My experience with a Snap-On truck today

[Magnum440d100]

Snap on truck was at the local used tire shop today.

My friend and I decided to stop. I was going to drop coin on a set of metric and SAE wrenches. I step up into the truck, and there is a guy ahead of me. No worries, I’ll wait.

I’m standing there, and waiting, and waiting and waiting. 20 minutes, and Snap on guy didn’t even say “I’ll be with you in a moment” or even acknowledge my existence except when I left, he looked where I was standing to “presumably” see if I stole anything.

I know he doesn’t know me from Adam. He doesn’t have to cater to me. But at LEAST acknowledge I was there. At that point I would have waited even longer.

But jokes on him. Snap on website has free shipping it looks like. So guess who lost out on a sale....

 

[shanny19]

Dude, my three attempts as a nobody to give a Snap On driver cash for tools ended even worse, with plenty of rudeness thrown my way. In two of those cases, my neighbor, a CAT mobile mechanic and the reason for the tool trucks presence, tried to no avail to intervene with a good word.

I spend from $300 to $2000 annually on the website.

 

[seanb02]

Tool truck guys generally don't seem to appreciate walk ins without warning. I'm a small farm shop so I don't have tool truck service. For premium tool needs I initially found a larger shop and got contact information from them for the local SnapOn guy. Called him and told him what I wanted and find out where he would be on his route when convenient for him to have me drop in to discuss tools.

I haven't generally spent a lot of money with them in the light of what a large shop with multiple techs would, so that kind of puts me off the target radar. It's been probably 4-5 months since I last bought anything off the truck and called the guy today to see where he would be at. Met him at a tire shop on his regular scheduled route, and now will have a toolbox delivered at my shop tomorrow and can go over a few old tools in the shop that are Snap On branded and fill in a few blanks at the same time.

I tend to think it is more the way your approach it rather than rudeness on his part, it was also kind of rude on your part to just drop in at someone else's shop and try to take his time away from dealing with his regular customers. Tool trucks also offer a lot of deals and significant price differences over the listings on the Snap On website. Just my opinion so take it as a grain of salt.

 

[Bdgjr215]

I wouldn't evn bother with a tool truck if I didn't work where one stopped ,Buy used off ebay and save a boatload.

 

[joetech]

Snap on truck stopped at my shop a couple weeks ago. I'm not going to bother with them again. Costs too much and they want ALL of your information to buy anything. BS.

 

[Corvair]

Sounds like alot of those guys are clueless. I mean, everyone's money is green. Why would anyone ignore a potential sale when they are right in front of them?! Dumb!

Just order online. They ship pretty quick, and shipping is free/included under $500 in most cases.

 

[Hiball]

In today’s day and age I’m surprised you even made in on the truck, The model is set up to be at specific places at certain times. I wouldn’t take it personal, nor would I ever just walk up on a truck without first contacting them to make sure my presence wouldn’t interfere with there schedule. I’m in no way shape or form trying to defend the drivers actions or lack of, but if I didn’t need the financing/front door service I would acquire my SO tools via other avenues.

 

[Magnum440d100]

In today’s day and age I’m surprised you even made in on the truck, The model is set up to be at specific places at certain times. I wouldn’t take it personal, nor would I ever just walk up on a truck without first contacting them to make sure my presence wouldn’t interfere with there schedule. I’m in no way shape or form trying to defend the drivers actions or lack of, but if I didn’t need the financing/front door service I would acquire my SO tools via other avenues.

Yeah I totally agree.

I know I just stopped in, and I wasn’t trying to take away from him dealing with someone else. But had he looked at me and said “just a moment” or “ I’ll be right with you in a moment” it would have been different.

Hell, the guy he was helping had answered and was talking on his phone for a few minutes. Plenty of time for the snap on guy to acknowledge I was there.

Maybe because the guy he was helping was financing his tools and the snap on guy thought I was paying cash? Less profit?

Who knows....

 

[Wamsutta]

Next time pick some stuff up and start playing with it; that'll get his attention fast.

 

[chrisnazzy]

But jokes on him. Snap on website has free shipping it looks like. So guess who lost out on a sale....

He should have at least acknowledged you for sure! Probably thought you were just like 9 out of 10 other guys that jump on his truck who aren't customers on his route. Most are looking to warranty a ratchet or screwdriver that they probably bought broken or at a garage sale. The majority of the others just want to see inside a SO truck and don't usually spend a dime.

Now if you actually did buy the wrenches online and you live within that particular SO dealers service area, he gets his little share of your online purchase too!



Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

 

[AngryJoe]

All I am going to say is I have met many tool truck drivers. Some are more friendly than others, and some are just straight up assholes. Especially if they don't know you. But I've been there, done that, even working at the shop they supposedly service sometimes won't help.

You know what, I don't buy anything from them. I can buy tools from someone else. Same goes for the dealers that hassle me for warranty repairs or replacements or don't show up every week. It does not cost them anything and in fact it will earn my business, no excuse to be a ****.

 

[The Fall]

"Set of metric and SAE wrenches." Damn. That's a lot of cash.

I work part time at a very small shop. Only Snap-On stops by every week. Cornwell occasionally. Matco never. Mac once in a blue moon (former Mac driver was there every week). I don't like the Snap-On guy much, but he's there every week. If you pay the bill off and aren't buying regularly, they usually stop showing up (at least from my experience). That's pretty crazy when you think you've spent several thousand with some of them and need a rebuild kit for an overpriced jack you purchased -- and the truck is nowhere to be found (we really do need that kit). I thought that service was factored into the cost. Defend that however you want...

I just look at the tool trucks as student loans for mechanics. I think someone on here mentioned "Snap-On was a financial company that happened to sell tools." Sounds right to me. I just switched over to industrial tools -- Wright and Proto. If I need a tool off the truck, I just go to the Snap-on guy due to his reliability, not personality.

 

[bobcatdan]

I have never had a problem walking into a tool truck. Threw the years I have all brands stop, but between job changes and guys hanging it up, I don't have direct access to several brands anymore. Generally my reason to go looking for one is I have a broken tool. I keep it in the truck so if I see one and I have time to stop, I stop. I have never meet a rude driver yet. I say I have a broken tool that I bought knew from so and so and I'm no longer on his route (or he is in business anymore), can you take care of this. If I'm not in uniform, I say where I'm a mechanic at. Guys have either fixed or replaced the tool or took down my info and ordered it for me.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Did you say anything, like "Hello" or "I'd like to buy some wrenches"?

 

[protegeV]

Tool truck guys are a strange breed in general, that's for sure. Seeing someone without a uniform that they dint recognize probably threw them off.

 

[PugetDude]

I realize Snap On is a "premium" brand, but stories like this are all too common. Why would you want to support a company with a business model centered around a sales force that ignores you, avoids you and/or expects you to kiss their @$$ if and when they happen to stop by?

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

they dont work for snapon crop. but yeah, thats not how you take care customers or bring in.

our truck is awesome on the other hand.

 

[Magnum440d100]

Did you say anything, like "Hello" or "I'd like to buy some wrenches"?

He was talking to the other customer, but yeah I did say hello as I stepped onto the truck.

 

[kctyphoon]

To be fair - this is a reflection on an individual and not the company. With that said - you should not have to “go out your way” before trying to spend money by calling ahead and making arrangements to see if it was ok. The shear thought of doing that is insane. Granted, the guy may not get many random people just walking on the truck, but logicly - if youre a guy selling things, you’d probably wanna be polite to those looking to buy things.

 

[WittHay]

Basically walk ons are interrupting the delivery of tools to the tool trucks customers. Thats why you phone ahead and make arrangements when to meet a tool truck. It weeds out the look e loos and one time warranty guys

The business model is based on repeat customers and stopping at regular times at shops usually weekly. i have been on different tool trucks and as long as you mention your shop or business and regular dealer they were friendly

In the Op's case, I sure wouldn't wait 20 minutes on a truck. You walk on, say hello to the driver and apologize to the customer or customers for interrupting and quickly say " I know they are expensive but i want to buy a set of wrenches and can i come back in 10 or 20 minutes when you are done"

 

[Jsf721]

My experience on 2 different snap on trucks was that they don’t give a hoot about a single sale. If your not dropping $ weekly they are doing you a favor by selling you at full boat plus attitude. I won’t even try a snap on truck again.

 

[ecotec]

Next time pick some stuff up and start playing with it; that'll get his attention fast.

When I have bought from the toy truck, which was only a few times, I make a pile of what I am buying by the cash register.

If the OP had set two wrench sets and who knows what else by the register...

My suggestion if you get on the truck is to start finding what you want. Let the dealer take care of his customers (Snap-on is really a finance company), and during that time pick out some things...

Had the OP started to look for and find what he wanted, it would have gone much different. He probably would have left with some tools, a lot less cash, and probably a business card and some questions about what else he is looking for.

The next time he wanted to buy from him, he could call him up ahead of time and ask where can I meet you.

 

[Jtels85]

I work in Pharmaceuticals, so I am not a pro by any means. Just an average guy driving to Wendy’s for lunch and would catch the local MAC truck at the Mercedes-Benz dealer on my lunch break. I decided to pull in one day, drove back to the service area and caught him while he was on his truck. I told him who I was, that I see his truck all of the time and that I was interested in making some purchases. He was happy to give me permission to board and I bought an 8 Pc. combination screwdriver set from him the first visit. The few visits after that, I picked up a metric Precision Torque wrench set, a breaker bar, a 3/8 ratchet and a MAC Tools hat. Very nice guy, helpful, likes taking my cash and generally seems thrilled if I call or stop by the truck. I’m in and out, don’t waste the man’s time with browsing and chit chat because we’re both on a schedule. I like giving my business to someone who wants to earn it.

 

[CR888]

It appears SO trucks deal better with the trade than they do the public. Try buying some wine from a trade supplier as they are making a delivery, they'll fob you off. SO trucks are into selling finance to young vulnerable kids, doing their best to take the biggest portion they can of the new apprentice's already low wages for as long as possible. You can slaughter a sheep once or you can sheer it many, many times over.

 

[Mr_B]

Is a lot of bad attitude snapon drivers around unfortunately, it a tough game these days and takes an ******* to want run a truck I assume.
Some of the older guys had much better contracts and far more pro customer .
I have my own shop and I don't see snapon much and need call if needed something sorted quick.
The Mac guy old school and he be in once a week even if just for a coffee and 5 minute chat, he does well as makes full use of any customer possible.
Your approach may not of been best but as the snapon rep the sales pro he should of been professional in making the situation right by acknowledging you .
Really not worth the hassle or expense dealing with snapon dealers if you not pro, huge amount equal to better options for less money and better purchase experience ...

 

[gtsgarage]

I would never have gone in the truck without saying hello and asking if I could look around.

 

[Ign]

I see them like a traveling ice cream truck, they should want your business and trying to buy at any time should be no issue.

If the driver can communicate like a normal, polite business owner he can always thank you for your interest and EXPLAIN (what???!???!!! crazy talk!!!) that he's on a tight schedule but can give you a couple minutes quickly. Or he could say I've gotta be at Jimmy's 4x4 in 2 minutes, could you meet me down there.

Amazed at the low level of service so many GJ members are willing to accept.

Why can't the driver COMMUNICATE instead of expecting the OP to INFER something from driver's actions????

These guys are BUSINESS OWNERS, not just Snap On employees. They have a certain level of RESPONSIBILITY to every person that steps on their truck, even if it's just to politely say I can't help you right now.

That's just common courtesy and Business 101

 

[SILVERPLATE]

I am the caretaker for a private car collector in Fort Worth. I share a 10 bay shop with the owners company mechanic who maintains company equipment. There is just the two of us. I cannot get a Snap-on truck to stop by. I see them in area but guess we're not enough. Probably not worthy of a weekly stop but you think I could get one to swing by once a month. No luck. MAC guy comes by every week but his truck is so disorganized. No spur of moment purchase here his truck is that bad.

 

[Davefr]

I see them like a traveling ice cream truck, they should want your business and trying to buy at any time should be no issue.

If the driver can communicate like a normal, polite business owner he can always thank you for your interest and EXPLAIN (what???!???!!! crazy talk!!!) that he's on a tight schedule but can give you a couple minutes quickly. Or he could say I've gotta be at Jimmy's 4x4 in 2 minutes, could you meet me down there.

Amazed at the low level of service so many GJ members are willing to accept.

Why can't the driver COMMUNICATE instead of expecting the OP to INFER something from driver's actions????

These guys are BUSINESS OWNERS, not just Snap On employees. They have a certain level of RESPONSIBILITY to every person that steps on their truck, even if it's just to politely say I can't help you right now.

That's just common courtesy and Business 101

^^Best response to this thread!

 

[Ign]

Also ever notice those HUGE Snap-On logos covering every inch of the truck? That's called advertising. It says "I sell tools, please come buy some." Or at least that's the inference in OUR society.

To then be annoyed that your advertising worked and someone showed up at your stoop w cash is just dumbassery at its finest.

If the driver is truly operating on some appointment-only routine he could drive something far less conspicuous

 

[Corvair]

^The above two posts...spot on! Having spent some time in sales years ago, reading this thread it's pretty apparent many of the truck guys are very poor at salesmanship!

 

[RAYJAY]

I realize Snap On is a "premium" brand, but stories like this are all too common. Why would you want to support a company with a business model centered around a sales force that ignores you, avoids you and/or expects you to kiss their @$$ if and when they happen to stop by?

you also forgot to add never support the customer warranty at 10 x the price......

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Without speaking a word; Sir Highness put You in Your place with His free 20 minute demonstration of fine social skills.

What a power trip? A simple "Hi, Be with You shortly" can make a huge difference.

 

[Notgrownup]

I never get treated like that at HF...lol

 

[protegeV]

I never get treated like that at HF...lol

+1

 

[Ign]

I never get treated like that at HF...lol

I do but at that price point I expect that. Similarly I expect zero service at Home Depot, but if I walk into an interior design house I expect to be helped, or at least acknowledged.

Even my local American Electric has a sign clearly explaining walk-ins are welcome but if account customers are present they may be helped first. That's cool, I can work with that.

 

[Wrapitinbacon]

I have only had one issue, that was about 14 years ago. Other then that i have walked on mac, snap on, matco without issue.

 

[dsimatt]

I see them like a traveling ice cream truck, they should want your business and trying to buy at any time should be no issue.

If the driver can communicate like a normal, polite business owner he can always thank you for your interest and EXPLAIN (what???!???!!! crazy talk!!!) that he's on a tight schedule but can give you a couple minutes quickly. Or he could say I've gotta be at Jimmy's 4x4 in 2 minutes, could you meet me down there.

Amazed at the low level of service so many GJ members are willing to accept.

Why can't the driver COMMUNICATE instead of expecting the OP to INFER something from driver's actions????

These guys are BUSINESS OWNERS, not just Snap On employees. They have a certain level of RESPONSIBILITY to every person that steps on their truck, even if it's just to politely say I can't help you right now.

That's just common courtesy and Business 101

You do realize that tool truck drivers are not employees but franchise owners just selling the company's tools and they are in control of how they interact with people. I've had some really crappy dealers that I didn't buy anything from Because the guy was a **** or wouldn't deal on prices, also have had some really awesome dealers that get how to interact with people.

The guy lost a sale because due to not taking a minute to address the OP, of course he also might have just figured it was just another window shopper or brand hater. These guys are on tight schedules to and time truly is money for them, my one dealer to hit all his stops is usually over 10 hours and they he has all the stuff to do after he gets back.


We all have had these situations with different things, hell years ago I went to buy a new snowmobile from a couple different dealers but neither really wanted to give me their time or get it out....I had $10k in cash because I wanted a new sled for the next weekend.

 

[xin]

I find it amazing and/or very hard to believe most of the 'opinions' or things listed on here.


Guy walks on truck, has enough money to buy it, guy does not speak to him. Meanwhile, the next person says, the shock/horror (how dare this happen). ---> Of course it is Snap-On (bla bla bla) so expensive (meanwhile guy has as a $1000+ cell phone buys $6-$8 energy coffee drinks (smokes/drinks) no issues here...



Bring in the social justice comrades (here it goes) - I got .99 cents of tools in a bucket from Wharf Freight (they rolled out a red carpet for me). They bought me a hot fudge sundae and I got a free hamburger.

Not buying this, sounds very made up....

 

[dsimatt]

I find it amazing and/or very hard to believe most of the 'opinions' or things listed on here.


Guy walks on truck, has enough money to buy it, guy does not speak to him. Meanwhile, the next person says, the shock/horror (how dare this happen). ---> Of course it is Snap-On (bla bla bla) so expensive (meanwhile guy has as a $1000+ cell phone buys $6-$8 energy coffee drinks (smokes/drinks) no issues here...



Bring in the social justice comrades (here it goes) - I got .99 cents of tools in a bucket from Wharf Freight (they rolled out a red carpet for me). They bought me a hot fudge sundae and I got a free hamburger.

Not buying this, sounds very made up....