CASE STUDY Plimptons Tire Service

Lauren Smith put on the brakes to stop her car it was a rainy day and the car seemed to slide a bit too far. When she got home she checked the tires. Sure enough, they were worn almost bare. Have I had these tires this long? Lauren thought to herself. The answer to that question didn't matter it was obvious, it was time to buy new tires.

Lauren drove her 1966 Mustang to a nearby tire store she had heard advertised many times. She entered the store ready to buy a set of inexpensive nylon 4 ply tires. She didn't feel she needed more expensive radial tires, because she drove the Mustang only in town, almost exclusively to and from work. Well she didn't need a top of the line tire she did want white walls. She thought whitewalls made her car look better. The conversation went like this:

Lauren: hello I'm looking for some new tires

Salesperson: what type of car?

Lauren: A 66 Mustang. I think the diameter is 14 inches. Oh and I'm looking for an inexpensive tire.

Salesperson: these here are our cheapest tires.

Lauren: that's a little more than I wanted to spend. She pauses waiting for a reply but gets none so she continues well I guess I'll have to shop around.

*Lauren exits the store and leaves..

QUESTIONS

1. Would this salesperson have sold you why or why not? (10 Marks)

2. what did the salesperson do wrong in this case? (10 Marks)

3. If you were the salesperson, what would you have done? (10 Marks)