Blackcircles cheaper than going direct?!

[_Batty_]

The VX needs a set of boots so decided to get a quote on Blackcircles, who fit at my local garage.
I then thought i'd try my arm, and support my local garage (same as Blackcircles use) at a price direct.
Was £15 more expensive . When i mentioned the Blackcircle price he said he couldn't match it!
Is this down to Blackcircles bulk buying them?

[carreauchompeur]

Probably economies of scale and the effect of major bulk buying...

[_Batty_]

carreauchompeur said:

Probably economies of scale and the effect of major bulk buying...

Was my assumption, shame really.

[HTP99]

I ordered tyres from Black Circles and got a mechanic to fit them for a fiver at my place as they were cheaper than I could get them brought work at cost price.

[big_boz]

I have asked my garage the same thing, i was told that when you order from BC's they actually send the tyres to the fitter, so its not like they are just acting as an agent to sell tyres that the fitter already has. I couldn't understand how this would work out cheaper...but i have yet to find new tyres cheaper than BC's....with one exception but it was a few years ago and i think Northampton Tyres were trying to clear some old stock out!

[RVVUNM]

I have used them three times now and each time I called all the local tyre depot's and they couldn't be beaten.

[chris7676]

_Batty_ said:

carreauchompeur said:

Probably economies of scale and the effect of major bulk buying...

Was my assumption, shame really.

It's not the shame, it's the economic advantage working for your benefit.
"Your" garage probably makes decent money if it agrees to be part of their fitting network.

Anyway, you are free to pay more or leave the tip to compensate for the "shame"

[mattball]

Camskill was £20 cheaper per tyre than BC for me. Took them to friendly indy garage fitted and balanced at £5 a corner. Turns out they would have matched the price on the tyres -£1. Still worth trying them rather than just resorting to the internet

[Deva Link]

_Batty_ said:

The VX needs a set of boots so decided to get a quote on Blackcircles, who fit at my local garage.
I then thought i'd try my arm, and support my local garage (same as Blackcircles use) at a price direct.
Was £15 more expensive . When i mentioned the Blackcircle price he said he couldn't match it!
Is this down to Blackcircles bulk buying them?

I'm confused about why you're surprised by this - if the local place was the same price or cheaper then Black Circles wouldn't exist.

[E30M3SE]

A local place was cheaper for me than any of the online sellers.

[tr7v8]

E30M3SE said:

A local place was cheaper for me than any of the online sellers.

Always been my experience as well...

[Stedman]

If it was only £15 over the set (or two), I would have opted to use the local.

[Durzel]

Online dealers cheaper than bricks and mortar. Hold the front page!

[Agrilla]

I've used Blackcircles a few times, but more recently Camskill have been excellent.

My local garage will fit for free even when they've come from there. He doesn't keep tyres in stock, and he knows that for a fiver here or there, he's got my business for servicing & repairs.