Snappy truck or online purchase?

[rossomania]

Hey, y'all! Need your help with a Snap-on purchase question.

For a small, one time purchase ($500 or less) is it better to hunt down a Snappy truck or just buy from the store.snapon.com website? Is there any advantage to using one over the other? Asking for a friend.

 

[Automag88]

If you have easy access to a truck you can go that route, but if you don't want to go through the hassle of finding one just order online. I used to buy stuff off the old driver that used to come to our shop. I'm a heavy equipment operator not a full time mechanic so I wasn't at the shop every week to deal with him but I did when we happened to be in the yard at the same time. So I'd order stuff online as well and it shipped fast and free if I remember correctly. If you're not a regular customer I'd say your chances of a driver cutting you a deal or something are extremely low anyway so it is probably just as easy to order online.

 

[Diy2fault]

Support the driver.

 

[ssdave]

I'd personally support the driver. He may or may not give you a discount or freebee for cash, but the sale means something to him, more than to a corporate entity.

On a more selfish note, if you buy from the dealer, he's more likely to support you with warranty needs if you every have any.

If I have the choice of employing a person or a company, 90% of the time I'll choose to support the person, if they can provide similar service to what a company can.

 

[JuliusPepperwood]

I'd personally support the driver. He may or may not give you a discount or freebee for cash, but the sale means something to him, more than to a corporate entity.

On a more selfish note, if you buy from the dealer, he's more likely to support you with warranty needs if you every have any.

If I have the choice of employing a person or a company, 90% of the time I'll choose to support the person, if they can provide similar service to what a company can.

My snap on guy is a douche. I use the alternative to snap on thread and what ever I need from snap on I get from eBay.

 

[rossomania]

Thanks, everyone, for the good input.

I get it and I agree about supporting the driver. Anyway, buying from the driver seems like part of the normal snappy purchase experience so that alone could be interesting. I just didn't know if a small purchase would be worth their time or interest. What's the worst that could happen?

 

[Wamsutta]

The one advantage of buying off the truck is being able to check for defects before making the purchase; but if you order online and they send you a tool with a defect, they'll take care of you on the phone.

 

[ssdave]

My snap on guy is a douche. I use the alternative to snap on thread and what ever I need from snap on I get from eBay.

I don't like my current snap on guy very well, but still support him. The last guy was great.

I also don't buy stuff they rebrand from them, except replacement parts. He doesn't like it when I drag my extractor sets or such on the truck and have him restock the damaged ones. Things like extractors SO will sell individual replacements cheaper than you can order the cheap ones. But, their full sets cost 2 or 3 times as much. He tried to sell me a bluepoint spline extractor set last time I was on the truck. I pointed out to him that it was a rebranded Ridgid, and he tried to BS me that it was made in the SO factory, he had been there. So, I agreed with him, and said that I was glad that SO was selling it to Ridgid for them to rebrand. He wasn't amused.

I also have used the website or phone to buy stuff and to get warranty, I can get it faster than waiting a week for the truck, and they carry obscure things he doesn't. They always ask me who my driver is, and I tell them, as I understand it, he gets some credit for sales in his territory, whether it's in the truck or on the website.

 

[eyeball]

I always thought it would be a good thing to support a local driver until I actually tried it.

I first sent an inquiry through the Snap On website trying to find a local driver that I could meet at one on his normal stops. No response. Tried again with no response.

A few months later I randomly crossed paths with a driver at a repair shop and made a $300 purchase. Took no more than 10 minutes of his time.

Unfortunately, the likely hood of our paths crossing when I need him are slim.

Out of convenience I now order things that I think I may need to warranty at some point through the website with free shipping.

Other items I purchase used through GJ or occasionally through eBay.




Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[rsanter]

If you pay cash, many drivers will give a little discount

 

[bob15]

If you buy online, they will always have the record of you purchasing the tool, so there will be zero issues if a warranty is needed.

Plus it is easier than trying to find a driver

 

[NUTTSGT]

Where do you work and can you meet the driver during a normal work day ?

Do you have a friend that regularly buys off a Snap on driver ? If so, ask him when the driver stops and try to be there and have your friend introduce you to the driver. A driver is probably more apt to sell to you, if he knows you are coming with a recommendation and probably paying cash.

 

[Tennessee Cattleman]

If the local Snap-on dealer is handy to catch that would be the way to go, mine isn't, therefore I buy online. Ratchets and breaker bars is all I normally keep of Snap-on.

 

[mudflap]

If you buy online, they will always have the record of you purchasing the tool, so there will be zero issues if a warranty is needed.

Plus it is easier than trying to find a driver

This is the smart/easy way to buy SO.. No drama..or a55 kissin a power trippin driver..or having to run a truck balance to insure warranty service, etc. Was never a problem for us established Techs ...but for the new kids coming in every year it was always the same ****. The only real standout SO offers quality wise ..is their line wrenches, and we work with hydraulics almost every day.. So i just have the new Techs go to the SO website and buy them.

 

[Bdgjr215]

If you're not a pro wrench and a driver doesn't stop at your job,why would you ever pay retail from a driver,part of what you're paying for is the convenience of his support which you won't have.Either buy online if your concerned about warranty or off ebay or flea and get it for half price.

 

[dsimatt]

I'd never buy snapon if I had to pay their **** **** online prices, also it helps having a dealer come to work so that's what I do.

 

[Davefr]

If you buy online, they will always have the record of you purchasing the tool, so there will be zero issues if a warranty is needed.

Plus it is easier than trying to find a driver

^Agree.

And once there's an online record that you're a SO buyer, they may even provide warranty on some older tools where you no longer have any purchasing records.

The only advantage of finding a dealer is if you want to start a long term business relationship.

 

[Parrothead]

If you buy online, they will always have the record of you purchasing the tool, so there will be zero issues if a warranty is needed.

Plus it is easier than trying to find a driver

^^^This^^^

No need to go through the hassle of hunting someone down to buy something just so they can make a few extra pennies. You can buy the item from your couch, that convenience is worth it to me.

 

[Richard Cranium]

Our snap on driver here in Yakima is such a jerk, I would buy direct from the company. He has lost several accounts here, I am even told that the Auto mgr. at sears has ran him off and told him not to ever come back.

 

[seber]

As far as warranty is concerned, Snap-On service desk has always taken exceptionally good care of me even though I have no receipts or on line record. I even told them I did not personally buy my 58 year old ratchet. No problem. New guts sent the same day priority mail.

 

[kelpaso1]

As far as warranty is concerned, Snap-On service desk has always taken exceptionally good care of me even though I have no receipts or on line record. I even told them I did not personally buy my 58 year old ratchet. No problem. New guts sent the same day priority mail.

I have had the same experience. Last year I contacted them by phone and told them that I got out of the trade years ago, moved, and didn't know of a driver in my town, and wanted to buy 4 ratchet rebuild kits. They told me they would send them to me no charge. After that I ordered a set of needle nose pliers I wanted. Then after that I called them and told them I had a pair of side cutters that were dull and a broken pair of wire strippers and they sent me new ones for free no questions asked. Didn't even need to send the old ones back. BTW this was Snap on Canada.

 

[oldwino]

No longer using my stuff professionally, just building hot rods, etc. used SnapOn website for occasional purchases and warranties. Wanted to order something off a flyer but was told I needed to go through a dealer for that purchase. She gave dealer my contact information and he called that evening. Met him a couple days later on his route for the purchase. Gave me his card and a new catalog and promised to warranty any Snappy stuff throu him.

I’ve ended up buying a few small things from him and am getting at least a small discount.

Not all dealers are dicks

 

[Automag88]

I forgot to tell you the reason I ordered online in the first place. I needed a 1/2" drive torque wrench and knew I wouldn't be at the shop when the old driver made his stop. Called the driver multiple times and left him a voicemail that I needed one and would meet up with him whenever was convenient for him, I would literally hop on the truck wherever he was at, grab the torque wrench and hand him cash and would be on my way. Quick easy few hundred for him.
He never called me back. I tried for a couple days but could never get a hold of him. So I ordered one online and had it in less than a week.

 

[Professional Tool User]

The Snap on brand is marketed towards mechanics who will be at the shop during the day and can wait for the truck to show up regularly. As long as your dealer isn't an *******, it's good to be able to feel the tool in your hand and have access to the flyers. You can also try buying used Snap on stuff if you have a dealer who will warranty used stuff. But if you have a baddealer/don't have one at all and/or don't turn wrenches for a living, you're better off with cheaper alternatives.

 

[rossomania]

Where do you work and can you meet the driver during a normal work day ?

Do you have a friend that regularly buys off a Snap on driver ? If so, ask him when the driver stops and try to be there and have your friend introduce you to the driver. A driver is probably more apt to sell to you, if he knows you are coming with a recommendation and probably paying cash.

I have a weekly on-site meeting with a client and there's a Snappy truck that shows up at a nearby Firestone Auto center about the time my meeting wraps up. So I have plenty of opportunity to meet this Snappy driver. I wouldn't have anyone to make an introduction, but I do have two advantages: I know exactly what I want to buy and I have cash.

If that doesn't work? I'll hit the snap-on website and not look back.

 

[scissorman]

I love my Snap-on tools. I have a dealer that comes to my work (when he decides to, usually about every 3 weeks) I will buy tools from him IF he has them on the truck and then I make payments, when he decides to come he gets a payment and when he doesn't show up his payment gets skipped that week. I've told him if he wants to be paid weekly he needs to show up weekly. If I have a need for a tool that he doesn't have on the truck then I'll order it direct from snapon.com and it's free shipping on any purchase under $500.

 

[xin]

Hey, y'all! Need your help with a Snap-on purchase question.

For a small, one time purchase ($500 or less) is it better to hunt down a Snappy truck or just buy from the store.snapon.com website? Is there any advantage to using one over the other? Asking for a friend.

I am sure he would be happy to meet you for purchases.

 

[rossomania]

The Snap on brand is marketed towards mechanics who will be at the shop during the day and can wait for the truck to show up regularly. As long as your dealer isn't an *******, it's good to be able to feel the tool in your hand and have access to the flyers. You can also try buying used Snap on stuff if you have a dealer who will warranty used stuff. But if you have a baddealer/don't have one at all and/or don't turn wrenches for a living, you're better off with cheaper alternatives.

Williams and Proto more than meet my critical hand tool needs. That said, I have neither the need nor the budget to make a major commitment to buy Snap On. I do love great tools, though, and there are a couple of SO socket drivers I've had my eye on for a while now.

 

[-OSIS-]

I have had the same experience. Last year I contacted them by phone and told them that I got out of the trade years ago, moved, and didn't know of a driver in my town, and wanted to buy 4 ratchet rebuild kits. They told me they would send them to me no charge. After that I ordered a set of needle nose pliers I wanted. Then after that I called them and told them I had a pair of side cutters that were dull and a broken pair of wire strippers and they sent me new ones for free no questions asked. Didn't even need to send the old ones back. BTW this was Snap on Canada.

This is interesting I wondered how this worked for canadians. Great news!

 

[rallenc]

I seem to remember hearing, this is a number of years ago, that when you order online the driver in your area receives some sort of credit for the sale.

Perhaps that was a fantasy. Hopefuly someone can confirm or set me straight.

Thanks

 

[rossomania]

Just two more days until I "attempt" to make a purchase from my local SO driver. Woohoo!

So far I'm looking to purchase at least the following:

TRLL72 1/4" Drive Dual 80® Technology Extra Long Handle Quick-Release Ratchet
112TMMSY 12 pc 1/4" Drive 6-Point Flank Drive® Semi-Deep Metric Socket Set

I'm tempted to also pick up a 3/8" SO ratchet though I can't say I "need it..." I'm very well set on high quality US made 3/8" ratchets and sockets. The 1/4" stuff I'm buying will go toward eventually replacing my very old but well used US made CM 1/4" socket set. Curious to see how my "ordinary joe versus the SO truck driver" purchase works out!

 

[pullen0]

My employer is supposed to have a dedicated Snap On rep that gives us a 37% discount on tools. I’ve been emailing him and should be making an order pretty soon. At full retail, they’re out of my league. At 37% off, I figure they’ll always be worth close to what I pay for them.

 

[Wamsutta]

If you buy online, they will always have the record of you purchasing the tool, so there will be zero issues if a warranty is needed.

Plus it is easier than trying to find a driver

That's one advantage for sure.

 

[rossomania]

My employer is supposed to have a dedicated Snap On rep that gives us a 37% discount on tools. I’ve been emailing him and should be making an order pretty soon. At full retail, they’re out of my league. At 37% off, I figure they’ll always be worth close to what I pay for them.

Being able to pick up brand new, genuine SO tools at that kind of discount? That's a deal you want to take advantage of!

 

[pullen0]

Being able to pick up brand new, genuine SO tools at that kind of discount? That's a deal you want to take advantage of!

The quote I got was for mostly tool cart accessories. The 2 tools are 39 and 40% off but the whole quote is right at 30% off. At those prices, I'm game. At full retail, I'd be looking more at SK.

I'm 41 and have had tools for nearly 30 years. Mostly Craftsman but I no longer buy their garbage. I'm an electrician and have been in industrial trades for over 12 years now. I'm just recently getting into Snap On and what I've gotten so far, I've really liked.

 

[rossomania]

Just two more days until I "attempt" to make a purchase from my local SO driver. Woohoo!

So far I'm looking to purchase at least the following:

TRLL72 1/4" Drive Dual 80® Technology Extra Long Handle Quick-Release Ratchet
112TMMSY 12 pc 1/4" Drive 6-Point Flank Drive® Semi-Deep Metric Socket Set

I'm tempted to also pick up a 3/8" SO ratchet though I can't say I "need it..." I'm very well set on high quality US made 3/8" ratchets and sockets. The 1/4" stuff I'm buying will go toward eventually replacing my very old but well used US made CM 1/4" socket set. Curious to see how my "ordinary joe versus the SO truck driver" purchase works out!

Man... so disappointed! After weeks and weeks of this driver showing up at the same shop at the same time, no snappy truck today! Would have been nice to meet the guy but I absolutely hate waiting! I'm ordering through store.snapon.com today and calling it done!

 

[zktk01]

I'd never buy snapon if I had to pay their **** **** online prices, also it helps having a dealer come to work so that's what I do.

I bought from a driver once, would have been cheaper for me to buy online.
I paid cash and got no discount.

 

[Todd.Brock]

I have bought from the truck just to see all the stuff. There is chrome goodness hanging from the ceilings. That’s probably what gets everyone in trouble in the first place! Last time I tried to meet the new guy, he never called me back.

These days , I just buy online. I’m buying a replacement socket, touch up paint, etc or warranty replacement for a random socket. I’m not bothering to look for a dealer for that stuff. Online iseasier, it shows up for free-very quickly- and supposedly the driver in your area gets credit for online sales in his territory. Snappy CS told me that a few years ago. No idea if that is true or not.

 

[anndel]

My SO driver always gives discounts and prices are less than online. He takes warranty returns on stuff I didn't buy from him - Ebay, classifieds here, etc. Support the driver if you can.

 

[crf450x]

When I first started buying off of my snap on guy he wanted full retail for stuff. I told him if I wanted to pay full retail I'd order online. He started doing me right and in 8 months I've spent $14k with him. Tomorrow I start a new job that's not in his territory and he told me the driver there won't give any discounts. If that's the case, ill never give him a dime.

Moral of the story....it all depends on the driver. If he wants full price, walk off the truck. That's my advice.