If you are currently running an auto repair shop or tire store and are looking for a way to expand your profits, then you should think about adding custom wheels to your product line.
Maybe you have dabbled a bit with wheels, perhaps sourcing them from your current tire supplier, but it never seems to have taken off for you. Maybe there was a problem with one of your installations and it seemed that it's just more trouble then it's worth for you.
I suggest you take another look at wheels. Even though the economy is in a bit of a downturn, wheel sales are still being made. You need to invest a little time into creating a marketing plan and learning about wheels. In this regard a good supplier can really help.
I have created a series of articles about selling wheels. Check them out at: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Steven_M_Sharpe
Even if you know a lot about wheels, you might pick up some good marketing ideas.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
SEMA Z-5 Certification
I have heard that SEMA has extended the registration deadline for the Custom Wheel and Tire Specialist (Z5) exam through April 3, 2009. If you are involved in the tire and wheel industry in either sales or installation areas, I highly recommend you take this exam.
The test is tough. I took it in 2005 and I was sweating bullets as I waited for my results to come in the mail. But I passed.
I wanted to take the test because I wanted to get ahead in my career and I knew the test was recognized industry wide. Secondarily, it forced me to buckle down and study. I knew the correct way to select and install custom wheel fitments afterwards.
There are many shops out there doing it right--and there are some cutting corners just so they can offer the customer a lower price. The bad shops make it a lot tougher for all the good ones. So I support mandatory certification--its required for most other technical fields, why not this one?
Check out the website at www.sema.org
The test is tough. I took it in 2005 and I was sweating bullets as I waited for my results to come in the mail. But I passed.
I wanted to take the test because I wanted to get ahead in my career and I knew the test was recognized industry wide. Secondarily, it forced me to buckle down and study. I knew the correct way to select and install custom wheel fitments afterwards.
There are many shops out there doing it right--and there are some cutting corners just so they can offer the customer a lower price. The bad shops make it a lot tougher for all the good ones. So I support mandatory certification--its required for most other technical fields, why not this one?
Check out the website at www.sema.org
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Niche Markets for Tires
Are you missing out on one of the greatest and most profitable markets for tires? You've probably heard of the term "niche marketing." Its one of the best opportunities for both tire shops and individual sales persons to stand out. What does it mean and how can you apply it to your situation?
Simply put, a niche market is a specialty market and those in the "niche" are specialists in their area. Why are they good (and profitable) markets? Because they are less crowded. I'll give you an example. How many tire manufacturers make a 225/60R16 size tire? Everybody does, of course. Its one of the most common sizes and many manufacturers make it in more then one line. Now answer this question: how many 275/40R17 drag radials are made? How many 42x14.50R20 tires are made? The answer to both is "a lot less."
A second reason these are good markets to be in is that the consumers in them don't see buying tires as a chore, but are usually excited about the performance edge these tires will add to their vehicles. Niche products are usually rich in the latest technology and enthusiasts want that!
What niche markets are there, how do you find them and how do you become a specialist? There are many. I just mentioned two: racing tires (drag radials and competition--road course--tires) and off road tires. But there are others such as ATV tires and tires for classic cars or hot rods. Anything that uses tires could be a niche market.
The best ways to find them are to keep your eyes open and to pay attention to any special requests your customers may have. Try scanning the automotive magazines on a large newsstand. Once you find an area you are interested in, ask around to see if any of your competitors are marketing to that niche.
The easiest way to get involved is to participate. Having a Jeep or other 4WD vehicle adds credibility if you want to market to off roaders. This way you have first hand experience with the products.
Learn all that you can about the features and benefits of the products related to your chosen niche. This includes competitor's products too. Internet message boards can be a good source of information. Look for local clubs involved in these activities and join them. If you are interested in racing tires, volunteer to help at events--they will love you.
This can be a great way for an individual sales person to make a mark for themselves or for a shop to expand it's customer base.
Simply put, a niche market is a specialty market and those in the "niche" are specialists in their area. Why are they good (and profitable) markets? Because they are less crowded. I'll give you an example. How many tire manufacturers make a 225/60R16 size tire? Everybody does, of course. Its one of the most common sizes and many manufacturers make it in more then one line. Now answer this question: how many 275/40R17 drag radials are made? How many 42x14.50R20 tires are made? The answer to both is "a lot less."
A second reason these are good markets to be in is that the consumers in them don't see buying tires as a chore, but are usually excited about the performance edge these tires will add to their vehicles. Niche products are usually rich in the latest technology and enthusiasts want that!
What niche markets are there, how do you find them and how do you become a specialist? There are many. I just mentioned two: racing tires (drag radials and competition--road course--tires) and off road tires. But there are others such as ATV tires and tires for classic cars or hot rods. Anything that uses tires could be a niche market.
The best ways to find them are to keep your eyes open and to pay attention to any special requests your customers may have. Try scanning the automotive magazines on a large newsstand. Once you find an area you are interested in, ask around to see if any of your competitors are marketing to that niche.
The easiest way to get involved is to participate. Having a Jeep or other 4WD vehicle adds credibility if you want to market to off roaders. This way you have first hand experience with the products.
Learn all that you can about the features and benefits of the products related to your chosen niche. This includes competitor's products too. Internet message boards can be a good source of information. Look for local clubs involved in these activities and join them. If you are interested in racing tires, volunteer to help at events--they will love you.
This can be a great way for an individual sales person to make a mark for themselves or for a shop to expand it's customer base.
Friday, March 6, 2009
TPMS Systems
Since Septemeber of 2008, all passenger cars and light trucks sold in teh United States have been required to be fitted with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). It is essential that anyone involved in teh tire and wheel industry be familiar with these systems.
You must know how to service them and how to explain their use and importance to your customers. Some shops were mart enough to get involved in TPMS right away, while others ignored it or, worse, don't even know about TPMS.
Lack of knowledge can be costly. Damaging a sensor can cost over a hundred dollars to replace. This doesn't include the loss to your reputation!
Begin by visiting the websites of TPMS manufacturers such as Dill Air Controls, Schrader-Bridgeport, and Bartec USA. They all have information you can access on the subject. The next step would be to get a copy of Mitcell's TPMS Service Manual. This book contains information on how to service TPMS units.
You must know how to service them and how to explain their use and importance to your customers. Some shops were mart enough to get involved in TPMS right away, while others ignored it or, worse, don't even know about TPMS.
Lack of knowledge can be costly. Damaging a sensor can cost over a hundred dollars to replace. This doesn't include the loss to your reputation!
Begin by visiting the websites of TPMS manufacturers such as Dill Air Controls, Schrader-Bridgeport, and Bartec USA. They all have information you can access on the subject. The next step would be to get a copy of Mitcell's TPMS Service Manual. This book contains information on how to service TPMS units.
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