Comments on: An experiment: buying new tyres online

By: MJB

MJB — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:12:32 +0000

I don't think there was anything particularly unusual about the order apart from having to have an N2 coding on the replacements to match what I currently have fitted. The chap who handled the order knew what I needed and why so it was pretty smooth all the way. I guess there'll be awkward spec sometimes tho but surely that'd apply to all of the dealers?
Wasn't really any lead time at all either. I ordered on the Wednesday and required them replacing over the course of the next week. They fitted them at my office the next morning. I wasn't expecting an specific time slot but to be fair they booked it for 11.30 and were there on the dot.
Without any other mobile to compare to (which I suppose I should for that purpose!) I would have to give a good 9/10! Only omitting the 1 to avoid looking like a plug!!

By: Christopher

Christopher — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:33:04 +0000

Sounds promising M J, I'll have to check them out when I get my rears replaced. What were their lead times like from placing the order to the fitting? Did you order unusual or hard-to-source tyres? I had "issues" with my car (Mk. 4 Fiesta) and finding someone who could supply the Michelins I wanted in the suitable rim and width dimensions.

By: M J Bricknell

M J Bricknell — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:26:45 +0000

No. I have asked. They are a franchised business but they don't use any other company to fulfill thier work - which is a big tick in my box. I used them to replace two tyres on my 997 in Milton Keynes. First thing I noticed was the quality of the vehicle that turned up. really high tech and very clean. John was the fitter/franchisee and both knew his stuff as well as taking proper care with my prided wheels.
Overall great experience as my first crack at a mobile service. Hometyre does have the look of being a little pricey an offering but don't be decieved, the price was well within the mix.

By: Christopher

Christopher — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 00:10:57 +0000

That sounds rubbish David, this is the problem I think some people will always encounter where a broker is selling on the services of local franchised fitters.

I'd complain to the MD of Blackcircles or see if you can get in touch with them on Twitter, a public mention of your problem may elicit a quicker response!

By: David

David — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 23:56:52 +0000

Am dealing with blackcircle,MMM!!!! their local fitter xpress,walton were supposed to be doing the fitting,spoke to them,re this and asked about tyre info,suddenly the person on the phone got really rude,"don't waste your time asking me questions we did not sell you the tyres,blackcircle did" I see looking at xpress that they do sell tyres,if they are unhappy to do blackcircle's buisness, don't take it out on the customer,or could be their future customer,blackcircle didn't seem too nonplussed about my reported incident to them,next time I will go elsewhere,maybe topgear in guilford,regards!!

By: Christopher

Christopher — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 20:28:26 +0000

That's something I'd certainly not contemplated, I thought the HiQ site was just an extension of the physical garages. My boss' wife got a good deal on fitting when she had a puncture, I think I may have to give them a go (or at least get a quote) when I need new tyres next.

Anybody else actually used HiQ Online in the past?

By: matt

matt — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 19:21:32 +0000

old blog i know but has anyone thought of hiq-online cheaper than most places and as they are goodyear/dunlop franchised they deal direct with them so availability is pretty good as is the customer service - would be interesting to hear your thoughts on this.

By: Ziemas Riepas

Ziemas Riepas — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 11:45:25 +0000

As a consumer I've bought tires online quite a few times and always got a great deal. The difficulty has always been getting the tires fitted, and also because I had quite large rims, the smaller garages with perhaps a cheaper fitting machine were concerned the mounting arm might flex a bit and mark the outside of the rims.

Totally agree with supporting smaller business with more personal customer service though.

By: Daniel MacPherson

Daniel MacPherson — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 16:42:15 +0000

Hometyre seem to be a growing national organisation. I've used them both in Chester and Hemel Hempstead. Always identical vehicles and really helpful operators. Not many folk I entrust my 998 Porsche with but no issues with these guys as they certainly seem perfectly geared for this kind of vehicle. Price on both occasions was right in the mix and virtually no lead time required.
Just looking online and it would appear that each area is a franchise operator - so no wonder the service element was so good. http://www.hometyre.co.uk

By: Christopher

Christopher — Wed, 12 May 2010 13:46:51 +0000

Interesting, I didn't come across Hometyre so never considered them. Do they franchise the work out to local garages or is it a national company?