SAN JOSE, Calif. — eBay Motors is launching a tire installation service for U.S. customers through its “My Garage” service, which offers tire installation at 9,000 locations across the country, together with an automotive technician search service.
"…With tire installation services, shoppers have access to eBay's tire inventory, plus the added convenience of expert local installation to fully complete their automotive needs," according to Todd Madeiros, vice president of parts and accessories at eBay Inc., who said eBay Motors sells a tire and/or wheel every seven seconds.
eBay launched this service in Germany in May, at which time it said its intended to bring it to the U.S. during the summer.
Shoppers who purchase tires on eBay can opt to have them shipped to a local installation location at no additional cost, the online retailer said.
Using eBay's My Garage service's tire size finder, buyers can browse the firm's selection of tires for ones that fit their vehicle make and model. Once the tires are selected the buyer chooses from a list of approved installers based on their preferred location and price.
Once the transaction is completed, the buyer is responsible to contact the desired tire shop to schedule an appointment for installation.
At this time, eBay has only one such seller in the U.S.. American Tire Distributors Inc.'s Tirebuyer.com, but said it plans to collaborate with additional online tire suppliers so as to leverage their shop networks with eBay's reach.
eBay declined to disclose details of its agreement with tire installers, saying only that it's a “success-based partnership.”
