buying truck brands online?

[Tim37]

I have seen several guys on here making mention that they buy snapon Mac off the web sit and to me that makes no sense. these tools have a huge markup to make room for the dealer to make a profit. When you buy online you get non of the truck benefits. You don't get to handle and inspect the tool you don't get financing and its harder to warrenty without a dealer. On standard hand tools my snapon dealer usually gives me 30% to 50% off retail I frequently see tools posted on here and cl among other sites and pawn shopa for what or close to what my dealer charges.

I guess what I'm saying is stop paying retail

 

[toddoky]

It is sometimes more cost/time effective, depending on the item in question, to purchase through the website. This is usually the case when a local driver is not known to exist and you need something in a day or two to perform a specific job/task.

 

[Zedexseven]

How much is the mark-up from from Snap on to the dealer?

 

[CobraChevelle]

50% off sounds like alot.

I don't know about snap on, but I know the last impact I bought from matco the web site said 418$ and the cheapest the driver ever sold it was 350$ during special promo offers. Which is closer to 15% off

 

[Ratchet.]

I have personally bought snap on tools online before, mainly as at that point i didn't have a dealer as wasn't working as a mechanic, and had missing wrenches and needed a rebuild kit for an old 1/4 drive ratchet i bought (always feel mean trying to warranty stuff i didn't buy new anyway).

i will say that the Uk snap on site ***** in comparison to the US one though...

 

[littletoes]

For me, I got a replacement, when a dealer "truck guy" would only look at it, with no comment.

I called Snap-On, and they sent me a new tool. I still have the broken one, if they ever want it, and I won't warranty it again-that would be a moral issue.

'Nuff Said?

I'm a professional, and I want to be taken seriously when dealing with tools. If there is a problem, then tell me. I will understand. If I abused the tool, I'm not afraid to purchase another one.

 

[Stooge]

What a smart, insightful and ORIGINAL posting. i buy off the websites and i buy off the truck when available. i've never had any problem with snap on customer service or getting a warranty. I pay for a quality tool that i only have to buy once with a digital record of my purchases so there are no questions asked. ive never bought pawnshop tools and maybe once a year ill buy a used tool.

I guess what im trying to say is, dont worry how others spend their money.

 

[bobcatdan]

I will agree with the OP. I'm a tool truck guy, but that is because I like the service. A dependable, well stock truck to my door with a good guy to deal with. No questions asked on warranty, deals and other price break and free merch up the wazoo. Buying on line to removes a large chunk of the advantage to buying truck tools. Main thing that has kept brands like proto, Williams and wright out of my box is lack of face to face ability to purchase and warranty. I could easily buy those on line, but there I sit with nothing but email to solve warranties.

 

[bsaint]

I do when I need a Snap-On tool tomorrow. I can order it weekday and it ships from LaGrange and voila at my door the next day with (usually) free shipping.

If I can wait I give my business to my local guy.

 

[dsimatt]

The interwebs it be everywhere.......the trucks not so much.

 

[Nyati]

I have seen several guys on here making mention that they buy snapon Mac off the web sit and to me that makes no sense. these tools have a huge markup to make room for the dealer to make a profit. When you buy online you get non of the truck benefits. You don't get to handle and inspect the tool you don't get financing and its harder to warrenty without a dealer. On standard hand tools my snapon dealer usually gives me 30% to 50% off retail I frequently see tools posted on here and cl among other sites and pawn shopa for what or close to what my dealer charges.

I guess what I'm saying is stop paying retail

I've never seen a Stahlwille truck in my neighborhood!

 

[LordPsychon]

I've seen maybe one Snap-On truck in my area over the past 5 years, seen a couple Matco trucks each week. For me, if I needed Snap-On I'd have to go online. For Matco, probably go in the truck - at least, I hope it's really a Matco truck and not a "free ice cream kiddies" van painted to look like a Matco, I don't think I'd like to get tricked a third time.

 

[jonjon1]

I buy on the truck because I want to support the local guys to make sure they come back, BUT if there is no truck near you {most tool co's have find a dealer links on their sites} the internet is better than trying to tighten bolts with your fingers...

PLUS I am a sucker for those "BUY THIS, GET THIS FOR FREE" boxes... Plus I get free hats, bottle openers, shorts, pocket knives, mugs, cozeys, etc... makes me paying $150 for 5 screwdrivers a little easier to swallow..

 

[Skin]

How much is the mark-up from from Snap on to the dealer?

Roughly 20%. The OPs claim of everything being 30-50% off is insane. Either he's buying from an industrial/school rep and not a true Snap-On franchise, or he's only buying Snap-Ons BOGO deals that his dealer is breaking up. Without a special being run just about everyone is paying list off the truck. The most people get is a few percent off, maybe no tax, for cash sales.

 

[dsimatt]

Roughly 20%. The OPs claim of everything being 30-50% off is insane. Either he's buying from an industrial rep or he's only buying Snap-Ons BOGO deals. Without a special being run most people are paying list off the truck. The most people get is a few percent off, maybe no tax, for cash sales.

There are times my snap on dealer has gone to 50% off, usually the item is on special and we do a group buy and he knocks alot of price off.

I just bought a 1/2 cordless impact that was a old promotion deal, it lists for $600 online and i paid $300 for it.
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=682064&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

 

[Skin]

There are times my snap on dealer has gone to 50% off, usually the item is on special and we do a group buy and he knocks alot of price off.

I just bought a 1/2 cordless impact that was a old promotion deal, it lists for $600 online and i paid $300 for it.
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=682064&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

Yes but that's a deal sponsored by Snap-On. The OP has made a blanket statement that he can pick any item and its "30%-50% off". Pretty big difference between that claim and the occasional Snap-On promo.

 

[stikman56]

I have seen several guys on here making mention that they buy snapon Mac off the web sit and to me that makes no sense. these tools have a huge markup to make room for the dealer to make a profit. When you buy online you get non of the truck benefits. You don't get to handle and inspect the tool you don't get financing and its harder to warrenty without a dealer. On standard hand tools my snapon dealer usually gives me 30% to 50% off retail I frequently see tools posted on here and cl among other sites and pawn shopa for what or close to what my dealer charges.

I guess what I'm saying is stop paying retail

Makes perfect sense when you don't have a truck to buy them from.I buy off the Snap-On site, it's fine for what I need.

 

[Tim37]

First off I'm by no means saying buying online is bad just not tool truck brands Williams sk proto among dozens of other high quality brands can be had on line at much more reasonable prices.

As far as what discounts are a few weeks ago I baught a sae deep socket set 1/4 to 15/16 (I think not sure on how big it goes to). It retails for right at 250 I paid 130 plus tax. No specials no deals. Just asked how much. Now I realize not all dealers are gonna offer the same pricing but for the most part they should be the sites prices if not go to a different brand.

BTW I do maintenance I'm not a mechanic so I dont buy much in the way of specialty tools I don't even know what the pricing is like on those I would expect to play less than retail but not get near the discount as everyday tools

 

[Skin]

First off I'm by no means saying buying online is bad just not tool truck brands Williams sk proto among dozens of other high quality brands can be had on line at much more reasonable prices.

As far as what discounts are a few weeks ago I baught a sae deep socket set 1/4 to 15/16 (I think not sure on how big it goes to). It retails for right at 250 I paid 130 plus tax. No specials no deals. Just asked how much. Now I realize not all dealers are gonna offer the same pricing but for the most part they should be the sites prices if not go to a different brand.

BTW I do maintenance I'm not a mechanic so I dont buy much in the way of specialty tools I don't even know what the pricing is like on those I would expect to play less than retail but not get near the discount as everyday tools

Understand this. Their markup is roughly TWENTY PERCENT. If you're getting 30-50% off the entire catalog you either have a franchise that's losing cash hand over first or you have an industrial rep. In either case this thread is ignorant with you telling everyone that they're 'dumb for paying list'. Well for everyone else that's the way it works for the vast majority of things off the truck that aren't on promo.

 

[Rosso]

I do a bit of both.

If its normal stuff i buy from my dealer on the truck.

If it's something i NEED that week for a job i will get it online but this is only in extreme cases.

 

[dsimatt]

Yes but that's a deal sponsored by Snap-On. The OP has made a blanket statement that he can pick any item and its "30%-50% off". Pretty big difference between that claim and the occasional Snap-On promo.

His dealer may do that, my dealer knocks some price off thou I've never compared truck to online prices since I just buy off the truck.

I see no problem buying online if you don't have access to a truck or if the driver is a ***** then screw him.

 

[Silentt]

Handling before purchasing eases my mind on the tool I'm buying. I know exactly what I'm getting and if I have a problem I can call and he will usually come meet me. 10-15% is max discount on the trucks near me, I got a couple 50% on a couple items he wanted to sell ASAP. I love the trucks but my wallet hates them.

 

[MattPersman]

I love snap on quality, I have no driver right now so if I need something even as simple as a good drill bit I will order it from snap on website.

 

[AndyCBR]

I have seen several guys on here making mention that they buy snapon Mac off the web sit and to me that makes no sense. these tools have a huge markup to make room for the dealer to make a profit. When you buy online you get non of the truck benefits. You don't get to handle and inspect the tool you don't get financing and its harder to warrenty without a dealer. On standard hand tools my snapon dealer usually gives me 30% to 50% off retail I frequently see tools posted on here and cl among other sites and pawn shopa for what or close to what my dealer charges.

I guess what I'm saying is stop paying retail

The truck guy I recently purchased from said truck price and online price were the same on his truck. Only exception was promotional items (socket set bundled with ratchet for example).

SO tools are very nice but the prices are very high. My go to screwdrivers and ratchets are SO but most of the sockets/pliers are other brands.

 

[dsimatt]

SO tools are very nice but the prices are very high. My go to screwdrivers and ratchets are SO but most of the sockets/pliers are other brands.

All the brands are quite pricey, even their "deals" arent to cheap anymore. I think as a smart consumer you have to buy the tools you feel justify the price and then shop cheaper brands for the rest.

 

[Tanro]

50% off sounds like alot.

I don't know about snap on, but I know the last impact I bought from matco the web site said 418$ and the cheapest the driver ever sold it was 350$ during special promo offers. Which is closer to 15% off

Your Matco Driver ***** dude. Either he isn't making many sales and having to get every nickel he can off you, or he is just greedy and trying to get every nickel.

Case in point, my Matco guy just sold me the 50 piece car ball joint kit for 622.50. He said that left him a good profit. He had offered it to me at 725$ or something, but when he checked it was on sale (so his costs was a little over 100$ cheaper). List is like 850$....

My snap-on guy alllllllllways cuts deals. I dont think he has ever sold anyone in the shop something at full price, without a freebie, unless they were new. He also puts up double the numbers anyone else in his franchise does. And has gotten Salesman of the year at least once. And for some reason, the free giveaway winners usually come his route. Might be the fact they end up getting so much more stuff from him.

Dunno... Just know the last snapon rep wouldn't cut deals, asked stupid prices for trade-ins and used tools, and stuff came up missing if he came by the shop and people were gone to lunch. That guy is gone, new guy kicks his *** on deals, and we have a lot more S0 shop equipment now.....

 

[shanny19]

I buy Mac online because I have seen two trucks in my 40 some years, and not in my town.

I buy Snap On online because when I got into tools, and approached the local Snap On driver for a catalog, he told me in a very clear fashion what I could do with my business.

I buy Matco on Amazon, only packaged in the original OTC and Lisle clothing.

I think Cornwell is a myth. Doesn't exist, at least not in the PNW. If anyone wants to prove me wrong and send me something......

 

[firebox40dash5]

I see no problem buying online if you don't have access to a truck or if the driver is a ***** then screw him.

I thought the driver got some cut of whatever online sales in their territory are, at least with SO? If so, that'll learn him good, make him some money for nothing out of spite!

I'd be hard-pressed to buy online for the same reason I don't much care to pay full price when I'm paying cash in full... there's less in it for me, at the same price. Not saying I'd never do it, but it would need to be something I couldn't find used (my preference anyway for the most part) and whatever driver was around would have to be quite unpleasant.

Semi-on topic... Snap-On's "free shipping under $500" confuses me to no end, especially for a company who seems to not want to deal with consumers and has huge profit margins. I can order a damn $10 widget and someone drops it in an envelope or box, and pays shipping... but if I bought several socket sets they made hundreds on, I'd be paying shipping?

 

[Tanro]

Yes but that's a deal sponsored by Snap-On. The OP has made a blanket statement that he can pick any item and its "30%-50% off". Pretty big difference between that claim and the occasional Snap-On promo.

Just depends on the driver. Any sale where makes a certain margin looks good. Especially if you work at a larger shop. My shop we have 6 techs. Sometimes 7. Most shops in the area have 2, maybe 3 plus the owner. So if at my shop, say 5 guys get on the truck, pay their tool bill, pick up something 10-15% under list. Well Snappy has just made a couple hundred bucks in 30 minutes. I get on there, and I have cash in hand to pay down my balance (not just make minimum payment) and I pick up the current bogo, and something else I have been looking at for weeks. He usually cuts me the standard 10-15% under list on the bogo, and then lets me other thing for 10% above his cost. He is making money because he made a sale.

That is how you get what you want, cheaper than list.

Another idea, is figure out what you need. Write it down, shop on ebay/craigslist/forums, figure out the going rate for it is. Offer the Snappy guy a few bucks over that, and ask him if he can still make money on it. Then you get his service, his goodwill, and a good deal.

 

[RedRabbit]

Go website for rebuild kits. Buy tools from a dealer. There us usually a significant enough discount.

 

[Wamsutta]

On standard hand tools my snapon dealer usually gives me 30% to 50% off retail

I'd say you got a very good dealer if that's the case. The most discount I ever got from a dealer was no sales tax when paying with cash.

 

[Skin]

Just depends on the driver.

No, it doesn't.

30-50% off the catalog is way below their cost. BIG difference between 10% and 50%.

 

[Wizzard]

I have no desire to waste time, burn gas, and then the time to deal with people...so I buy almost strictly online. And the basic tools from SO I usually buy 2nd hand new or very lightly used for a fraction of the cost...never had issues getting warranty service. I've saved a ton of money buying online.

 

[VoodooCLD]

Semi-on topic... Snap-On's "free shipping under $500" confuses me to no end, especially for a company who seems to not want to deal with consumers and has huge profit margins. I can order a damn $10 widget and someone drops it in an envelope or box, and pays shipping... but if I bought several socket sets they made hundreds on, I'd be paying shipping?

I think its probably becuase they pay for shipping to their dealers anyway. So what does it matter if they ship it directly to the customer. If you notice, none of their toolboxes cost less than $500. I believe the price limit is just to keep the oversized items from getting free shipping.

That's just what i gathered from buying online.

 

[firebox40dash5]

I think its probably becuase they pay for shipping to their dealers anyway. So what does it matter if they ship it directly to the customer. If you notice, none of their toolboxes cost less than $500. I believe the price limit is just to keep the oversized items from getting free shipping.

That's just what i gathered from buying online.

Yeah... but I'm assuming their dealers (servicing the special order and restocking needs of 100+ customers) are getting 1-2 shipments a week, not ordering ones and twos for the most part.

They also have a whole lotta things that aren't toolboxes that are over $500, alone or in commonly bought combos. Like, oh, 2 sets of combo wrenches. If they sold 2 sets of FD+ wrenches, what's their profit to shipping cost (which you'd be paying anyway) percentage, compared to, say, buying one ratchet and getting free shipping.

I can also say, with confidence, they could offer free freight on boxes, and still make PLENTY of money. I got $2200 off list (pushing 50%) on mine and I'm sure my driver didn't lose money.

It's just an odd business model for a company who makes it clear they're not terribly interested in the business of individual, non-industry customers. You want to encourage fewer big orders, not small ones.

 

[Gregg33]

I deal strictly online for my occasional SO purchases. Why? I don't work at a shop and it's a pita for me and the tool truck guy to meet up, I have to find his phone # (no easy task), order the item, then he's got to contact me when it arrives, then I got to meet up with him at a time when we are both in the same area. Then there is a continual revolving door of drivers, so once I got familiar with a tool truck guy and got a discount, another driver took his place. The 3rd reason is sometimes I just don't feel like dealing with people. I deal with the public all day, sometimes I need a break. Having said all that, if I was working in a shop it would likely be more convenient to purchase off the SO truck.

 

[Adam.C]

I have seen several guys on here making mention that they buy snapon Mac off the web sit and to me that makes no sense. these tools have a huge markup to make room for the dealer to make a profit. When you buy online you get non of the truck benefits. You don't get to handle and inspect the tool you don't get financing and its harder to warrenty without a dealer. On standard hand tools my snapon dealer usually gives me 30% to 50% off retail I frequently see tools posted on here and cl among other sites and pawn shopa for what or close to what my dealer charges.

I guess what I'm saying is stop paying retail

While I respect the folks who buy online at full retail and am not interested in criticizing anyone, I agree with the OP. Exactly how often do you need to warranty a 13mm combination wrench? Warrantees on tools like that are like collision insurance on a $2000 car. The lower cost of a used wrench is worth the risk that I may someday need to replace one. I don't see the value in paying full retail.

For tools that wear, or are prone to breaking, even full retail can be a good deal. Screwdrivers, hammers, NN pliers, bit sockets, etc I would only buy new. But again, I'm with the OP. If you can arrange to establish a relationship with a driver, get the specials flyers, you can save some money.

 

[justanengineer]

Roughly 20%. The OPs claim of everything being 30-50% off is insane. Either he's buying from an industrial/school rep and not a true Snap-On franchise, or he's only buying Snap-Ons BOGO deals that his dealer is breaking up. Without a special being run just about everyone is paying list off the truck. The most people get is a few percent off, maybe no tax, for cash sales.

What are these "industrial/school reps" you speak of? IME theyre all franchises. When I was in the military we had two trucks in town, one regular off-post and one "industrial" guy on post, both were privately owned franchises with the regular truck tho. Similarly, at the ~4k student high school my father taught at, they always dealt with the normal local franchise, as does the ~3k person plant I work in now and weve got an uber rare corporate agreement with them.

As for the discounts, on post the industrial franchise guy gave us ~30% military discount below the SO suggested retail book's prices, which were ~10% below the net prices. The regular guy would still go 10-20% below book tho on most items, which has been my experience since with others. 10-20% seems fairly common to me with 30+% easily negotiated when a dealer wants something gone, its discontinued, etc. He might be a bit overbelieving the dealer's discount claims, but he still makes a pretty dam good point.

 

[woody 73]

I have seen several guys on here making mention that they buy snapon Mac off the web sit and to me that makes no sense. these tools have a huge markup to make room for the dealer to make a profit. When you buy online you get non of the truck benefits. You don't get to handle and inspect the tool you don't get financing and its harder to warrenty without a dealer. On standard hand tools my snapon dealer usually gives me 30% to 50% off retail I frequently see tools posted on here and cl among other sites and pawn shopa for what or close to what my dealer charges.

I guess what I'm saying is stop paying retail

Just my cents...

Being a shade tree guy I have only bought on the snap on truck just a few times in my life and that was at full price. Having used the snap on web-site only a few times for special tools.

I am left with buying all used tools and pawn shops want almost full retail at least in my part of the woods; so that leaves me with garage sales and cl and the GJ; even then if I need some special tool I am left with using their web-site.

They treat me very nice on the phone and if anything breaks they make good every time. you must keep in mind that special tools can not be found so easy at garage sales and cl so their web-site does come in handy.

 

[Skin]

What are these "industrial/school reps" you speak of?

Separate from franchises, they have their own operating parameters, order from a separate system and even have their own flyers. I also believe the tools are suppose to have no lifetime warranty. For these guys they have access to ~50% off roughly everything at any time. From what they do they sound more like employees that meet sales quotas as opposed to making all their profit off the product themselves. In other words they're there to move volume, not to service a 2 man garage.

Franchise trucks operate on 20-25% margins (from their cost to list) and out of that they get to pay for their fuel, internet, phone, truck payments, insurance, health and dental care, any associated legal fees, interest on loans as well as any loans themselves. After they're done doing that (and probably more im forgetting) they can buy food for their family and bank the rest.

After you grasp this you can see why scoffing at list price is quite naive.