[force4rmr]

This is an interesting dilemma and it sounds like two honest and reputable guys are stuck in a quandry. The unbiased reality though is simple and applies to any transaction, imo, whether private or not. It's the buyer's responsibility to inspect the product when it arrives, plain and simple. Once the tires were mounted, they are no longer the vendors responsibility to accept returns because it is impossible to prove how the damage happened. If the vendor feels he should show some good faith by the way of a partial refund, that's his choice.