How did I start my Monday morning? With a screw... in my tire! My husband thought it was just on the surface, so he started to pull it out, however, he heard the hissing sound and immediately pushed it back in.
That left me calling to find some place nearby who patches holes in tires. My husband's initial reaction was for me to go to Walmart, they do everything. I called, it was $9.50. That's not bad, but it's also 12 miles away. What could happen with the tire in 12 miles? I pictured myself stranded on the side of the street.
I called Discount Tire as they were a couple of minutes away. How much does it cost?? FREE!! Zip!! Zilch!! Nada!! Zero!!
They said on the phone there was a 45 minute total wait. Yikes! It was already almost 9am so that was going to take the rest of my morning.
I get there at 8:54am. I confirmed it was a 45 minute wait. What time did I get out of there? 9:39am. Exactly 45 minutes! They know their business, and they give accurate wait times. Was I put behind other "paying" customers? NO, I was not! First in, first out.
When you buy tires there, they have a warranty that gives free replacement tires. In July alone, they gave away 223 FREE tires as part of this warranty! I asked if that included the free tire repairs, and was told, "No, that's only free tires. We did about 900 free tire repairs last month." That's a lot of work they do for free.
Why do they work for free? CUSTOMER SERVICE! They treat you well, you're going to continue to come back. I heard this one guy talking with an older lady about the tires on her car. He said that he put "better" tires on the car than the initial quote, and was charging the same price.
Everyone I saw was pleasant and smiling. Everyone was dressed sharp. No greasy, oily, dingy clothes. Very clean cut. The place was also so clean, you could probably eat off the floor. I've never seen a place like this so clean before!
I took this picture as they had just pulled out a couple of cars so you can see how clean it was, and yes, that's my car they're working on.
Discount Tire was not only great with customer service, but they really knew their stuff. For 45 minutes, I heard each of their people on the phones giving quotes and tire model numbers right and left, and none of them blinked an eye on which tire to recommend and quote.
These guys knew their stuff!! They specialize in tires and that's their business. Is it good and convenient that places like Walmart have a tire department? Yes, since they're a one-stop-shop place. But, you better not go to a place like that if you have questions. If tires are important for your vehicle and getting the correct tires is just as important, go to a place that specializes in tires.
Why do people get a salad at a burger place or hot wings at a pizza place? Because of convenience, not because they're any good.
Discount Tire is good, but don't expect to get a brake job while you're there!
The location I visited was at 3922 Ranch Rd 620 S, Bee Cave, TX 78738. Their phone number is 512-263-1580. Sid answered the phone and answered my initial questions, and Jonathan took care of me while I was there at the store.
**Are You Packed Yet?**
Donna Harris, REALTOR®
RE/MAX Austin Skyline
www.DonnaHomes.com
Donna@DonnaHomes.com
Austin, TX and the surrounding areas of Lakeway, Bee Cave, Westlake Hills, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Spicewood, Circle-C, Steiner Ranch, and everywhere in between... Whether you're buying or selling, I'll be with you through the entire process.
Donna, Most tire stores are now learning that word of mouth is worth a million dollars of Ads in the newspaper! This post is a great thank-you to Discount Tire!
Hey, Donna. You have to love it when people value their customers and their business. Thanks for sharing, Jim
Donna, I think it's safe to say that when you're providing great customer service, you never work for free!
I love that a discount tire can look so Tuscan Mediteranian and pretty!!
Donna-I had a tire blow out when I was in North Carolina over the Christmas break, and I was also amazed how great Discount Tire was. I really wish we had a Discount Tire here in Mass.
Hi Donna
I have to put 4 tires on a car this week, I wish they were in Boca Raton.
Good luck and success.
Lou Ludwig
Donna - first, thanks for the feature on my last Hyper Local business blog post about McKinney photographer, Kym Jackson.
But I also wanted to ditto what you said about Discount Tire. I've always been happy with their service and company philosophy. Very nice write up about the store!
they are great. just bought tires from them last week.
Paul, Especially when moving into a small town/city.
Jim, Yes, it was a different experience.
Pat, True, very true.
Malita, I know! Not a rustic warehouse look.
Joseph, You could look into opening a franchise!
Lou, They sell online so maybe they'll ship them to you.
Kim, Good to hear you also had a good experience.
John, Cool!
Discount Tire saw my post through Twitter and contacted me. They're forwarding the post to the store.
Donna,
Great that you found Discount Tires. I have used them for years in different cities and they are the best.
Donna: We use to have to go into San Antonio to Discount Tire and was so glad when they opened one in New Braunfels and they are the greatest. Very customer oriented.
Donna - I always got my tires inCalifornia from America's tire. When Imoved to Cary NC and had to replace tires on my SUV I wa bummed because America's tire is not out here. Low and behold after some research I come to find that Discount Tire is the same company! You are right dicount tire is excellent. I never get my tires anywhere else.
Hi Donna... I have used Discount Tire several times over the years and I have always been very satisfied with the service. You're right... they definitely know tires!