Wholesale tire distributor K&M Tire Inc. has launched “Big 3 Tire,” a marketing/buying program for independent dealers in Georgia, Indiana and Ohio, to complement its Mr. Tire program available further west in K&M's territory.
K&M said the “3” in Big 3 Tire represents the three pillars of the program: fast and friendly service; top tire brands; and competitive pricing.
K&M uses the Mr. Tire dealer program, which it acquired in 2010, in areas west of Indiana, according to terms of a deal Mr. Tire's former owner, Universal Cooperatives Inc., struck with Monro Muffler Brake Inc., which operates more than 100 Mr. Tire retail stores in states east of Illinois.
The Big 3 Tire program offers independent tire dealers an opportunity to join a network of like-minded tire dealers while maintaining their own identity, K&M Tire said.
The program offers brand recognition, respected tire brands, outstanding customer service, an improved Internet presence and multiple vendor partner programs.
Big 3 Tire dealers will be able to sell tires online through the Big 3 Tire website, which will launch in late May, K&M said.
Dealers in the program will be able to establish their own pricing for the website, which will be linked to K&M Tire's inventory.
The program also offers dealers favorable terms on parts, oil, uniforms, advertising, etc., along with access to the AskPatty.com Certified Female Friendly customer service training program at a reduced rate and and the AutoTex Pink wiper blades to support breast cancer research.
There are no upfront fees to join the program, K&M said, but dealers are expected to buy a minimum of 400 units annually from the wholesaler.
All new Big 3 Tire dealers will receive a 1-foot by 3-foot LED sign to put in their showroom, and K&M will underwrite some of the cost of putting up exterior Big 3 Tire signage, if a dealer member opts for that.
K&M anticipates signing up to 110 dealers in the three states before year-end, to go with nearly 300 already participating in the Mr. Tire program, which the company expanded into Michigan earlier this year.
Founded in 1970, Delphos-based K&M Tire operates 12 warehouses in 10 states servicing customers in more than 15 states, from Ohio to the Dakotas and Colorado to Kansas.
The company carries 19 brands of passenger and light truck tires, seven brands of commercial truck tires and eight brands of farm and utility tires.