New site allows tire shopping online plus local installation

If you need new tires, who wants to be driving around town on worn out treads when you could just go to tireteam.com, shop online, price multiple brands online and then order next-day installation at a participating local dealer.

Snap! You’re done.

This approach is based on the latest research that shows people like the convenience of online shopping and the ability to make well thought out decisions without the input of a salesman. Once that decision is made for something like tires, most customers prefer the immediacy of going to a brick-and-mortar store to get them mounted on the vehicle.

That’s the advantage of the website created by Terry's Tire Town in Ohio – it directs consumers to locally trusted dealers after they make informed decisions online.

"In addition to convenience and an ability to shop features and prices online, customers tap into a network of independent tire dealers who are trained, certified and recognized by the manufacturers," said Terry's Tire Town CEO Will Tolerton. "We believe that gives the Internet shopper the best possible tire buying experience. Our network of independent tire dealers is the real strength behind the program."

Over 300 dealers have already signed up with the tire shopping online network, a number expected to grow rapidly.

The site carries most major brands, including Michelin, Bridgestone, Goodyear, Continental, Yokohama, Mastercraft, and Kumho, featuring authorized dealers associated with these brands.

Terry's Tire Town developed the website with Tire Company Solutions (TCS), based in Cookeville, Tenn. The firm specializes in software apps, but also supplies web-based point-of-sales tracking systems, inventory control and other services.

The advantage for the tire dealers is integration of essential technologies necessary to a high efficiency operation.

Using the full suite of services provided, tire dealers can track inventory, sales transactions and e-commerce via a single platform.

"Through seamless integration, a dealer's website and tireteam.com can work together to get tires off racks and installed on cars,'' said Tolerton. "A dealer's inventory combines with our inventory in a comprehensive ordering portal that is open 24/7."

The firm stocks over 1 million tires in all sizes and brands in 11 state-of-the-art warehouses across the Eastern and Midwestern United States. The company also administers American Car Care Centers and Eco Express programs in 12 states.

So if you live in the right part of the country, your next set of tires may be as close as your phone, notepad or desktop – making tire shopping online a cool breeze – instead of a day full of hassle.