Well,  I just had the most interesting experience buying some tires.  The whole process reminded me how important it is as an entrepreneur to be willing to try new experiences.  When you run your own business you fill a lot of the organizational hats – Marketing, Sales, Customer Service and more. Keeping an open mind and being open to changes and new experiences is a good trait to have as an entrepreneur.

Trying new tactics and methods can open up a world of opportunities for your business.  So that is my advice today: Be open to Change and New Experiences.

What was my new experience of the week?  Buying used Tires, all by myself.

It all started because we have a lease due up on our van (Yes, we still have a mini-van >> with 3 kids and a dog and sports, it’s the best value for space needed!) and need two tires before we turn it in. I didn’t want to get brand new tires, just ones that would work for the next month or so and pass the inspection.  So… used tire hunting I went.  I found a couple places listed online and started making calls; most places did not have my size – all but one.

I had a hard time understanding the lady on the phone but got the gist of the price and their location. I drove to the tire store and after a couple u-turns found it.  It was not exactly what I expected and the ‘store’ was kind of hidden.  The front doors were all locked and the only door I found unlocked was at the back.

So, I am starting to feel a little uneasy about this, as I was not exactly in the best area of the city, but I wanted the tires.

A gentleman came out the door as I was going in and led me to the utility trailers with all the tires.  He couldn’t find any right away in my size (they are a bit of an odd size) so he said he would call someone to go check another trailer across the street and look for some.  He also guaranteed me they would pass inspection.  He motioned for me to come in the office and wait for him – but that I was to take my shoes off at the door   I grabbed my coffee and in I went.

Very interesting office for a place that sells tires, but as I waited around I could see that the owners were very enterprising,  not only did they sell used tires but also dabbled in Computer Services, Bridal Gowns and Tailoring for Clothes. As I waited a few people came and went – some asking if I needed help, I indicated I was waiting and after 10 minutes I was still waiting (at this point I was getting a little bit nervous and texted my husband to let him know where I was and kept texting to make certain I was in contact with someone.

It's actually hard to find a picture of a vicious cockapoo, but this is close.

As I waited a little dog came in (probably weighed about 8 pounds) and decided I was a menace and started barking and barking.  I was simply sitting there using my lifeline phone and this little thing would not stop.  In a minute another man came out from behind a curtain and took the dog away apologizing for the noise.

Soon the first gentleman came back saying I could look at the tires outside and then left with his wife for a Doctor’s Appointment. He did say the other man and woman would help and after checking the tires (they were in great condition!!) I said I wanted them.  They asked how I was going to pay for them – by Debit Card was my response.

This got a couple looks between the two of them … hmmmm. “Okay” the man said, “You go to the yellow store and pay by card there.”  He then walked me to the front and pointed a few buildings down the street and said “The Yellow Store”.

I walked over, kind of wondering how all this worked as I did not have a sales slip of any sort to give them, and came upon “the Yellow Store” (this was the actual name of the store).  In I go, still curious, and walked to the man at the cash and said “They sent me here to pay for my tires by debit card”.

Well, that got a couple good looks from the two men behind the counter… even the customer behind me was grinning like I was nuts.  As I waited while they tried to figure out what the heck I was talking about,  I had a flash of cohesion… Corner store = ATM Machine. “Oh, maybe you have a bank machine here?”  That got everyone looking happy and less confused.  Yes, that was it – they have a bank machine and I had been sent to get out the cash to pay for the tires. DOH!

Back I go with the cash, pay for my tires. But Cujo, the guard dog, is now at the door and barking again like a fool and I cannot get in.  It would be my luck to open the door and have him run out and get hit by a car. I waited as he barked. Soon another lady came to the door (with a tiny baby in her arms) and held on to the dog so I could get in.  She asked me how much I was going to pay her, so I said $45 for each tire, gave her my cash and left. I realized later I didn’t get a receipt but that was not exactly top on my priority list.

I’m still kind of smiling about the entire experience. It was interesting and invigorating to say the least.

When I got home my husband called from work, he had just read my texts. “What the heck kind of message is that????“  I guess I had actually been a little worried when I texted him – the message had been:

“I’m at a used tire place called XXX on XX Road, just in case I never make it home, I love you all”

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