Buying a used Snap On toolbox

[RKA]

I'm in the process of trying to purchase a used KRL1022. I called Snap On to follow up on two serial numbers. One seller claims it's paid for, other one admits to being upside down, but his dealer is willing to take the cash price we agreed on (seller would pinky swear he will go back to the dealer with the cash I hand him).

Snap On tells me they can't look up any info based on serial number, and even if they could, they can't divulge anything since the credit acct doesn't belong to me.

I'm kinda frustrated here. In my limited view, if they don't want to tell me a box is stolen or not paid for, then all I have to go on is the sellers word (and coming from a CL seller, this isn't worth much). I'm not really inclined to do much more to protect a dealer or snap on. It seems like they rely more on the contract with the original purchaser and could care less where the box ends up.

I know a few dealers post on here. Maybe they (or others) could shed some light or would care to share a few thoughts on the subject?

 

[Skyline]

Seems to me, the one who claims he has an agreement with his dealer to accept reduced payment is potentially a workable situation for you. Assuming you want the box, and agree on the price, tell him you want to pay his dealer off directly. Meet the seller and the dealer together, pay off the box, then get a PAID IN FULL receipt from the dealer.

But I totally agree that Snap-on does NOT do enough to and should keep a serial number database that anyone can access to see if there is a lein on a box.

 

[Davefr]

Have you read this thread?

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=138824

Someone suggested checking UCC filings in your state. If there's no lien filing then the box can't be repo'd. However I'd bet no-one ever goes through this process.

For box #2 Skyline is right. Meet both the seller and dealer at the time of sale. Get a bill of sale signed by both.

 

[RKA]

Seems to me, the one who claims he has an agreement with his dealer to accept reduced payment is potentially a workable situation for you. Assuming you want the box, and agree on the price, tell him you want to pay his dealer off directly. Meet the seller and the dealer together, pay off the box, then get a PAID IN FULL receipt from the dealer.

But I totally agree that Snap-on does NOT do enough to and should keep a serial number database that anyone can access to see if there is a lein on a box.

I suggested that exactly, but he wants me to drive an hour out there (and he would follow me back with the box since I have no means to transport it tonight). I said no. I don't know what I'm walkin into and with that kinda cash...not happening. There were some other red flags during the conversation and it quickly went the way of so many CL dealings.

Just as well. I've already seen the other box in person, it's got a few more bruises, but generally pretty good shape for a box that's spent time in a shop. He says it's paid off, I'm just going to take his word for it (looks to me at least 2 years old). Should have that one in my hands on Saturday, if the weather cooperates. Then I can put this ugly process behind me.

Yes Dave, I read that thread. At the end of the day, I made a phone call to Snap On. As far as I'm concerned, if they expect me (or anyone) to do any legal legwork, they have another thing coming. I asked them a question and they refused to answer. It's possible for them to drag me into court, however they will have some explaining to do as well. I'm not concerned about it. I was really just trying to do the right thing, but not if it costs me undue time or expense.

 

[Skyline]

Someone suggested checking UCC filings in your state. If there's no lien filing then the box can't be repo'd. However I'd bet no-one ever goes through this process.

Checking a seller's UCC filings is not a bad idea. I did one in NJ a while back on a toolbox, and it cost $35 with all the ancillary reports. It was those extra reports that gave all the critical info (a listing of the items in the lein)...and caused me to walk away from the purchase. Guy said it was paid off, and that turned out to be an $8,000 lie. Snap-on's leins are VERY tough, they include all toolbox contents, and everything you own made by Snap-on. For example, buy a Snap-on tire machine, pay it off completely. Two years later, let's say you buy a Snap-on tool box, and fill it with fully paid-for Snap-on tools. If you default on the box, they can take the tire machine, all your tools, AND the box. That's just what they make you sign for to buy a box on credit. Their logic is that if you buy a $13,000 toolbox that is worth $4,000 the minute you take it off the truck, the reposession of those other items helps them collect the other $9,000.

The problem with a UCC search, is that you can not seach for the toolbox serial number; only the seller's name. So if it's already changed hands once, (or a seller gives you a phoney name) you can not find out anything.

Also, one more thing to point out....even if there is a lein on a toolbox, chances are there are going to be no repossession efforts as long as the original purchaser stays current on the payments.

 

[RKA]

It's interesting how all that works. So in theory, box isn't paid off, seller stops making payments after he has collected my money, someone comes knocking and he gives up my info. Someone shows up at my door with an order to collect, and takes my box AND my tools? That's a slight stretch based on what you've said, but it would seem to be a gray area that could become my problem.

Helluva lot easier to call a Lista dealer and be done with it. Nearly the same price and no headaches.

 

[GoBlue]

Dealers cant breach the peace...lets not get paranoid. I have seen a few box repos first hand and their not nearly as dramatic as you would think. Usialy the dealer just says you have not been paying, guy says i cant afford it, dealer says i need it back clear out your tools and thats the end of it. I would never walk into a craigslist deal with a big ammount of cash...paypal him.

 

[Squints]

I would go with the box that is paid for. Don't trust that the guy who owes on it is going to go straight to his dealer with the cash.

 

[Squints]

Snap on wants you to buy a new box that's part of the reason why the don't give out any info. The don't make any money off of a used box.

P.s after my experience I won't buy a used box again unless it's from someone I know.

 

[RKA]

The seller contacted his Snap On guy who contacted Snap On credit and ran a mainframe report on his account. That pdf was eventually forwarded to me. Basically it's just an account statement that shows the account was paid off years ago, but no mention of the box, serial numbers or anything else. I threw my hands in the air and said "good 'nuf". Box is in it's new home now. Gotta do some house keeping, tear down the workbench and park the box in it's new home. ******** this thing is big! It's replacing a little 5 drawer 26" craftsman. I'd guess it's got 10x's the storage capacity, which is probably 3x's more storage than I need!

 

[Carl B]

How Much did you have to pay in your area?

 

[Camtwo69]

enjoy that new box !

 

[RKA]

Thanks!! $3500 w/SS top. It was more than I was looking to pay, but I was tired of looking. Ideally I wanted a 7022 with the SS top for around 3, but I just couldn't find one within a reasonable distance (had to rent a truck w/liftgate to get this thing home, so distance was a big factor).

 

[redwrench60]

You did everything you could to do make sure this box was free and clear, I'd say it's on the up and up. KRL1022 boxes really are pro grade. Now, load that sumbitch with tools and enjoy!
Oh yeah, I've been waiting to use this so...........

 

[MoToys]

Congrats on the new box, pictures are definitely in order.
When I picked up a used krl I had my dealer call the dealer for the guy I was buying the box from to verify there were no liens.

 

[RKA]

yeah yeah yeah...spent a few hours in the garage ripping down my old workbench and shuffling things around to make room. 5 gallon bucket for reference. The 30" depth is incredible. I think I could empty my little craftsman into the top drawer of this one!

 

[Al Bundy]

Checking a seller's UCC filings is not a bad idea. I did one in NJ a while back on a toolbox, and it cost $35 with all the ancillary reports. It was those extra reports that gave all the critical info (a listing of the items in the lein)...and caused me to walk away from the purchase. Guy said it was paid off, and that turned out to be an $8,000 lie. Snap-on's leins are VERY tough, they include all toolbox contents, and everything you own made by Snap-on. For example, buy a Snap-on tire machine, pay it off completely. Two years later, let's say you buy a Snap-on tool box, and fill it with fully paid-for Snap-on tools. If you default on the box, they can take the tire machine, all your tools, AND the box. That's just what they make you sign for to buy a box on credit. Their logic is that if you buy a $13,000 toolbox that is worth $4,000 the minute you take it off the truck, the reposession of those other items helps them collect the other $9,000.

The problem with a UCC search, is that you can not seach for the toolbox serial number; only the seller's name. So if it's already changed hands once, (or a seller gives you a phoney name) you can not find out anything.

Also, one more thing to point out....even if there is a lein on a toolbox, chances are there are going to be no repossession efforts as long as the original purchaser stays current on the payments.

Sorry I'm calling BS on this one. The only thing they can repossess is what legally still belongs to them which in this case would be the toolbox. They can't take anything that is already paid for.

 

[redwrench60]

Thats a sharp KRL! Guess we know where the old owner worked huh. I'm just impressed you got it tucked in that nook like that, even the castors are strait lol. Congrats you're gonna love it!

 

[bsaint]

The air compressor you have is the one I want.

 

[Skyline]

Sorry I'm calling BS on this one. The only thing they can repossess is what legally still belongs to them which in this case would be the toolbox. They can't take anything that is already paid for.

A while back I posted an actual Snap-on lein. If you use the search function, you will see what I'm talking about. Whether this will hold up in a court of law or not is anyone's guess. But the lein agreement that you must sign to buy a Snap-on box on credit does include the contents of the box and other Snap-on items in your possession. I agree this seems nuts, but I took this information off an actual agreement.