SimpleTire.com cuts shipping fees

PHILADELPHIA (Aug. 4, 2016) — Online retailer SimpleTire L.L.C. has done away with shipping charges on tires purchased on its website.

The company said it will send tires either to the consumers' homes or installer of their choice at no cost.

SimpleTire cited its unique “low-cost, high-volume business model” for its ability to ship tires for free. Instead of buying and reselling tires like other retailers, Simple Tire uses data and technology to aggregate tire inventory, for every type of vehicle, from more than 500 suppliers across the country.

More than 5,000 SKUs from popular tire brands — including BFGoodrich, Bridgestone, Continental, Cooper, Falken, Firestone, Fuzion, General, Hankook, Goodyear, Kelly, Kumho, Michelin, Nitto, Pirelli, Toyo and Yokohama — now qualify for free shipping, the firm said.

“We're often referred to as the 'Expedia of the tire industry because of the way we source tires and the effort we've put into building relationships with suppliers,” Josh Chalofsky, COO of SimpleTire, told Tire Business.

“...Our mission is to provide people with the best prices on new tires and take the hassle out of the buying and installation process. Now with free shipping, we have made enormous progress in achieving that.”

The suppliers with which SimpleTire has partnered compete with each other on price and selection, giving Simple Tire customers the best deals, the online retailer said. According to Kevin Burke, director of marketing for SimpleTire, the company's network of suppliers gives it “incredible coverage” across the U.S. and access to real-time inventory.

“When a customer orders from us online, we find a dealer that is nearest to them with a competitively priced product, and then place the order with that dealer,” he told Tire Business. “This gives us a shipping advantage.”

Mr. Burke said SimpleTire's business model has resulted in good relationships with suppliers, as the company brings them “easy business” and adds flexibility to their inventory management. He added that free shipping is expected to result in a better consumer experience, helping to grow both SimpleTire's business and independent dealer network.

“The process is easy for everyone involved, especially dealers, as there is no cost to sign up with SimpleTire,” he said.

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