Independent tool truck

[Jweebothee]

I have a great indie tool truck haha, I went on my indies tool truck for the first time today to buy a specific socket, I needed a sunex 1/4 inch 10mm magnetic wobble socket, ( I broke the one I had that I bought from Amazon) Asked if he had it, and sure enough he had the one I needed, it was in a full set, he broke open the set, gave it to me and told me bring my broken one and he would warranty it, I tried to refuse (as I didn’t buy my original from him) and offered to buy the whole set even though I didn’t need but the one socket, he wouldn’t have it. His exact words “ you told me you only need the one socket, not the set, I’m not going to sell you what you don’t need, let me warranty this for you” I reluctantly agreed and promptly purchased a few other things I needed, (with no tax and a 20% discount on the total) this man has a customer for as long as I’m in his route. This dealer went way above and beyond to warranty a socket that was not even bought off of his truck, to a tech that had not set foot on his truck before today (only because my start time is usually 9:00 am and his is there around 8ish

 

[Raineman]

That is how you build a loyal customer base.

 

[Ton ton]

Too bad they are not more independent tool trucks out in the wild.

 

[M635_Guy]

Too bad they are not more independent tool trucks out in the wild.

I'm surprised there aren't. You'd have to turn a ton of tools though...

 

[472scout]

Does he extend credit out of his own pocket? I always thought it would be fun to have a tool truck, but running down deadbeat accounts with zero leverage over them. No way.

 

[BMoscato]

I'm assuming that the start up cost as an independent would be crazy? Also, how many brands would they have to carry to satisfy a customer base?

 

[Mr_B]

I have one that been going more than 25 years, started by the son of a local hardware store owner .
Does lot of hardware/consumables too which can be handy and can have orders put ready for collection at store or via mail/courier if too busy swing by in time .
They had some tools and business connections so guess startup was easier .
He does a lot of japan german and taiwan tools, not the cheapest source since online can source you so much but he does pick better end stuff and has some good air tools from likes of sumake and kuani .
He said downside was needed cover large area keep enough business due to online being a main player these days ..

 

[Walkers]

That is like my snap on dealer. Well, maybe not. My dealer stopped answering my calls or texts and doesn’t respond to emails either. But if he did, I’m sure he’d be just like that!