Getting ignored from the tool truck guys

[bwringer]

He blast ice cream truck music when pulling into the yard? Haha

Now THAT... is a great idea. I wonder what tune would be most appropriate for the arrival of the tool truck? That might be a more productive thread.


Honestly, I'm really, really glad I'm not a tool truck dude. You lot can't decide what you want. Quite a few of the expectations posted here are literally opposite or mutually incompatible. Everything from "I vant to be alone." to "I need a perineal massage first so I know he cares and maybe over time we can develop a deeper relationship."

 

[2ndGearRubber]

The whole tool truck/tool guy model sounds ****** and outdated. Bunch of egotistical buffoons selling over priced tools.

It's 2021, buy what you need, when you need, from where you want and bypass the tool clowns. They are dinosaurs.

Snap-on Store

shop.snapon.com

Can't get that on amazon. Although they need to make a 19mm for the newer stuff. Time and a place for trucks, they're just one avenue of MANY to get tools through. More options is more better.

 

[bsaint]

The tools on tool trucks def have their place for professionals just I think the formula needs to be updated. Why not a combination snap-on carquest? Get your tools when the parts arrive. The driver can still come around once a week with a smaller truck and just the sales deals or raffle ****. But you can get your warranty stuff any day.

The worst part about the truck is break a tool the moment or day after he leaves. Text him. He's gotta order it that Friday. Wait a week and a half. Or worse how many of us remember before we could text those old farts. Had to wait a week to see him. Tell him. He orders it. Wait a week or 2.

 

[Davefr]

Snap-on Store

shop.snapon.com

Can't get that on amazon. Although they need to make a 19mm for the newer stuff. Time and a place for trucks, they're just one avenue of MANY to get tools through. More options is more better.

Agree, but I bet tools like that are rare to see on the trucks.

I've always thought the MSC model would be perfect for tools. Order a tool by 8:00 PM EST at the ground rate and they upgrade it to next day air for free. The MSC catalog is huge with everything under the sun and you always know how many they have in stock.

I'm really surprised there isn't the equivalent of an MSC business model for automotive related tools and hardware.

 

[Xcursion88]

but am i the only one that doesn't want a "relationship" with a trucker? don't need that "personal touch" either.

Nobody suggested having tea or taking windy walks. Just a simple business relationship. The fact you couldn't understand that and your stereotyping attitude of a "trucker" is arrogantly ignorant and or ignorantly immature.
Living life nose up won't help you one bit.

 

[Lassen Forge]

He said such because anyone who knows anything of the tool world knows these guys finance right on the truck. Unless it's a several thousand dollar box or scan tool they finance it to you themselves.
If you fall off the face of the earth he eats it.

Wanting to know a little bit about you before sending you off with a bunch of expensive tools on an IOU isn't being anything but cautiously sensible

Who said anything about truck credit? Seriously? I'd worked there for some 25 years at the time, I was driving my well worn company U-body truck, and being civil service (like everyone in the facility) it wasn't ****** likely this 50-something year old would "fall off the face of the planet". I was driving the company truck, hell, ANY of our mechanics, their bosses, etc coulda vouched I wasn't going anywhere...

Gotta call BS on this one. The snap-on man said he doesn’t know if he wants to sell to you. Yeah Ok. More like he didn’t know if he wanted to extend truck credit to you.


OP so you are upset the snap-on guy does not get out of his truck and track you down to introduce himself to you even though you have not spent a dollar on his truck?

I call BS on your BS call... Said NOTHING about truck credit, He was at our company shop, I drive up in one of our company U-Bodies, wearing the uniform, and wanted NOTHING to do with any kind of "truck credit" or an "IOU", I was a sale, and he couldn't care less, because I had ****... Track ME down? I drove MY goddamn work truck to HIS tool truck. The one with the same company logo as was on the bbuilding he was parked at.

But you were there, so you know better... right?? Oh wise one.

So yeah, I call BS on your BS.

 

[cannuck]

The whole tool truck/tool guy model sounds ****** and outdated. Bunch of egotistical buffoons selling over priced tools.

It's 2021, buy what you need, when you need, from where you want and bypass the tool clowns. They are dinosaurs.

Problem is: where there are a dozen stores in town that have a tool selection, there are virtually NONE that carry a full line of pro-grade tools with someone behind the counter who knows the difference between a Phillips and JIS driver (not that I have met a tool truck guy who would either). IF I could get not just the quality (that is seldom needed, but ultra critical for some tools) and selection of Mac/SO trucks from a walk-in store, I would be all over it at pretty much any cost. But I can't. So, I will chase down a dynosaur and gladly pay through the nose to get the precious magic fossil that can unlock the T40 screw in a 2003 NV5600 front driveshaft flange without stripping it out and get the damned thing off of my shop floor.

But, with reference to the thread: it would be nice to get kissed before being screwed.

 

[Formula]

The tools on tool trucks def have their place for professionals just I think the formula needs to be updated. Why not a combination snap-on carquest? Get your tools when the parts arrive. The driver can still come around once a week with a smaller truck and just the sales deals or raffle ****. But you can get your warranty stuff any day.

The worst part about the truck is break a tool the moment or day after he leaves. Text him. He's gotta order it that Friday. Wait a week and a half. Or worse how many of us remember before we could text those old farts. Had to wait a week to see him. Tell him. He orders it. Wait a week or 2.

I get my tools from everywhere, both online, walk into a store and from the tool trucks. Of course I shop around especially online and look at all available options for tools. I do appreciate the tool truck guys I’ve worked with throughout the years and built a good relationship with many of them. I also like, and prefer to support a small business like a tool truck guy vs Amazon, etc. I also prefer to buy made in USA products and most of Snap On hand tools are.

 

[Formula]

The whole tool truck/tool guy model sounds ****** and outdated. Bunch of egotistical buffoons selling over priced tools.

It's 2021, buy what you need, when you need, from where you want and bypass the tool clowns. They are dinosaurs.

Just about everyone of my tool truck dealers over the years have been good down to earth people. They’re no different than interacting with a friend or neighbor. Overall they’ve all provided great service.

 

[Firebrick43]

Yep, you nailed it. It basically comes down to this.

I’m not looking to make best friends and I’m not looking for a free pocket screwdriver, hat, t-shirt or handout. If I want something I’ll pay for it.

But geez, like you said, I think a most of these people have never worked in a shop environment and don’t get it.

If I’m buried up to my elbows in parts and grease and look over to try and make eye contact with the tool guy, and he doesn’t acknowledge that I’m there week after week, that makes me the bad guy LOL?

Many of us that have replied, have worked in a shop environment. Yet you dismiss us with the same brush stroke as this guy.

Ever hear two wrongs don't make a right? Maybe one of your coworkers told him not to talk to you due to your attitude? Maybe his dog got ran over, or maybe he is a ****, who knows. If you won't take the first step to find out expecting him to come to you, yea, imho that makes you just as wrong.

 

[Formula]

Problem is: where there are a dozen stores in town that have a tool selection, there are virtually NONE that carry a full line of pro-grade tools with someone behind the counter who knows the difference between a Phillips and JIS driver (not that I have met a tool truck guy who would either). IF I could get not just the quality (that is seldom needed, but ultra critical for some tools) and selection of Mac/SO trucks from a walk-in store, I would be all over it at pretty much any cost. But I can't. So, I will chase down a dynosaur and gladly pay through the nose to get the precious magic fossil that can unlock the T40 screw in a 2003 NV5600 front driveshaft flange without stripping it out and get the damned thing off of my shop floor.

But, with reference to the thread: it would be nice to get kissed before being screwed.

There have been so many specialty tools I never knew existed until I was shown by a tool truck guy. Like you said, these are things you’ll never find in a regular store. There aren’t really any stores that sell professional automotive type tools except Harbor Freight, but their quality is questionable. I think if Snap On, MAC, Matco would open up brick and mortar stores in large metropolitan areas, I think they could do quite well.

 

[slowtwitch73]

Snap-on Store

shop.snapon.com

Can't get that on amazon. Although they need to make a 19mm for the newer stuff. Time and a place for trucks, they're just one avenue of MANY to get tools through. More options is more better.

But it looks like you can get it online?

 

[WordMan]

The whole tool truck/tool guy model sounds ****** and outdated. Bunch of egotistical buffoons selling over priced tools.

It's 2021, buy what you need, when you need, from where you want and bypass the tool clowns. They are dinosaurs.

And one day, they will be gone, then, just like everyone else, you'll be complaining about how no one will help you find the special tool/part/etc. It'll be fun. I hope you enjoy it.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Problem is: where there are a dozen stores in town that have a tool selection, there are virtually NONE that carry a full line of pro-grade tools with someone behind the counter who knows the difference between a Phillips and JIS driver (not that I have met a tool truck guy who would either). IF I could get not just the quality (that is seldom needed, but ultra critical for some tools) and selection of Mac/SO trucks from a walk-in store, I would be all over it at pretty much any cost. But I can't. So, I will chase down a dynosaur and gladly pay through the nose to get the precious magic fossil that can unlock the T40 screw in a 2003 NV5600 front driveshaft flange without stripping it out and get the damned thing off of my shop floor.

But, with reference to the thread: it would be nice to get kissed before being screwed.

Yeah, IMO the biggest thing I'm seeing with trucks is there seems to be a market cap on knowledge. Some of these guys were techs, but even their scan-tool reps often aren't in-depth with how to use their lab scopes. I've shown my driver tools he didn't know were in the catalog - the thing is as thick as the bible, he can't know every page.

Simply due to their business model, there's a knowledge limit that the "BRAND X" guy is gonna have. Matco guy isn't studying the Schley tools catalog or tekton in his free time.

But it looks like you can get it online?

Yup. Truck also supplies payments on a handshake or actual financing if you'd like either. I typically pay in full. They will also sell below website price with promo/flier items, although sometimes the website will drop prices a little too. You can also bundle items when purchasing, receive "free" promo items, and purchase used and trade-in tools. My preference for warranty these days is to text my driver the number for the tool in hopes he will have it when he comes the next visit. Covid supply issues are hitting the drivers as well, luckily some drivers, most it seems, will do internal inventory swaps between drivers to get out of backorder issues.



I've spent tens of thousands of dollars on the trucks. I've spend tens of thousands elsewhere. Buying from a single source is a massive mistake IMO. You're missing out on profit producing tools. If you are not taking use of trade show and flier promotions, you're overpaying. Obviously if you NEED something it doesn't matter. But I have a folder of bookmarked tools from lots of brands I use to price watch and fill up orders to meet minimum shipping. Same thing.

 

[JeepYJ]

So you drill down to find the absolute worst case scenario and use that as an argument?

For shits and giggles, we'll address it anyway. Always? Of course not. Just the online guy can't always overnight something (hell, most of them drop-ship and frequently "overnight" means the the day after the factory gets 'round to shipping it).

As a "truck guy," I carried a lot of specialty tools on the truck. When I didn't, if a customer needed something right away, I would find the tool, ensuring it was a good quality item, and have it shipped overnight (if that's what the customer wanted). Remember that service thing? I did that so the customer (the mechanic, the shop owner, etc) didn't have to spend an hour on the computer or phone tracking down the tool.

And that was the whole point of what I said (you, of course, understood that--you just ignored it). The tool truck guy provides a service. The customer who understands that "supports" the tool truck guy in his regular purchases because it benefits him when he needs that extra service.

That was your scenario about having a car on the rack needing a specialty to complete a job and needing your truck guy to rush over and deliver that specialty tool same day.
If you have the time to reach out to your truck guy and describe what unknown tool you need to finish the job you probably do need to pay extra for “service”
You could also spend those few minutes just looking up what you need and ordering it.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

That was your scenario about having a car on the rack needing a specialty to complete a job and needing your truck guy to rush over and deliver that specialty tool same day.
If you have the time to reach out to your truck guy and describe what unknown tool you need to finish the job you probably do need to pay extra for “service”
You could also spend those few minutes just looking up what you need and ordering it.

Ideally you order only from the brand the truck is rebranding, or get an item from another brand you can get online.

There are a variety of reasons to find value, some sort of value, from the trucks. Between selections, warranty, Emergency availability, and specialty items it's not that hard to justify the occasional purchase. Especially if theres enough customers at your work to support a truck that comes regardless of your purchases.

 

[JeepYJ]

Ideally you order only from the brand the truck is rebranding, or get an item from another brand you can get online.

There are a variety of reasons to find value, some sort of value, from the trucks. Between selections, warranty, Emergency availability, and specialty items it's not that hard to justify the occasional purchase. Especially if theres enough customers at your work to support a truck that comes regardless of your purchases.

I realize they are a service, I’m just saying that they’re not the only option to get tools in a hurry, specialty or not. The odds of your truck guy having some whatz-it specialty tool for a some odd bolt on a late model VW and him getting it to you in a couple hours is pretty slim.

 

[shawhite]

Who said anything about truck credit? Seriously? I'd worked there for some 25 years at the time, I was driving my well worn company U-body truck, and being civil service (like everyone in the facility) it wasn't ****** likely this 50-something year old would "fall off the face of the planet". I was driving the company truck, hell, ANY of our mechanics, their bosses, etc coulda vouched I wasn't going anywhere...



I call BS on your BS call... Said NOTHING about truck credit, He was at our company shop, I drive up in one of our company U-Bodies, wearing the uniform, and wanted NOTHING to do with any kind of "truck credit" or an "IOU", I was a sale, and he couldn't care less, because I had ****... Track ME down? I drove MY goddamn work truck to HIS tool truck. The one with the same company logo as was on the bbuilding he was parked at.

But you were there, so you know better... right?? Oh wise one.

So yeah, I call BS on your BS.

What does it matter what you we’re driving or what uniform you had on. It’s not like you have to be licensed to buy from the tool truck. I have walked on many tools trucks where I didn’t know the driver and I’m in street clothes and they will sell me whatever I ask for or repair/replace my broken tools. For a driver to say they are not sure they want to deal with you sounds odd to say the least it’s either BS or not the whole story.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I realize they are a service, I’m just saying that they’re not the only option to get tools in a hurry, specialty or not. The odds of your truck guy having some whatz-it specialty tool for a some odd bolt on a late model VW and him getting it to you in a couple hours is pretty slim.

Very fair point. If one has a week of turn around Amazon prime is great for low use things like timing tools.

 

[dnschmidt]

Here's my view. I try to avoid tool trucks so I'm fine with them avoiding me. Fair is fair.

 

[Mikeske]

Still going

 

[WordMan]

That was your scenario about having a car on the rack needing a specialty to complete a job and needing your truck guy to rush over and deliver that specialty tool same day.
If you have the time to reach out to your truck guy and describe what unknown tool you need to finish the job you probably do need to pay extra for “service”
You could also spend those few minutes just looking up what you need and ordering it.

No, you took my scenario and then extrapolated to the Nth degree. You purposefully introduced the least likely scenario, then attempted to hold that up as the norm.

As for "just looking it up then ordering it," sure you can do that. You can look it up and give the tool truck guy the part number. But ordering it online and waiting for it (which is frequently a minimum of a few days out, even if you pay for overnight shipping), is not going to get the car off the rack today.

Further, there are lots of times when there is no "just looking it up." Frequently, it requires a bit of research. Frequently, it's not some specialty tool designed by the factory and given a part number in some manual, but a tool designed to make the job 10X easier, designed by some aftermarket tool company.

And that's not the only service. The mechanic might be looking for this or that tool, and there are multiple manufacturers who make it. Which one is the good one? There aren't a lot of online reviews from professional mechanics on such things. But I as the tool truck guy know the one made by X company works while the one made by Z company doesn't work, or breaks too easily, or whatever.

Again, you're welcome to shop the trucks right out of business. Go for it, I'm a writer now, not a truck guy. I don't care. But when you need the advice or the special service that used to be provided by the truck guys, they won't be there, just like the real hardware stores, electronics shops, building supply stores, etc, etc, etc, have all been replaced by the big box and online retailers.

Just like the real parts stores where you didn't need to tell the zit-faced kid behind the counter what hubcaps the car came with so he can get the correct wiper blades are gone.

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

What does it matter what you we’re driving or what uniform you had on. It’s not like you have to be licensed to buy from the tool truck. I have walked on many tools trucks where I didn’t know the driver and I’m in street clothes and they will sell me whatever I ask for or repair/replace my broken tools. For a driver to say they are not sure they want to deal with you sounds odd to say the least it’s either BS or not the whole story.

Lots of people have posted on here over the years about wanting to buy tools off a Snap On truck (maybe other brands too) and the driver had no interest in selling to them. Doesn't make sense to me but I don't doubt their stories.

 

[zendriver]

Do truck tool users not know what they want or need, so they have to have someone personally stop to “sell” them on products?

I think if I wanted or needed something I would call up the guy/gal and order it.

hopefully I’d be too busy at my craft to worry about having someone show up to “shoot the ****”

 

[NYBODYMAN]

Yep, you nailed it. It basically comes down to this.

I’m not looking to make best friends and I’m not looking for a free pocket screwdriver, hat, t-shirt or handout. If I want something I’ll pay for it.

But geez, like you said, I think a most of these people have never worked in a shop environment and don’t get it.

If I’m buried up to my elbows in parts and grease and look over to try and make eye contact with the tool guy, and he doesn’t acknowledge that I’m there week after week, that makes me the bad guy LOL?

I think that's what a lot of guys here are missing. You are in a professional environment. Not a weekend warrior or someone casually wrenching in the garage. You need what you need when you need it. It's not just about where you can get the tool, it's about the service attached to it. If you are in the middle of a job and your tool breaks or you need a specialty tool to finish up, you need your guy. You can't just go on Amazon at work and search around and wait for it to arrive. You call your dealer and have him stop by the shop and continue with the job.

 

[gmcgeo]

As for @gmcgeo above, those warranties cost the dealer money. First, he's out the money of the tool or part until he can send in the broken tools, then he's out the shipping. Not to mention the float time between taking in the tool and getting credit for it.

well then that's on him, he told me he can get paid off the warranty items i give him. He knows i didn't purchase them from him.
I don't see the problem

 

[toolenthusiast]

So fire them.

OK. Or just don’t create the problem in the first place.

Easy.

No. Good managers are already up to their ears in administrative overhead. They don’t need to create any more drama and inventory control labor for themselves.

I don't understand how this is so challenging.

That’s fine, but it is.

Once you acquire non-garbage employees, don't treat them like trash and they'll never leave.

False. If you haven’t been living under a rock, you know that average annual turnover for mechanics is 100% even before this strange labor market that we’re in.

I couldn't imagine stealing tools from an employer.

That’s great. Other people could.

 

[jimindm]

This is an interesting thread. Just by reading the posts, you can tell the guys that have trucks stop, you can tell a lot about people by what they post.

I have had a several dealers over the years and the one thing I can say is they are pretty much punctual. If they are at your shop at ten on Tuesday, they are generally there every Tuesday about ten. Week after week.

I think some you just plain are forgetting that the whole tool truck model is to bring the tools to the customers that use them. Say what you want, but SO for sure has made that sales model work for many years. I would say they have all of the rest chasing them.

I to call BS on their dealers selling stuff over catalog prices. I would guess that is not in their franchise agreement at all.

The other thing is they are like any other business, and especially any business that is tied into the manufacturing side. The manufacturing side wants to see dealer prosper, the dealers sell more, they make more product. The more product they make and sell, the more money changes hands.

Dealers get a lot of incentives from manufacturer. Sometimes they pass those incentives on. It really is no different than any other business model. The more you spend, the better service you get.

Any one that has never been on the back side of a counter will never understand. You take care of those that do business with you. That is just they way it is.

SO trucks are not SO company trucks. Every one of those trucks represent a small company that agrees to sell their tools, in the way that SO has always sold their tools. No different than any other franchise out there.

I think the one thing that many on here really do not understand is that businesses can choose not to have you as a customer. They can do that for many reasons. Sometimes it can just be you are a ****, sometimes it can be that one has no time for you in their schedule. It can be anything really.

There are a few posters on here. I have met, or talked to a few in person. But I can say with some truth, I would never do anything for them. There are others that I would. Not knowing anything about them other than reading what they post.

The OP has to understand the tool guy has a business to run. It is all great to think that he needs more customers, and he should be on the street all hours to serve your needs, but maybe he doesn't.

There are many times that people do not walk in the shoes of others, to get their perspective. More people should do it.

To the OP all I would say is it does not appear that you are doing much towards wanting to be his customer. Business and customers relations is a two way street.

 

[JeepYJ]

Just like the real parts stores where you didn't need to tell the zit-faced kid behind the counter what hubcaps the car came with so he can get the correct wiper blades are gone.

Looking up parts such as wiper blades in a book or computer data base shouldn’t need a highly qualified and skilled individual. There are a few instances where having a good parts guy is useful but in today’s world you can access parts diagrams and numbers on your phone, find your part number then shop it at a variety of sources and find one in stock nearby or a delivery time that suits your needs. I can do all that faster than just the time spent driving to a store. You can probably find a video or write up about the repair too so you’ll know if you need any tools you don’t currently own.

 

[Davefr]

I think that's what a lot of guys here are missing. You are in a professional environment. Not a weekend warrior or someone casually wrenching in the garage. You need what you need when you need it. It's not just about where you can get the tool, it's about the service attached to it. If you are in the middle of a job and your tool breaks or you need a specialty tool to finish up, you need your guy. You can't just go on Amazon at work and search around and wait for it to arrive. You call your dealer and have him stop by the shop and continue with the job.

If your tool breaks in the middle of your job will a tool truck driver really drop everything he's doing and come to your rescue? If the tool breaks and you have no "plan B" or can't borrow one, then I assume it's a highly specialized tool that the dealer would likely have to special order? I'd be willing to bet online would be faster then a dealer backorder??

Can, or will, a dealer get a tool next day air and get it in your hands? Just curious if this dealer service is a trip thru "fantasy land" or everyday reality?

 

[2ndGearRubber]

OK. Or just don’t create the problem in the first place.

No. Good managers are already up to their ears in administrative overhead. They don’t need to create any more drama and inventory control labor for themselves.

That’s fine, but it is.

False. If you haven’t been living under a rock, you know that average annual turnover for mechanics is 100% even before this strange labor market that we’re in.

That’s great. Other people could.

So long as pay is in line with supplying tens of thousands worth of tools, and one is paid for using them, it's not a major issue. Entry level oil and tire guys are just now touching wages enjoyed by gas station clerks and fast food in my area. How many office workers steal keyboards? How many teachers make a side hustle of selling reams of paper they steal? How many NASA engineers were stealing the supplied tools?


Tech turnover is due to **** working conditions, little to no benefits, poor wages, and needing college level debate skills to be paid for ones work. Of course, the employer immediately flips the script and claims if you dont like it, dont take the job. Well, that's just what guys are doing. Lol

I make a very good living BTW. primarily because I don't let anyone push me around or try to **** with my money. No pay no work. I dont share tools nor do I eat other peoples comebacks for free.

 

[WordMan]

well then that's on him, he told me he can get paid off the warranty items i give him. He knows i didn't purchase them from him.
I don't see the problem

There's no problem, I'm just saying such warranties cost the dealer money. He eats that cost as a service to his customers.

 

[WordMan]

If your tool breaks in the middle of your job will a tool truck driver really drop everything he's doing and come to your rescue? If the tool breaks and you have no "plan B" or can't borrow one, then I assume it's a highly specialized tool that the dealer would likely have to special order? I'd be willing to bet online would be faster then a dealer backorder??

Can, or will, a dealer get a tool next day air and get it in your hands? Just curious if this dealer service is a trip thru "fantasy land" or everyday reality?

When I was a dealer, I regularly scrambled to find a way to get a customer in need the tool he needed. Frequently that meant making a special trip to his shop, meeting hims part way, meeting up with another dealer to get a tool I didn't have on my truck, etc.

 

[WordMan]

Looking up parts such as wiper blades in a book or computer data base shouldn’t need a highly qualified and skilled individual. There are a few instances where having a good parts guy is useful but in today’s world you can access parts diagrams and numbers on your phone, find your part number then shop it at a variety of sources and find one in stock nearby or a delivery time that suits your needs. I can do all that faster than just the time spent driving to a store. You can probably find a video or write up about the repair too so you’ll know if you need any tools you don’t currently own.

Yeah, as a tech, I loved spending my time searching for the information needed just to buy the tool I needed to finish a job. It was great. The customer's car didn't get done in time, I didn't get paid for my time, the next customer couldn't get his car worked on because I was spending that time looking for the right tool, etc.

Have you ever been an automotive technician or a tool truck owner?

 

[Alpine4x4]

Our driver pulls up, opens the door, and those who know get on and buy tools. He doesnt ever leave the truck. I'm in a completely separate building so he texts me when he arrives. Between 9-9:30am every Tuesday like clockwork.

 

[gmcgeo]

Our driver pulls up, opens the door, and those who know get on and buy tools. He doesnt ever leave the truck. I'm in a completely separate building so he texts me when he arrives. Between 9-9:30am every Tuesday like clockwork.

I could see if he left his truck in todays world it would be broke into pretty fast. so that being said i would stay in my truck too.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

There's no problem, I'm just saying such warranties cost the dealer money. He eats that cost as a service to his customers.

He doesnt really eat warranty, so much as floats the cost until snap on credits him. Cant say how the other brands work but that is what all of the dealers have told me. Now, if he is warranting something outside normal warranty, that is 100% on him.

Yeah, as a tech, I loved spending my time searching for the information needed just to buy the tool I needed to finish a job. It was great. The customer's car didn't get done in time, I didn't get paid for my time, the next customer couldn't get his car worked on because I was spending that time looking for the right tool, etc.

Have you ever been an automotive technician or a tool truck owner?

I'm very fortunate to enjoy tools and their acquisition. Work spending and discretionary pleasure spending comingle in my budget. It's still annoying to have to build both a repair estimate for the customer, as well as a special tools list for myself.

 

[toolenthusiast]

Tech turnover is due to **** working conditions, little to no benefits, poor wages, and needing college level debate skills to be paid for ones work.

Those are all reasons for turnover, but not the only ones. I’ll use my current job as an example. Tech pay is on the high side and we do survey the market to verify. We are 8-5 M-F, no mandatory nights or weekends. Our shops are well-equipped, well-ventilated, and well-lit. We have good pay, several health insurance options, vision, dental, disability, 401k with match, the whole works. Techs receive ongoing classroom and hands-on training and are paid to sit for the training classes. Even the expensive welding classes are covered 100%. Vacation is 13 days or 18 days depending on tenure. Every repair has Alldata pre-printed for the technician and the labor is billed accordingly. Et cetera, et cetera, et cetera.

You know what? We just had a guy quit. You know why? He was a lifelong hack who was not willing to take the tiny extra bit of time that it takes to fix cars properly. We’ve lost several “technicians” because they were all unwilling to do proper repairs. Are we “a revolving door”?

I believe that you are an A-tech and an upstanding guy. But you’ve seen how many hacks, doofuses, and druggies are running around the industry

 

[WordMan]

He doesnt really eat warranty, so much as floats the cost until snap on credits him. Cant say how the other brands work but that is what all of the dealers have told me. Now, if he is warranting something outside normal warranty, that is 100% on him.

Maybe I wasn't clear, but I didn't say he ate the warranty, I said he ate the costs associated with the warranty (he eats the shipping, for example).

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Maybe I wasn't clear, but I didn't say he ate the warranty, I said he ate the costs associated with the warranty (he eats the shipping, for example).

Gotcha, miscommunication. There is an incurred cost to the warranty. Hell, even the downtime to sort/catalog/itemize and prep to ship has a $$$ value.