I Can Get Tires Faster and Cheaper Than the Dealer?

"Hammerdown" (hammerdown32) 04/20/2016 at 13:21 • Filed to: tires, motorcycle, Yukon, GMC, TwoWheelsGood, Shop, Garage, Dealer

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This is the second time this has happened. The first was on my 97 Yukon. I got a couple of 285/70/16 Hankooks from a buddy. I needed two more new ones and needed them mounted. The local Hankook dealer told me it would be 6 weeks before he could get one because they were backordered. I found them on Amazon (for 10 bucks per tire cheaper) and had them shipped to my door in 3 days. Took them to a shop and had them mounted.

Hankook DynaPro ATM that I put on my Yukon

Today, I was calling around looking for tires for my Honda VTX 1800. I was told the back tire was backordered until May 5th. I again went online to Dennis Kirk and ordered exactly the tire I wanted. Because I live in the Twin Cities (Dennis Kirk is located an hour north) a brand new Metzler will be on my front step when I get home from work tomorrow, along with a new matching front tire.

Metzler ME880 that I will be putting on my VTX

What’s the deal? How do the online retailers have a better selection of tires than a dealer for that specific brand? I understand they get them for a better price than the average consumer, but why wouldn’t an independent shop order a tire from one of these retailers and either work it out with the tire manufacturer or upcharge me for it?

PS: First post. Pointers appreciated

The Dummy Gummy > Hammerdown 04/20/2016 at 13:39

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One has a warehouse and distribution center, the other does not. Unfortunately. The big box stores really have an upper hand than local shops.

Hammerdown > The Dummy Gummy 04/20/2016 at 13:44

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Which I completely understand. However, when they call the manufacturer and the manufacturer is out and can’t get them one? That seems like a broken system.

WiscoProud > Hammerdown 04/20/2016 at 13:47

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They’re usually out because the big box / Amazon bought them out. The manufacturer can very well be out because they're all in the hands of retailers.

The Dummy Gummy > Hammerdown 04/20/2016 at 13:48

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Could have just been a buy-in/stocking situation before the company raises prices or something of the sort.

d15b > WiscoProud 04/20/2016 at 13:52

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Gotta move product is the name of the game.

Takuro Spirit > Hammerdown 04/20/2016 at 13:59

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On the flip side, some OEM tires are ONLY available at the dealer, and the local tire stores and online places can’t get them, especially in the first few months a new model/tire is out.

Sometimes they go on backorder too, but if you (the dealer) ask nicely and tell them you have a “car down” situation, they magically find a few they are holding in reserve.

Hammerdown > WiscoProud 04/20/2016 at 14:00

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I think you’re exactly right. The manufacturer wants to sell them and get inventory off their hands, and the online retailers are willing to pile them up in the corner of their warehouse until they are sold.

Justin Hughes > Hammerdown 04/20/2016 at 14:12

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My Honda PC800 came with Metzeler ME880s. I’ve run nothing but ME880s on that bike since. Great choice.

Hammerdown > Justin Hughes 04/20/2016 at 14:19

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When I first got into bikes my buddy and his dad told me that Metzler was the way to go and don’t settle for anything less. I was about to put a set of Shinkos on because of the price difference, but I called my buddy and he set me straight. All I’ve had are Metzlers and they’ve been good to me. Why switch?

JGrabowMSt > Hammerdown 04/20/2016 at 14:33

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My friends shop is Tire Rack authorized. He gets tires in 2 days max. Its wonderful. Also, Corgi mount and balance machines to boot. Some of the best toys on the market.

Hammerdown > JGrabowMSt 04/20/2016 at 14:38

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It sounds like I want your friend to be my friend.

hike > Takuro Spirit 04/20/2016 at 18:16

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I've never heard of a dealer holding tires in reserve. What would be the benefit of stocking something they don't intend on selling

Takuro Spirit > hike 04/20/2016 at 18:27

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The tire company the dealer uses holds them. They’re under contract to supply the OE tires to the dealers. If the tire goes on backorder, they hold what they have in reserve in case a dealership customer needs one or two. That way the manufacturer can take care of their brand new customer, rather than have them go to the local tire store or online.

hike > Takuro Spirit 04/20/2016 at 20:41

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Must be Dealer Tire.

Takuro Spirit > hike 04/21/2016 at 09:32

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But of course.

hike > Takuro Spirit 04/21/2016 at 10:44

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Naturally. Haven't heard that one before though!