NEWS
Unusual business model
Tyreland says it is an unusual business model which is turning the heads of many independent tyre retailers and automotive service centres looking to perform better in the extremely competitive New Zealand tyre market. The Tyreland model is a joint venture. Which brings together a group of like-minded owner/ operator tyre retailers as shareholders in the Tyreland group. “The joint venture model is a refreshingly different style that our people find more attractive than the franchise model with its pyramidshaped chain of command and money flow,” says Tyreland spokesperson Ian Fraser “Each Tyreland member retains the independent ownership of the dealership, and control of operation and profits. The only fees are a one-off joining fee which provides a shareholding in the group and a say in its governance, plus a monthly service fee.” Tyreland says it is the South Island’s leading independent tyre specialist. Established in 1998, it now consists of nine tyre shops, each of which has captured excellent market share. This success is based on a philosophy of providing exceptional service, quality tyres and sustainable margins. While each Tyreland member is independent and can retail the tyre brands of choice, the group enjoys privileged buying arrangements with
some of the world’s well known brands. These brands include Cooper, Michelin, Yokohama, Bridgestone, BF Goodrich and Nankang. A recent achievement was Tyreland being declared the leading New Zealand retailer for Cooper Tires, fitting more Cooper brand tyres than any of its competitors. “That’s a spectacular achievement for a South Island-only company and it is testimony of the group’s ability to punch above its weight,” says Ian Fraser. Tyreland also has a significant rural customer base, in large part due to its long and successful business relationship with giant South Island farmer-owned co-operative, CRT. The group’s preferred brand of tractor tyre is BKT. Members benefit from the range of professionally developed support devices under Tyreland’s brand umbrella. These include its unique VIP customer rewards programme, shared customer care protocols, and an active support network, including business systems, customer data base, building and vehicle liveries, advertising and website. “Tyreland is in the mood to grow and we are currently looking to consolidate our geographical market positions in the South Island. We are also open to expressions of interest from enthusiastic prospective members in the North Island,” says Ian.
On-line tool
An innovative online tool has been introduced by Bendix' allowing Bendix member workshops to actively promote business by designing and building their own promotional flyers. Utilising the advanced Bendix website, members only can now access the innovative online tool to create customised and professionally designed promotional flyers to effectively draw in additional business and drive their own sales. Automotive and transport workshops can select from the range of technically advanced Bendix products they wish to promote to their clients. These include General CT, 4WD, heavy duty, Ultimate, brake shoes, all passenger products, truck and trailer, brake lubrication, brake fluid and brake parts cleaning. A base template will automatically appear ready for customisation. A bold heading can then be inserted followed by the appropriate text, the start and end dates of the promotion plus the business name and contact details. Once the promotional flyer has been created, two PDF options become available at the press of a button. One PDF comes with trims for a professional printer to print right up to the edge of the paper and a second option that enables the PDF to be emailed or printed using an internal office printer. A file will then appear in the “My Promotional Flyers” area, allowing the newly created flyer to be stored for use at a later date along with any other promotional flyers already created, thus providing a ready to use library of on-going professional looking sales aids. “This is an exciting value added membership benefit for our Bendix member customers, allowing them to create customised professional looking artwork to promote their business, with the prospect of increasing sales,” says Bendix marketing services manager Ian Bott. “The programme is simple and easy to use, without additional graphic design costs,” he said. The new “Build Your Own Promotion” is now live for Bendix members only on www.bendix.com.au or www.bendix.co.nz and an instructional video is available to provide further assistance. reader reply 0130212
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