| Not many people are aware of the difference | | | | Bridgestone's TireStarz program gives money back to |
| between tire wholesalers and wholesale tire | | | | every dealer that meets their numbers for the month. |
| distributors. Depending on your business needs, it may | | | | Enrolling in a dealer program is an excellent way to |
| make more sense to open an account and develop a | | | | save lots of money, widen profit margins, and get an |
| relationship with one type of company over another, | | | | edge over local competitors. |
| so it's important to understand what separates these | | | | Tire wholesalers. Tire wholesalers can sell you tires at |
| types of businesses. | | | | wholesale prices, but they do not have a direct |
| Tire distributors. Unlike regular wholesalers, wholesale | | | | relationship with the tire manufacturers themselves. |
| tire distributors are direct with the manufacturers | | | | These types of businesses are more independent, and |
| whose products they stock and sell. This means that | | | | may only stock certain special deals. A wholesaler |
| they receive the tires directly from companies like | | | | may only carry parts of a manufacturer's line instead |
| Bridgestone, Continental, Michelin, and others. Because | | | | of the complete selection of models. |
| they work directly with the manufacturers, they often | | | | "Shotgun" tire wholesalers. A "shotgun" wholesaler |
| carry the full lines of each tire in all sizes. Inventory | | | | typically works with businesses like gas stations or car |
| selection and availability is always an advantage when | | | | dealerships that may have immediate need for |
| working with a distributor. | | | | wholesale tires to be delivered multiple times per day. |
| Another benefit offered by wholesale tire distributors is | | | | Some shotgun dealers can even deliver tires within an |
| the ability to join rebate programs. Since distributors | | | | hour of placing the order! These types of businesses |
| help manufacturers promote their products, they are | | | | work exclusively with specific customer accounts that |
| allowed to extend generous offers to customers who | | | | have locations close by. |
| buy large quantities of tires. Programs like | | | | |