I've used this store many times over the years. It's always hit or miss. Sometimes the staff there is great. However, there seems to be a fair amount of turnover, and sometimes the staff is a bit lacking. Today was one of those times.
I went to purchase a set of snow tires I researched via Tirerack.com. I stood in line for well over 20 minutes, and was never helped. One gentleman simply kept looking at my fellow customers and myself every so often and said "We'll be right with you." Then he went back to doing other tasks (talking on the phone with other stores/warehouses, etc. I think). At one point he was talking on a cell phone (I'll give benefit of doubt... it may have been job-related). They were busy. I understand this. Still, with the number of staff available, this was an unreasonable wait. Eventually, after being told someone would be right with me for at least the 4th time, I simply walked out.
Speaking of researching tires on Tirerack.com... more than a couple of times, I've gone in, and asked them for a quote on a set of four of whatever tire I'd decided upon at that time. Of course, Town Fair Tire always charges more than Tirerack. Town Fair Tire will price match, which is good (and which is why I've ultimately used them previously). The bad: when I tell them I can get the same tires from Tirerack at a cheaper rate, the all-too-common reply is "...but you also have to factor in tax and shipping." One employee - a manager no less - appeared dumbfounded when I replied "I already did." I've gotten to the point where I now take pictures of the total price on Tirerack.com before I even venture in the store. It's frustrating that I have to do that. While I realize it's not personal on their part, it still comes across as if my intelligence is being insulted. I don't care for that.
Lastly, when I come asking for x tire, I'd prefer to see what the store can do to help me get that tire. I know what I want. What I DON'T want is a sales pitch for a different tire (specifically: Mastercraft). I've become skilled in stopping any salesperson from trying to sell me Mastercraft brand tires. The sales pitch never changes: "They've got this aggressive tread." I've heard it so many times that I have to assume it's a catch phrase given to every employee (at least every manager). I get they want to sell that particular brand for whatever reason. That's fine. But... A. this gets old and predictable fast and B. again, I've clearly already done the research and know what I want. Unless you have a really good reason as to why brand x is better and can back it up... give it a rest! Stop wasting both of our times. Either you can get the tires, or you can't. If you can't... well, I know somewhere that can.
(Note: Mastercraft may be good tires. I don't know. I can't research them thoroughly enough for me to be confident in their purchase.)
Today, I walked out of the store, went home, and ordered what I wanted from Tirerack.com. I had them shipped directly to the installer's location. Problem solved. It was so easy that I wonder why I haven't done before.
In closing, while I've had some genuinely good experiences in the past, the instances in which I've found myself annoyed outweigh the good. Furthermore, I found a much easier and consistently more economical way to purchase tires. For these reasons, I'm highly unlikely to return to Town Fair Tire in the future. read more