Cornwell Tool Truck Wierdness

[mrshaun]

sounds like the old mac man and the old conrwellman who is now the new mac man without a truck.
If i refuse you service it is because you have fu#@ed me over inthe past.
Ihad a lady jump on the truck friday after noon and bought $305. if you have money then lets dobusiness. Even if you want to take a peek inside come on in...
I warrantied out casters for a guy sight unseen and since then he has dropped 2500 in 6 weeks. you never know who is coming to play.

 

[air]

To the OP, Wow. That dealer sounds like a tool, pun intended.

That said, the Snap On guy I know is way cool. I actually know where he parks his truck, and I have gone in the morning before he starts his route to buy stuff and to 'shoot the breeze'. I guess it helps that I don't waste his time, and if I do set foot on the truck I buy something. Cool fella though, somebody I could definitely hang out and drink beer with or something.

 

[MattT]

I deal with MSC and McMaster all the time. They don't seem to have a problem with non corporate accounts.

AFAIK McMaster only have operations in 4 States. Not sure about MSC but I doubt they're nationwide like Grainger. Not saying I agree with Grainger's stance but I do understand it. FWIW I also know of one large mail order retailer that refuses to ship to the two States they operate out of.

 

[Red Green]

That a poor business decision. If I was selling I would assume that if you were dressed in "white collar" clothes you have more discretionary money to spend than most mechanics. While you might not buy at the same volume as a mechanic. A small cash sale puts more food on the table than turning away a customer.

 

[crewchief888]

fire off an email to cornwell, with a link this this thread,

 

[Skin]

he could lose his job choosing to not sell to a single individual he has not dealt with before.

no i really dont think he could. Pretty sure its his decision who he does and doesnt do business with. Its essentially his store on wheels, all cornwell does is supply him with the product. Doesnt make him any less of a fool turning away business like that though.

 

[cruiser808]

"here in hawaii i have never seen a cornwell truck ever"

Hi taylorboi - It's very unlikely you and I ever will. When was the last time you saw a Mac truck here in Honolulu?

 

[Hiball]

no i really dont think he could. Pretty sure its his decision who he does and doesnt do business with. Its essentially his store on wheels, all cornwell does is supply him with the product. Doesnt make him any less of a fool turning away business like that though.

I'd be willing to bet since Cornwell doesnt have the Right to sell there tools Online and they can only be Distributed thru a Dealer there are some Guidlines that have to be followed. It wouldnt be in the best interest of the Company to Not Protect themselves when these sitsuations Arrise. I Agree anyone who would turn a Possible Customer away during these Trying times is a Fool.

 

[Sloper0204]

Blew my mind today, on my way home from work there was a Cornwell truck sitting in front of the local tool rental place. Now I'm trying to track down his/her contact info so I can pick up a few more of their ratchets...

 

[Skin]

I know you can get in trouble when you have a dealer license but since hes purchased a franchise...dunno, i'd be surprised if cornwell, SO, MAC etc...had any say. I wouldnt put it beyond them to strongly imply that said dealer should sell to anyone willing to buy though.

 

[mrb]

I placed a big order from Grainger. I mean big, not some thousand or two thousand, but big. Anyhow, I get a email saying just this one time they will let me order, and how I should be a business to buy from them.

Its amazing the attitude of business these days.

grainger has that policy so they dont have to comply with all the regulatory and labeling issues with consumer products. much less burden to only sell to businesses (and its nice to be able to get a bucket thats not covered in warning text)

 

[Hiball]

I know you can get in trouble when you have a dealer license but since hes purchased a franchise...dunno, i'd be surprised if cornwell, SO, MAC etc...had any say. I wouldnt put it beyond them to strongly imply that said dealer should sell to anyone willing to buy though.

I would think it would be the other way around and under the Franchise you would be governed under more Regulations. The good thing about SO, Mac, Matco is that if someone calls with a problem they have the option to remedy it whether its access to a tool or Warranty. These Cornwell guys have all the Power as they are the ONLY Option for Cornwell to get New Products to the Customer is Via the Dealer (Ive heard they will Warrant tools shipped to them). I really looked for Cornwell to start selling Online via there Site when they started posting Prices a Year ago, Like i said i really dunno the difference between Franchise and licenced Dealers. Im only speculating, I believe we used to have a Cornwell dealer here at GJ.

 

[Daddy_Rabbit]

AFAIK McMaster only have operations in 4 States. Not sure about MSC but I doubt they're nationwide like Grainger. Not saying I agree with Grainger's stance but I do understand it. FWIW I also know of one large mail order retailer that refuses to ship to the two States they operate out of.

Most of McMaster-Carr and MSC's business is phone in or online & UPS & FedEx is nationwide.

 

[Jeff]

All I wanted was a slotted or phillips screwdriver for a review I'm working on concerning driver handles. Since I've never seen a Cornwell truck or tools before I figured I would add one of their drivers to the review. At no time did I mention any of this to the driver. I merely asked to walk on the truck, look around and buy some small items. I also mentioned I was a cash customer and the shop owner currently in his truck was a good friend of mine.

I've been on other companies trucks in the past without any issues. Needless to say I will mention this issue when I tape the review.

 

[blue dog]

I'd be willing to bet since Cornwell doesnt have the Right to sell there tools Online and they can only be Distributed thru a Dealer there are some Guidlines that have to be followed.

Why can't Cornwell sell tools online, i do not understand this.

 

[Hiball]

Why can't Cornwell sell tools online, i do not understand this.

If i Recall its has to do with the Contract between Cornwell and the Dealers.

 

[planecrazy]

I've never seen a Cornwall truck around here and the Cornwall HQ is not 3 miles from my house. In fact, many, many years ago, I used to date a girl that worked in the office there. I probably should have exploited that relationship for tools.

 

[woody 73]

I've never seen a Cornwall truck around here and the Cornwall HQ is not 3 miles from my house. In fact, many, many years ago, I used to date a girl that worked in the office there. I probably should have exploited that relationship for tools.

I see maybe one cornwell truck in central Ohio maybe once a year if that,darn you should have saved her phone number...

 

[fringeofinsanity]

My grandfather told me stories of the pony express, the great depression, World War I and II, as well as Cornwell Tools.

Are they making a comeback like Chris Craft and Indian? LOL

On another note, maybe I should be considering a Cornwell Franchise in Hawaii!

 

[vssjim]

Her in northern Virginia there are alot of Cornwell trucks, a few Matco, Snap on quite a few and NO Mac trucks that I know of at all. Our Cornwell dealer has the best stocked truck and is our oldest dealer at fifteen years by far.

 

[Thumper]

The Cornwell guy around here will take your money in a heartbeat. He will tell you he's in it to sell tools. Cash talks....******** walks. That dealer is an ****** you dealt with.

 

[Davefr]

grainger has that policy so they dont have to comply with all the regulatory and labeling issues with consumer products. much less burden to only sell to businesses (and its nice to be able to get a bucket thats not covered in warning text)

If anything there's more regulation selling business to business. For example nothing can come into our plant without MSDS's and all the regulatory approvals being in place and it's the supplier that has to provide all the documentation.

I think Grainger wants to avoid the consumer market because they don't want a bunch of walk ins asking for electrical and HVAC advice. There's also probably far fewer returns selling BTB then consumer.

Imagine being the sales person at the counter and having a consumer bring in a 50 year old furnace motor and asking them to match it up and provide wiring info.

 

[mrshaun]

i get tired of the paperwork that goes with some of the business sales. I prefer one on one sales to a customer.
much easier to handle

 

[ducati]

The guy is a douche. I learned at an early age to not judge a book by it's cover. About 10 yrs ago I ended up selling a couple a house that by the look of their vehicle couldn't afford a pot to piss in little lone a $175k house. It was a slow afternoon and started BSing with them. A few months later I was building them a house. Very solid customers and had zero problem with financing and actually put down a very health down payment. The couple turned out to be great customers and I have gotten a few referals for other houses from them that I ended up with the contracts. At one point durning building their house I ended up getting a new truck which sparked up a conversation about vehicles. Seems that they didn't care what their ride looked like as long as it was mechanically sound and he seemed to think new vehicles are a waste of money. All they do is depreciate. This statement probably holds true for a lot of the public. I look at new trucks a little different because they are a write off for me. I can either ride around in a new truck or send uncle sam a boat load more in taxes.

 

[MattT]

Most of McMaster-Carr and MSC's business is phone in or online & UPS & FedEx is nationwide.

The parcel carrier has nothing to do with sales tax.

 

[Groovy]

I watch this Gearz show and that dude has Cornwell Tool boxes and stuff so I was intreasted because they looked cool I wonder why they would sponser that if they won't sell to the average joe shade tree cause thats who is watching that show. I'll stick with my Snap on guy and craftsman I guess for hand tools

 

[rjohnson]

The Cornwell dealer around here is a registered *** offender for child ***********, I wish I remembered his name so I could post a link to the *** offender site.

 

[back2class]

Sounds about like my experience with Cornwell reps. I don't give that company much of a chance of being around in 5 years. Talk about a company that needs to be taken over and run well. Seems that the company culture is in a funky rut and can't find it's way out. No wonder used Cornwell tools sell for about the same as Craftsman, even though they cost as much as Snap-On

 

[Groovy]

Not to hijack but I saw Groovkings cart was a waterloo and I love it what do you guys think about those and are the dealers in trucks like snap on I've never seen one at this point. Sorry if's dumb I'll google as well but is it good stuff?

Edit>I found em on line.

 

[ADaughen]

I placed a big order from Grainger. I mean big, not some thousand or two thousand, but big. Anyhow, I get a email saying just this one time they will let me order, and how I should be a business to buy from them.

Its amazing the attitude of business these days.

Wow... I had to order some hardened bolts for my car suspension and Grainger was the only local place to get them.

I DID have to buy enough to do 10 front ends (20 bolts and 50 nuts ), but they were more than helpful. I had never been in one before because I wasn't a contractor/business.


Cornwell is a myth here. I have pondered having MAC or Snap-On stop by my house and freak out the wife.

 

[bowtie3]

Sounds about like my experience with Cornwell reps. I don't give that company much of a chance of being around in 5 years. Talk about a company that needs to be taken over and run well. Seems that the company culture is in a funky rut and can't find it's way out. No wonder used Cornwell tools sell for about the same as Craftsman, even though they cost as much as Snap-On

First let me say the dealer in question is, as someone said, an ******, but to condemn the whole company over one (or a few) guy(s) is not fair to Cornwell or SO or Mac or Matco. These company's have dealers that are independent contractors so they cant control everything these guys do, if one of them doesn't want to sell to someone, then they don't have to. This particular dealer may not be around in five years but Cornwell has been around like 92 years as a family owned company so I wouldn't think one ****** dealer will change that. They may sell on-line some day but i bet their dealers like the fact that the company is actually loyal to them (imagine that).

 

[seagravedriver]

It all depends on the person. Heck, work with people here at the fire stations that I find rude. It is the exception, not the rule by far.

I bought some items as a walk on from the Cornwell guy over 10 years ago. I called the same guy back yesterday about flaking chrome on a screwdriver I had. "Call me anytime, or let me know where you live, and I will swap it out". I am happy with that .

The Snap On guy is a close friend nowdays, but I have a varrious tools. I rode with my buddy on his route one day. Talk about a slice of life. One guy trying to return a box of screwdrivers that were likely stolen, to a guy trading up 3k worth of Snap On tool box. (He had the original cardboard box for his trade in box)

One never knows.

 

[Daddy_Rabbit]

The parcel carrier has nothing to do with sales tax.

that's correct. if it isn't sold in the same state as the business is located then most times tax is not collected.

 

[Davefr]

They may sell on-line some day but i bet their dealers like the fact that the company is actually loyal to them (imagine that).

They could sell online and distribute the profits to the dealers. Everyone wins since this would likely be incremental business to them.

Doesn't SO have an online business model like this?

 

[Az Scooter]

Imagine being the sales person at the counter and having a consumer bring in a 50 year old furnace motor and asking them to match it up and provide wiring info.

This happens all the time at Grainger. Imagine standing behind the guy that asks for the help, and they always give it to them.

 

[mrshaun]

They could sell online and distribute the profits to the dealers. Everyone wins since this would likely be incremental business to them.

Doesn't SO have an online business model like this?

yes sir. we might see 29 bucks every couple of weeks.

 

[mbalka]

Here in Louisville we have a couple of Cornwell dealers that have just started up routes within maybe the last year or so. In fact, I called the one for my area on Monday to see if I could order a cover for my rollaway. He met me at the local WallyWorld parking lot, had two other guys on the truck window shopping, and was as congenial as could be. In addition, he wouldn't take payment for my order in advance, said to wait until the goods came in, and then proceeded to put me on his mailing list for monthly sale flyers. He knows that he's not going to make a ton of money on me; but he might make a bit on guys I refer to him.

It really does all depend on the dealer. Some are great, honest guys and some are douchebags that deserve to end up going broke.

MB

 

[Teken]

I placed a big order from Grainger. I mean big, not some thousand or two thousand, but big. Anyhow, I get a email saying just this one time they will let me order, and how I should be a business to buy from them.

Its amazing the attitude of business these days.

Yup, our company did over 100K in sales with these fucken *****'s never mind all the $$$ I spent there buying all of my Amrstrong tools with them.

Over 25 years of loyal service with these morons, and the day I need to warranty a Armstrong item.

The kid in the back says you're SOL . . . I told him I have been doing business with your company longer than you have been having wet dreams.

Little ******* !!!

I told this little pee on to get someone there I know. Surprisingly, after 25 years almost 80% of the long time employee's seem to have up and left?

Long story short called Armstrong direct, they took care of me . . . Went back to work, told my manager of the piss poor treatment and that they would NOT honor the Armstrong warranty.

We have over 2 million dollars worth of tools from them . . .

He picked up the phone and canceled the next 100K yearly order with them on the spot.

 

[PT Doc]

We have over 2 million dollars worth of tools from them . . .

He picked up the phone and canceled the next 100K yearly order with them on the spot.

Money talks and that large amount should have someone inquiring why the order wasnt finalized. If someone is paying attention.

 

[Teken]

Money talks and that large amount should have someone inquiring why the order wasnt finalized. If someone is paying attention.

One would think but as far as I am aware no one ever called back asking why?

Must be making money hand over fist I guess . . .