Let your fingers do the tyre hunting
The Canberra Times
23 Feb 2007
Canberra residents with limited time on their hands now have a new way of buying tyres.
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An online service dubbed the CarbonBlack TyreXchange, at www.carbonblack.com.au, allows internet-savvy motorists to tap into a network of tyre suppliers who then compete for their business.
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Similar services – the Tire Rack in the United States and MyTyres in Britain - are already well entrenched and are at the forefront of the online tyre-purchasing revolution.
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In Australia, the uptake of online motoring goods sales is also rising with the number of visitors in the automotive online classifieds area increasing rapidly..Tyre buyers who use the Australian online tyre exchange can access tyre information as well as their tyre deals without having to pick up the phone or leave home or work.
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The managing director of www.carbonblack.com.au, Jodi Stanton, says that her company's research found that consumers - particularly woman - want access to more comparative product information to help them make more informed decisions on tyres they need and where to buy them..She says consumers are increasingly searching for products that fit their individual needs, they are thirsting for information and they are time poor.
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"Ultimately they are looking for more control and understanding when buying tyres," she said.
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Stanton believes today's tyre buyers are split between those embracing technology and doing things differently and those who are yet to embrace these new services.
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She says the next two to five years will see a big shift in market because of the digital age.
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The CarbonBlack site has been developed in consultation with experienced tyre-industry experts and Stanton says the service will benefit both dealers and customers [in saving time, making the right choice and increasing customer satisfaction].
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The easy-to-use site has been designed to offer something to both tyre aficionados and those who know little about tyres.