On-line vs shop prices

I need two new tyres for the car and being electric there are real benefits in "A" rated tyres for fuel economy. After some research opted for Pirelli Cinturato P7 Blue. Not a huge variation on the prices on line so was looking at local tyreshops to compare. National Tyres quote on line £117 fully fitted and disposal included so £234 for the two.

Out of curiosity I called in at the branch that would be used primarily to find if they had stock so had to ask them to quote. Yes they had stock and it would be £348 fully fitted , over £100 more than the Web price.

It can be a bit of a faff doing such research and it is hard for High St retailers to compete with the Web as a whole but this two prices from the same company.

 Back home, ordered on-line, booked in for Monday.

I've found the same with some items in Halfords in the past - shelf price higher than the web price, or special multibuy deals only shown on the web site.

So whilst actually in the store, I've placed an online order for collection and ten minutes later paid the lower prices!

I've used both "Tyres on the drive" and "black circles" in recent years (for my car), combined with Quidco.

There is something to be said for the hassle free they-come-to-you service.

I used Tyres on the Drive for the van, a reasonable price but more importantly the ONLY supplier who could get all 4 tyres at once. There was no surcharge at the time and I am not sure if it was the case then but they are now part of Halfords and invoke a surcharge for the privilege of having a visit of £20

Many years ago I used National and saved a lot by buying online and getting them fitted at my local branch. The branch were not upset. I think that National just regard it as a bonus if they sell tyres to passing trade. It's very unfair to those who are less savvy or less able!

Last month, my wife needed two new low profile tyres for her car. She checked all the usual suspects including Halfords. She eventually got the lowest price from Asda online, with fitting arranged at a location of your choice.

She got them fitted at..........Halfords 

I have a small policy for buying, well, almost anything.
If I can buy it locally I will do so, many reasons, it's in front of me I can see, feel, touch it. My money goes to a local business so there's a chance it'll still be there next time I want something.
However, I give this just two attempts, if neither has or would have to order in with an order charge, I'm straight off to the internet.
In that way local business gets the first chance. In most cases I don't bother about cost unless its a huge difference.

As an aside, I bought something from Czechia recently, they told me it would be delivered next day! Bought similar some weeks ago it took 10 days.

Paid for this one 1440 day 1, arrived on doorstep 1210 next day!! Tracking showed it had gone from seller to Prague, to Leipzig by truck, to East Midlands by air, to Cambridge, by van from Cambridge to here. Quite awesome I think you'll agree!

Slightly off tyre post, sorry!

Askit wrote:Last month, my wife needed two new low profile tyres for her car. She checked all the usual suspects including Halfords. She eventually got the lowest price from Asda online, with fitting arranged at a location of your choice.

She got them fitted at..........Halfords 

That is interesting our son just bought four new tyres for his van from Asda on line and had the same experience, way cheaper than anyone else and fitted for free at ..... halfords!

I asked my local protyre branch for the difference between  his price as blackcircles price fitted at hi depot. His answer was if you have a warranty issue he is not responsible for tyres bought through blackcircles whereas if bought from him, then he would deal with returning tyres for examination and replacement.

My dog has recently been diagnosed as diabetic.  I got the initial insulin and needles from our Vet at a cost of £20 per bottle for insulin and £10.99 for a pack of 10 needles.

I searched on the internet and discovered I can buy 10 bottles of the same insulin (with a prescription from my Vet) for £66  including delivery (needs cool pack packaging).  I also found that I can purchase identical needles for £11 per 100 plus £4 delivery.

I am not getting at the Vet, he has a lot of overheads but at these prices, the treatment of my dog has become much less of a financial burden.  Fortunately, my dog is insured with the Kennel Club who are more than happy to pay for the insulin and needles etc. leaving us only 20% of this vastly reduced on going cost.

My Vet is supportive and provides a 6 month prescription willingly for a small charge and asked me where I purchased the needles at such a competitive price as it is less than he is paying.