CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Aftermarket parts supplier PartsTech Inc. has added a new feature to its online ordering platform: wholesale price comparisons of tires.
The new feature, operating as PartsTech Tires, complements PartsTech's whole price comparison of parts, allowing tire dealers and repair shop services advisors to customize tire quotes for consumers, while saving time in the process, the company said.
Using the platform, a dealer can present to a customer, either in person or via text or email, a detailed quote showing good/better/best price comparisons. The adviser can toggle between PartsTech's wholesale pricing and a fully configurable out-the-door cost for the job on the spot.
The dealer can provide up to three quotes. Off-site customers may click a button to select the tires they want.
Dealers may search tires by vehicle, license plate, VIN and/or size. Form filters can sort options by brand, mileage rating and speed rating, among other criteria.
If the shop already uses PartsTech's shop management systems, the quote is loaded automatically into the customer's work order while advising the service adviser of the customer's choice via email.
The cost is $45 per month.
Travis Beaulieu, PartsTech senior product manager, said the feature "is designed to significantly help shops streamline their tire-quoting process, look more professional doing it and ultimately grow their sales."
Tires may be accessed from more than 40 national and regional tire distributors throughout the U.S. and Canada, including American Tire Distributors Inc.; NTW; TireHub Inc.; U.S. AutoForce; BTS Tire & Wheel Distributors; and Flynn's Tire & Auto Service.
PartsTech said it conducted research on the product, including seeking customer input, competitive feature analysis and sales team interactions/focus groups.
According to the company, PartsTech saw an increase in tire sales while conducting beta testing of the quoting tool.
Beaulieu said the system will offer other future improvements as PartsTech continues its quest to improve customer experience and differentiate themselves from competing systems. Among the coming upgrades is the ability to leave shops notes, set preferred brands and quote tires and parts together.
"We are eager for feedback to keep improving our tires offerings," Beaulieu said.
Interested dealers may email the company at [email protected].
