Toptul's Web Site: Why No Prices?

[KenS]

I think by far the experiences here with Toptul have been pleasant and I know Mike Wren has earned respect and support.

So with that disclaimer out of the way, why in the world doesn't the www.wrenhandtools.com site carry product pricing?

When I'm shopping I want to know up front what the price is. I really don't have time to waste hunting all over the place, tracking down an Excel spreadsheet, or making phone calls trying to get a price. I think one reason CompUSA is defunct is that you could never figure out what the prices of their products were without tracking down a salesperson.

In this competitive environment, I hope Mike choses to fix this serious marketing flaw.

And FWIW, the Testimonials tab on the home page is misspelled.

[vette-kid]

I have to agree with you on this. Seems it would be a whole lot easier to just put the price on the page with the product. Rather than have the customer go look it up. It seems like nice stuff, but honestly I just dont want the hassle of running down the price for everything (yeah, call me lazy like that).

[Mezzanine]

As it says right on his home page, and in just about every thread here on GJ involving toptul, the website is under construction. Patience grasshopper.

[john w]

Mike has been having some trouble with his IT contractor. If you are interested in a tool, email him and he will get back to you with the price and shipping. I've
placed 7 orders since late October and have always been well taken care of.

[Stephenw]

I've never bought anything from a website that says "call for pricing" or "call to place an order".

There are plenty of competitors that have their prices posted, working shopping carts, and fully functional websites.

I spent several hundred over the last few days on online tool purchases, none of that with Toptul.

[tankboy_taylor]

I've never bought anything from a website that says "call for pricing" or "call to place an order".

There are plenty of competitors that have their prices posted, working shopping carts, and fully functional websites.

I spent several hundred over the last few days on online tool purchases, none of that with Toptul.

I have to agree with that. I wont waste my time ordering from a website that doesnt make it easy for the consumer.

[wrenhandtools]

I am loading prices right now into the shopping cart. So yes I am fixing this marketing flaw right now. The pliers are close to done so you CAN pull up prices now in that section. It won't be working the way I want it to for a while so I realize I'll lose sales. I'm ok with that. Some folks will call right now, some won't.........and some people visit later when things work, and some people will always bitch about something. And I say this last sentence with no malice or any post in mind. It's just the way the world works.

Sorry for any frustration caused.

[vette-kid]

No worries Mike, I will visit when its up and running. I suppose if I had a dire need for something soon, I would call or email it. For now I will wait.:thumbup:

[wrenhandtools]

Cool. Thanks for the POSITIVE response. Sure makes the weekend go by more fun when I'm sitting here trying not to mess up th site!!! ha!!

[nissan_crawler]

because when they were up to at least give a ballpark, people cried if they were off by $2 and hadn't been updated.

I emailed mike the list of sockets I wanted, he emailed back saying he had them and to call his number when I had a chance to give him my cc#. I called, left a message for him with a time frame to call the next day, and he did. A few days later, I had tons of sockets sitting at my door. Still easier than dealing with the pimply faced 16 year old mouth breather at the sears counter that could tell you the exact size of a dimebag, yet not know the difference between a 1/4" and 1/2" drive socket.

[Merkava_4]

Some of you guys are flat out unreal. I've visited Mike's site and find it to be well organized and user friendly. It also handles my size 22 fonts with no overlap - that's a major plus for me. The price buttons are working just fine for some of the tools like the screwdrivers, so you guys can play with those in the meantime. :D

[Joelfke]

because when they were up to at least give a ballpark, people cried if they were off by $2 and hadn't been updated.

I emailed mike the list of sockets I wanted, he emailed back saying he had them and to call his number when I had a chance to give him my cc#. I called, left a message for him with a time frame to call the next day, and he did. A few days later, I had tons of sockets sitting at my door. Still easier than dealing with the pimply faced 16 year old mouth breather at the sears counter that could tell you the exact size of a dimebag, yet not know the difference between a 1/4" and 1/2" drive socket.

:thumbup: so true in every aspect!

[SpiderGearsMan]

harbor freight posts their prices

[nissan_crawler]

harbor freight posts their prices

and half the time, they're wrong.

[Joelfke]

harbor freight posts their prices

harbor freight makes products that shouldn't legally be allowed to be sold due to their poor quality

[Weedwaka]

Having an excel spread sheet style price list makes it easier to update. He has a lot of products.

I have a site myself so I know how much work it is. All the big sites have teams doing this. My site is a PITA too but it is the best I can do.

[Diesel_Crawler]

I was wondering, if Mike was a full time dealer or if this was a side thing he was running along with a regular job.

As for every one saying they will not buy from him because its not "simple" IE" asking for a price. I would always rather buy from the little guy who is going to look after me before easy shipping on a web page.

I would buy things from him in a second, My issue is distance. If he was closer he would be getting my business as well as my company's.

I would also like to say i wish we could have more dealers like him in more places.


(Get's Ready for the incoming flack from other posters)

[Joelfke]

I was wondering, if Mike was a full time dealer or if this was a side thing he was running along with a regular job.

As for every one saying they will not buy from him because its not "simple" IE" asking for a price. I would always rather buy from the little guy who is going to look after me before easy shipping on a web page.

I would buy things from him in a second, My issue is distance. If he was closer he would be getting my business as well as my company's.

I would also like to say i wish we could have more dealers like him in more places.


(Get's Ready for the incoming flack from other posters)

id have to agree with this....

im all the way on the other side of the country....i WISH there was a toptul truck that stopped at my shop on fridays....although then i wouldnt have ANY money...

hopefully mike will be able to expand and maybe have a friend or relative on the east coast for us over here...

although for the quality im getting for the price im paying...i have no problem waiting 7 days for UPS to get its act in gear and gimme my tools, its a little like xmas opening a box of toptul tools :)

[Nik_95Cobra]

Sounds like a couple of the guys in this thread want a WrenHandMassage too. If someone's working hard to build their site correctly and help out so many people on here be a man and wait it out a little bit instead of whining about your computer A.D.D. and buying from other companies like you're gods gift to business. Good Lord...:headscrat On a brighter note although I'm a brand whore I dig the toptul stubby ratchets and am looking forward to ordering a couple among other things. :thumbup::D

[Treeman]

Whichever side of the fence people want to align themselves on regarding Mike's products and web site, when it comes to dealing with us, he seems to be a "straight shooter" and we can trust what he says. A good business model if you ask me.

Maybe some day he will be as big as, and as good as....Sears Craftsman. Er.....on second thought, strike that "as good as" part.

[krooser]

I found the Wren site to be difficult to maneuver around. And no prices.

I'm glad that's going to change.

[RbrtAWhyt]

As it says right on his home page, and in just about every thread here on GJ involving toptul, the website is under construction. Patience grasshopper.

That excuse can only be used so long...

[Stephenw]

Mike's first post was 5/28/2008. People asked for prices on his website then...

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=226087&postcount=7

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8515

I do not own any imported hand tools. I'm not a Snap-On bible thumper, but I only buy U.S.A. hand tools. I own several Harbor Freight items, mostly shop equipment. Most of the Harbor Freight items have been a disappointment in some way. I’m cautious about buying imported tools because of these experiences.

With all the Toptul threads and praise I have been reading. I became interested in checking out the product line. I don’t know which items to request prices for. Without prices on the website, I don’t know what I’d be interested in buying in the first place.

This is a new tool line. They are an unknown. The dealer should be well set up to convince me to give his product line a try. It’s been a year since people have requested prices on the website.

I guess that makes me a complainer. I’d most certainly bitch if I was hung with a new rope. :rolleyes:

[Joelfke]

That excuse can only be used so long...

and as mike has said about 3 times on each toptul thread...hes working as hard as he can to make the site operational and good

[Diesel_Crawler]

That excuse can only be used so long...

I used to code HTML pages for businesses they are time consuming when you know what you are doing and even of something is supposed to work that way it wont etc.

I give the man credit, for keep orders filled and every one who has bought from him as happy as they are, His web site does its job:thumbup:
When it get's fully up and running, hell what more could you ask for.

I think that old saying goes...."Rome was not built in a day" it took a few decades :lol_hitti So long as he shoots for less time then that we are good

[The Muffin Man]

It’s been a year since people have requested prices on the website.

Mike had prices in a .pdf file available to view from his website. He recently removed these prices less than a ten days ago.

[Diesel_Crawler]

Mike's first post was 5/28/2008. People asked for prices on his website then...

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=226087&postcount=7

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8515

I do not own any imported hand tools. I'm not a Snap-On bible thumper, but I only buy U.S.A. hand tools. I own several Harbor Freight items, mostly shop equipment. Most of the Harbor Freight items have been a disappointment in some way. I’m cautious about buying imported tools because of these experiences.

With all the Toptul threads and praise I have been reading. I became interested in checking out the product line. I don’t know which items to request prices for. Without prices on the website, I don’t know what I’d be interested in buying in the first place.

This is a new tool line. They are an unknown. The dealer should be well set up to convince me to give his product line a try. It’s been a year since people have requested prices on the website.

I guess that makes me a complainer. I’d most certainly bitch if I was hung with a new rope. :rolleyes:

Draw a straw, pick and item then as for a price. If you like it try it. It's not really harder then that, its only money you have nothing to lose.

[Stephenw]

Mike had prices in a .pdf file available to view from his website. He recently removed these prices less than a ten days ago.

My bad then. I remembered there were no prices on his website when he originally introduced himself. With all the Toptul threads lately, I checked out the website about a week ago and still found no prices.

[Joelfke]

My bad then. I remembered there were no prices on his website when he originally introduced himself. With all the Toptul threads lately, I checked out the website about a week ago and still found no prices.

just give him a call...he will be more than happy to discuss prices and options, like said before..a stand up guy and excellent customer service

[Merkava_4]

8 inch nose pliers American style $10.61

How's that? :spit:

[BDBLK2K3]

I think People need go easy on Mike ! He seems to honest, customer service , And he is trying .

It's simple if you want his tools , buy them ( I plan to) , If not , don't Kick the man for Trying .

Bob

[GT89mustang]

8 inch nose pliers American style $10.61

How's that? :spit:

But I wanted the european style...............:bounce:

[fordracing200]

I'm patient, I can wait...haha besides my wallet needs some time to replenish..definitly interested in some of your long handle ratchets and pliers and impact sockets.

[Joelfke]

I think People need go easy on Mike ! He seems to honest, customer service , And he is trying .

It's simple if you want his tools , buy them ( I plan to) , If not , don't Kick the man for Trying .

Bob

x2 well said

[Joelfke]

I'm patient, I can wait...haha besides my wallet needs some time to replenish..definitly interested in some of your long handle ratchets and pliers and impact sockets.

i just ordered a 3/8 set of shallow and deep impacts...ill be sure to report how they hold up to my snapon impact gun

[tw33k2514]

i just ordered a 3/8 set of shallow and deep impacts...ill be sure to report how they hold up to my snapon impact gun

You should definitely post up some pics when you get them. :bounce:

[Joelfke]

You should definitely post up some pics when you get them. :bounce:

oh i will dont you worry...supposed to get em wed...but we'll see how UPS goes...

[fordracing200]

i just ordered a 3/8 set of shallow and deep impacts...ill be sure to report how they hold up to my snapon impact gun

let me know. I've got some HF impact sockets and have never broke one...split a few cummings ones though. Pretty good for the nitrocat and IR 550ft lb guns with them and of course the 18" breaker bar and 3' ford LTD jack handle on the end of it. :bounce:

[danc333]

I just ordered a set of wrenches from Mike. I emailed him my request, he emailed me a price, I said I'll take them, He is shipping them. All done from my blackberry in about 30 minutes. Less time then it takes to drive anywhere and buy tools that are the quality as Toptul. If you have ever dealt with Mike you would not bitch because the web site doesn't have prices. If you had any clue as to the extensive product offerings he has, and that he is not some billion dollar manufacturing company with a huge IT department that soul purpose was web site development you give the guy a break. I my opinion Mike sells Tool truck quality tools at below craftsman prices....... So what if you have to put a little effort to buy them.

[KenS]

To be frank, a year is plenty of time to get prices posted. Mike's primary sales tool is his web site and simply put, it needs to carry prices. In the past year he has repeatedly invited suggestions from members of this forum. I took him seriously at his word and, from a 12-month perspective, finally offered one.

Mike's current business model is to pool orders, and import a major shipment of tools and then distribute them. This model asks us-- his customers-- to have patience. The benefit is low price for what promise to be quality tools.

In this give-and-take model, I see nothing wrong in requesting a user-friendly pricing structure. From the posted responses, it seems that many here agree.

Merkava's somewhat obnoxious 60-point post for pliers prices, while interesting, is useless when I want to buy a flex-head ratchet. I associate such shouting with lesser persons than what I have come to expect from him.

What I offered is constructive criticism-- I'm not "whining." Early on I spoke with Mike on the phone and he was very personable. I'd like nothing more than for him to succeed and I also would like to do business with him. From his earlier posts I also know that for him this is primarily an entrepreneurial venture-- one of several he has-- as opposed to a selfless act of benevolence for the benefit of the GC community. Boys, he's in this to make money.

But all you defenders of his current pricing system are not doing him any favors. Today's economic environment demands that many buyers know the prices of what they are buying going in.

I have to wonder it danc333 and other defenders of the faith buy their fuel at gas stations that don't have their prices posted. Or I wonder if he and/or his wife shop at a grocery store where the can get on the Blackberrys and get the current price of milk, bread, etc., in 30 minutes. After all, they would just "have to put a little effort" to do it that way. But I kinda doubt it.

As the OP my intent was to nudge Mike into getting his prices posted on the pages and it sounds like he is responding. When they're up, he might just get some of my money and some of the money of others here.

Sugar-coating my critique would have hurt and not helped. But being the messenger I may have made myself a target.

That's okay.

What I said was true.

If he listens, his business will grow.

Shooting the messenger only shrinks the pool of potential customers.

And this messenger has cash in his wallet.

[Joelfke]

KenS what you say is valid and true, but i still dont understand why its so difficult for anyone to look through the site, make a list, and call up mike or email him with a list of items and say "hey mike could i get prices on the following...ect" Prices were on there until VERY recently and any time i had a question i would just shoot an email and i would get a response very quickly. I don't know why patience is such a hard thing to come by...

[nissan_crawler]

never mind

[Joelfke]

never mind

.........?

[PistolWhip]

Have you ever heard of Luis CK? Google "everything is amazing nobody is happy," watch the video on Youtube.
Listen to what he says, laugh because the shit is funny and then apply what you learned to the complaints in this thread. Inconvenience is gaged individually, but individuals make up the masses. It really is amazing how lazy the internet has made the American consumer.

[Nik_95Cobra]

Haha Luis CK is a genius, always funny! I Love when he talks about the people in airplanes.

It really is amazing how lazy the internet has made the American consumer.

Absolutely. But I'd also like to add...Greedy, and experts in their own minds.

[Merkava_4]

What I've found to be very effective is to have the subject of the PM the Toptul part number. Then at Mike's convenience, he'll PM me the price. It's usually less than 24 hours and he'll have me the price. What's so complicated about that? :dunno:

[expatriated]

I find Mike and his website to be light years ahead of Sears.

(And, presumably Sears has more than 1 employee, although given my experience during recent visits, that's a point open for discussion.)

[Joelfke]

I find Mike and his website to be light years ahead of Sears.

(And, presumably Sears has more than 1 employee, although given my experience during recent visits, that's a point open for discussion.)

:lol_hitti agreed....patience is obviously not a strong point for some, and mikes product is light years ahead of sears as well

[Merkava_4]

The pages load way too slow for me - I don't have the patience for that Sears website.

And another thing, I can't understand why some of these guys get so exited about a Sears sale. :headscrat

[Joelfke]

The pages load way too slow for me - I don't have the patience for that Sears website.

And another thing, I can't understand why some of these guys get so exited about a Sears sale. :headscrat

because then they get toptul prices for craftsman stuff:lol_hitti

[Merkava_4]

because then they get toptul prices for craftsman stuff:lol_hitti

Is that supposed to be better than Toptul prices for Toptul stuff? :D

[Stuey]

Without pricing information, how is wrenhandtools.com any different than a copy-paste of toptul.com?

I hardly think I'm a lazy consumer for agreeing that a retailer should post prices up front.

Whoever you are, what have you done with the real Merkava?!! =P

[rhandwor]

If you look at the site it isn't completed and clicking on an object won't bring it up.

[KenS]

What I've found to be very effective is to have the subject of the PM the Toptul part number. Then at Mike's convenience, he'll PM me the price. It's usually less than 24 hours and he'll have me the price. What's so complicated about that? :dunno:

You've answered your own question with three words: "...at Mike's convenience."

If a business is really customer service oriented, shouldn't it be: "...at the customer's convenience?"

That's my point.

[Merkava_4]

I just now clicked on the [Product Specs] button for "3/4"Dr. Impact Accessories" and a nut driver page came up. :spit:

[Stuey]

That's not necessarily Mike's fault, but the people he hired for the site's development.

[KenS]

That's not necessarily Mike's fault, but the people he hired for the site's development.

If you hire someone to fix your transmission and they don't, what do you do?

[SpiderGearsMan]

I think People need go easy on Mike ! He seems to honest, customer service , And he is trying .

It's simple if you want his tools , buy them ( I plan to) , If not , don't Kick the man for Trying .

Bobare you this guy's cousin or a major stockholder ?
thanks noob

[ATTappman]

This shows the importance of carefully managing expectations when running a business. "Under promise and over deliver" should be every business owner's core principle.

Compared with the kind of homicidal rage I feel every time I go to Sears or Harbor Fright, I can tolerate the minor frustrations caused by the lack of functionality on Mike's web site. I placed two small orders with him and he shipped both the same day. Meanwhile, some clerk at Sears stole my credit card number, and the work-release program cashier at HF put on the most elaborate display of eye-rolling/sighing I've ever seen when I asked her to rescan an item because she scanned it before I had time to get my coupon out. Just about all retail experiences are unsatisfying to some degree nowadays. It helps to keep things in perspective.

Two weeks ago I ordered some Knipex pliers from Amazon.com, and used super saver shipping. The US post office delivered it on schedule, just not to my address. Amazon immediately placed a replacement order, but the pliers are out of stock until July. Amazon's web site is nearly perfect. But there's always a weak link in the chain somewhere.

[wrenhandtools]

To be frank, filling current orders, from current customers is ...not to put too fine a point on it.....about a million times more important than getting the website better. And let me tell you know, I know it SUCKS 100% not to be able to find a price QUICKLY. Hell, my prices are the 2nd biggest selling point and I want them on there more than you!!! Trust me!! So the people who criticize me for the website truly are 100% correct, but when I have an order, it is the ONE thing more important than the site. So, it's a balancing act....and right now filling orders is at the sacrifice of probably increasing new orders for this moment in time. No way around it.
I will tell you that having the shoppoing cart also makes my job 100% easier.....you'll be able to send me a priced list of what you want and then I can just respond as to availability....I won;t have to endlessly communicate via excel sheets. I will be able to respond and fill an order in one half the time that it takes currently.
There was also a post that said my business model was to gather orders together and then place an order from the manufacturer.........this is wrong. I only did that for the "wish lists" at the beginning of the year. I 'may' do it again but it won't be for awhile. And if I do, it would probably be for for one area in particular...like tool boxes.
I have a TON of inventory right now and will be placing another order in about 3 weeks time......so there will be constant improvement.

Also there was mention that I am doing this for profit.........well duh....hell yes I'm doing this for profit. My career for the past 20 years has been in a Wall Street type of job, but this is what I would like to do 100% of the time, for the rest of my life. So I am starting small and smart...not over extending in the beginning, where most fail. And I plan to grow very large and want to be able to visit car clubs on a regular basis giving out free samples. Hmmm Sounds like a damn good career for a car nut if I can make it happen!!

[geaugafletcher]

Mike's customer service is excellent. The customer service at any number of websites with prices all over the place may or may not be. In any case, the personal attention given by the owner as well as the products' tremendous value are well worth the very minor inconveniences.

[KenS]

The initial question: Toptul's Web Site: Why No Prices?

The initial observation: I think by far the experiences here with Toptul have been pleasant and I know Mike Wren has earned respect and support.

The response by Mike: To be frank, filling current orders, from current customers is ...not to put too fine a point on it.....about a million times more important than getting the website better

How dumb could I be. Coming from Wall Street immediate profits are always a million times more important than fixing what needs to be fixed.

I can't believe I was so ignorant.

Thanks for showing me the error of my ways.

[hobie1dog]

harbor freight makes products that shouldn't legally be allowed to be sold due to their poor quality

I drove down to the local HF store ( 20 miles) to buy a laminate trimmer, and got down there only to find out that everything on it, was plastic, so the height adjustment clamp proceeded to bend and distort so bad I thought it was going to break....I walked out....don't know if I'll ever buy anything there again.

[stroh]

Commonsense would be to take care of your current paying customers who placed orders first. I would not stereotype Mike as your typical wall street suit. If that was the case the website would be done and the customer service would be horrible, that is typical wall street.

It has been said many times on this board and I'll repeat it. Mikes customer service is excellent, doesn't B.S. you, and the tools are an excellent value. Nuff said.

Stroh

[KenS]

Mikes customer service is excellent, doesn't B.S. you, and the tools are an excellent value. Nuff said.

Stroh

Thanks for reinforcing what I already said.

[wrenhandtools]

Ken, you wrongly assume the aim to fill current orders is to maximize profits.
The true aim is to make current customers who have placed faith in me.....happy.
Or said from the other side, the true aim is to try not to make a current customer mad!!
I know some HAVE to be frustrated in my reponse time to filling their order......

ANd I've even said you were right to criticize my site for not having prices. I don't know what else I could say other than "yes...you're right".

As for the Wall Street crack, I don't even know what to say.......
I can tell you that ANY human that has ever OWNED and RUN their own business will tell you it is much better and more important to keep the current customers that you have before you go and try to get more customers. This is true for the mom & pop business and for the large international conglomerate.

I'm a car and tool guy at heart, not some "suit". I'm here because I want to be and it's fun dealing with you guys.

Sincerely,

[The Rusty Gear]

Ken, you wrongly assume the aim to fill current orders is to maximize profits.
The true aim is to make current customers who have placed faith in me.....happy.
Or said from the other side, the true aim is to try not to make a current customer mad!!
I know some HAVE to be frustrated in my reponse time to filling their order......

ANd I've even said you were right to criticize my site for not having prices. I don't know what else I could say other than "yes...you're right".

As for the Wall Street crack, I don't even know what to say.......
I can tell you that ANY human that has ever OWNED and RUN their own business will tell you it is much better and more important to keep the current customers that you have before you go and try to get more customers. This is true for the mom & pop business and for the large international conglomerate.

I'm a car and tool guy at heart, not some "suit". I'm here because I want to be and it's fun dealing with you guys.

Sincerely,

Mike beat me to it:

Keep your existing customers happy before you look for new customers (ie website)

I can't remember the study, but it said that it costs 10 times as much to gain a new client or win back a lost one than it costs to keep existing customers happy. I'm sure the paying customers are happy that Mike is filling their orders rather than trying to get the website working.

[Joelfke]

And I plan to grow very large and want to be able to visit car clubs on a regular basis giving out free samples. Hmmm Sounds like a damn good career for a car nut if I can make it happen!!

make sure you find your way into jersey...

[KenS]

Mike and Guys,

My question was really simple: Why are prices not on the web site?

When I wrote that I had a Visa card in hand ready to order a 3/8 flex-head rachet and some metric swivel sockets having just finished an alternator install on a 2000 Maxima where I could have really used them. (FWIW, you have to pull the airconditioner compressor to get to the alternator-- it's a miserable job that the dealership wants about $150 for just for labor.)

After all the good things I heard about Mike and Toptul here, I decided it was the perfect time to buy some tools from him. I go to the web site to begin ordering, and every "Order" button I click takes me to the phone number. I immediately remember that sometime a few months ago I had downloaded an Excel spreadsheet with pricing on it. But where did I put it? Then back on the site I see a $5 shipping charge per item which means the swivels start getting expensive real fast-- especially since I don't know their price to begin with.

As I look through the site some more, I see a few other tools I will need for upcoming projects, for instance a strut spring compressor for an Odyssey (the Odyssey has heavy front strut springs and a lot of compressors won't handle them safely). Again the tools look wonderful but not a price in sight. I don't usually have a lot of free time to shop, but this particular afternoon I did. I admit that I shop for both price and quality. So at the same time I'm looking at the Sears, Northern, etc. sites, all of which offer instant pricing and shipping information.

Since a year has passed by, and since Mike and Toptul are often the subject of posts here, I feel that asking my pricing question is fair. In fact, it's my hope that it prods Mike into getting his shopping cart working so I can spend some money with him.

In my initial post I plainly point out Mike's excellent reputation and later mention that I'm ready to spend money. But somewhere along the line posters begin to react as if customer service is somehow under fire and Mike needs character references and defending. The tone becomes: "How dare anyone have the nerve to raise such questions!?!?!"

All this because of a very simple question.

I'm not trying to put words into anyone's mouth, but it appears the response to my question is: We're trying to fix the web site shopping cart, but with the amount of orders we're processing, we're not in a position to devote our full resources to it. We don't yet have an estimated time frame in which it will be fixed.

I'm fine with that. From the testimonials here, I feel Mike offers first-class customer service and his tools are an excellent value.

I still wish he would get the dang prices up on his web site.

My asbestos suit is going back into the locker.

Love you guys.

p.s. To Mike: Consider the "Wall Street" quip touche for handing me back my "To be frank, ..." :)

p.p.s. Please PM me the price of a 3/8 flex-head rachet and a set of metric swivel sockets (chrome not impact). I can't seem to find the prices on your web site. :thumbup:

[Diesel_Crawler]

. Please PM me the price of a 3/8 flex-head rachet and a set of metric swivel sockets (chrome not impact). I can't seem to find the prices on your web site. :thumbup:

Its to late to kiss @ss now, look at all the trouble you caused the man on this thread! :lol_hitti

But i am sure Mike would love to still have the business! :beer:

[ManCave]

I also went to the site last night with the intent of making some purchases. I was unable to do so because there were no prices. Calling and asking for a price doesn't work because part of the decision process I go through is comparing different options and then factoring in the price and deciding what I want. Not something that is very easy to do when I might have 10 or 15 items I'd like to know the prices on.

I share the above because my next suggestion to Mike is to hire someone to help finish getting the prices on the site. I'm sure you can find someone for $7 or $8 or even $10 an hour to sit there and enter prices. I know because I've hired part time help to do just that. The little bit of cost can be justified against the lost sales due to not having the prices. I think its a win win for everyone and would take some stress off of you as well.

I only saw metric sockets on the site. I'm not sure if I didn't look in the right place, but can you tell me if you have the U.S. socket sizes in stock too?

Best of luck to you.

[swduncan]

I have to agree with ManCave that for recreational tool buying prices are a major part of the shopping experience. I disagree with finding someone to enter prices - they should be available in a format suitable for importing. Sites like this are usually database driven, and the pricing should be in the database with everything else. Long term, when inevitable price changes come, it should be a matter of deciding what product groups get a change of x%, not changing individual prices, unless the business owner wants to hand tweak them for some reason.

For my part, I just start to feel guilty about asking for prices on many items when I'm really just going through the process of positioning Toptul in my mind as a brand, and deciding when and how I'll start buying their products.

[pipehack]

I e mailed him over a month ago about a complete bit socket set and never got an e mail back.

[Taylor J.]

Has anyone tried the torque wrench?

[wrenhandtools]

Diesel...you're funny!!!

Pipe...I MUST have screwed something up ...sorry. Usually when I mess up that bad I send something free.....try me again if you care to. If not I totally understand.

[Merkava_4]

Hey Mike,

The [Product Specs] button for the star sockets doesn't seem to be working. When I click on the button, it just sends me back up to the top of the page. :confused:

[GSteg]

I have the same problem. It's really frustrating trying to shop on that site because often times I like to compare prices on the spot. I dont mind emailing but I usually buy on an impulse. By the time I receive a response, the 'moment' would probably have passed.

[ATTappman]

If lack of immediate pricing information is causing people to buy other brands besides Toptul, that implies there's other brands that have similar quality for the money. What are those brands? The interesting thing about Toptul tools is that they seem to offer higher quality than other comparably priced tools. In my opinion their sockets are higher quality than Craftsman, but less expensive. If I thought I could get the same quality as Toptul at the same or lower price by buying some other brand with a better web site, I'd do it. I haven't been smart enough to find it. Can somebody make a suggestion?

Here's a specific example: hose gripper pliers. I have a Harbor Fright set that isn't worth the $8 I spent on it. I can find Gearwrench and Toptul pliers that look like what I want, but my experience with Gearwrench sockets vs. Toptul sockets leads me to believe Toptul pliers might be better. Is there some other brand of hose gripper pliers that provides Gearwrench quality at lower-than-Gearwrench prices? This isn't a rhetorical question - I'd really like to know.

[pipehack]

Diesel...you're funny!!!

Pipe...I MUST have screwed something up ...sorry. Usually when I mess up that bad I send something free.....try me again if you care to. If not I totally understand.

O.K. all is cool... You're busier than me. That's for sure. Otherwise I wouldn't be on the computer all day.... LOL

[geaugafletcher]

I have a couple torque wrenches due to arrive Friday.

[Merkava_4]

If I thought I could get the same quality as Toptul at the same or lower price by buying some other brand with a better web site, I'd do it. I haven't been smart enough to find it. Can somebody make a suggestion?


Not gonna happen. Toptul makes the best sockets for the prices they're charging; they can't be beat.

[Vinko]

I have the same problem. It's really frustrating trying to shop on that site because often times I like to compare prices on the spot. I dont mind emailing but I usually buy on an impulse. By the time I receive a response, the 'moment' would probably have passed.

I'm not completely in the same boat, but I do have an order that I believe is pending. I thought I'd research a few other things, and because there aren't prices, I don't commit to an order, nor send in an e-mail with my order.

It was nice having the price sheets at least downloadable.

[Vinko]

Not gonna happen. Toptul makes the best sockets for the prices they're charging; they can't be beat.

What sockets from Mike have you bought? Did you start a thread on this somewhere that I missed?

[Joelfke]

What sockets from Mike have you bought? Did you start a thread on this somewhere that I missed?

ive purchased a lot of sockets from mike...ill vouch for merk on the quality on that one

[Diesel_Crawler]

I don't own any as of yet, but from the photos and reviews i have seen adn read ill stand behind them and say they are worth the money. As well as the great service Mike as given in answering my questions even though i have never bought anything from him yet.

[trackwelder]

The sockets do look good for imports...will see how they hold up over time. Everybody is raving about them like they have had them for years.

[-B-]

Retailers who do not put forth the effort of pricing product watch customers walk away it is not a customers job to ask for pricing.

[vette-kid]

Retailers who do not put forth the effort of pricing product watch customers walk away it is not a customers job to ask for pricing.

I agree...but as we have heard, he is working on it. With the amount of time IT companies take to get these things up and running, I dont blame him for not waiting on it. So Ill be patient. He will make a few buck off me when he is up and running.

[Merkava_4]

What sockets from Mike have you bought? Did you start a thread on this somewhere that I missed?

I realize I'm basing my opinion on the photographs posted by my garage buddies, but I think I've got a pretty could eye for quality; and going by the pictures that I've seen, I'd say these Toptul dudes are serious. ;)

[trackwelder]

I realize I'm basing my opinion on the photographs posted by my garage buddies, but I think I've got a pretty could eye for quality; and going by the pictures that I've seen, I'd say these Toptul dudes are serious. ;)

Yep serious about trying to flood our country with their slave wage built tools:rocketwho

[Merkava_4]

Yep serious about trying to flood our country with their slave wage built tools:rocketwho

I understand your sentiment perfectly, and while I still prefer USA made Snap-on and Cornwell tools, country of origin has taken a back seat to the importance of quality. :)

[Bolster]

FWIW, Taiwan is not a low-income third-world country. They aren't as wealthy as Japan but they're doing very well financially...

http://www.destination360.com/asia/china/images/s/china-taiwan.jpg

[Merkava_4]

I hope Toptul never moves any production to China; I don't think they will, but I'm just sayin'.... :)

[Bo Heck]

FWIW, Taiwan is not a low-income third-world country. They aren't as wealthy as Japan but they're doing very well financially...

http://www.destination360.com/asia/china/images/s/china-taiwan.jpg

I'm glad someone finally is pointing this out. It's not all rice patties and cows over there. These tools may not be made my overcompensated union workers, but they arent being paid pennies either for working 20 hours a day.

[trackwelder]

I understand your sentiment perfectly, and while I still prefer USA made Snap-on and Cornwell tools, country of origin has taken a back seat to the importance of quality. :)

We have plenty of high quality tools here. Snap on, matco, mac, wright, etc.

[Merkava_4]

These tools may not be made my overcompensated union workers, but they arent being paid pennies either for working 20 hours a day.

That's right. Here's a Toptul employee right here. :bounce:

http://looksmile.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/hotchick.bmp

[trackwelder]

I'm glad someone finally is pointing this out. It's not all rice patties and cows over there. These tools may not be made my overcompensated union workers, but they arent being paid pennies either for working 20 hours a day.

Yes workers who spend their checks in this country everyday. How can they sell at such low prices? By paying the workers next to nothing, no vacation, insurance, etc.

[TRTOOLSUPPLY]

Your wrong Merk.......She works for TopFULL!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Merkava_4]

Here's a Toptul employee on her lunch break. :D

http://lh3.google.com/mslaoli/RmObjr_xc_I/AAAAAAAAAvQ/34SxwK0jHE4/s800/200531423401120322.jpg

[Nik_95Cobra]

Speaking of tools and Taiwan...I wouldn't want to see what's in the bottom half of that pic Merk posted. :wtf: ...Or what the 2nd one's hiding.

[TRTOOLSUPPLY]

me so hungry!

[Merkava_4]

Meet the factory general manager. :D

http://bbs.chinaiiss.org/uploadfile/2009-5/20095712334282191.jpg

[TRTOOLSUPPLY]

So Merk did we find a new website?............

[Merkava_4]

This is the owner's daughter - she's off limits. :shocking:

http://lh3.google.com/_KznmbDnYJzk/SJ2MIE1FPWI/AAAAAAAACDQ/MHakp_Ass3M/s720/large_4269h177.jpg

[autoace]

Here's a Toptul employee on her lunch break. :D

http://lh3.google.com/mslaoli/RmObjr_xc_I/AAAAAAAAAvQ/34SxwK0jHE4/s800/200531423401120322.jpg

This one is like a little 1/4 inch drive ratchet, with an adaptor and 3/4 inch drive socket on it. A bigger cup than its drive size.

[Merkava_4]

This is Mike's wife - I must've pushed the wrong button. :eek2:

http://www.gulum.net/model/resimler/missy-peregrym-1024x768-28730.jpg

[Merkava_4]

This is the lead Toptul foreman.

http://lh4.google.com/mslaoli/RmvG8znd1MI/AAAAAAAAC5U/2XSYgCSK3I0/s640/46.jpg

[Merkava_4]

They've got showers at Toptul. :)

http://asian-kitties.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/eiko-koike-3.jpg

[Merkava_4]

Apparently they make their employees exercise before work - it gets the blood flowing. :D

http://s4.60s.com.vn/image/102008/14/32457659.jpg

[TRTOOLSUPPLY]

I'm seeing a lot of OSHA violations........maybe that is the reason for the low prices!

[Merkava_4]

This is the day shift at Toptul. :)

http://www.2flashgames.com/2fgkjn134kjlh1cfn81vc34/flash/f-Hot-Girl-Line-2469.jpg

[Merkava_4]

Here's an employee in the lunchroom. :D

http://lh3.google.com/best4cn/R_JE6GME3ZI/AAAAAAAAJg0/ODsMPy6TgmY/s800/Ayase_Haruka_(HEROINE)_019.jpg

[TRTOOLSUPPLY]

I gotta go and get some Asian food.....be right back!:drool:

[Nik_95Cobra]

http://comp.webstockpro.com/blend/bld055795.jpg

[Stuey]

lol, Merk, you're killing me!

[The Muffin Man]

http://comp.webstockpro.com/blend/bld055795.jpg

Notice she is raising the Toptul wrench, while shunning the Craftsman raised panel :bounce:.

[TRTOOLSUPPLY]

Hey Merk.....Have any pic's of the tool polishers?:drool:

[vette-kid]

uhh...I think they need to start taking apps for a new general manager:badteeth:

[Merkava_4]

What's wrong with the general manager? :D

[TRTOOLSUPPLY]

By Golly.............she does have teeth,doesn't she!

[milkovich]

I'm one of those idiots that thinks you start a business by carrying inventory. I guess I'm not "wall street" enough to understand the new american business model of forums and drop-shippers.

:grabs popcorn:

[Bo Heck]

He did have inventory; he didn't have FULL inventory because frankly, that would be outright stupid without testing the waters first.

[The Muffin Man]

I guess I'm not "wall street" enough to understand the new american business model of forums and drop-shippers.

Mike Wren does not drop-ship.

[Diesel_Crawler]

Can this thread just die? I don't see how any one has a leg left to complain about Mike at all, every one who deals with Mike is always happy.
I don't recall ever seeing a negative comment on this forum from any one who bought from him.

[Taylor J.]

Ken, you wrongly assume the aim to fill current orders is to maximize profits.
The true aim is to make current customers who have placed faith in me.....happy.
Or said from the other side, the true aim is to try not to make a current customer mad!!
I know some HAVE to be frustrated in my reponse time to filling their order......

ANd I've even said you were right to criticize my site for not having prices. I don't know what else I could say other than "yes...you're right".

As for the Wall Street crack, I don't even know what to say.......
I can tell you that ANY human that has ever OWNED and RUN their own business will tell you it is much better and more important to keep the current customers that you have before you go and try to get more customers. This is true for the mom & pop business and for the large international conglomerate.

I'm a car and tool guy at heart, not some "suit". I'm here because I want to be and it's fun dealing with you guys.

Sincerely,


Mike, what is the best email to reach you on. I tried INFO@wrenhandtools.com will that do?

Thanks,
Taylor

[john w]

mike@wrenhandtools.com

[milkovich]

Mike Wren does not drop-ship.

I was refering to the typical forum seller. I realize he's not drop-shipping from taiwan.

I know it sounds like I'm bashing but I'm just trying to understand the mind-set of the modern internet consumer. I've seen the crap storm a nick in the chrome of an SK wrench or a failed promotional price lottery can generate around here.

Some of you guys are jumping in with unbridled optimism and I don't understand where the fanaticism came from.

I applaud Mike's efforts and wish him nothing but the best. I'll go back to lurking now.

(BTW Mike, I'm a huge fan of Ko-Ken tools, if you ever think about picking up another line, I'd gladly be a customer).

[vette-kid]

What's wrong with the general manager? :D

:puke::monkey_pi

[wrenhandtools]

Hopefully................by Wed, this thread can die since the prices will be up and shopping cart working. I can guarantee you that there will be other things wrong and plenty for some to complain about.

Since "Wall Street" has such a bad reputation, (deservedly so by the way...100%), and since these tools aren't made by US workers, I was going to go for the trifecta and expand my business with the use of undocumented workers.....that would really make 'some people' on this forum happy!!!!

Oh GAWD relax...I'm just messin' with you all. :lol_hitti

Everyone knows I'm to thrifty (cheap) to hire help yet.:pimpflash

I get the "American" thing too. Nothing would please me more to be able to open a manufacturing facility here in the US, hell in my own state even, and make quality tools. It just ain't that hard and it takes no great skill or technological know how to make a great tool.....just the commitment to do so. I also would love to make these tools and sell them for 50% of what the truck brands sell for. That would be the "perfect storm" but I don't have that much money...and guess what.....the people "throwing stones" then would be those well known brands that so many in this country covet. That would be ironic. to say the least. I'll shut my trap now.

[global72]

I was refering to the typical forum seller. I realize he's not drop-shipping from taiwan.

I know it sounds like I'm bashing but I'm just trying to understand the mind-set of the modern internet consumer. I've seen the crap storm a nick in the chrome of an SK wrench or a failed promotional price lottery can generate around here.

Some of you guys are jumping in with unbridled optimism and I don't understand where the fanaticism came from.

I applaud Mike's efforts and wish him nothing but the best. I'll go back to lurking now.

(BTW Mike, I'm a huge fan of Ko-Ken tools, if you ever think about picking up another line, I'd gladly be a customer).

Drop shipping works well when done correctly. We buy large qty's of tool boxes. However to pay to ship them from the factory in Kansas to me in Florida just to sell and ship to some other point in the US makes no sense at all. Rather they hold my inventory and drop ship for me.

The hand tool side is different. By drop shipping it gives me access to millions of dollars in inventory. There are very few tool companies that can afford to hold stock in 18,000 skus.

The problem with the Yahoo and other companies posting low is 2 fold. First S#$% happens mistakes can get made. Secondly many of the companies online treat this business as a hobby. They have day jobs and return emails and phone calls when time permits. Sometimes there prices are so low people are willing to take the gamble and accept the level of customer service that a company like that can provide.