Back on the Road: LTO Gets More Tire Consumers Approved and on the Move

For credit-challenged consumers, dead ends in financing hurt—and hurt tire sales too. Lease-to-own (LTO) changes the game, giving tire retailers and manufacturers an alternative to financing that keeps business rolling. Recent 2022-2024 industry insights and consumer data back this up—LTO isn’t just a fix; it’s a strategy to unlock sales, streamline checkouts and open the door to repeat business (1).  

Consumer Checkout Choice: Widening the Sales Path 

Not every tire buyer has a prime credit score or a history of paid-off accounts, and that’s a big opportunity. A 2022 Experian and Oliver Wyman report cites 28 million Americans as credit invisible, another 21 million as ‘unscoreable’ and 57 million as non-prime, a pool too large to ignore (2).  

LTO steps in when banks decline these credit-challenged consumers, offering them a practical way to access tires and predictable lease renewal payments. Retailers and manufacturers adding LTO to the checkout mix can turn walkaways into sales, serving a market that’s already there—no big overhaul needed. 

• Market Reach: LTO is an alternative to financing that captures millions of consumers who are denied by card issuers and other sources of credit. 

• Seamless Fit: Plugs into existing checkout processes without disruption. 

• Growing Trend: Tire shops are already seeing sales lift by integrating LTO. 

Superior Digital Checkout: Keeping Transactions Moving 

A digital checkout experience full of friction and errors can cause buyers to drop out of the process but Acima’s digital flow keeps consumers moving quickly and smoothly to the “pay now” button. 

Consumer Reports’ 2024 survey adds that 16% of tire buyers shop online and value speed—and LTO delivers (3). For tire businesses, that means capturing a new income stream and moving more inventory, all streamlined through tech that fits neatly into their existing flow. 

• Quick Clears: Approves consumers quickly. 

• System Ready: Integrates with current online or in-store setups. 

• Easy Rollout: Simplifies staff use with minimal training. 

Consumer Benefit: Lifting Business and Trust 

Credit-challenged consumers aren’t a sideline—they’re a growth driver. A 2024 study found that consumers are increasingly separating into two credit scoring tiers: super prime and non-prime (4). Serving the growing non-prime demographic with inclusive options like LTO can open retailers to a new income stream, while offering consumers predictable lease renewal payments when they need access to big-ticket durable goods.  

Pair that with Consumer Reports noting that 85% of tire buyers want practical options over hype, and LTO stands out (3).  

Retailers move more tires because more customers can take advantage of the LTO option to say “yes” at checkout. Flexible agreements—like standard 12-month terms—create an alternative path to ownership for consumers who’ve been turned away by financing. It’s an option that wasn’t available to them before. When more people can access what they need, business grows for everyone. 

• Sales Uptick: Access to consumers with a wider range of credit profiles means more approvals and more tires on the road. 

• Loyalty Gain: Payment flexibility keeps buyers coming back. 

• Standout Edge: Marks partners as go-to problem solvers. 

More Checkout Options Can Fire Up Growth 

The evidence is clear: lease-to-own powers up tire businesses. Alternative consumer financing lifts sales volume by reaching consumers that traditional loans miss.  

Consumers lean toward quick checkout solutions that get them moving. For tire retailers and manufacturers, LTO means steady growth in a consumer segment that values a smooth digital experience and predictable lease payments, keeping inventory rolling out the door.

Take the next step toward making checkout more accessible and explore how Acima Leasing can fit your business. 

The content of this article is provided solely for general interest and should not be relied upon or construed as any form of advice, whether legal, financial, or otherwise. Receipt or use of this information does not create any sort of relationship between us. 

Sources:   

1. Experian. Data and analytics improve credit access for nearly 50 million Americans. 

2. Experian. Driving growth with greater credit access. 

3. Consumer Reports. The driving forces behind tire purchases revealed. 

4. VantageScore. CreditGauge February 2024 press release.