Hi all,
    Similar story as Wayne's.  I've seen the local Goodyear store get real
competitive on a set of garden variety passenger car tires for the
family sedan or truck, usually within a limited range of popular tire
sizes.
    Every time I priced premium passenger car tires or a pair of tires for
the Pontiac, 911 or Corvette, they've quoted Goodyear's list
price--period. I've tried, "will you match Discount's or 4-Day's price
for the same Goodyear tire?"  When I really whined, their best offer is
for 12 months of free road hazard insurance. (Worth about $20 at my
independent dealer.)  I only bought road hazard insurance once--I think
I was 19.  So, this gimmick doesn't sweeten the deal.
    Once, the response was, "Goodyear retail stores can't sell 'seconds' or
'blems' to their retail customers."  Another time it was, "...have you
noticed that the tires from discount stores need more weight to balance
than our tires?"  Ho hum.
    Some years back my kids finished college and I got "instantly rich."
Rather than wait in line at 4-Day or Discount Tire, I started buying
from a local independent tire guy.  His prices are within an rch of
Discount Tire and, when all is said and done he's within 10-15 bucks of
TireRack.  Twenty four hours for most special orders.  Out of the three
dozen tires I've bought from him, one was bad and he pulled it from the
balancing machine and sent it back to the jobber. Old tire went back on
 my 'vette and the replacement was there the following morning.  Three
percent isn't a large number but, that one tire would be a real headache.
    Another plus: if it's a tire he recommended, he'll exchange it for any
other tire of my choice within 30 days of the sale--and, eat the cost of
mounting and balancing.  That factor alone was a great confidence
builder in switching away from the EMTs.  He was willing to give me full
$$ credit and switch me to another non-runflat or EMT of my choice.  His
choice was excellent; so, I've got a nice quiet ride he has the money!

--
PJ
'89 Hookercar '02 e-blu coupe