A legitimate tire/business thread lol

[hallett21]

So I’ve exclusively used the same tire shop in Agoura Hills for a while now. I send my in laws there, and my family uses them as well. I’d say we’re 90% satisfied. In the last 5 years at least 96 tires have been purchased directly or indirectly by “us”.

But in the last 2-3 transactions I’ve had some issues. First one was putting new tires on the dump trailer. I had asked if going to a thicker tire was possible. The sales guy told me that it only increases the sidewall thickness. Which I know reading on here is not the case. But I figured maybe I read wrong on RDP so just went with their recommendation.

Of course when I brought the trailer in for a patch a few months later a different salesman says you should have bought type F? Tires (whatever the thicker ones would be).

I recently just called in asking for Nitto Terra Grapplers (or Toyo equivalent) for my F150. I know the names change year to year but I figured they would know what’s up. I give the tire size 255/55/20r and tell them I’m ok with a slightly different size if that’s required and that I don’t mind waiting a week or so if they need to order them. The sales guy says he “can’t” get that tire but they can get a Nitto Nomad Grappler and that it’s the same tire.

A little research shows that it’s definitely not the same tire and that it’s more of a cross over SUV tire. Keep in mind I asked at least 4 times if these work with a F150. If it’s a good tire for me then I’m ok with it, but it certainly isn’t the same lol.

So I guess my point of this long winded thread is what do you do? The easy answer as a consumer is to shop at Americas tires because they have a large network of stores, price match etc.

As a business owner I’d want to know that I’m losing customers and why. But I know businesses get complaints all day long in the hopes that the consumer can squeeze out a deal.

I truly believe in supporting local businesses especially something like a tire shop. They can make or break a weekend etc. But if you’re not feeling the love you mine as well just go price shop lol.

 

[Brian]

If you're asking for a suggestion, I'd have a chat with the manager or the owner about your latest issue and basically what you said here. If they're receptive and show sympathy and attempt to help you, then give them another try. It could be that the person you were working with just didn't know or is maybe new to the business. If you don't feel the love or support, it's time to find a new tire shop.

 

[lbhsbz]

I’m ready to buy a balancer so I don’t have to deal with tire shops.

With the exception of @lakemeadboater, all have been lacking in just about every respect.

I can mount/dismount truck tires in a couple minutes with levers.

 

[hallett21]

If you're asking for a suggestion, I'd have a chat with the manager or the owner about your latest issue and basically what you said here. If they're receptive and show sympathy and attempt to help you, then give them another try. It could be that the person you were working with just didn't know or is maybe new to the business. If you don't feel the love or support, it's time to find a new tire shop.

My plan was to try and walk into the shop this afternoon.

Another issue is that when I’ve given them my name and phone number for either my wife or myself they have no “record” of us. I have to believe that they do have a record or vehicles/tires/customer.

My gripe with the record keeping is that when I call in I’d think they could “vet” me and confirm that I’m not just trying to price shop them.

Edit. And maybe this is just the way of the world these days. Maybe Nitto/Toyos sales don’t net as good of margins?

 

[4Waters]

Tires by Mark

 

[DarkHorseRacing]

I have the Nitto Nomads on my Yukon if anyone has any questions they want answered.

They are definitely not the Terra Grappler. I heard Nitto just released the rev 3 of the TG so maybe it's limited availability still while they ramp up production?

I had to educate Americas Tire because they did not show my tire size yet nittos website did. I had to show them Nittos website and then they called to confirm and to order them.

 

[hallett21]

I have the Nitto Nomads on my Yukon if anyone has any questions they want answered.

They are definitely not the Terra Grappler. I heard Nitto just released the rev 3 of the TG so maybe it's limited availability still while they ramp up production?

I had to educate Americas Tire because they did not show my tire size yet nittos website did. I had to show them Nittos website and then they called to confirm and to order them.

How are they in the snow, towing and the dirt? They’re advertised as a quieter tire.

 

[Brian]

My plan was to try and walk into the shop this afternoon.

Another issue is that when I’ve given them my name and phone number for either my wife or myself they have no “record” of us. I have to believe that they do have a record or vehicles/tires/customer.

My gripe with the record keeping is that when I call in I’d think they could “vet” me and confirm that I’m not just trying to price shop them.

Edit. And maybe this is just the way of the world these days. Maybe Nitto/Toyos sales don’t net as good of margins?

Maybe you already have your answer. If when you call, they have no idea who you are, then that's their bad. 20 tires a year for a retail customer should be plenty of business for them to know who you are.

 

[Xring01]

Employee turnover is stupid high for everyone…

Which leads to your experiences… Untrained people giving advice when they have no fucking clue what they are talking about.

I hate to say, its just a fact of life moving forward. The boomers are retiring and the millennials are replacing them…

 

[Ziggy]

Maybe you already have your answer. If when you call, they have no idea who you are, then that's their bad. 20 tires a year for a retail customer should be plenty of business for them to know who you are.

Only if they have employee retention. If he's talking to someone different each time(phone & in person) that ain't currently happening.

 

[RitcheyRch]

I buy all my tires from America's Tire here in Santa Clarita. Been an America's Tire buyer for many years and have never been disappointed.

 

[Familyties]

HTW in Upland CA is the best.

 

[DarkHorseRacing]

How are they in the snow, towing and the dirt? They’re advertised as a quieter tire.

So the Nomads are my “winter” tire as I live in the SoCal mountains. I previously had Toyo AT3s which were great snow tires but we get a lot of ice and they were not good when it got icy.

I researched the Nomads and they seemed to be better in winter traction and we had a recent snow and they did totally fine in the snow so far ( I just got these a couple weeks ago) and I felt they had noticibly better ice traction.

As for towing, I'll find out next week in Havasu. Have to tow the boat and trailer around then. These are XL load range tires so they should be fine towing, maybe pump them up a little higher in PSI.

Don't really get any dirt where I am but the foot print is similar to an AT tire so I don't see why it wouldn't be good.

For quiet, the jury is still out. I've heard/seen reviews saying they are either quiet or noisy. It seems more vehicle dependent on how much road noise you already have. I can't really tell, and I drive around with the radio up most of the time.

I'll run these until at least April or so next year then switch back to the summer tires when it quits snowing.

 

[Deckin Around]

I know you’re not local but for anyone else with the same question in Orange County
Performance wheel and tire costa mesa on Harbor.
Daniel is the owner, they’re a smaller shop with 3-4 lifts and they do a lot of suspension and lift kits.

 

[RVRKID]

they should have suggested 275x55x20 then you could have got your Terra Grappler G3's.

 

[RVRKID]

What year F150 and what's the inside of your door say for stock size? It should have came with the 275x55x20.

 

[hallett21]

they should have suggested 275x55x20 then you could have got your Terra Grappler G3's.

This is another annoyance. I specifically said if you gotta change the tire size it’s all good. I just need it to fit a 20” rim lol. I called out the brand and model of tire I was looking for.

I forget the salesman’s name but he’s been there for 10+ years. I recognized his voice.

 

[hallett21]

What year F150 and what's the inside of your door say for stock size? It should have came with the 275x55x20.

That’s my fault. Your dimensions are correct.

I very well may have jammed the guy up. But I’d think he would have said I can get them but in 275s.

 

[LazyLavey]

Tires by Mark

Holy Fuk....

I was shocked a couple of years ago to see he was still around.... and still quoting the cheapest prices...

I used him back in the 70s and 80s several times..... He must have found a way to elude the state board....or the IRS

 

[monkeyswrench]

Dunno about the F150 stuff, but dump trailer tires I've had really good luck with "Onyx" trailer tires. They look like a baby semi tire, but seem near bullet proof for the landscaper guys around here. They sell them in either 12 or 14 ply, "F" or "G"'s

 

[Willie B]

… I have been in America’s tire computer system for decades,…even if I don’t buy anything for a few years or so…I still seem to stay in their computer system… The last set of tires I bought,… got a super deal… I went with America’s tire because I had vehicles in Southern California and northern California… And even bought trailer tires for my Spectra 24 in Havasu… My Havasu friends couldn’t believe the price I got???…

 

[Meaney77]

I have had pretty good luck with Grand American Tires in Simi Valley as well also Tires by Mark as mentioned.

 

[riverroyal]

That’s my fault. Your dimensions are correct.

I very well may have jammed the guy up. But I’d think he would have said I can get them but in 275s.

Buy on tires rack. Delivery to house. Drive them to your guys for install.

 

[Jefftowz]

I get all my tires from off brand "round and black" tires to BFG's from Tires by Mark, Always blows away everyone's prices, I've known the family since I was a kid...

 

[Chili Palmer]

I used to shop exclusively at America’s Tire until they scratched and chipped a brand new set of wheels for my CTS V and the told me they didn’t do that, they were like that, we thought you knew. Then even when I make an appointment they always say 45 minutes and it’s always almost 3 hours. I’ve given up with them. Lately I’m spreading the wealth with the local tire guys here on RDP and Tucker Tire in Covina, usually due to proximity to my way home from work so I can sleep in on Saturday morning.

 

[Willie B]

I used to shop exclusively at America’s Tire until they scratched and chipped a brand new set of wheels for my CTS V and the told me they didn’t do that, they were like that, we thought you knew. Then even when I make an appointment they always say 45 minutes and it’s always almost 3 hours. I’ve given up with them. Lately I’m spreading the wealth with the local tire guys here on RDP and Tucker Tire in Covina, usually due to proximity to my way home from work so I can sleep in on Saturday morning.

… it all depends on which America’s tire you use… The only one I will use… Or the only one I used to use was the one on Topanga Canyon I guess that’s Woodland Hills …the others in the southland sucked … For Northern California I used America’s tire in Chico California… In Havasu, it was Discount tire… Corporately the same as America’s tire… Or vicea versa

 

[TPC]

Big O in Anaheim (was) a RDP member.

 

[riverroyal]

Big O in Anaheim is a RDP member.

I believe he sold it. Could be wrong
Lakemeadboater.

 

[TPC]

I believe he sold it. Could be wrong
Lakemeadboater.

I was wondering. Thx.

 

[lbhsbz]

I believe he sold it. Could be wrong
Lakemeadboater.

Correct.

 

[Dan Lorenze]

When I used to live and work in the valley I also used "Tires by Mark". Man, I was poor back then and couldn't afford new tires, but they would always set me up with some used ones for my Honda car. They really took care of me over the years.

 

[Dan Lorenze]

So I’ve exclusively used the same tire shop in Agoura Hills for a while now. I send my in laws there, and my family uses them as well. I’d say we’re 90% satisfied. In the last 5 years at least 96 tires have been purchased directly or indirectly by “us”.

Are you talking about Tire Man in Agoura? I buy my tires at the TO location from Carey. He really takes care of me.

 

[Mr. C]

I buy all my tires from America's Tire here in Santa Clarita. Been an America's Tire buyer for many years and have never been disappointed.

Same here (Santa Clarita). 4 or 5 different cars as well.
They are always prompt and polite.
Fix a flat even if tire wasn’t bought there.
If and when they didn’t have the tire I wanted prices were adjusted as needed.
I also take my cars in every 7500 miles. They rotate and balance with no issue and a smile.
Maybe it’s just that location. I don’t know.

 

[Desert Whaler]

May Tire Service in HB (Beach & Warner) has always been fair to Me.
The shop is nothing fancy, but they've been there forever.
They've helped me out a couple times with a quick plug, and something with my boat trailer tires. (been a while)
A while back I was going to completely re-do my rear drum brakes myself . . . ordered all the parts, then my back took a shit . . . I called & asked them if they'd be interested in doing it, and they said bring it over with all the parts . . . a few hours later they called & said 'All Done, Come get It' . . . they had all the old parts laid out on the ground to show me how f'ed up everything was.

 

[Malibuvride07]

Take all my stuff to Associated Tire in Ventura. Jimmy is the only one I trust for alignments and have known the crew for years when I was wrenching in the same complex.

For the original poster if you buy that much and they don’t know you then I wouldn’t waste my time there. Just sayin.