Tirescanner organizing network of independent mobile tire-installers

MIAMI — Online tire retailer Tirescanner.com Inc., seeking to reach "time-poor" motorists, is organizing a network of independent mobile tire-installers to complement its online business model.

The new service, which is launching with more than 100 installation vehicles in 35 states, is designed to allow customers to receive next-day, at-home installation of any brand/size tire, Tirescanner said.

This type of service caters to "time-poor" motorists and businesses that cannot afford downtime and need to keep their vehicle fleets on the road, according to Tirescanner CEO and Founder Mike Welch, who called this the industry's first "nationwide delivery and installation service."

The network should have service available in all 50 states by 2021.

The new service complements Tirescanner's existing business model of online ordering and installation at an affiliated brick-and-mortar store.

"Our mission is simple," Mr. Welch said, "to deliver the world's best tire-buying experience — by bringing together great value, the most convenient purchasing experience and market-leading customer care.

Mr. Welch pointed out that Tirescanner's fleet clients are looking for both mobile and in-store service options, which led the company to look for the best partners to provide this coverage.

Together with the existing installation partners, Mr. Welch said Tirescanner can service customers in 48 states.

Mr. Welch — founder of the Blackcircles.com online tire-buying service acquired by Group Michelin in 2015 — launched Tirescanner.com in late 2018, proclaiming it would become North America's first "online portal for brick-and-mortar tire retailers."

Tirescanner's founding premise is to focus on supporting mid-sized and smaller retailers. The program provides easy integration of retailer pricing and store details onto the platform. Retailers keep their margin and pay only a "modest" commission when a sale has been processed.

Among mobile tire installers that are participating in the initiative are GoMobile Tires of Tigard, Wash., which has installation vans operating in the Miami and Jacksonville, Fla.; Kansas City, Mo.; Pittsburgh; Portland, Ore.; and Southern California metro regions; and Rubber on Wheels Mobile Tire Co. of Corona, Calif., which operates in a number of communities in Southern California.

Interested parties can contact Tirescanner via the firm's website.