskaboodle SEP 21, 07:43 PM
Anyone out there in Fieroland buy their tires online? If so, you have probably had to deal with this same issue. Here’s the problem.... I buy my tires from Discountiredirect. After they arrive in the mail, I jack up my Fiero, take the wheels off, load everything in my truck and head down to my local Walmart. I noticed they have a sign on the wall in their auto center that says mounting is $14 per tire. When I explained to them that I’m bringing in just the wheels and new tires, the lady said that it would be $27-30 per tire. I said ok, thanks. I then checked another store by my house (Big O Tire) and they also increased the price after I told them I’m just bringing in my own tires and wheels. This time I did ask why the higher price for mounting and balancing if I bring in my own stuff? She said the price on the wall is the discount price. (meaning it only applies if you buy the tires from them) Despite the bull++++ double talk, it is plainly obvious they are all doing the same thing..,.PENALIZING you for not buying your tires from them.

Anyone struggle with this when they brought their tires and wheels in to a tire shop? What did you do? Just pay the extra $$$? I’d rather not give in to this dirty little game they play!
Thanks, Kit
olejoedad SEP 21, 07:51 PM
Seems fair to me.

Buy the product online, get them installed online.

Buy the product from a local brick and mortar shop, pay a discounted installation price.

What happens when the brick and mortar shop goes out of business because people don't shop there because they saved a few bucks by shopping online?

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES!

Edit to add -

Local businesses really are the lifeblood of your community.

[This message has been edited by olejoedad (edited 09-21-2021).]

fieroguru SEP 21, 08:15 PM
I stopped using wal-mart for anything tire related several years back.
They adopted the policy where they won't install a non-stock size wheel/tire combo. I understand why they take that stance and I am perfectly happy giving my $$ to the tire shop down the road that sells custom wheels and tires.
Kitskaboodle SEP 21, 08:34 PM
Oldjoeded, I see your point about keeping local businesses in business but it depends on how you look at it. To be technical, I am giving Walmart my business. I went there to have them mount & balance two tires and would have been willing to pay for it. But I’m NOT paying double. Also, one could argue that whether they mount my wheels & tires or theirs, it’s the same amount of labor. Hey, I can understand them saying hey are not going to warranty my own bought tires and I’d be ok with that. But I’m not ok with double the price just because I didn’t buy my tires from them.
Kit
IMSA GT SEP 21, 08:45 PM
Just for the hell of it, try a Les Schwab Tire if there is one in your area.
Kitskaboodle SEP 21, 09:00 PM
There’s a Les Schwab in Fremont.
Also, there is is a place in deep, downtown San Jose that’s called the Tire Merchant. Looks like they charge $20 per tire for mounting & balancing. Just not too excited about driving downtown. I’ll call Les Schwab tomorrow since it’s now 6 and they are closed now.
Thanks for all the input.
Kit
cvxjet SEP 21, 09:11 PM
I am really lucky to have a very good Big-O around the corner from my house- I have been buying tires from the Tirerack for years....Recently, I FIRST checked with the Big-O guy to compare prices and he could come within $5 each on the price for the General G-Max tires I run....SO I bought local. Previously, the Tirerack would deliver to that Big-O and then they would install it for their standard Mount & Balance fee....

I would not use Wallyworld for anything on my car.....Big-O or the Brake & Wheel Center for suspension work (That I don't do myself)

[This message has been edited by cvxjet (edited 09-21-2021).]

Kitskaboodle SEP 21, 09:30 PM
cvxjet, you just reminded me of the other reason I insist on buying tires in this way. (the first being price / saving money) It will be a cold day in he__ before I bring in my Fiero to a tire shop. I have heard absolute horror stories on jacking mishaps. (crushed cooling tubes, etc)
Kit
skywurz SEP 21, 09:53 PM
Part of the price is the tire recycling fee. They lump that in when you buy tires from them but add it on if you are doing a swap. I have my own electric balancer and pneumatic tire machine around. The biggest hassle is getting rid of old tires. Before then id just find a mom and pop shop to do it for me but even back in 2006 it was 15-20 a tire.
Patrick SEP 21, 10:37 PM

quote
Originally posted by Kitskaboodle:

I buy my tires from Discountiredirect.



As do I. Great prices.


quote
Originally posted by Kitskaboodle:

I noticed they have a sign on the wall in their auto center that says mounting is $14 per tire. When I explained to them that I’m bringing in just the wheels and new tires, the lady said that it would be $27-30 per tire.



Unless it's plainly stated on their sign that this price only applies to tires bought from them, this fee increase is total bullsh!t.

When I was in your situation... I contacted several local independent auto repair/tire centers, and simply asked how much they would charge to mount and balance tires and wheels that I would bring in (off the car). I also specifically asked if the price would include new valves and disposal of the old tires. It was four years ago that I last went through this, but at the time I was charged $20(Cdn)/$16(US) apiece. I was happy, the shop was happy. No fuss, no muss.

[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 09-22-2021).]