HF going after pro-tools now with ICON line.

[sberry]

Yes, I agree cheap is king. Its only got to last as long as the car its going to on. My neighbor just replaced a blower motor on a 15 yr old Buick . The one they stock was 60$ They could get one for 140. The 60 will outlast the car,,, why should they put a "better" one on with a car gonna go 5 years more at most
Really a mystery or that hard to understand?

 

[Partsguy57]

Yes, I agree cheap is king. Its only got to last as long as the car its going to on. My neighbor just replaced a blower motor on a 15 yr old Buick . The one they stock was 60$ They could get one for 140. The 60 will outlast the car,,, why should they put a "better" one on with a car gonna go 5 years more at most.

True and the number on reason one justifies cheap.... funny how many say the same thing as they are buying parts for the same car they were rid of two years ago...

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[sberry]

The fact they had a 22$ belt for my old van made it way easier decision to replace it vs 38$. Incl tax 20 in my pocket. That is less work. Old truck will still die with a relatively new belt on it.

 

[intillzah]

Wrong..... cheap is king.. go talk to your local owner they will confirm.

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Thing I learned about parts (did it for 10 years in ag and construction)cheap is the BIG King, but cheap can sometimes take a big wet bite out of a customers ***....

 

[Partsguy57]

Thing I learned about parts (did it for 10 years in ag and construction)cheap is the BIG King, but cheap can sometimes take a big wet bite out of a customers ***....

Lol yes it can and does at times...

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[sberry]

Yes but its not the same part they reolaced 2 years ago. I am aware how parts operate, had one a while back tey to sell me 2 shocks ,, with a straight face for 180$. Got the same model shipped for 65$. Quote 89 for a gasket set can be bought for 20. If I can get it for that whats store cost?

 

[Partsguy57]

The fact they had a 22$ belt for my old van made it way easier decision to replace it vs 38$. Incl tax 20 in my pocket. That is less work. Old truck will still die with a relatively new belt on it.

Well in the magic kingdom of h.f. its is good as.. now is that 22.00 belt as good as the 38.00?

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[mudflap]

Percentage please?? I will be happy to tell you how it works, percentage first please? I also would like to know why you deserve the the same discount as a shop does?

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The percentage varies...we get a deeper discount on NAPA branded items like oil, filters, antifreeze, etc..than we do on other things..Carlyle tools are a set 20% off for the Techs.. and its because they run them thru the County acct, and the County payroll deducts us for them. If you want to upgrade your HF tools, and cant afford SO prices..you arent alone. I recommend buying SO snap ring pliers, and line wrenches..but most other stuff Gearwrench is decent..or you can wait and see what these Icon tools look like...but no need to ren Napa into the ground.. They go above and beyond from a service standpoint..our rep is at the shop almost every day..and if we need something quick he will make a special trip and be there within an hour.. What more can you ask for..?

 

[Partsguy57]

Yes but its not the same part they reolaced 2 years ago. I am aware how parts operate, had one a while back tey to sell me 2 shocks ,, with a straight face for 180$. Got the same model shipped for 65$. Quote 89 for a gasket set can be bought for 20. If I can get it for that whats store cost?

First is quality. . Second is the death of the traditional 3 step distribution system... go talk to your local owned store, not a company store and they can make it clear if you don't understand.

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[Partsguy57]

The percentage varies...we get a deeper discount on NAPA branded items like oil, filters, antifreeze, etc..than we do on other things..Carlyle tools are a set 20% off for the Techs.. and its because they run them thru the County acct, and the County payroll deducts us for them. If you want to upgrade your HF tools, and cant afford SO prices..you arent alone. I recommend buying SO snap ring pliers, and line wrenches..but most other stuff Gearwrench is decent..or you can wait and see what these Icon tools look like...but no need to ren Napa into the ground.. They go above and beyond from a service standpoint..our rep is at the shop almost every day..and if we need something quick he will make a special trip and be there within an hour.. What more can you ask for..?

One more time... what do you think the daily average percentage markup of sales is... you are dodging.

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[sberry]

The truth of the matter is most parts store types are about as heartless as whores. I asked a manager,, why you yry to sell me a 300$ fuel pump vs a 140$ one? Well,, we sont like the warranty process for the cheaper one. I had to ask,, how many returns you haf,,, well, none.
A really good store owner or manager has to be able to lie like a lawyer. Willing to atick it to their own mothers with a sincere look.

 

[trackwelder]

I use to be a big Napa guy until all the guys who knew anything retired. Now it’s just a bunch of kids who don’t know ****. Without any service or at least comparable pricing I hit up the local advanced auto and use the online discount codes. Also buy quite a bit from rock auto, especially Oem parts.

 

[Partsguy57]

The truth of the matter is most parts store types are about as heartless as whores. I asked a manager,, why you yry to sell me a 300$ fuel pump vs a 140$ one? Well,, we sont like the warranty process for the cheaper one. I had to ask,, how many returns you haf,,, well, none.
A really good store owner or manager has to be able to lie like a lawyer. Willing to atick it to their own mothers with a sincere look.

And how many parts stores have you owned?

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[Partsguy57]

I use to be a big Napa guy until all the guys who knew anything retired. Now it’s just a bunch of kids who don’t know ****. Without any service or at least comparable pricing I hit up the local advanced auto and use the online discount codes. Also buy quite a bit from rock auto, especially Oem parts.

Money buys talent... not much money in the automotive world anymore various reasons for this. The first being cheap is king. Second the rise of the two step vs three... rock auto a example of this..

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[sberry]

Yes, I have a good idea what they will "tell" me. Btw, I do use a local owned outfit, they do a good job and try hard.
They were a good fit for my town. They bought a place or 2 nearby and open 1 new one. The buys were from Auto Value who fired all the talent a while back.
These people didnt invest cause there was no money in it.

 

[mudflap]

I use to be a big Napa guy until all the guys who knew anything retired. Now it’s just a bunch of kids who don’t know ****. Without any service or at least comparable pricing I hit up the local advanced auto and use the online discount codes. Also buy quite a bit from rock auto, especially Oem parts.

Guess we are lucky in that respect..4 older guys working at our local shop that have been there for many years..and the owner is around alot..he owns 3 stores..so is in and out.

 

[Partsguy57]

Yes, I have a good idea what they will "tell" me. Btw, I do use a local owned outfit, they do a good job and try hard.
They were a good fit for my town. They bought a place or 2 nearby and open 1 new one. The buys were from Auto Value who fired all the talent a while back.

In other wise none.... talking out your behind then...

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[Shane6377]

So are you a fan of h.f. stuff?You don't appear to be as you own very little. As far as pros screwing things up. Yep... not much talent coming into the industry as wages are to low. Money attracts talent. Another reason I got out.

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I'm not a "fan" of any tool brand. I'm a tool user not a collector.

I agree, wages are low in the industry... which is why if HF offers quality tools and lower prices "pros" are going to buy them. The average salary for a pro mechanic is $39,000. You think those guys aren't going to be looking at the Icon tools?


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[Partsguy57]

I'm not a "fan" of any tool brand. I'm a tool user not a collector.

I agree, wages are low in the industry... which is why if HF offers quality tools and lower prices "pros" are going to buy them. The average salary for a pro mechanic is $39,000. You think those guys aren't going to be looking at the Icon tools?


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They may well prove to be true... my amusement is the guys thinking h.f. sell quality now... they don't. They sell cheap tools at cheap prices.. nothing more.. now the new tools coming time will tell. I suspect if premium tools sellers such as snap on loose sales to h.f. it is more a reflection on low wages vs higher cost of quality.

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[sberry]

I went in to a dollar tree store the other day. Not sure how they do it (I dont own either store) but a gallon of ammonia, same brand, is a dollar and half a gallon is 1.63 in Meijers. Do I need to own either store to do the math?

 

[Partsguy57]

I went in to a dollar tree store the other day. Not sure how they do it (I dont own either store) but a gallon of ammonia, same brand, is a dollar and half a gallon is 1.63 in Meijers. Do I need to own either store to do the math?

Hmmm not following your logic... you can drive to the next town to save 13 cents on a gallon of product?? Don't value ones time much do you....

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[Negen]

Hmmm not following your logic... you can drive to the next town to save 13 cents on a gallon of product?? Don't value ones time much do you....

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The amount saved at the dollar store would be $2.26 for one gallon of the same brand of ammonia. At the dollar store price the owner is still making profit. At the hardware store the owner is making more profit on that item. The importer going to be the same. Due to the nature of the item.

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[ChrisLS8]

They may well prove to be true... my amusement is the guys thinking h.f. sell quality now... they don't. They sell cheap tools at cheap prices.. nothing more.. now the new tools coming time will tell. I suspect if premium tools sellers such as snap on loose sales to h.f. it is more a reflection on low wages vs higher cost of quality.

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Price doesn't always equate quality. Their impact sockets are a good example. The overwhelming opinion of these sockets even with the "pros" on this tool snob forum is extremely positive. Same with their earthquake impacts, same with the US General boxes, same with the ratchets and Jack's etc etc.

Not sure why you think it's impossible for a tool to be quality and be reasonably priced

 

[WittHay]

http://www.iconprotools.com/

Should be an interesting year. I think they are debuting at SEMA and will make a real go at the tool truck guys. HF is also going to offer their own credit card.

I'm interested because the ICON torque wrench has been well received, but is it going to be Pitts, Pitts Pro, AND Icon? I noticed the Pro stuff is getting light at my local store.

There is a 4th line at HF now, Quinn Sockets made in Taiwan. This isnt really about the tool trucks. Its about online vs brick and mortar among backyard DIY guys.

You want to replace some old Craftsman sockets, do you order Tekton or SK and have it delivered or go down to HF on the weekend and buy Icon or Quinn in person.

A lot of people regard HF as a discount retailer with gimmicky advertising and pushy insurance selling. They have done nothing so far to change that image. The first thing that show up when you look at their website is coupons for $5 electric grinders

 

[Fedwrench]

There is a 4th line at HF now, Quinn Sockets made in Taiwan.

I saw the Quinn sockets when picking up a flashlight at Harbor Freight yesterday. two issues i noticed right away was that the 1/4 set lacks a 5.5mm socket and they don't offer six point sockets in 3/8 or 1/2 drive, only 12 point.

 

[jdlong]

Time will tell. Some, not all of the current upscale HF tools have turned out to be a big bang for the buck for a lot of people after really putting the tools to use. Word gets around and the tools sell well. The fact HF built their name on importing cheesy tools doesn't change anything. I can't see what's stopping HF from importing Carlyle or even Blue Point quality if they are willing to shell out the money. If SnapOn had any real concern over what HF is doing, they would have made their tools available to the general public at tool truck discounts by now. A market SO cuts off. Not HF.

 

[sberry]

I will type a little slower this time do its easier to read. The gallon was a dollar and the half gallons a 1.63.

 

[zendriver]

I will type a little slower this time do its easier to read. The gallon was a dollar and the half gallons a 1.63.

Since it's higher priced, it is a much better quality of ammonia, the company puts in the higher priced bottle.

The cheap stuff, might be watered down with bleach.

 

[sberry]

As for quailty the worst,, or at least a tie for worst ratchets were from Napa. They simply polish a Sears. I finally gave up on them.
Thats not really a swipe at Napa, their stores are fine but they are no more a quality outfit that the rest of them with a rubber ink pad and box of stickers they stick on lots of white boxces along with the rest of the stores.
Until ot was sold the one most local to me was one of the best stores around. I used it for a decade. They did some stuff really eell.
It wasnt the climate or nature of the business that closed it, the owners did. He had a pocket full, ran out the best help a year or 2 ahead of retiring most likely to avoid legacy cost. He hired the kids. Took 2 of them to do anything and didnt know rhe dofference from round or square.
This wasnt the times changing, the business, it was the owner,,, a guy I know, known hin for a long time, a guy I fundamentally like.

 

[zendriver]

A lot of people regard HF as a discount retailer with gimmicky advertising and pushy insurance selling. They have done nothing so far to change that image. The first thing that show up when you look at their website is coupons for $5 electric grinders

Those are usually the people, who won't shop there anyway, so they may likely never be a target customer, for HF. Not everyone is.

They might be fine with their image, if they sell $5B worth of products each year, presumably from selling something other than 1 billion $5 grinders.

 

[DFB]

They might be fine with their image, if they sell $5B worth of products each year, presumably from selling something other than 1 billion $5 grinders.

I dunno those 5.00 grinders ($9.99 with coupon virtually year round) are pretty popular

One of my largest volume of tool table flips

 

[dogdog]

Time will tell. Some, not all of the current upscale HF tools have turned out to be a big bang for the buck for a lot of people after really putting the tools to use. Word gets around and the tools sell well. The fact HF built their name on importing cheesy tools doesn't change anything. I can't see what's stopping HF from importing Carlyle or even Blue Point quality if they are willing to shell out the money. If SnapOn had any real concern over what HF is doing, they would have made their tools available to the general public at tool truck discounts by now. A market SO cuts off. Not HF.

It's the tool snub mentality.... trying to be exclusive high end club that every one wants to get into... (*hope I describe this right), means it's a way to try to make those snap-on truck customers feel special.......Their target market is not average Joe retail..... Making tools available to general public would kinda destroy their core tool truck business...

you know I always tell those people, you are "special" , don't needed a tool truck to make you feel special.

 

[DFB]

I have to somewhat think they (HF) also has been bolstered by the court case Snap On brought on too.

 

[Partsguy57]

It's the tool snub mentality.... trying to be exclusive high end club that every one wants to get into... (*hope I describe this right), means it's a way to try to make those snap-on truck customers feel special.......Their target market is not average Joe retail..... Making tools available to general public would kinda destroy their core tool truck business...

you know I always tell those people, you are "special" , don't needed a tool truck to make you feel special.

Well there is the flip side of the story.... those that insist on buying the bottom of the barrel when they could do better... its called a cheapskate.... and yes that mentality translates over to all areas of life making life miserable for those that have to live with them... and we all know who those are. cheers

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[Partsguy57]

Price doesn't always equate quality. Their impact sockets are a good example. The overwhelming opinion of these sockets even with the "pros" on this tool snob forum is extremely positive. Same with their earthquake impacts, same with the US General boxes, same with the ratchets and Jack's etc etc.

Not sure why you think it's impossible for a tool to be quality and be reasonably priced

No it doesn't... but the failure of H f. Tools is a legendary..

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[Partsguy57]

As for quailty the worst,, or at least a tie for worst ratchets were from Napa. They simply polish a Sears. I finally gave up on them.
Thats not really a swipe at Napa, their stores are fine but they are no more a quality outfit that the rest of them with a rubber ink pad and box of stickers they stick on lots of white boxces along with the rest of the stores.
Until ot was sold the one most local to me was one of the best stores around. I used it for a decade. They did some stuff really eell.
It wasnt the climate or nature of the business that closed it, the owners did. He had a pocket full, ran out the best help a year or 2 ahead of retiring most likely to avoid legacy cost. He hired the kids. Took 2 of them to do anything and didnt know rhe dofference from round or square.
This wasnt the times changing, the business, it was the owner,,, a guy I know, known hin for a long time, a guy I fundamentally like.

How many stores have you owned??? Be careful with assumptions..

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[Partsguy57]

The amount saved at the dollar store would be $2.26 for one gallon of the same brand of ammonia. At the dollar store price the owner is still making profit. At the hardware store the owner is making more profit on that item. The importer going to be the same. Due to the nature of the item.

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Lol you think a local store owner makes the same profit as a chain store buying a product from a manufacturer on a national level in volume? Your ignorance is very clearly showing through... how many stores have you owned?

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[M6erfan]

I have a feeling someone here owned a Napa store and went out of business, so is now bitter. It happens, businesses fail. Consumers are fickle and competition is tough.

Adapt if you want to succeed, HF is...

 

[azchrisf]

I like the look of those toolboxes.
But, I'd rather have a top chest for an option than a workcenter.

I wonder if the side cabinet will fit their current toolboxes?

 

[WittHay]

Those are usually the people, who won't shop there anyway, so they may likely never be a target customer, for HF. Not everyone is.

They might be fine with their image, if they sell $5B worth of products each year, presumably from selling something other than 1 billion $5 grinders.

This thread is about HF "going after tool trucks" similar to the HF ads "beating Snap-on" The target customer for these tools according to HF is the mechanic with a full box of tools or maybe a new guy enrolled in college just starting out.

Its not supposed to be the backyard guys that has never been in a tool truck but thats exactly who their main customers for these tools is going to be. Nothing really tool snobbish about it, if somebody doesn't like shopping at Walmart does not make them rich or elite

Dollarama has a over 1000 stores and between 3 to 4 billion yearly sales. But they dont claim to beat Nordstrom on every item they sell. They have their customers and HF has theirs. They are both discount stores