If Snap on is not over-priced,

[ToolGlutton]

Why could they give 50% off to new tech students? I'm talking about their student excellence program.

It's so sad that they want to get our mechnics addicted to Snap on tools from the start of their career.

 

[64merc]

Yup, if they can sell it so cheap to so many students, their markup must be extraordinary!!

I guess it's like a drug dealer giving you a free "taste" to get you hooked.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Here we go again.

If Snap-on is too expensive for you, buy an alternative. They're not trying to con anyone. If you don't want to pay their prices, don't. They're not trying to get you "hooked" as if it were some highly addictive substance. If anything, the huge reduction in cost for students is a good thing, as it helps guys build up their toolbox twice as fast when they start out.

 

[speed bump]

Becuase 50% means they are selling them to you at wholesale. List is the price on the website and 50% is about the dealer pays I would imagine. The reason for this is like computers, or anything else they are trying to use a lower buy in price while in school so that once you are in the real world you will think I liked using these tools during school I think i'll buy more them.

Thats also why universities can have labs full of good computers loaded with expensive software yet complain about how little money they have. Those companies want you to be comfortable with that stuff so you go out into the real world and buy there products.

 

[64merc]

Here we go again.

If Snap-on is too expensive for you, buy an alternative. They're not trying to con anyone. If you don't want to pay their prices, don't. They're not trying to get you "hooked" as if it were some highly addictive substance. If anything, the huge reduction in cost for students is a good thing, as it helps guys build up their toolbox twice as fast when they start out.

Well, the reference to a drug dealer was kinda tongue in cheek, but they are essentially trying to hook the new techs before they can form a strong opinion in favor of other brands. I never said there was anything wrong with it, since that is just how business and marketing work.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Who cares?

If it's too expensive, buy something else and quit whining.

I don't make much money, and when i buy my Snap-on stuff the price doesn't bother me. The quality etc is there. If i was worried about it being too expensive, i wouldn't buy it.

 

[wrenchr]

Tool brand's are like anything else, Preference!! My favorite Beer is coors light and my buddies give me hell because they like Bud and Miller light.

 

[Junkman]

Another analogy would be "like *** with her before marriage". You try it out and everything is great. Once you get married, everything changes, and you get less ***, and are paying twice the price in aggravation. The best advise this old timer will ever give you is to stay single, and buy Snap-On tools with all your spare cash. If you spend everything on tools, you will be too broke to even think of getting married. Remember, once you get married, she owns half of everything you own, and vice versa. You get the privilege of paying off her pre marital debts... If you get divorced, she gets half the value of your tool collection...

 

[64merc]

Who cares?

If it's too expensive, buy something else and quit whining.

I don't make much money, and when i buy my Snap-on stuff the price doesn't bother me. The quality etc is there. If i was worried about it being too expensive, i wouldn't buy it.

Wrong side of the bed today Moose?

 

[ToolGlutton]

The thing is that Snap on put many mechanics in debt even before they start to make money. Some of them have to leave this business, because they can not get over this.

I saw many stories like this on Craigslist. They have to sell their tools to pay off their debt to Snap on.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Wrong side of the bed today Moose?

Yes.

It just pisses me off about people complaining about the price of Snap-on. It's like complaining about the price of a Ferrari. Sure, it costs $150,00 which is a lot. But there's a reason it costs that much. If you don't like the price, don't buy one. Same goes for anything. Big houses are more expensive than small ones. (as a generalisation) If you think a big house is too expensive, don't buy one.

 

[rocketman]

Interesting though about the 50% pricing. Most products sold don't have that kind of profit margin. Clothing and sports clothing are about the only things marked up that high as they have to deal with licensing. Computers only average 3-4% for retailers. Apple & Dell only give about an 8% discount to students.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

The thing is that Snap on put many mechanics in debt even before they start to make money. Some of them have to leave this business, because they can not get over this.

I saw many stories like this on Craigslist. They have to sell their tools to pay off their debt to Snap on.

It's like getting a credit card. You know the drill, you spend the money now, you pay it back later. The longer you leave it, you more you have to pay for borrowing that money. If you don't pay, they come and take stuff equivalent to the value of your debt.

You all know how it works, and the consequences of your actions. Don't want to get into debt? Don't spend money that you don't have.

 

[ToolGlutton]

I would love to pay twice for a tool that is twice as good. However, I may not want to pay five times for a tool that is only twice as good.

Yes.

It just pisses me off about people complaining about the price of Snap-on. It's like complaining about the price of a Ferrari. Sure, it costs $150,00 which is a lot. But there's a reason it costs that much. If you don't like the price, don't buy one. Same goes for anything. Big houses are more expensive than small ones. (as a generalisation) If you think a big house is too expensive, don't buy one.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

In that case, don't buy Snap-on. There's always a compromise. Personally, i don't find them too expensive for what they are. I use mine all day, every day and they never let me down. I've spent maybe $16,000 in tools in the last 18 months (the time i've been buying tools) and i've never once felt that my tools have cost me too much.

 

[spoolin spec v]

we get 76% off here?

But, just buy what you can off the trucks, tell the dealer, you can do this month a week, and he will give you a limit. If you are just starting out, People in teh shop dont mind loaning you specialty tools, just when your done, Clean it, put it back in the case, and back in thier box where you got it.

 

[SocketDeviler]

I'm with Mr. Moose on this one.

 

[klswvu]

The "cost" of a tool covers many things: production, qc, marketing, distribution, service and economies of scale. Snap-On has quality tools distributed through (IMO) inefficient channels. Inefficient from the manufacturer perspective not the consumers, to the consumer a truck at the door is probably more efficient. However, they can not switch to an efficient model i.e. web sales and undercut the prices offered by their franchise owners (at least not without a major legal battle).
The 50% off to tech schools is a "marketing" program. Almost all major vendors try to get their foot in the door with such programs. And as a marketing program the exposure, product perception and customer retention are the measures that matter. For marketing purposes, they could be selling at wholesale cost or in some cases i.e. a DVD player at Best Buy selling at a loss. It is all marketing.
If you choose to purchase Snap-On, you pay for a quality tool... and distribution channel inefficiencies and marketing. It is just a niche marketing position that Snap-On has always filled. There are other vendors who fill the marketing positions. It is a matter of finding a vendor that meets your expectations of service, distribution and cost.

 

[billymade]

Software is another industry where they give you huge discounts for students; Adobe gives these academic discounts for students in the design field and I am sure the idea is the same as Snap-On, Mac, or Matco. Hopefully, they get you set up early on using their "tools" and you would continue to do so for the rest of your career. Once, most people "learn" how to use the "tools" Adobe sells (e.g.. photoshop, illustrator, InDesign, Dreamweaver aka: Creative Suite); they stick with those and continue to buy them the rest of their career. Its good marketing and hopefully establishes brand loyalty and a customer for life. To help students start out with the auto repair industry is a no brainer; these are the customers the tool companies need to survive and make a profit!
Here is a example: https://www.ayes.org/students/scholarships/snap-on

 

[logical]

You've never seen a Craftsman half off sale?

 

[Junkman]

You've never seen a Craftsman half off sale?

I have on sets, and half off of Gearwrench is quite the norm at Sears.com

 

[billymade]

If you want to understand the marketing, branding, pricing structure and how the Snap-On tool business model works; read this article it pretty much lays it out for you. Tells the how, why, history and market niche Snap-On has successfully cultivated since its founding as a company:
"How Snap-on Tools Ratchets Its Brand"
http://www.strategy-business.com/press/16635507/9598
Every company has to make a profit and survive; Snap-On has created a business model and sales approach for a very specific market; the professional technician.
According to the article: "Snap-on owns 60 percent of the business. Snap-on's nearest competitor, Mac Tools, a division of Stanley Works, has 13 percent."; there must be a reason techs are buying their tools from Snapon, read the article. (the article is from 1998 so the percentages may have changed since then)

 

[rsanter]

The thing is that Snap on put many mechanics in debt even before they start to make money. Some of them have to leave this business, because they can not get over this.

I saw many stories like this on Craigslist. They have to sell their tools to pay off their debt to Snap on.

sorry but you are wrong...
they put themselves in debt. they chose to buy the stuff.

people should stick to the rule of not buying what they cannot afford. how many people do you know that always have the cool car, the big house, name brand clothes....etc and you wonder how they do it on their income.
its because there finances are a 'house of cards'.

SO is marketing a product, but so is starbucks.
how many of you but that overpriced coffee every morning?

bob

 

[GDA]

At the end of the day its all personal preference. Very akin to cars and other mechanical items.

You could have made the exact same argument about Facom, Beta, Hazet and Stahlwille i fyou lived in Europe. Why not complain about those brands too since their pricing is just as steep? I'll surmise you havent used them or were aware of their pricing structure since they are not commonly sold/available in the US.

Snap On are a well engineered tool and if you dont like them for the price, then definitely dont buy them new. Used is another entire argument altogether. Just enjoy your tools and be proud of what you accomplish with them.

 

[rsanter]

Interesting though about the 50% pricing. Most products sold don't have that kind of profit margin. Clothing and sports clothing are about the only things marked up that high as they have to deal with licensing. Computers only average 3-4% for retailers. Apple & Dell only give about an 8% discount to students.

the markup in most products will shock you.
I worked for Black&Decker
the standard there was that the cost to manufacture,ship,warranty...etc was about 50% for tools and 25% for parts and accessories

A plastics company I worked for, their cost to manufacture was anywhere from 10% to 50% of the wholesale price.
now I will admit that the molds and the machines are expensive, but they had that place going 2-3 shifts a day for 5-7 days a week (depending on the season) with a few key machines that were 24-7 (using a small crew on 3rd shift verses a full crew and full production)
next tile you hold a plastic part, you can assume that it cost the manufacturer anywhere from 20 cents to $3 a pound to produce that item (depending on what it is and the type of plastic)

bob

 

[unsung]

I buy Snap-On because the quality is the best. I have a Jeep that I'm rebuilding and they are full of Torx bolts that have shredded the cheaper Craftsman bits, and many lesser ones. Only once have I had to replace a SO torx bit.

I also prefer Made in USA and SO makes most of their tools here, if not all. I think the only things that they sell not Made in USA are actually made by other companies? My dealer knows not to try to sell me anything made in China. I ask about everything, he knows I only want the best, and of course he likes it because he is making money too. I'm happy to pay it even if it is more. I don't really get a break off the smaller stuff but when I buy big ticket items he takes care of me. I appreciate the customer service more than anything.

 

[ToolGlutton]

Most people ignored one fact that whether one wants to spend the big bucks on tools really depends on whether he is making a living by turning wrenches or not.

I guess Moose (like many others here) is a mechanic himself, or he owns a shop. It is understandable that they have a high expectation on quality of tools. Well, if you are a DIYer (like me), it is a different story.

I have a dream! From January 2009, Snap on will offer 50% off to all buyers who are not a professional. In return the tools only have a one year warranty.

 

[chad s]

Who cares?

If it's too expensive, buy something else and quit whining.

I don't make much money, and when i buy my Snap-on stuff the price doesn't bother me. The quality etc is there. If i was worried about it being too expensive, i wouldn't buy it.

Correct. The student programs also circumvent the dealer, and sell direct. The dealer has to make a living. Their overhead is very expensive, the truck costs, fuel, and dont think their work day ends when their route is over. When they have to inventory and organize the truck daily, thats not time they are at stops making money.

By the time you factor in overhead, their markup is maybe 25-30%. Just to put it into perspective, our companies markup on most electronics we instal is 65%, not including instal labor. The Snap on dealers are not getting rich, trust me.

 

[Printer Mike]

I am not a professional mechanic, just a do-it-yourselfer with an assortment of tools that I've collected over the past 40+ years.

The "Snap-on" ones are my favorite....IMHO, the smooth look and feel is distinctive. My favorite one is the 1/2" combo open-end/box-end wrench.

 

[wrenchr]

Why could they give 50% off to new tech students? I'm talking about their student excellence program.

It's so sad that they want to get our mechnics addicted to Snap on tools from the start of their career.

You are confusing.............You did a post about how you liked the expensive snap on tools correct???? Please make up your mind

 

[ToolGlutton]

"Change you can believe in".

You are confusing.............You did a post about how you liked the expensive snap on tools correct???? Please make up your mind

 

[Diesel-Mech]

All of the truck brands as well as craftsman industrial (Fastenal) offer the discount to votech students. I see it as nothing more than a nice gesture and as a way to secure loyal customers in the future and possibly a tax write off for the company in question. I dont see why you get so hung up on prices either you need it or want it and are willing to pay the price or you aren't.

 

[Uncle Buck]

If you can afford the addiction, more power to ya!

 

[wrenchr]

"Change you can believe in".

Change?? Like you now have some change after buying your $9.99 ratchet that feel's like a snap on? Or people can change?

 

[ToolGlutton]

Actually, I just bought another ratchet that feels like Snap on. This time it is a Gearwrench bent flex-head ratchet. $22.

Change?? Like you now have some change after buying your $9.99 ratchet that feel's like a snap on? Or people can change?

 

[wrenchr]

Actually, I just bought another ratchet that feels like Snap on. This time it is a Gearwrench bent flex-head ratchet. $22.

So the $9.99 special that felt like snap on was no good?

 

[logical]

All of the truck brands as well as craftsman industrial (Fastenal) offer the discount to votech students. I see it as nothing more than a nice gesture and as a way to secure loyal customers in the future and possibly a tax write off for the company in question. I dont see why you get so hung up on prices either you need it or want it and are willing to pay the price or you aren't.

Exactly...it's not like they are selling life preserving drugs or something. What kind of idiots would they be if the priced them lower than people have proven to be willing to pay?

 

[ToolGlutton]

That $9.99 one is only part of my collection. The new one is a bent ratchet. It is a knuckle saver.

So the $9.99 special that felt like snap on was no good?

 

[nissan_crawler]

The thing is that Snap on put many mechanics in debt even before they start to make money. Some of them have to leave this business, because they can not get over this.

I saw many stories like this on Craigslist. They have to sell their tools to pay off their debt to Snap on.

BULL. That is a flat out lie, and I'm sick of hearing that ****, whether it's in reference to tools, a house, or a car. If they're too f'in stupid to budget right and put themselves in debt they can't handle, too damn bad. It's not the lender's fault, they didn't force the ***** to sign on the dotted line.

I would love to pay twice for a tool that is twice as good. However, I may not want to pay five times for a tool that is only twice as good.

So buy it used. Much of my Snap-On has been at Craftsman prices, or free even, and 5x better than Craftsman (for certain things).

Most people ignored one fact that whether one wants to spend the big bucks on tools really depends on whether he is making a living by turning wrenches or not.

I guess Moose (like many others here) is a mechanic himself, or he owns a shop. It is understandable that they have a high expectation on quality of tools. Well, if you are a DIYer (like me), it is a different story.

I have a dream! From January 2009, Snap on will offer 50% off to all buyers who are not a professional. In return the tools only have a one year warranty.

I couldn't stand to use Craftsman ratchets and such at home after using Snap-On at work, no way. The same with screwdrivers.

 

[rsanter]

Most people ignored one fact that whether one wants to spend the big bucks on tools really depends on whether he is making a living by turning wrenches or not.

I guess Moose (like many others here) is a mechanic himself, or he owns a shop. It is understandable that they have a high expectation on quality of tools. Well, if you are a DIYer (like me), it is a different story.

I have a dream! From January 2009, Snap on will offer 50% off to all buyers who are not a professional. In return the tools only have a one year warranty.

when I started my shop (long time ago) I had mostly Cman and some china. very little SO. over the years having my shop I aquired SO tools because they were more reliable (didnt break as often) so it kept me working and making money. the SO tools did not make me a better mechanic but rather made the work easier on me. (actually I was less of a mechanic and more of a fabricator for streetrods and doing restos)
the first things I got were ratchets and a set of combo wrenches as they were used the most


sorry but the 'dream' is not going to happen. and I do not want my SO tools for 1/2 off with only a one year warranty. lifetime for me and I will buy what I can afford when I need it

bob