No sooner do the first colourful leaves fall than the rule of thumb “O to O” - from Oktober to Ostern, October to Easter - is a reminder that it’s time to change to winter tyres. If you plan early, you’ll secure an appointment in good time at Reifen Team West - a TÜV-certified specialist with around 145 employees at six sites in and around Innsbruck and Salzburg. Since 1991, the team has offered everything to do with wheels: from professional fitting and balancing to cleaning and storage, right through to the environmentally friendly disposal of old tyres.
But it’s not just about technology here: Reifen Team West also makes sure your time with them is pleasant - with AROMEA Airdesign. The scent “White Tea Fusion”, distributed evenly by two towers with Wi-Fi and remote maintenance, creates a fresh, inviting atmosphere. Full scent ahead - we spoke to Sebastian Pletzer, who manages the Thaur branch.
Tyres - as long as they roll, that’s all that matters, some laypeople might think. But of course that’s not the case! So what should I look out for?
Pletzer: Tyres are the only contact with the road and are therefore enormously important for every vehicle. Every customer has different needs and requirements. Our job is to find the right product for each of them in terms of requirements, performance and cost. Many people see buying tyres as a “necessary evil”, comparable to replacing a broken washing machine - not planned, but simply indispensable all the same. We try to make this “evil” as positive as possible for our customers. From wheelbarrows, motorbikes, cars and lorries to tractors and large earth-moving machines, we find the right solution.
Autumn is already here, and from November winter tyres are compulsory anyway. Does it only ever make sense to change tyres when the seasons change?
Pletzer: Although the situational winter tyre requirement comes into force on 1 November, we recommend changing in good time, as early as the end of September or the beginning of October, so that you’re ready for a sudden onset of winter and can dodge some of the hectic tyre-change rush. In the cold morning temperatures, winter tyres provide the safety and performance you need.
Your company offers numerous services and tyre and rim brands. What fascinates you and your team about the subject?
Pletzer: It’s never boring and there’s plenty of variety. Every new customer brings new challenges, you learn something every day, and even after decades in the industry you’re still confronted with the unknown.
Of course, everyone on the team has a favourite area, but you can’t always choose, which makes a strong and motivated team all the more important.
How did the partnership with AROMEA Airdesign come about?
Pletzer: We noticed the pleasant scent at a ski hut. We then did a bit of research online and arranged a meeting at the trade fair. Since then, we can’t imagine our sales rooms without AROMEA Airdesign.
How do the scents go down with your customers and your team?
Pletzer: Our team is used to the smell of tyres and misses it after a few days away from the company. For customers who only get to deal with “tyre scent” a few times a year, however, it can be a little unpleasant. With AROMEA Airdesign, we have a pleasant, discreet and recognisable scent that could never be perceived as bothersome.
Feedback from our customers and also from the team backs this up.
What makes a good scent for you?
Pletzer: A scent must not be intrusive, and it should create a pleasant, recognisable atmosphere. Photos: Reifen Team West and Pexels
Pletzer on scent marketing by AROMEA Airdesign.
