A new membership network aimed at independent tire dealers is pitching itself as a way to keep the full tire sale in the shop rather than losing it to online sellers. Tire Boost Group, LLC, based in Dedham, Mass., has launched the national network for independent tire shop owners.
The company was founded by Dan Marashlian and Katie Marsh.
The problem it targets
Tire Boost Group frames the launch around a familiar scenario for independent dealers: a customer is quoted a price for four tires, says they'll think it over, and returns days later with tires bought online. The shop ends up with a mount-and-balance job instead of the full ticket, and also misses out on the distributor and manufacturer rebates tied to the tire sale itself.
By pooling independent shops, the network aims to give members access to resources, technology, vendor relationships and collective buying opportunities that a single shop may struggle to secure alone.
Independent tire shops are doing the work while someone else gets the sale. We built this group to help them take back the tire sale, with a way for customers to pay over time, a way to be found online, and the buying power of a group.
— Katie Marsh, Co-Founder, Tire Boost Group
What members get
According to the company, membership includes vendor offers and discounts, access to customer financing (subject to provider approval), and a consumer-facing shop page on TireBoost. Members also get the Tire Pulse Talk forum and the quarterly Tire Pulse Newsletter, which covers industry trends, common challenges, practical solutions and highlights from member discussions.
Financing and online sales partners
Two technology partners sit behind the program. LendPro provides the waterfall financing software behind TireBoost, Powered by LendPro, where a single soft-pull application can connect a customer with more than 25 financing and lease-to-own options, from prime credit programs to No Credit Needed solutions.
TredFi brings what the company calls "clicks to bricks" e-commerce to independent shops. Customers can see wheels and tires on their own vehicle, apply for financing, check out online and then book the installation at the shop.
Membership is priced at $99.95 per month. LendPro and TredFi are not included in membership and carry their own fees, though members receive discounted pricing on both services.
Tire Boost Group will exhibit at the SEMA Show, Nov. 3-6 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, in North Hall Booth #13173, where vendors can also learn about its Preferred Vendor Partner program.
