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

[2oolhound]

I think the 80/20 analogy works good as stated above. 20% of the customers do 80% of the business. By going via trucks stocked with the tools, to businesses where guys work all day everyday with the tools SO hits the cream of their market. When those guys break a tool the driver remembers selling it to them. These are the top of the customer base, now lets look at the bottom and I mean the very bottom of the other 80% of people who buy snap-on.

As we have all seen there are guys who literally scour the earth looking for decades old worn out or broken tools for free or for pennies so they can return them for new warranty replacements that can be resold. Just for a minute lets say you're that guy. When you walk into Sears and the clerk who happens to be on duty sees your face he couldn't give a **** about you, he just cares about how long till quitting time so he can do what he does after work. The company pays for replacements and he still gets his hourly wage whether you come in or not. On the other hand when a franchisee like the SO guy sees your face he's not going to like it after too many trips to his truck, taking up his time and tying up his stock with your replacements. His 20% customers buy far more than they return.

So for the other 80% of us who show up at the SO truck, think about how he will associate your face when he sees you coming, he'd probably be wondering what part of the 80% club you fit into. If you're straight up and don't waste his time he'll respect you and appreciate your business.

 

[jim_rush51]

SO dealers are hit and miss even for techs. Some of them i really like, others i wont buy from just on the principal. Most trucks dont have deals that you cant get online other than the trade in stuff. And alot of times my dealer will call days in advanced to see if im interested in something traded in. So alot of trade ins are already purchased soon after he gets it. Snap on is high priced and high quality, but i only pay for it cause my driver offers terrific service, even on the stuff i buy from him, that is not SO brand.

 

[glenmore]

I think the Snap-On brand would suffer fatally if consumers could easily compare costs and quality side by side with other brands.

 

[joeswamp]

The problem with SO is that the truck service and the interest free loans are built into the price of the tools, so if you're not using those services the tools are kind of a ripoff.

OTOH, if SO offered the tools at lower prices to the general public, the trucks would be put out of business, and so the mechanics that really need those services would have no access to them.

 

[jjjrmx5]

I think the Snap-On brand would suffer fatally if consumers could easily compare costs and quality side by side with other brands.

I'm not sure I understand your comparison?
In many cases (but not all of course), the Snap-On tool is indeed a superior tool to most of the general public available brands.

I'm sure every shop tech and professional has indeed used a non-truck brand tool and for their own reasons bought or not bought a Snap-On product as a result, but doing a side-by side of Craftsman or HF vs. Snap-On is like comparing a Porsche 911 to a Cheverolet Cobalt or Sonic. Yep, both are made of metal, have an engine, have round tires and get you from point A to point B. So why on earth would "anyone" in thier right f*&^%$ mind buy the Porsche at it's extremely hyper-inflated price when the Cobalt or Sonic will do the same job just as good. I mean seriously, they are both just cars.
Could be quality. Could be warranty. Could be prestige. Could be 100's of other factors. Meanwhile, the public keeps buying them and the product holds it's value remarkably well over an extended period of time.

Yep. It's a wonder why Porsche hasn't gone out of business by now using that idiotic business model. LOL.

 

[Wakefield]

If the truck would come to some free parking lot or the farmers' mart for a couple hours with a load of shiny every Thursday evening or some other regular time--would he build up a loyal following?

 

[Shipfittin]

The fellas have it dead on, Snap-On's business model is based on satisfying their core customers. It's not that they don't care about the shade tree mechanic, they are based around servicing mechanics, technicians and industrial companies. That's where they make their profit from.

It's the same reason Sears does not have tool trucks. Their business is catered around the DIY, homeowner, shade tree mechanic etc. Sure, if you go to a shop you will see people with Craftsman tools. But their bread and butter is the average guy who is fixing his own car or home.

I think the closest thing you will find to what you are looking for is SK with Advance Auto Parts. I have never purchased SK from Advance, and I do believe you have to order them. Not sure, someone please correct me on that if I'm wrong.

And the average person out there who is looking for a tool wants the cheapest thing they can usually find that they feel will last them. That's why Craftsman did so well over all those years. It's also why Harbor Freight is now doing so well. The average Joe can not beat Pittsburgh Pro prices. So there is no question in my mind that a brick and mortar Snap On store would cost more to operate then it would profit.

Now I wouldn't be surprised if sometime soon you won't start seeing MAC being sold in a brick and mortar environment. At least a few different popular tools. And I only say that because of how Stanley Black and Decker hoes out it's brand names.

 

[Trey T]

you know Porsche engine is designed for destruction, right? google IMS failure.

I'm not sure I understand your comparison?
In many cases (but not all of course), the Snap-On tool is indeed a superior tool to most of the general public available brands.

I'm sure every shop tech and professional has indeed used a non-truck brand tool and for their own reasons bought or not bought a Snap-On product as a result, but doing a side-by side of Craftsman or HF vs. Snap-On is like comparing a Porsche 911 to a Cheverolet Cobalt or Sonic. Yep, both are made of metal, have an engine, have round tires and get you from point A to point B. So why on earth would "anyone" in thier right f*&^%$ mind buy the Porsche at it's extremely hyper-inflated price when the Cobalt or Sonic will do the same job just as good. I mean seriously, they are both just cars.
Could be quality. Could be warranty. Could be prestige. Could be 100's of other factors. Meanwhile, the public keeps buying them and the product holds it's value remarkably well over an extended period of time.

Yep. It's a wonder why Porsche hasn't gone out of business by now using that idiotic business model. LOL.

 

[smoky]

so basically what most of you guys are saying is: as a "shade tree mechanic" it doesn't matter if I have $1 or $100,000.00 to spend Snap-On doesn't care about my business? well what ever the case may be I'm going to continue to build my Snap-On tool collection. I when I pass away they will handed down to my sons when they decided to work on cars and use them, and I'm sure they will be just as good as the day I bought them.

 

[jjjrmx5]

so basically what most of you guys are saying is: as a "shade tree mechanic" it doesn't matter if I have $1 or $100,000.00 to spend Snap-On doesn't care about my business? well what ever the case may be I'm going to continue to build my Snap-On tool collection. I when I pass away they will handed down to my sons when they decided to work on cars and use them, and I'm sure they will be just as good as the day I bought them.

While Snap-ON may come off elitist by many folks for that fact and even non-tool folks if worded in the way you do above, their main core is B2B and those who work professionally using tools for a living that need tools to be reliable and well made to pull a paycheck or make a dollar on be it individuals or big mfgrs.

I never take that fact personally and the fact that you can buy Snap-On online, here on GJ, via ebay and even if /when you do find a truck means they are available to the wrenching public.

As I stated before, I applaud your desire use a better tool, no matter the brand. Buy them new. Buy them used. Buy them at flea markets.

I really wish Snap-On kept a database of those who had no driver access but
bought online and then could match sales level to a driver where then both parties could benefit from the sale of tools locally.

Right now, it's so truncated and volume or relationship based that the system seems to have no set rules except territory. What that means is if you don't bring volume sales in a stop, little support is usually offered.

Time=money so drivers try to maximize thier time to make the max. sales. with max. volume.
Not ideal, but it is the system as currently set-up, elitist or evasive as it may be. LOL.

 

[koster88]

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!!

Hey, i see you are in Dallas. Who is your Dallas Snap On Guy? I need to get ahold of him.

 

[CWP1616L]

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

Because the type of people who shop at retail establishments are not the type of people who buy Snap-on. Plain and simple...

 

[shocksandstrutz]

grated i live in a city area that is more populated than some, i can get ahold of any of the tool truck guys and just get a time and day and stop by when there is something i would like to get. never really bothered then much, always happy to take my greenbacks and let me know if there was something special going on. if your a DIY guy, you should have the patients to buy when the guy comes around and be happy you have a guy that comes around, most people dont have that and HAVE to buy online or by some other means

 

[chadster1]

Hey, i see you are in Dallas. Who is your Dallas Snap On Guy? I need to get ahold of him.

What part of Dallas?

 

[shockwave]

Outside of some snap on gloves and razorknife I have not seen anywhere but the truck or online but going by local shops and asking the techs is the best way I have found I had to do this to warranty some Mac stuff since a Mac truck does not come by the shop

 

[DoubleA]

I think the Snap-On brand would suffer fatally if consumers could easily compare costs and quality side by side with other brands.

Certain items like a blue point paint scraper for $24, i can see that.

But items like there pullers/bj press, dual 80 ratchets, wrenches, and many other items no one else compares.

You put a BJP1 balljoint press kit next to the competitors and you will understand why it cost more and it's quality far surpasses everything else on the market.

 

[quicknova]

Is there a place that posts the monthly flyer? It seems the snapon site only had the christmas flyers. I don't work in a shop anymore and it ***** not being able to see whats on sale.

 

[rsanter]

I don't have a shop anymore but still like my snap on stuff.
I work in an office now but play with thebtools on the side

When I needed a couple of tools and a couple of things warranted, I called snap on Corp, asked for my dealer and got a number.
I called him and asked if he had what I wanted on the truck and he did.
He stopped in on the day he was in the area and swapped the broken stuff and sold me the stuff I wanted.
Now we have a deal. When I need or want something I call and he tells me if it is on the truck, if it is not he orders it.
He will come by the next day that he is in the area and calls me or comes to the front desk.
He dosent care if he is stopping in at an office.
Just my experience.
And BTW I rairly pay full price with him. He almost always knocks a littlemoff even if it's just rounding off the change

Bob

 

[Raul]

$ 271 for a ratchet wrench, a swivel, two extensions, and 10 sockets
http://store.snapon.com/Hand-Tools-C700010.aspx
That's snap on


I've used their tools. They are OK.

Compare
http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-24-pc-6-pt-standard-easy-read/p-00934867000P?prdNo=12
And they have returned to the genuine lifetime warranty no package & no receipt needed.

In fact the only down side to their warranty is you can't do it online. Gotta go to a retail outlet

 

[Givl Reggin]

$ 271 for a ratchet wrench, a swivel, two extensions, and 10 sockets

It might be ridiculous, but that money spent goes to paying other people and providing jobs. It’s not like the money disappears in thin air. Lower wage workers get paid out of this money. Some people on here may say that the money would be better saved in the bank, but then it's never going back into the economy. Those who can afford to spend the money SHOULD, rather than save it.

 

[gagreen]

It might be ridiculous, but that money spent goes to paying other people and providing jobs. It’s not like the money disappears in thin air. Lower wage workers get paid out of this money. Some people on here may say that the money would be better saved in the bank, but then it's never going back into the economy. Those who can afford to spend the money SHOULD, rather than save it.

sound good but what happens when the social security well is dry when my generation stats retiring? You gotta balance out saving and spending. Low income spending all they can only pads the wealthies pockets. Most mechanics aren't high income folks despite what customers think because they see a snap on toolbox and nice tools. The tools feed us is and i appreciate snap on doping by every week, but my tool money is budgeted after savings. If i have to order atekton tool to get a job done I'll do it and put it on the replace list when i can. There are Les and less pensions out there or savings and retirements are important.

Money in a savings account is not sitting either. The bank is investing and increasing it's loan power with every deposited dollar. Only money in a shoebox in a closet is not participating. Responsible saving investing and spending is much better for an economy than spend it all.


To the original topic, it would sure be easier if I could get a mcchicken at the burger king that's closer lol. Snap on does not care about the everyman, they care about high volume captive audiences. They do not advertise like the store brands because part of their ability to command high process is exclusivity. They want to carry the ere of professional grade tools for professionals. Dealers don't make money of of Johnny snowball hoping on buying a ratchet and disappearing, cost more in fuel to sit idle running ac for twenty minutes while someone rifles thru there goods. Keeping the average Joeof the truck also cuts down on theft, not that guys on the route don't but they have to see the dealer every week and he will catch on to when products are lost.

Snap on is a specialized service, not a box store brand

 

[fordcragar]

I've had the same experience with Snap-On and Mac, trying to find a dealer.

 

[Givl Reggin]

First, in the overall scheme of things what we're talking about is a rather trivial amount... I would imagine most couple's food bill for a week easily exceeds that amount... I don't really know what me and my wife spend on food, as she does most of the shopping, but I do know that every time I stop in the grocery store to just pick a few things up I almost always end up spending well over $100 bucks.

It would be interesting to see the difference between buying cheap junk verses professional grade tools, when figured over a lifetime... I would bet that it isn't going to add up to be a life changing amount... probably more like the cost of a medium priced new car.

It's hard to keep putting money into savings accounts when they're only paying .4% interest and 4-year CDs are at 1.3%... even 30-year US bonds are less than 2% and they changed the rules so you can't even buy 3 bonds a year anymore... the main point of all this is at those rates your savings aren't keeping up with inflation. These ridiculous low rates you have basically two choices... spend it, or what it's really doing is it's pushing more and more people to the stock market... last year alone my stocks made almost 8%. But I prefer to spend it on things that make me happy.

 

[Wamsutta]

$ 271 for a ratchet wrench, a swivel, two extensions, and 10 sockets
http://store.snapon.com/Hand-Tools-C700010.aspx
That's snap on


I've used their tools. They are OK.

Compare
http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-24-pc-6-pt-standard-easy-read/p-00934867000P?prdNo=12
And they have returned to the genuine lifetime warranty no package & no receipt needed.

In fact the only down side to their warranty is you can't do it online. Gotta go to a retail outlet

It all depends on how quality sensitive you are. If you're not quality sensitive, Snap-On isn't gonna make any sense to you. However, a quality sensitive person would gladly pay the extra money for Snap-On because Craftsman tools either make them sick to their stomach, or makes them so angry and frustrated they end up killing people.

 

[Chadwilliam1]

Maybe I will just save my money and find a dealer. I've been buying online but I think I will just visit a truck sometime.

 

[mailpup]

I'm a shadetree mechanic but several years ago I had a regular Snap-on dealer (and a Mac Tool dealer too, but I digress). I was a very regular customer. I live in Los Angeles and a Snap-on retail store opened near my home about a mile away. It was my dealer who told me about it. He said that if I bought anything from the store, he would get credit for the sale if I would mention his name. Every time I went there there were no other customers there. It was located in an industrial warehouse area and not near any other retail stores so unless you already knew it was there you would not likely drive by it. Anyway, after awhile, it closed. I'm sure it was for lack of business. You could argue that if they were in a better location, maybe things would have turned out differently. Who knows? But they closed and that was that.

 

[n8n]

A Snap-On retail store? I'm sure glad there isn't one near me... it's bad enough seeing the truck every now and then, I'd be broke for sure if I could just go shopping whenever I thought I needed something!

 

[Catamount]

I didn't read the whole thread, but when I want to buy something NEW from SnapOn I go to snapon.com and order it.

Free shipping, and it's at my house in a few days. I don't know why you'd chase a tool truck around unless you wanted to feel the item first.

 

[Fcvapor05]

$ 271 for a ratchet wrench, a swivel, two extensions, and 10 sockets
http://store.snapon.com/Hand-Tools-C700010.aspx
That's snap on


I've used their tools. They are OK.

Compare
http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-24-pc-6-pt-standard-easy-read/p-00934867000P?prdNo=12
And they have returned to the genuine lifetime warranty no package & no receipt needed.

In fact the only down side to their warranty is you can't do it online. Gotta go to a retail outlet

I'd rather spend the $225 or so on the Snap-On set (that's the rough percentage off of book price I typically get from the guy I buy from) and not have to worry about going to the ER when the ratchet breaks, causing me to punch a cylinder head as hard as I can.

Yes, this happened to me, and as a result I'll be using nothing but my Snap-On ratchets for the rest of my life. I expect my son will use the ones I've bought for the balance of his life when he gets them from me.

I'd also rather spend the money on Snap-On wrenches, and not have to worry about whether or not my open-end wrench is stiff enough to back off that rusted bolt, or whether it's narrow enough to reach that fastener buried under brake lines and harnesses and whatever else.

Quality costs money. People don't join the Porsche forum and then post links to used Hondas on Autotrader.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with Craftsman tools- but they don't represent the same quality of materials, design, or customer support you get from companies like Snap-On. (Or Matco. Let's not talk about MAC. )

 

[Fcvapor05]

I didn't read the whole thread, but when I want to buy something NEW from SnapOn I go to snapon.com and order it.

Free shipping, and it's at my house in a few days. I don't know why you'd chase a tool truck around unless you wanted to feel the item first.

If you establish a relationship with a good dealer, odds are strong that you're going to get stuff cheaper and better service if you ever have a warranty concern.

Granted, not all dealers are 'good' and not every shadetree customer is going to spend enough money to get a dealer's attention- but if you find a guy that cares about service, or if you're dropping enough coin on a dealer's truck, you're going to get enough attention to suit your need.

 

[platform389]

Yeah, dealing with the trucks... What fun. Back when I was 19 (1980) my quest to buy Snap On began after reading about them in OFF ROAD magazine.

The local dealer was a crusty shellback that had the personality of a steel brush. It was a 20 mile drive one way to buy anything at his home, which he greatly resented despite all the cash changing hands.

Happily Snap On came out with ordering by toll free telephone around 1987. Even sent catalogs free upon request. I was so very glad not have to deal with my "friendly" local dealer ever again.

Then the website came about and I haven't been inside a Snap On truck since. Order so much that way they are constantly asking if I want a dealer to call on me. No thanks, ecommerce is the way of the future.

 

[gagreen]

Yeah, dealing with the trucks... What fun. Back when I was 19 (1980) my quest to buy Snap On began after reading about them in OFF ROAD magazine.

The local dealer was a crusty shellback that had the personality of a steel brush. It was a 20 mile drive one way to buy anything at his home, which he greatly resented despite all the cash changing hands.

Happily Snap On came out with ordering by toll free telephone around 1987. Even sent catalogs free upon request. I was so very glad not have to deal with my "friendly" local dealer ever again.

Then the website came about and I haven't been inside a Snap On truck since. Order so much that way they are constantly asking if I want a dealer to call on me. No thanks, ecommerce is the way of the future.

I don't understand your willingness to spend extra? Trucks make deals under msrp.... You may have a really good driver in your zone now. And if I understand it right, that driver is getting a kickback off of all your online buys anyway.

 

[Matt_C]

I do get what the OP is saying, and I also get what the pro's are saying. My problem is, I'm a pro, but I don't work in a static location - I'm fully mobile, and don't know where I'll be from one day to the next. Which makes meeting with a SO guy next to impossible.

When I worked for a company with a "home" branch that I went to everyday, even though I worked out on the road for the duration of that (and every) day, there were office staff there, so I could leave money with one of them, and on Thursday when the SO rep came round they'd buy the tool on my behalf.

These days I go to a location to load up in the morning that isn't anything to do with my company, and since there's not an automotive "shop" on the premises, there's no SO to service it.

When I needed a screwdriver blade replaced, I had no idea who the SO guy was where I live, so I called SO UK and they gave me the number of the rep in my area. Turns out he lives in the same town as me, and services the numerous industrial areas (which nearly all contain auto shops) around my town. Of course, he didn't want me visiting him at home (which I fully understand, for both privacy and security), but told me when he'd be visiting one of the repair shops nearest me. I went down there (as it was luckily my day off) and got the blade swapped out. So that's cool, but since I'm not a repetitive buyer (I've got nearly all the tools I need to do what I do, and just need the odd thing from time to time - and even then it'll be just one thing, not a series of items like many guys do), there's little chance of me building up a rapport with him, as a regular face. So I'm probably better off buying from the website. Which is a bit poo since there's no chance to haggle or get a current deal, or get a freebie thrown in here and there (which of course I'm not entitled to, but is nice none the less)

 

[PugetDude]

It's entirely based on a market strategy based on keeping prices artificially high to preserve the brand mystique.

 

[Garage Junky]

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

Any idea if this is still around or is it just a memory at this point?

 

[pburressiii]

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

Not real hard but a pia to get one who is willing to even deal with you. "Hello, I have cash... I want tools!" I don't understand why they all have to be dicks!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[90zcar]

It's funny. I don't work at a set shop Mostly side work at my house and I drive and meet up with my snap on dealer usually on Mondays when he's in the area. I was at one of those snap on masters of metal tours and there was about 6 or 7 dealers there and every single one of them acted like I was wasting their time and I was a nobody when I stopped by their booth to browse


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Brownsfan]

I will start by saying I don't have a shop. I meet my snap On guy in various locations. I guess I am lucky to have a guy that wants my business and treats me like any other customers. He cuts me deals and even gives me truck credit just like any other customer even though i am not in a shop. Not all snap on guys are dicks. Give them a chance.

 

[atwageman]

I'm happy I don't have the bad luck with drivers that some of you have. The SO and MAC guys in my area will willingly sell to anybody. Lettering on their trucks that say..........Open To The Public, along with their cell numbers.

Then again, any time I've stepped on a truck, I've got a shopping list and cash in hand. Also don't waste the drivers time by "just looking". However they take it upon themselves to show me tools not on my list. Give me freebies without expecting it......my wife like SO socks in the winter. Lol

 

[gagreen]

Not real hard but a pia to get one who is willing to even deal with you. "Hello, I have cash... I want tools!" I don't understand why they all have to be dicks!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

You gotta remember everyone on this forum are people who want to spend free time talking tools and garages, we are not the norm. I'm sure if you got to know a driver and asked why they don't like dealing with non route customers you would hear the stories of the browsers, gas wasters, time takers, etc... Tool truck guys are not a regular store they have a fairly strict schedule to adhere to as some shops only allow a certain time frame for tool truck stops, they have to dodge lunch hours, and have to hit all their stops everyday or they don't get paid. Waiting around at a dealership or maint facility for an extra 5 to 10 minutes while someone is "on their way" can cost the driver an entire shop's worth of payments and purchases.

These guys aren't just riding a gravy train. A vacation during a work week can cost them a lot. There is always going to be someone out there thinking you are a jerk or ripping them off, but they only know their side. Tool trucks make money off of consistency not casuals. Off route guys are welcome on the trucks if you make an effort to not slow the driver down and not cost him money. They want your money, not at the cost of more money from missing making it to their last stop before the shop is closed for the day tho.

Some drivers open up every couple weekends for casuals. My driver opens up at his house for holiday shoppers even. Every one is different and their levels of give a f*&% about the off route shoppers will also vary. Get the driver on your routes number and call them. Do not expect them to go out of their way to match your schedule, as theirs is already set. It's not uncommon for a driver to make house calls at the end of a business day if you are willing to purchase enough to cover gas and time.

It's not the easiest way to buy tools, but the number of people who are inconvenienced by it are way out numbered by the number of guys who reap the benefit of weekly tool shopping. Snap on dedicated to a mobile franchise business a long time ago, these routes have to be protected to protect the franchisees. Snap on opening up a corporate store would directly effect the income of the driver who currently owns that area. Same goes for them putting snap on on the shelves at a box or hardware store.