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eBay and Toptul

Bull

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Why is eBay a tumbleweed-town when it comes to Toptul? There is NOTHING on there. :headscrat

I wanted to look at some handsomely priced flex ratchets.
 
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Hiball

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I remember when mike was here he said it was against toptul policy to sell thru them, I suspect the reason you don't see any used ones is because ther owners actually like them.
 

dieseldodge01

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I think it like the performance fuel pump that I bought for my truck. The company wouldn't validate the warranty unless it was through an authorized dealer. It is usually because they don't want people to try and undercut there dealers, causing complaint from the dealers etc. But that is just what I think.
 
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Bull

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Hmm...ok. But what about used pieces? Have they just not been around long enough for used bits to hit the market?

People love Snap-on like they are religious talismans, but they're still to be found on eBay by the bushel!
 

dieseldodge01

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I think its much like the Wright tools, they are unknown to the public. You don't see a whole lot of Wright tools on Ebay either and they are quality, people know Snap On, MAC, Craftsman, Husky, Kobalt.
 

Fedwrench

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Hmm...ok. But what about used pieces? Have they just not been around long enough for used bits to hit the market?

People love Snap-on like they are religious talismans, but they're still to be found on eBay by the bushel!

You have to look at sales volume. A few years ago there was a dealer from North Carolina that sold Toptul on Ebay with mixed success. On this site Toptul is fairly well known due to Mike Wren. Then there's the guy from Ultimate Garage that horned in on Mike's action here. However, these three dealers are like trying to fill a swimming pool with something smaller than a thimble compared to the popularity and availabilty of Craftsman and the truck brands. Additionally, I don't think Toptul does well in the used market because, they are inexpensive new.:beer:
 

Skyline

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As far as tools are concerned, eBay is totally brand driven. I sell lots of tools there, and if it's not a truck tool, it's very tough to move. It's just the wrong market for a tool company with limited reputation.
 
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Bull

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Well then; does anyone know the cost of a 3/8 flex, comfort-grip handled ratchet from Toptul? I went to Mike's site to look for a price and, while I am sure I could find it if I tried, it's just not that appealing to navigate.
 

Mike 47

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Well then; does anyone know the cost of a 3/8 flex, comfort-grip handled ratchet from Toptul? I went to Mike's site to look for a price and, while I am sure I could find it if I tried, it's just not that appealing to navigate.

Looks like the flex head with quick release (CJHM1228) is $32.17, and the super-long flex head (CJKN1224) is $19.75. Last time I ordered from Mike there was 20% off for being a GJ member.
 

vette-kid

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Well then; does anyone know the cost of a 3/8 flex, comfort-grip handled ratchet from Toptul? I went to Mike's site to look for a price and, while I am sure I could find it if I tried, it's just not that appealing to navigate.

Yeah, I believe he is working on changing the website again, he knows it isnt the easiest to navigate.

But just email him with what you want, he will get you a price. As mentioned be sure to include your GJ screen name to get the discount. He is a busy guy, so give him some time to get back to you and I guarantee you will be pleased with his service.
 

48548

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I still buy from mike and I am glad to keep him in business because he is a stand up guy and I like the cards he would send, it was a nice touch.
 
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The Muffin Man

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The seller on ebay from North Carolina is a former Toptul dealer. His prices on average work out to be slightly more expensive than Mike Wren after the 20% discount.
 

wbclassics

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Could it be because eBay is a bottom feeder community and when you're going to try and sell relatively inexpensive (although OK quality) tools, you're never going to make any money when you give away ~12% to eBay/PayPal not to mention auctions that don't sell.
 
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Bull

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Could it be because eBay is a bottom feeder community and when you're going to try and sell relatively inexpensive (although OK quality) tools, you're never going to make any money when you give away ~12% to eBay/PayPal not to mention auctions that don't sell.

I guess it could be that, yes. But, have you seen some of the useless, rusty, no-value junk that IS on there?!
 

expatriated

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I don't think their owners want to part with them. I know I don't want to part with mine.

But, I do look occasionally on ebay for Toptul stuff myself. Never been able to find anything worthwhile.

I know this is blasphemy here but I prefer my toptul ratchets to my SO dual 80's. I think it's mostly due to the comfort handle of the toptul--my SO's don't have the comfort handle. They are both just as smooth.
 
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Bull

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Looks like the flex head with quick release (CJHM1228) is $32.17, and the super-long flex head (CJKN1224) is $19.75. Last time I ordered from Mike there was 20% off for being a GJ member.

These prices sound great. But Mike's site doesn't even have pictures anymore for me to see what these two items look like!
 
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Bull

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Awesome, thank you!

Those pieces look great. I have trouble believing they only cost $32 and $20:headscrat

I picked up a 1/4 drive quick release, flex head, comfort grip ratchet from a member on here and used it quite a bit fixing my lawn tractor. That thing is really, really nice!

Try this link. Those two are at the very bottom of the page.
 

welderwink

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Does anyone know the price on the tool chests at mikes site. I cant find anything on that site. im interested in a set of allen keys and cant find prices on that either. thanks
 

vette-kid

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Does anyone know the price on the tool chests at mikes site. I cant find anything on that site. im interested in a set of allen keys and cant find prices on that either. thanks

Shoot him an email or call him. He will be glad to get you prices. He has had a tough time getting that website up and usable. Im pretty sure he is trying to get that fixed, but if you call or email him he is more than helpful, and a very stand up guy, a real pleasure to do business with.
 

welderwink

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does mike get the emails from the wren tools site? or is there another email address for him?
 
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