I must applaud the original equipment tire manufacturers for again looking out for the independent tire dealer. I was overjoyed when the firms making Michelin, BFGoodrich, Uniroyal, Firestone, General and Goodyear brands implemented the ``Around the Wheel'' program for Ford dealerships. My profits will be greatly enhanced selling to my current Ford dealers. Continental General Tire Inc. and Bridgestone/Firestone Inc. will be paying me $5 per tire, and Michelin North America up to $8 per tire.
To reap these large profits, all I have to do is fill out some paperwork, warehouse the tires, insure them while they are in my warehouse, pay a man to deliver them and fuel up and maintain my Ford delivery truck so I can delivery them promptly.
Best of all, I don't have to worry about getting paid and going to the bank to deposit my profits, as my OE supplier will credit my tire accounts. Saves me worrying about cash flow. Whew!
Oh, did I mention in many cases the Ford dealership will be buying at or close to my buying price? Now we can compete on an even basis for the same retail customer.
Tomorrow I am going to write Ford and see if I can work out a deal to buy all my parts and trucks from my local dealer at his cost. I might even change the name of my company to Salta Ford Inc.
Bill Salta
Owner
Salta Tire Co.
Laconia, N.H.