I decided to do a mock Buy Tires Online sale from The Tire Rack.  I went as far as I could without actually buying the tires just to recheck their fees.

What I found was nice.  I picked four tires, each costing $53 for a total of $212.  Then I went to the shipping options.  This surprised me.  The cheapest option was also the best option and that was ONE day transit time for $35, bringing my grand total to $247.82.

There was no tax.  Tax by my house is 8%.  That's $17 in taxes I saved.  About half the price of shipping.  That means shipping added a total of around $4 PER tire.

I searched for the exact tire from other websites and I'm not joking, it was $77 a tire.  And I didn't even find that tire at Walmart.  But just compared to other online tire stores, we're talking a $20 PER tire savings.  I'd have to do some research to find a local store with the tire to see the savings over them.  For what some people are paying $77 a tire(before shipping) I would be able to get at The Tire Rack for roughly $57 AFTER shipping.

I guess I should change what I always tell people.  Instead of Buy Tires Online, maybe I should just tell them buy tires from The Tire Rack.

    Here's a few reasons on why online tire companies can save you money when you Buy Tires Online.

1)   They can buy in greater bulk.
2)   Most aren't brick & mortar stores; less overhead and some places then don't pay taxes.  I'm just thinking 8% on a $300 sale is $24 right off the top you don't pay.
3)   Most focus on internet sales, meaing less employees; again meaning less overhead.

    I know I'm guilty of not taking into account #2 on the list.  When I bought my Playstation 2 how many years ago for $300, when my wife asked me how much I paid, I didn't add in the tax, but in reality I didn't pay $300; I paid $324.  Same with tires, if you buy a $100 tire from the local tire store, you are really paying that $100 + tax.

    Just another reason to check out The Tire Rack before you Buy Tires Online.