Kwik-Fit Criticised for Prices

A recent survey conducted by the Sunday Times has shown Kwik-Fit to be one of the most expensive tyre fitting chains in the UK. The publication’s research found the company charged up to 120 per cent more for certain types of tyre than outlets in the same area.

As the UK’s biggest tyre chain it uses the slogan “Always cheaper. Guaranteed.” But according to the Sunday Times, which surveyed five Kwik-Fit outlets in London, Berkshire, Newport, Edinburgh and Manchester, comparing the prices of two popular tyres with independent dealers, the latter were “significantly cheaper” in every case.

The two tyres compared were a Michelin Pilot Primacy and a Pirelli P6000, both 205/55 VR16. On the Michelin Kwik-Fit is said to have charged on average 50 per cent more than local dealers and on the Pirelli it quoted twice as much, says the paper’s Andrew Frankel.

Kwik-Fit has more than 1,000 outlets throughout Europe and 670 centres in the UK out of an estimated 7,500 tyre dealers. Its turnover in 2003 was £854.6 million.

Managing director, Mike Wise is reported to have commented: “It’s something we need to look at a bit quickly.”

The Sunday Times did add however, that most Kwik-Fit outlets offered to match the price of the best local deal around, but only after being prompted.