TP Auto signs on as U-Haul neighborhood dealer

PINE PLAINS — Signing on as a U-Haul neighborhood dealer last fall, automotive repair shop TP Auto in Pine Plains now offers U-Haul equipment and supplies as part of its inventory in addition to its current services.

Located at 2777 Church St. (Route 199), the idea of registering with U-Haul first came to TP Auto Service Manager David Garcia while he was mulling ideas for increasing business. After doing some research, he reached out to and started collaborating with U-Haul Area Field Manager Eric Pfeiffer to set the plan into motion. A month of back-and-forth communication ensued as TP Auto took care of the necessary paperwork. The only cost involved was the $10 monthly charge for allowing TP Auto to advertise the business’s phone number with U-Haul.

Described by Garcia as a “win-win” situation, TP Auto was officially recognized as a U-Haul neighborhood dealer last fall.

As part of the deal, the business now offers U-Haul trucks, trailers, towing equipment, moving supplies and in-store pick-up for boxes.

“U-Haul does a good job of making things reasonable,” Garcia said, “which is good because it makes it easier for me to sell it.”

Once it gets closer to spring and business starts to pick up, the shop is thinking about carrying other moving equipment, such as truck locks, boxes, moving blankets and car hitches.

On top of advertising the business, he said one of the advantages of signing on includes attracting customers to TP Auto who might not otherwise come in, especially given the shop’s location off to the side of the road.

“Moving is a tough time, so the easier we can make it, we really try to make it easier for the customers,” Garcia said.

When considering how this deal will benefit TP Auto in the long run, he said, “I actually think it’s going to keep on going. I think we’re in a good location right in the center of town.”