Strachan’s Tyres chooses Hunter for wheel alignment
TyreTrade.ie recently caught up with Sean Strachan, the owner of Strachan’s Tyres in Dundee, Scotland, to talk about his experiences of Hunter Alignment. Strachan’s is a tyre and wheel alignment business, and Sean shared the details of his journey in recent years and how Hunter has helped him along the way.
Established in 2014, Sean’s business initially utilised basic tracking systems until he recognised the need for greater accuracy and efficiency. This led to the realisation that investment in a Hunter wheel alignment system was required, which has subsequently become an integral part of his business’s success.
The Business and Customer Base
Sean’s business specialises in tyre sales and wheel alignments. Sean described his customer base as diverse, including individual vehicle owners and trade clients. By focusing on high-quality alignments, Sean has built a reputation for reliability and accuracy.
He explained that many local garages prefer to send their alignment jobs to him, as they often face challenges with their own systems, sometimes leading to repeat work that is not done correctly the first time. This ensures Sean has a regular flow of work albeit on occasions a bit too much!
Impact of Hunter System
Sean did a lot of research on aligners before he decided on the Hunter system. “The investment in the Hunter alignment system has been a game-changer for our business,” and once the aligner was installed and running, we never looked back,” he said.
Sean attributes a significant portion of his profitability to this advanced technology, particularly as tyre margins have become tighter. The Hunter system has not only improved the accuracy of alignments but also increased the overall efficiency of operations. Sean said that without the aligner, it’s uncertain how well the business would have performed in recent years, especially given the fluctuating demand for tyres.
Challenges Faced
Despite the positive outlook, Sean acknowledges the challenges that come with running a business today. Rising overhead costs, including rent, electricity, and insurance, have led to price increases for services.
He mentioned that while the business is thriving, maintaining profitability is increasingly difficult due to these external pressures. Additionally, as a one-man operation, Sean sometimes finds it challenging to manage the workload, especially during peak times. The fact that he has been able to rely on the turnover and profit from alignment sales has been a real help.
Technical Support
Sean highlighted the importance of service and how Pro-Align has consistently supported him and his business over the last 10 years. The training he received over the period has really helped him maximise the efficiency of his operation. This includes support in keeping the equipment up and running to ensure he can serve his customers.
And what advice would Sean offer to others considering a Hunter aligner. “Go for it, we are so glad we did as it’s played a very important part in our business success”.
Sean went on to say that he has his eye on the Hunter Road Force Elite as a potential next purchase to help drive further business success. It’s great to see a business seeing the return on its investment and being rewarded for investing in its future.