Why can’t I buy Snap-On tools from a retailer?

[smoky]

I’m sure that this question has been asked before. It is cumbersome trying to buy tools off of the truck when the tool dealer is going to be all over the place and not in one location every time. I don’t like buying from the website because sometimes there are better deals off of the tool truck, and I would be happy to give a local dealer my money for US made tools.

Recently, I tracked down a Snap-On dealer in my area just so I could buy tools. Finding my local Snap-On rep was easier said than done. When I called Snap-On asking who my local dealer was they gave me the number for a dealer that lives in my area but has nothing to do with selling tools in my area. So, I called every auto repair shop in my area asking when the Snap-On truck shows up and what his or her name is. Eventually, I got a name of the local tool dealer from a mechanic and not the phone number. I called Snap-On’s corporate office and asked for the phone number of the dealer with the name that I provided. They were happy to help which was great, but this just seems too difficult and time consuming especially when I’m giving them money for tools. When I finally got a hold of the Snap-On man that serves my local area he told me where he’d be and at what time. I met up with him in a parking lot of a repair shop, and I bought a list of tools. Buying tools from the Snap-On rep was a pleasant experience, and I even walked away with extra things thrown in. but I had to ask myself was that worth all the trouble? It just seems to me that Snap-On doesn’t care about selling tools to the average guy, and they have made that point by making the added steps needed just to take my money.

It’s my understanding that since the beginning Snap-On has built their business by selling tools in a truck, and financing tools to those that were unable to pay for the tools outright. Buying tools from the Snap-On website was probably forced, because competing tool manufactures doing the same. My impression that Snap-On’s business model is to provide tools to mechanics on site, and build truck credit to establish weekly visits. Selling tools to the average guy seems like low priority. Does Snap-On realize the revenue they are losing by not selling tools at a retail store? Is Snap-On afraid to sell tools at a retail store, because it may jeopardize a tool dealers business? I guess in the end I’m willing to give my extra time and extra money to Snap-On, because I believe in their tools. Am I alone in thinking this way?

 

[tonydanzah]

buy from the website?

 

[warmpancakes]

They tried retail stores "Joan and Jim homeowner" wont pay for snap on

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

franchise agreements , not real hard to find a snap on truck bro

 

[MoToys]

They tried retail stores "Joan and Jim homeowner" wont pay for snap on

In most cases simply does not "need" it.

 

[Davefr]

Am I alone in thinking this way?

Pretty much!!

You nailed it. Their business model doesn't support B&M retail.

For every potential retail customer like you there are many, many more that only care about low price points.

 

[warmpancakes]

there used to be a "warehouse" in farmington hills michigan it was great I could walk in and swap/repair tools on the spot

 

[MNRZR]

They sell a few SO items at my local Costco!

 

[iroc409]

It's because selling to Joe Sixpack isn't nearly as profitable. They aren't going to buy as much, and they are less likely to finance. It may be downright not worth their while to try and do so. This is pretty much the case with every business: B2B is always more profitable. They have to have the stuff, a lot of it, and they can pass on costs to their end customers so costs aren't as much of an issue.

 

[Stuey]

It just seems to me that Snap-On doesn’t care about selling tools to the average guy

Exactly.

The tools aren't priced for the average guy, either, they're designed and priced for professionals and industry, and have a service premium factored into the price.

Have you tried ordering from them directly?

 

[csmitty]

In the beginning it is a bit of a hassle. I did the same. Was getting tires rotated and balanced and asked when he stopped by and got name and number. Called him up and he had no problem with me meeting him along the way somewhere. Since I don't spend a few K I wouldn't expect him to go out of his way for me. So if I need something or just feel like buying nice tools I'll call him up and see where he is. Usually Wed works best for me since its on the way home after work. We usually talk for a bit, i'll get a thing or two, even cuts me some deals sometime if I barter a bit. Great guy to deal with, been doing it for 20+ years. Even meet him at his house a few times.

For the avg guy who likes professional tools its not to much of a stretch to find a dealer. Weather or not its a good one. Just luck of the draw. I like you would rather deal with a truck since more opportunity's for deals.

 

[smoky]

Exactly.

The tools aren't priced for the average guy, either, they're designed and priced for professionals and industry, and have a service premium factored into the price.

Have you tried ordering from them directly?

yes, I have ordered from them directly, but I have found that buying directly from the tool dealer is sometimes cheaper.

 

[smoky]

franchise agreements , not real hard to find a snap on truck bro

not in my area, it's not common to see snap-on trucks parked in repair shop parking lots. apparently, the tool dealer only stops by in my area for a brief time once a week.

 

[RhodesSpeedShop]

Exactly.

The tools aren't priced for the average guy, either, they're designed and priced for professionals and industry, and have a service premium factored into the price.

Agree. Cant imagine a ton of traffic for a retail store. The average guy would rather pay a quarter of the price at a lowes or HF. Most people i know cant believe the price i pay off the truck....can't imagine why....i think i'm getting some DEALS!!

Their main customers are the ones that already get serviced and visited. I dont work at a shop but my SO guy visits me once a week. I had a hard time getting a hold of one also. Kept getting the run around from the contacts SO gave me, never returned my calls, etc....but once i got the number of the local SO guy from a shop i gave him a text and he got right back to me. I got to say he's been GREAT to work with. Best customer service i could ask for!!

 

[RhodesSpeedShop]

yes, I have ordered from them directly, but I have found that buying directly from the tool dealer is sometimes cheaper.

Especially if you dont finance and pay in full.

 

[chris fresh]

i just stopped at my my buddy's ****** shop on saturday,got his guy's name and number,called him this morning to see when he would be back up this way,he said later today.he took my number and said i'll call you when i get up there and come right to your house.so far so good,but we'll see if he actualy calls and shows up.

 

[mrholeshot]

There is a higher power looking out for your financial future. Quit fighting it and see it as a blessing.

 

[honcho]

1. There are many customers who are not worth the time and effort it takes to service them. Just because a customer is willing to spend some money with a company does not make them a desirable or a profitable customer. Businesses shouldn't try to turn away any customer but just because you spend a few bucks doesn't mean you're entitled to elite platinum status.

2. A general rule of thumb for many businesses is that 20% of your customers provide 80% of your revenue. I'll venture that this applies to Snap On as well.

3. The Snap On business model is built around franchised tool trucks and industrial sales. Truck dealers sell at high prices and many industrial sales contracts move a lot of good at lower prices--without dealing with all the issues and hassles of selling to anybody at retail.

4. Snap On also owns Williams, Bahco, CDI (torque wrenches) and other companies that both manufacture tools that are branded Snap On and sold under their own labels in a variety of outlets. This is where Snap On spreads its bet on the larger tool market not served by the traditional Snap On tool truck.

5. Website sales are a nice feature for us folks not served by a Snap On truck or industrial representative and willing to pay the Snap On premium.

6. There may be a couple of unique Snap On products that do things that no other manufacturers' products will do, but I doubt it. Hand tools do vary in quality and effectiveness, but are largely a commodity item and, to their credit, Snap On does a pretty good job at differentiating their tool products with generally high quality merchandise and service sold at a high price.

 

[mrholeshot]

Wise man say "Walk on customer with cash worth more than Tech who dodges payment"

 

[smoky]

1. There are many customers who are not worth the time and effort it takes to service them. Just because a customer is willing to spend some money with a company does not make them a desirable or a profitable customer. Businesses shouldn't try to turn away any customer but just because you spend a few bucks doesn't mean you're entitled to elite platinum status.

2. A general rule of thumb for many businesses is that 20% of your customers provide 80% of your revenue. I'll venture that this applies to Snap On as well.

3. The Snap On business model is built around franchised tool trucks and industrial sales. Truck dealers sell at high prices and many industrial sales contracts move a lot of good at lower prices--without dealing with all the issues and hassles of selling to anybody at retail.

4. Snap On also owns Williams, Bahco, CDI (torque wrenches) and other companies that both manufacture tools that are branded Snap On and sold under their own labels in a variety of outlets. This is where Snap On spreads its bet on the larger tool market not served by the traditional Snap On tool truck.

5. Website sales are a nice feature for us folks not served by a Snap On truck or industrial representative and willing to pay the Snap On premium.

6. There may be a couple of unique Snap On products that do things that no other manufacturers' products will do, but I doubt it. Hand tools do vary in quality and effectiveness, but are largely a commodity item and, to their credit, Snap On does a pretty good job at differentiating their tool products with generally high quality merchandise and service sold at a high price.

besides Williams, Bahco, CDI I noticed that alltrade is selling stuff with the snap-on name also. does snap-on own alltrade, or are they licensing their name?

 

[BOONEY7750]

Ace Hardware sells Snap-On Licensed lights, knives, and other accessories.

 

[TheGrooveking]

I had the same issue when I tried getting ahold of a dealer, Snap On customer service gave me the name, address and number for the guy who lives 1 mile from me, but can't sell in my town because of territory issues. I had to find one at a auto shop near my work.

TheGrooveking

 

[Dolsontools]

Wise man say "Walk on customer with cash worth more than Tech who dodges payment"

a cash costumer is nice occasionally if they don't tie up too much time. but a costumer who you can count on for a weekly payment is a lot more valuable.

 

[canuckian]

yeah I cant imagine a snappy "store" would do too well. i would shop there but I'm in a very small minority. the truck caters to pro techs because they're their bread and butter. It may seem pompous that, for the most part the average Joe has to jump through a few hoops to get onto a Snap On truck and establish a business relationship with the driver, but they arent set up to cater to the average Joe so if you want the tools, you have to do that. It's up to the driver past that point how they service you. You don't see a Sears truck driving from dealership to dealership peddling tools for the same simple reason, only in reverse.
The only hoops I had to jump through to meet my Snappy guy is to follow him into a parking lot and get out of my car. He welcomed me on board, even though he was on his way to lunch and on my first purchase, gave me a couple of hats and asked me when the best time for me to be able to meet with him. I picked a time, he said where he was on that day of the week at that time and I meet him there every Friday at 4 when I need something.

 

[Rag Roc]

We have a SO guy that comes by the shop every two weeks, which is OK with me because our volume is low. If I have an emergency need I'll call him to see if he has on the truck. I'll either meet him, or he'll drop ship from the factory, next day delivery if I need it.
All my personal tools are from him too. I've picked up tools from him at his residence on Saturdays and Sundays, which he does for alot of customers. He's been doing this for a looong time and values all his customers. Had two other dealers "up north" who operated the same.
Sometimes driving several miles into a better dealers territory might be worth the effort, but stepping on the truck with an attitude won't help. Hope you guys get as lucky as me

 

[Wakefield]

Do Big Box stores try to get you to give them big discounts,lower your price to them, pressuring you to cut quality? Push conditions on you? Maybe want their name,not yours,on the stuff of yours that they carry. (If you are a manufacturer).
I think Stihl chainsaw/landscaping tool company alleged something like the above in one of their advertisements as to why they don't sell except through their own dealers.
Sears used to sell mower engines made by Tecumseh as Craftsman engines but kept control of the name? Don't think it worked out well for Tecumseh at the end.
Is Matco sort of like Craftsman done right,for a price?
Seems like a hardware store could sell Snapon but with their markup it would be even more expensive than from Snapon directly? Perhaps it is about protecting your own dealer network. If you had no dealer network of your own you would have to sell through a retailer?

 

[BrokewrenchLS1]

Ace Hardware sells Snap-On Licensed lights, knives, and other accessories.

Which could probably be easily found cheaper on Amazon sans the "Snap-On Approved" sticker, right?

I can see small retail Snap-On stores working - have a relatively low physical overhead at each store, just the basic stuff - ratchets and socket sets, screwdrivers, and wrenches - and leave the rest as stuff that can be ordered and picked up at the store within a day or two with no shipping charges. You'd lose the money through financing, but could possibly make up it through a fixed-location convenience for guys who don't work at shops and can't chase a tool truck for something simple.

I wouldn't see a Snap-On store that stocks a lot of specialty stuff making a whole lot of sales, though.

 

[jjjrmx5]

I’m sure that this question has been asked before. It is cumbersome trying to buy tools off of the truck when the tool dealer is going to be all over the place and not in one location every time. I don’t like buying from the website because sometimes there are better deals off of the tool truck, and I would be happy to give a local dealer my money for US made tools.


Does Snap-On realize the revenue they are losing by not selling tools at a retail store? Is Snap-On afraid to sell tools at a retail store, because it may jeopardize a tool dealers business? I guess in the end I’m willing to give my extra time and extra money to Snap-On, because I believe in their tools. Am I alone in thinking this way?

I have a S-O driver that I've used for a while that only serves business and mfgr routes, and I;ve also tried to order through a dealer that services a few local repairs and body shops near my home.

Never had a problem with the weekly corporate services driver at all, but the local driver near my home refuses to order anything for me and will not return my calls. He basically didn't want my business.

What that tells me is that while franchisee's attitudes may differ from truck to truck, their core service is B2B with shops an mfgr's on thier route. If you happen to be where they are fine, but that is often a chore. If they are kind enough to phone you where they will be at a certain time, even better. BUT--- the fact of the matter is that most drivers use the 80/20 rule AFAIK. Snap-On tools still sells online, so you have access to the same tools on the truck. If you want to whine that you don't get the "truck" discount unless you buy from a truck, then either cultivate a relationship with a shop or driver by be a long time repeat customer or go find a job that has a driver.

Not buying Snap-On tools because of no access to "truck" prices seems petty and really just downright "cheap" in my eyes. Yes, the truck itself has some good deals and prices and offers the option of buying "trade-in" tools, but that mean's you are part of the regular customer base and have become part of a drivers regular income potential.

I buy on the truck if I can, but also buy off the S-O site. The day I have no access to buying Snap-On tools would be a problem, but everyone DOES have access to buying the tools via on-line sales at a minimum. I guess I'm tired of hearing everyone complain about the price. If you can't afford the tool, look for something else, but Snap-On seems to be doing just fine selling what the have at the price-point listed. Considering that regions vary, states vary and drivers vary, the truck deal you "think" you may be getting may not be what you thought.

 

[smoky]

I have a S-O driver that I've used for a while that only serves business and mfgr routes, and I;ve also tried to order through a dealer that services a few local repairs and body shops near my home.

Never had a problem with the weekly corporate services driver at all, but the local driver near my home refuses to order anything for me and will not return my calls. He basically didn't want my business.

What that tells me is that while franchisee's attitudes may differ from truck to truck, their core service is B2B with shops an mfgr's on thier route. If you happen to be where they are fine, but that is often a chore. If they are kind enough to phone you where they will be at a certain time, even better. BUT--- the fact of the matter is that most drivers use the 80/20 rule AFAIK. Snap-On tools still sells online, so you have access to the same tools on the truck. If you want to whine that you don't get the "truck" discount unless you buy from a truck, then either cultivate a relationship with a shop or driver by be a long time repeat customer or go find a job that has a driver.

Not buying Snap-On tools because of no access to "truck" prices seems petty and really just downright "cheap" in my eyes. Yes, the truck itself has some good deals and prices and offers the option of buying "trade-in" tools, but that mean's you are part of the regular customer base and have become part of a drivers regular income potential.

I buy on the truck if I can, but also buy off the S-O site. The day I have no access to buying Snap-On tools would be a problem, but everyone DOES have access to buying the tools via on-line sales at a minimum. I guess I'm tired of hearing everyone complain about the price. If you can't afford the tool, look for something else, but Snap-On seems to be doing just fine selling what the have at the price-point listed. Considering that regions vary, states vary and drivers vary, the truck deal you "think" you may be getting may not be what you thought.

By buying tools off of the truck in my area I at least know that I’m supporting my local franchise, and establishing a relationship with a tool dealer. How is that cheap? I guess our definitions of cheap are different. Did I mention anywhere that the tools are overpriced? I’m willing to pay for the quality of the tools.

 

[pcpro15]

I often thought the same thing about why no retail store... but I see your guys points. I know there are a large amount of techs on this site, but out of curiosity before we can say whether SO in Retail store would be successful or not, lets get a poll together to see how many non-techs (like me) actually pay for SO tools? I don't use them professionally, but as a weekend diy'r, I don't mind paying a few more $ for quality. There are a few instances where I believe a SO store would be very beneficial.

 

[jjjrmx5]

By buying tools off of the truck in my area I at least know that I’m supporting my local franchise, and establishing a relationship with a tool dealer. How is that cheap? I guess our definitions of cheap are different. Did I mention anywhere that the tools are overpriced? I’m willing to pay for the quality of the tools.

And you're 100% correct shopping locally, which is why i wanted to spend my money with my local driver that was near my home vs. online buying. Bottom line was, he just didn't want my business and money and felt I wasn't worth his trouble. Too bad. His loss.

We all want a bargain, I understand that, but when a local source of buying any product is uncooperative, unavailable geographically or just unwilling to sell you what you need, you have to seek an alternative source, and then weigh what they charge with what you are willing to pay.

Like I mentioned, there are some deals to be had by having access to a local truck , but unless your business is on their route as a regular or monthy/occasional stop, it's not a process that is set up to cater to the walk-up public. It a flaw to those of us that want the service and tools, but one that "is what it is" so often creative means must be used to get the tools you want at a good price from a local truck-based source, be it having your mechanic order/buy tools for you via the monthly flyer or working near a tool truck stop and knowing their schedule.

 

[speed bump]

Pawn shops seem more than happy to sell me Snap-on at greatly reduced prices and they tend to have retail locations.

Otherwise the truck guy is a piece of cake to get a hold of and buy from.

 

[daveblank]

By buying tools off of the truck in my area I at least know that I’m supporting my local franchise,

Thank you for looking at it that way.

 

[greybeard]

By selling in a retail outlet they would undercutting their franchise truck dealers. Probably not a good idea at all.

 

[warmpancakes]

heck Ive become friends with My truck driver I make him homemade salsa he takes care of me on tools

 

[dj spanners]

here in the uk if you buy snap on on-line the dealer in your area still gets that sale, so it makes no odds if you don't like him he's still getting your dosh, surely this would be the same for the states would'nt it

 

[Boiler]

I'm a walk on with my dealer, and he can be hard to pin down, but I do my business with him at his house.

I have to be careful though. After business is done we ususally get into a BS session for even an hour. Might just seem like the normal chit chat to me but could be more of a pita for him. So I try to keep it light and not take up too much of his time.

 

[pj_rage]

I agree with a lot of what's been said so far.

I don't know that it would be terribly profitable for them to open retail stores. Those of us who would pay their crazy high prices (relative to other tools) are by far in the minority. Most people are happy to buy the cheapest version of the tool at home depot while most of the people who "need" tools of snap on quality are better served by having the truck come to them and would not be terribly interested in a retail store.

That being said, I do selfishly want an easier and more convenient way to get my snap on tools and get warranty on them same day. For me, as a homeowner with a limited budget, that's why craftsman works great for me. Reasonable quality for a homeowner, and I can be back up and running within the hour if a tool breaks. If snap on opened a tool store, I would definitely check it out, and make a few purchases there, but really, seeing their tools on shelves with a price beneath them would only make them seem even more overpriced (to me)! For the limited amount of snap on tools I buy, I'm fine with ordering online (tracking down a truck is too much work for me), through classifieds here, on ebay, etc. But it would definitely be nice to hold some of the tools in person and get a feel for them in the store. I just know that as much as I would selfishly like to do that, I wouldn't buy nearly enough to support their retail stores. Heck, the more I think about it, they would probably need to charge even more for their tools if they added that distribution channel.

 

[rsanter]

the snap on guy with the truck IS the retailer

otherwise you go to the website

bob

 

[byoungblood]

By buying tools off of the truck in my area I at least know that I’m supporting my local franchise, and establishing a relationship with a tool dealer. How is that cheap? I guess our definitions of cheap are different. Did I mention anywhere that the tools are overpriced? I’m willing to pay for the quality of the tools.

My attitude as well. When I've tried reaching out to the local dealer, I've always made it very clear I'd just try to meet them somewhere on their route. No sense in making them go out of their way for someone who is buying one SO tool for the first time in a few years. But I'd rather them get the business and maybe at least have a contact should I need to warranty something, as I do have a few SO pieces here and there.