After finding or creating these alternatives, they will probably want to choose the most affordable alternative. While this sounds simple, choosing the most affordable alternative can be most difficult considering cost constraints, performance requirements, and availability needs simultaneously. The more elements of cost, performance, and availability encountered, the more complex the decision becomes. Analyzing a fairly simple process, replacing automobile tires, should be instructive. The buyer should consider safety features incorporated in alternate tire designs.
Initial availability is also a factor.
Operating availability is another consideration. A tire that is resistant to road hazards, or can be operated for some distance despite losing air pressure, allows the user to continue travelling until the tire can be changed conveniently. Tire life is also an availability parameter that usually can be gauged by the length of the manufacturer s warranty. So far, this discussion has not even addressed cost, which is a combination of purchase price, warranty options, tire maintenance, and disposal. Operational, safety, and availability features influence the price of the tire, but manufacturing, shipping, and storage costs might be major price factors.