How to judge used value for Snap On toolboxes?

[ket-tek]

Sorry for continuing more SO toolbox buying saga... But I know you guys will have some insight.

I've been looking to replace my pair of stainless costco boxes I've had for a few years with something nicer to go along with my new garage build in progress and have a couple questions.

How are you guys coming to a specific used value of SO tool boxes. Is there a SO 'blue book'? What would the dealer base his trade-in value on if you were gonna upgrade??

Assuming a box is mint, has a clean serial, and is paid off with paperwork proof.

Most used tools I look at I can kinda figure out by knowing retail and looking at ebay average pricing and feel around in between those numbers based on condition and go on feeling like I'm getting a good deal. But that's when I'm considering some for a few hundred.

But looking at boxes that cost $10,000+ new I'd prefer to have a more solid measure of actual worth and resale value.

For instance there is a guy near me that has a KRL7023APES with the S/S top KRSST7003B.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...group_ID=17804&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...d=2244&supersede=&store=snapon-store&tool=all

The full boat retail is over $10k total, $9195 + $884 for the top. It looks to be in mint condition and he has the paperwork and serial number. Asking $5000 obo, half off retail, sounds decent. And it's only 10 minutes away.

Assuming it totally checks out legit does this sound like a good deal? Is there anything I should look for. Is that an average price for this box or does it sound to high..

Thanks again for any help shopping for one of these..
(I did search and read many long drama's about missing serials, liens, creditors, cops, repos, and the extreme of going to court and going to jail for buying stolen property, and off the wall stuff. And I think I fully understand the potential ramafications of buying the unknown.
Anything I purchase will require some kind of dealer sales receipt, a call to the dealer and a call in of the serial to SO support team, since you guys got me so paranoid about spending the rest of my life in jail over a toolbox )

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

Anything I purchase will require some kind of dealer sales receipt, a call to the dealer and a call in of the serial to SO support team, since you guys got me so paranoid about spending the rest of my life in jail over a toolbox )

Well, it's not something a lot of people think about...but now that it's been discussed, it only makes sense to verify a several thousand dollar toolbox has been paid for before you buy it from somebody that could owe money on it.

As far as 50% of retail...that's an avg. to below average deal from the prices I've seen. If you look, you should be able to get around 40% of retail. Retail is pretty inflated for those boxes in the first place...and it's doubtful anyone pays full retail anyway.

 

[krooser]

I think FleaBay is probably the closest thing to a "bluebook" most of us will see. Tool dealers USED to have such an animal but i don't know if they still do.

I would imagine it's tuff in some situations to get a "paid" receipt when you buy a box. Mechanics aren't exactly CPA's and what's to say the guy doesn't have a receipt that's phony? Many of these boxes are sold by private parties everyday not dealers. You just have to judge the seller individually... I wouldn't have a hard time buying a used box even if the seller didn't have "paperwork"...

 

[ket-tek]

I would imagine it's tuff in some situations to get a "paid" receipt when you buy a box. Mechanics aren't exactly CPA's and what's to say the guy doesn't have a receipt that's phony? Many of these boxes are sold by private parties everyday not dealers. You just have to judge the seller individually... I wouldn't have a hard time buying a used box even if the seller didn't have "paperwork"...

Yeah, I get ya. I could make a pretty convincing receipt in MS Word. He is on the route that I see the same local SO Driver when on my way to work most days. So there is a good chance that's who he got it from, so after I check it out in person this weekend I may call the driver and see if he knows that guy or background on the box, and maybe what he feels it is worth...


I want to make an informed purchase, $5000 is a whole lot of money to me. I never thought I'd spend that much on a box. But I've got 2 costco boxes and three mismatched craftsmans, and would like to consolidate down to one massive box. And sell the other 5.

And I want to make sure it is legit so I can get warranty parts for life with no problem. If I pay that much I plan to have it to give to my grandson. And I don't even a kids yet!

 

[Vinko]

In my experience (which I know is relatively limited here), my SO driver is selling boxes for more (and sometimes much more) than what the equivalent can be found through craigslist or the classifieds for. Whatever the reason (trade in, because the driver can get a higher price by allowing a mechanic to make payments, or whatever).

I'm seeing a lot of the older 60's SO boxes go for relatively cheap in my area. I bought a chest (KRA-59A) for $150. My driver said he'd have sold it for $300-$350 because he'd have had to let someone make payments on it. I bought a Matco 26 or 27" 6 drawer rolling cabinet for $100.

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

II would imagine it's tuff in some situations to get a "paid" receipt when you buy a box. Mechanics aren't exactly CPA's and what's to say the guy doesn't have a receipt that's phony? Many of these boxes are sold by private parties everyday not dealers. You just have to judge the seller individually... I wouldn't have a hard time buying a used box even if the seller didn't have "paperwork"...

I wouldn't worry about getting a receipt. Get the serial numbers and call the company to verify the status. I'd put more stock in what they tell you over the phone than a receipt.

 

[Merkava_4]

I want to make an informed purchase, $5000 is a whole lot of money to me.

1. http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=20927

2. http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=20970

3. http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21110

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

That cranberry Snap on box Ron in SC bought is one of the nicest boxes I've ever seen!

 

[petty4243]

bottom line is..... if you feel it might be to much, it is

thow out an offer at the guy... say $2500-$3000..... never know... he might take it if you have the cash

also, when you inspect the box.... look near the model stamping on the back of the box for a small 3/16 hole(apx size)..... if there is one, it has been warrantied already.... typicaly boxes are not warrantied as easily as the tool by snap-on

 

[porschedude996TT]

Point of Interest. Before I bought my first used SO toolbox, I called SO to check if it was a not reported stolen. Well the nice lady said that they don't keep track of who has ownership of a toolbox or any information on stolen property. So it would have to be stolen and the owner could have kept the S/N if it was on his paperwork. That would only work for the municipality since I don't believe there is a Hot-Line for stolen toolboxes...

 

[rsanter]

its like a car, based on condition, age and desirability

bob

 

[Scooterfish]

its like a car, based on condition, age and desirability

bob

Sounds like you could substitute "woman" in place of "car" and tool box above.

 

[Danglerb]

Just don't confuse asking prices for actual selling prices. Many items I've followed up on, bought by friends etc. are actually being sold for MUCH less than the advertised price firm infirm, carved in stone etc.

My favorite type of ad, moving this weekend must sell, $$$ fantasy price, firm. All that does is stop everyone that is polite with a fair offer from calling, so they will get either no calls or nothing but low ball offers.

 

[ket-tek]

Just don't confuse asking prices for actual selling prices. Many items I've followed up on, bought by friends etc. are actually being sold for MUCH less than the advertised price firm infirm, carved in stone etc.

For sure, trust me I understand that.. He's asking $5000 OBO.. So w/ OBO that means straight off you know an offer $4500 cash he wouldn't blink before shaking on it. It's trying to work down to $3500-$4000 that could take some work.

 

[ket-tek]

That cranberry Snap on box Ron in SC bought is one of the nicest boxes I've ever seen!

No doubt! And he got it for $3500! That seems like a great deal.

 

[307WYLD]

Yeah, I get ya. I could make a pretty convincing receipt in MS Word. He is on the route that I see the same local SO Driver when on my way to work most days. So there is a good chance that's who he got it from, so after I check it out in person this weekend I may call the driver and see if he knows that guy or background on the box, and maybe what he feels it is worth...


I want to make an informed purchase, $5000 is a whole lot of money to me. I never thought I'd spend that much on a box. But I've got 2 costco boxes and three mismatched craftsmans, and would like to consolidate down to one massive box. And sell the other 5.

And I want to make sure it is legit so I can get warranty parts for life with no problem. If I pay that much I plan to have it to give to my grandson. And I don't even a kids yet!

Ket-tek...what sizes of those Costco stainless boxes do you have? I might be interested in taking them off your hands if the price is right

 

[Danglerb]

If you show up with cash, a truck ready to haul it away, and a business like attitude, there is no reason to base your offer on what they are asking. Phrase it right, make it clear you are ready to buy it now, and see how it goes.

Sometimes I will ask what the best cash offer is so far instead of making an offer first.

Maybe $3k with the expectation to settle at $3500.

 

[307WYLD]

If you show up with cash, a truck ready to haul it away, and a business like attitude, there is no reason to base your offer on what they are asking. Phrase it right, make it clear you are ready to buy it now, and see how it goes.

Sometimes I will ask what the best cash offer is so far instead of making an offer first.

Maybe $3k with the expectation to settle at $3500.

He's right. Especially now...as my friend is fond of saying, It's a Buyer's Market! They wouldn't be selling if they didn't need the money.

 

[ket-tek]

Ket-tek...what sizes of those Costco stainless boxes do you have? I might be interested in taking them off your hands if the price is right

I have two of the 41" version. I bought them around 04 I don't quite remember. It looks similar to the new 41" they sell but it seems to be different brand, they have different handles on them.

I'm asking $70,000 EACH 'OBO'. Cash offers will get special consideration!

 

[trexdoink]

1/2 new if in great shape. Less if not, they depreciate like cars.

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

A great deal would be 30% of list, a good deal would be 40% and a below average deal around 50% of list. This is for a nice condition, looks almost new box. Any dents or major scratches will reduce those prices. If those boxes are in great shape, $4,000 to $4,250 would be a nice price.

 

[Winneratalosinggame]

I think FleaBay is probably the closest thing to a "bluebook" most of us will see. Tool dealers USED to have such an animal but i don't know if they still do.

I would imagine it's tuff in some situations to get a "paid" receipt when you buy a box. Mechanics aren't exactly CPA's and what's to say the guy doesn't have a receipt that's phony? Many of these boxes are sold by private parties everyday not dealers. You just have to judge the seller individually... I wouldn't have a hard time buying a used box even if the seller didn't have "paperwork"...

When a tech sells his Tool box, If not paid off S-O, Matco, Mac or Cornwell send collections after the original purchaser, Only pursuing the new owner if tech goes bankruptcy route, and seldom even then.

 

[Wrightmech]

I'm trying to find out the value of my snap on muscle car series box cobra jet 428 any ideas?

 

[Davefr]

I'm trying to find out the value of my snap on muscle car series box cobra jet 428 any ideas?

See post #21.

There might be exceptions, but don't assume the custom graphics/themes add any value to the box. If anything, it subtracts from the value of a similar box in a standard color.

 

[a52-830]

And I want to make sure it is legit so I can get warranty parts for life with no problem. If I pay that much I plan to have it to give to my grandson. And I don't even a kids yet!

my impression is that SO only warranties the box for the original owner. if you buy a used box off a truck, i bet he will warranty it for "life", because it is easy for him to.

if you call SO, and tell them that you dont have access to a truck anymore, and potentially lie to them if they directly ask if you are the original owner, you might get service.

but dont count on it.

i was in a similar situation to you. i was working out of three 27" stacks. there was stuff everywhere, including not in those stacks. i did extensive research, and decided to go the "truck box" route, because you can get used boxes for something approaching the cost of new "box store" boxes, on a per square inch cost, for a vastly superior product, even if it is 30 or 40 years old.

i didnt get something built recently enough to have a note still out on it. the first stack was a kr555/550 made in 1979. liked it so much i bought another set, made in 1984. interestingly enough, that set was in a lot worse shape.

anyway, the funny part of that is that i pretty much filled them both up. sure, the drawers were not packed, but they were pretty full. i decided to look for a side cabinet. thought it would be short money for a reasonable amount of additional storage. i ended up with it, but it was attached to a kr655/650 (updated version of the other stacks) stack full of tools. ahh, well, what can you do?

i suppose my point is that you dont need to get something 2 years old. there was someone south of me selling a KR1100/1000 set for 2800$. that set, while not new, might be the pinnacle of SO boxes. if not, it is close.

not to say you should not get what you want. just saying that looking a bit older can be pretty satisfying.

hell, if you got 5 grand, and you live around here, you could get this:

http://nh.craigslist.org/tls/5699942437.html

i bet you could talk him down some too, that ad is well over a month old.

 

[a52-830]

See post #21.

There might be exceptions, but don't assume the custom graphics/themes add any value to the box. If anything, it subtracts from the value of a similar box in a standard color.

but dont tell the seller that. they are *sure* that it adds almost infinite value, even if you dont know who rick mears was (yes, i remember rick, but i am an old fart).

and *really* dont tell them that their lime green box looks like a muppet threw up all over it. they get ******* when you tell them that.


ok, i'll stop now

 

[crewchief888]

See post #21.

There might be exceptions, but don't assume the custom graphics/themes add any value to the box. If anything, it subtracts from the value of a similar box in a standard color.

the only time theres any added "value" on the theme boxes is to a buyer thats looking for that particular set of boxes.
to the average buyer, it detracts from the "pure" SO red box.

the early rick mears top boxes seem to the the holy grail of the limited edition boxes.

several years ago, i was at a harley dealer, the dealership had all of the limited edition harley boxes sitting in the showroom, with price tags on them.

i have a 90th anniversary set, with a mid box, that i bought new off the truck. harley dealer was asking DOUBLE what i paid for mine...
they were still sitting there when the dealer had it's going out of business sale...