Thus far in 2008, the programs proffered by the Tire Industry Association (TIA) have expanded by more than 20 percent, bringing the potential savings value of being a member to more than $23,000 per year for a typical tire dealer. This represents the largest annual growth that the TIA has experienced in its history.
Three new member programs have just been launched: A NASA Federal Credit Union, free webpage service and The Business Owner newsletter.
The TIA’s program with the eBay Motors Installer Network remains the most popular member service. eBay has made sure that the TIA’s member dealers continue to receive prime placement on the network page, according to the organization. To date, more than 4,100 eligible dealers are participating in this offering, and 600-plus members have made inquiries about it.
“With economic conditions continuing to deteriorate, tire dealers need to find every means possible for increasing revenue and decreasing expenses,” says TIA Executive Vice President Roy Littlefield.
“Through TIA member programs like the CarCareONE consumer credit card, Meadowbrook workers’' comp insurance and eBay Motors, TIA is saying more than an abstract ‘we have great programs;’ we’re showing specific, easy ways that tire dealers can both increase their customer base and potentially save over $23,000 a year,” Littlefield points out.
He explains how “these significant TIA member savings mean that a tire dealer could potentially avoid painful cuts, which could affect their families, their staff, and even their customers.”
For more information, visit www.tireindustry.org.
