anybodies boss HATE tool trucks?

[mikeselky85]

i was wondering if anybody has the same proble as i have at my work. the first few days that i started he gave me a lecture not to go onto the snap-on truck and that i shouldnt raise a high bill up with him. well snap-on is mostly what i have in my box and im always getting tools for work and for projects at home, i have an account with my dealer and he is very reasonable on his sales which brings me back every week. well lately as soon as the truck comes in the lot im the first one to have stuff thrown ate me to do, im not flat rate and even if there is a flat rate guy open i seem to get the job. well ive been waiting two weeks to get on the truck cause he owes me money from something i sold and i REALLY need to pick up a sander for things at home...but once he rolled into the lot wednesday, he instantly shipped me off to do three jobs at once. its to the point where im starting to get really mad about it. i mean i make my living out of a tool box, my boss doesnt...i just dont understand the problem. even the other techs in the shop talk about how much he hates the truck dealers.

 

[srmofo]

Clock out, take care of your business.

I cant see anyone getting fired for buying tools, I can see a problem if you spend 45 mins out there while on the clock.

 

[wheats71]

mine just hates them all also
he hasnt figured out that the 19 mins twice a month
sometimes save hours if you are actually purchasing tools for your job
i can understand him being pissed if you are just visiting all the time
i have my snap on dealer come at 5:00 pm on thursdays
then its my time

 

[I can fix anything]

Nope, but I'm the boss.

 

[JD6619A]

do it on your own time then he has no say.

 

[BajaBound]

Your boss *****! That is all!

 

[Lone Star Blaze]

I used to a sales rep for a body shop supply and I had a decent amount of dealer service departments that I called on because they used our detail products in their make ready bays. We had this one particular dealership in Oklahoma where the MAC truck and I usually got their about the same time every other Tuesday. The service manager would be out there within minuets to run all the techs off the truck but 30 minuets or so later you'd see him walk across the shop with an arm full of diecast dragsters he bought off the truck.

No wonder all his employees hated him

 

[csargents1546]

I have a great SO rep, I ask him if he has x item, yes and he goes and gets it off of the truck for me. I go out to the truck about once a month to look around.

 

[Matt472]

Yeah, my boss basically ran all the trucks off. My boss walked into the shop one afternoon looking for a tech and didn't see one, so he assumed we were all on the truck since he was parked out back.All of us were actually at the parts window. He threw a hissy fit about it and sent a memo out telling the tool trucks they could only come on Fridays at 5. I have to go meet the Snap-on guy on Thursdays when he calls me.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

My boss has been really good friends with the Snap-on dealer for about 20 years. He don't give us no grief about spending time on the truck.

 

[Roots]

the truck cause he owes me money from something i sold

Personal business, which is taking you away from your bosses business.

and i REALLY need to pick up a sander for things at home...

Personal business, which is taking you away from your bosses business.

once he rolled into the lot wednesday, he instantly shipped me off to do three jobs at once.

That just might be your bosses method of keeping you focused on his business, not your personal business.

i mean i make my living out of a tool box, my boss doesnt...

Correct, but your boss makes a living by having you working on his business, not your personal business.

its to the point where im starting to get really mad about it.

i just dont understand the problem.

It really sounds as if your boss views the Snap On trucks as stealing productive time away from his hourly employees. He's stated at the beginning of your employment and reiterated a few more times, by your own statements, that he doesn't want you to be on the truck.

It can be quite easy to view a tool truck as a partner to many businesses, I'd certainly view it as such. However, your boss really comes across as not having that perspective. There's no need to get mad, angry, or frustrated over it. Have a discussion with him, attempt to persuade him how your accessing the tool truck is an asset and beneficial for his business! If he still holds his stance, just ask your tool dealer where you can meet him after hours and avoid the headache.

 

[Deafautotech]

my work dont care about tool trucks but my work do care of business to keep shop operation going on BUT IF TOOLS break and no body has it that would be bad... so that why we need the tool trucks stop by when we need for repair or replace the tools...

so far i has no problems with tool trucks come in.. but shop foreman sometime dont like me to been in truck little too much but i has tools that break and some of them are rebuilding by snap on guy... oh well all i can say is **** happens...

 

[mecpman]

Where I work we just have a time limit of 10 mins, which is understandable because I don't get paid to chat it up with the Matco guy. He also understands that when he walks in and sees us busy he just drops flyers off on our box and comes back around at the end of the day.

 

[Hammer1963]

Your Boss is an IDIOT. I suppose he fails to realize that the better tools and the more tools you have, the more $$ money $$ he makes.

Fortunately I am the Boss and I encourage my guys to buy the best they can afford. BTW, I'm a working Boss and work in the shop everyday and know what value good tools hold towards more production.

Have your Tool guys meet you after work and take care business. Then start looking for a HUMAN to work for

 

[wornoutoldman]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

 

[econoaddict]

I personally do not mind the tool trucks at the shop as long as it does not cut into work needing done.

When I was a service manager I had to set limits to how many techs could be at a truck at one time and how long they had to spend on the truck. Before these rules were placed the guys would ALL head out to the truck and spend an easy hour plus if no one came out and put them back to work, all work just stopped.

Now that I am a shop owner I will head to the truck and do what I need to do and go back to work in the shop. The snap-on guy will hang out and bs in the shop for around 10-15 minutes while we work. The mac and cornwell guy usually move on as soon as business is handled. The Matco guy will hang around for at least an hour talking while we work.
None get in the way of work being done and respect the fact if we aren't working we aren't making money to buy tools.

 

[toxicz28]

Not sure what state you live in, but under New York state labor law, you are entitled to two 15 minute paid breaks during an 8 hour day. Your state laws may vary.

 

[toolfreak]

When I worked in the shop, the snap on man came at noon so we could go on our lunch break. I think it is beneficial to both employee and employer to allow there techs to go on the truck but I understand why some don't allow it. For example, there is a guy I currently work with and when the tool truck showed up today, he was one of the first on and one of the last to leave. Funny part is he spent $40 on a pocket knife for his son.

This isn't the first I have worked with that is like this and when an hourly employee spends 45 minutes out the and doesn't buy anything, it is costing the employer money. That is why some bosses don't allow them to show up during working hours.

 

[TOOL MASTER]

clock out to eat..clock out to shop......

 

[Toolhorder]

You could do what I've done a bunch a times, lock your toolbox and tell whoever's in charge to go **** himself and find another job. As far as I'm concerned I spent half my life training how to fix cars and invested almost 100k in tools and I'm the asset not the manager. If more techs would learn they are docters not nurses this industry would still be worth working in.
I've found in the dealership world the chiefs have been changing the playing field so they are the superstars along with the advisors and "parts professionals". Same thing with flat rate. Back in the day it used to be hourly with a flat rate bonus and then they realized they could screw us by making it straight flat rate then the insurance companies started paying off Mitchell to lower labor rates, etc.. etc..
As a tech I'm tired of this industry screwing us.

 

[briggsguy17]

Not sure what state you live in, but under New York state labor law, you are entitled to two 15 minute paid breaks during an 8 hour day. Your state laws may vary.

Wrong.......Here is text directly from the NYS Dept of Labor website: Meal periods are not counted as work time, thus employers need not pay for that time.
Other "Breaks", such as for "rest periods" or "coffee breaks," are not required. If a break (of up to 20 minutes) is permitted, then it should be paid as working time.

 

[briggsguy17]

You could do what I've done a bunch a times, lock your toolbox and tell whoever's in charge to go **** himself and find another job. As far as I'm concerned I spent half my life training how to fix cars and invested almost 100k in tools and I'm the asset not the manager. If more techs would learn they are docters not nurses this industry would still be worth working in.
I've found in the dealership world the chiefs have been changing the playing field so they are the superstars along with the advisors and "parts professionals". Same thing with flat rate. Back in the day it used to be hourly with a flat rate bonus and then they realized they could screw us by making it straight flat rate then the insurance companies started paying off Mitchell to lower labor rates, etc.. etc..
As a tech I'm tired of this industry screwing us.

Sounds like someone needs a hug!!!

 

[toxicz28]

Wrong.......Here is text directly from the NYS Dept of Labor website: Meal periods are not counted as work time, thus employers need not pay for that time.

I stand corrected. The law changed since I last researched it years ago.

 

[mikeselky85]

i see i am not the only guy with this problem. my snap-on guy will come and hang out for about an hour talking but wont disturb our work. im always buying something when he comes every week, and its not only my money and sander i need i also am having a problem with my tire inflator gauge and i cant check pressures in some valve stems, thus my work is complicated. also i get paid for my break, im the only hourly tech and they just allow me to eat on clock...ive been trying to meet with my snap on guy on my own terms but i live 30 mins from my work so its complicated to set something up with him.

 

[4x4gearhead]

You could do what I've done a bunch a times, lock your toolbox and tell whoever's in charge to go **** himself and find another job. As far as I'm concerned I spent half my life training how to fix cars and invested almost 100k in tools and I'm the asset not the manager. If more techs would learn they are docters not nurses this industry would still be worth working in.
I've found in the dealership world the chiefs have been changing the playing field so they are the superstars along with the advisors and "parts professionals". Same thing with flat rate. Back in the day it used to be hourly with a flat rate bonus and then they realized they could screw us by making it straight flat rate then the insurance companies started paying off Mitchell to lower labor rates, etc.. etc..
As a tech I'm tired of this industry screwing us.

I couldnt agree with this more, your boss is a retard. It is time for you to put your foot down. I understand that tools dont always make the mechanic, but what is a mechanic without tools? Find a new place to work if you can, as a mechanic it was driven into my head by my mentor that you shouldnt feel tied down to any job due to the fact that there are many other garages out there, some where you would be more miserable, and some where people would understand that you are the workhorse so to speak.

 

[scott37300]

So how does your boss expect you to get your job done without buying new tools?

If I were you I would call the SO guy and tell him what you need, tell him the story about your boss and ask him to set up a time to meet or just come inside to deliver the sander and pick up your tire gauge.

 

[Scuderia-F1]

Your boss must be retarded in some way, time to start looking for another job ASAP!

 

[NJHandyGuy]

Yes and no my boss HATES tool trucks so when i am in the flatbed and it's slow i meet him at pepe boys or something problem solved

 

[scott37300]

Yes and no my boss HATES tool trucks so when i am in the flatbed and it's slow i meet him at pepe boys or something problem solved

Jay you get back into the towing business and leave the door installs? I must have missed that post.

 

[TheGrooveking]

Has you boss actually ever turned wrenches? It seems like he doesn't understand the purpose for having tools.

TheGrooveking

 

[240sxguy]

I would love to hear your bosses side of the story.

 

[jjjrmx5]

Has you boss actually ever turned wrenches? It seems like he doesn't understand the purpose for having tools.

TheGrooveking

It seems that fewer and fewer service writers and shop managers ever have.

If too much time is spent on the truck or talking to the truck drivers when in the shop, I understand the disdain, but that can be addressed. The need to purchase tools which are required to complete a job which you are being paid to do and complete is critical.

If Snap-On or lther tool suppliers had brick and mortar stores where you could shop on your own time fine, but that's not the way the process is set up.

Sounds like a lot of the "bosses" out there have two sets of rules and then seek to control and sabatoge their workers needs rather then find a way to assist in getting your workers needs met and the jobs at hand done.

Not very intelligent and effective managers if you ask me.

 

[scott37300]

Does your boss just hate tool trucks, just snap on truck, or just that employees "waste" time out at the truck?

 

[TruckTech]

How much time are you actually spending on the truck?

I used to work with several hourly paid techs at my last employer that would spent upwards of 30 minutes on the tool truck just bullshitting, and it got to the point that my employer banned tool guys from the shop because, "insurance didnt allow it", and telling us that any tool truck business must be taken care of clocked off for lunch, or after your shift. It was widely ignored and my employer pretty much gave up on the whole thing. But I dont work for those assholes anymore anyway...

I have a great SO rep, I ask him if he has x item, yes and he goes and gets it off of the truck for me. I go out to the truck about once a month to look around.

Same here. I rarely have the need to go on any tool truck. Its usually only if I happen to catch them out in the lot when they drive up. I dont know about you guys, but my SO dealers truck is FAR too well stocked for me to be spending time on it. I get myself into trouble fast. Tool guy walks up to me, I say do this, this, this, and this, he goes and does it, tool business done, and I never even had to leave my creeper.

 

[DieselDent]

Nope the boss loves the snap-on truck and since I handle the shop owned tools im always on there for repairs or new stuff. My wife however hates it lol.

 

[mikeselky85]

i dont spend time on the truck unless im actually getting something, im never on there very long...ive tried to set up something with the snap-on guy but it doesnt work since i work far from my house...boss has never wrenched in his life, but has worked as service manager for a bit. i also dont see th point in lecturing me not to go on the truck and rack up a huge bill, i know my finacial status and what i can afford, i dont need a parent at work....just my opinion

 

[crewchief888]

as a former service manager the only time i had an issue with the trucks stopping by was when my employees would spend upwards of 30 minutes on the truck, and walk off with nothing.
just standing there bullsh*ting with the toolman, not buying, warrantying, or even getting a price/availability.

eventually it took laying down the law, get on the truck, do your business, and get back to work.
or meet him on your own time to BS

after me having my *** chewed on by my boss, who saw this happen several times, i was told to handle the issue. i sent out a memo to my 4 guys, stating the problem, and what would happen if it wasnt kept in check.

one guy tested me on this one time, after several (documented) verbal warnings, he stepped off the truck after a 45 minute visit, he was written up and sent home.

problem solved.

 

[Coach James]

Weather the boss has been a mechanic or not, they know the cost of time. A few minutes seems reasonable, but 30 minutes and walk out without nothing: I don't blame them for being mad.

Some responses here are interesting. "Talk to the boss and see if you can work it out" seems reasonable and what I would do. "Lay down the law with your boss", "Time to finda new job" etc seem crazy. If one of my employees comes in and "Lays down the law to me" he is going to be sent home or terminated.

Coach

 

[bamackc]

. If one of my employees comes in and "Lays down the law to me" he is going to be sent home or terminated.

Most grown employees that are ready to "lay down the law" are also ready to be terminated. "My way or the highway" can go both ways.

If I were the OP I would just kindly try to talk to my boss about it and offer a reasonable understanding.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

I always found that telling them "I'm buying more tools that allow me to do more work in less time, that in turn makes you more money." worked well. True or not, it shut them up.