Was wondering if any of you guys elsewhere got one of these roaming around. I just had one show up today at my shop. They got some pretty decent stuff alot of williams, otc, genius tools, bahco, wiha stuff. Decent prices too. Picked up a 24in 1/2" ratchet from genius for $47 bucks. Same price as ezred one but can warranty on the truck(he was talking about the ezred warranty being a pain in the *** which i've hear elsewhere but never experienced) so that was the selling point for me.
Independent tool trucks?
- Thread starter smogtech
- Start date
TozziWelding
Well-known member
Re: Independant tool trucks?
We have a few, my old Cornwell guy was going that route, lots of good deals to be had. There are a few guys here now with SK, IR, and all kinds of other goodies on the truck, kind of like a rolling tool catalog.
We have a few, my old Cornwell guy was going that route, lots of good deals to be had. There are a few guys here now with SK, IR, and all kinds of other goodies on the truck, kind of like a rolling tool catalog.
ptschram
Well-known member
Re: Independant tool trucks?
I only have Gypsy tool slingers show up like that.
The last one was so cranked up, he couldn't get the words out of his mouth fast enough. Harbor Freight quality, Snap-On prices. I ran him off.
I only have Gypsy tool slingers show up like that.
The last one was so cranked up, he couldn't get the words out of his mouth fast enough. Harbor Freight quality, Snap-On prices. I ran him off.
bobcatdan
Well-known member
Re: Independant tool trucks?
I got one and he is the best tool guy I have ever had. SK is his main brand, but also heavy in Sunnex and Gearwrench. He tries not to carry any junk and is best source i have for OTC. He always works at getting the best price for an item by shopping his different source. I have even had a few beers at his place. Just wish he could or would get Wright.
I got one and he is the best tool guy I have ever had. SK is his main brand, but also heavy in Sunnex and Gearwrench. He tries not to carry any junk and is best source i have for OTC. He always works at getting the best price for an item by shopping his different source. I have even had a few beers at his place. Just wish he could or would get Wright.
Re: Independant tool trucks?
I've seen a few in my metro area on the road, I've never spoke with one though.
Personally, I think without the niche of a major exclusive brand, you might be hard pressed to compete with alternative purchasing channels.
I've seen a few in my metro area on the road, I've never spoke with one though.
Personally, I think without the niche of a major exclusive brand, you might be hard pressed to compete with alternative purchasing channels.
Brentocool
Well-known member
Re: Independant tool trucks?
No wish I did!! Mac,Matco,Snap-on Only and none worth a ****!!
No wish I did!! Mac,Matco,Snap-on Only and none worth a ****!!
american lockpicker
Banned
Re: Independant tool trucks?
My dealer in the UK is independant.
My dealer in the UK is independant.
pdizzleinmt
Well-known member
Re: Independant tool trucks?
we have one. not a big fan of him. most of his prices have jumped since he started selling tools in the oil patch it seems
we have one. not a big fan of him. most of his prices have jumped since he started selling tools in the oil patch it seems
The Dutchman
Well-known member
Re: Independant tool trucks?
I've been wrenching 25 years & the last time I saw an independent guy come into my work was 1992. I'm in East central PA. I have all these broken SK chrome sockets that I've obviously put on an impact wrench. An SK-carrying hardware store would nix me, warranty-wise, but the independents would cut you a break. Can't find'em anywhere.
I've been wrenching 25 years & the last time I saw an independent guy come into my work was 1992. I'm in East central PA. I have all these broken SK chrome sockets that I've obviously put on an impact wrench. An SK-carrying hardware store would nix me, warranty-wise, but the independents would cut you a break. Can't find'em anywhere.
Re: Independant tool trucks?
I'm interested not just in everyone's personal experiences, but also the viability of the independent tool truck--as a business. Seems as though it could have a lot of potential... Can anyone chime in about this? Perhaps some of our resident franchise truck drivers can comment?
I'm interested not just in everyone's personal experiences, but also the viability of the independent tool truck--as a business. Seems as though it could have a lot of potential... Can anyone chime in about this? Perhaps some of our resident franchise truck drivers can comment?
metalhead212121
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 21, 2010
- Messages
- 2,898
Re: Independant tool trucks?
I dont see a good living doing something like this. Most pro's want tool truck tools (Mac, Matco, and Snap on). I had one or two guys come around selling SK and stuff like that.... Id buy small stuff from him but nothing big. I can only assume that these guys did "OK" money wise but at the end of the day if you want to make "real money" you'll have to go to Snap on. Ive talked to a lot of tool dealers over the years. Some started with "xyz" company and others started with Mac and Matco. MOST guys that were in it for the long haul and could "play the game" signed on the dotted line with Snap on. I say "play the game" because Ive talked to different snap on dealers and have heard all the horse **** that they have to do EVERYDAY. Long hours.. **** load of money has to paid out up front... ect ect.. Being a tool salesmen looks like a fun job to some degree but its NOT for me! Just my .02
Dan
I dont see a good living doing something like this. Most pro's want tool truck tools (Mac, Matco, and Snap on). I had one or two guys come around selling SK and stuff like that.... Id buy small stuff from him but nothing big. I can only assume that these guys did "OK" money wise but at the end of the day if you want to make "real money" you'll have to go to Snap on. Ive talked to a lot of tool dealers over the years. Some started with "xyz" company and others started with Mac and Matco. MOST guys that were in it for the long haul and could "play the game" signed on the dotted line with Snap on. I say "play the game" because Ive talked to different snap on dealers and have heard all the horse **** that they have to do EVERYDAY. Long hours.. **** load of money has to paid out up front... ect ect.. Being a tool salesmen looks like a fun job to some degree but its NOT for me! Just my .02
Dan
PaulsGarage
Well-known member
Re: Independant tool trucks?
We had a great guy locally, Sam "the tool peddler", nice big truck with mostly SK, Facom, etc. good to deal with, quality tools, and reasonable prices He's out of business now if that answers your question.
We had a great guy locally, Sam "the tool peddler", nice big truck with mostly SK, Facom, etc. good to deal with, quality tools, and reasonable prices He's out of business now if that answers your question.
kc-steve
Well-known member
Re: Independant tool trucks?
I suspect it would be like any business. If it is mismanaged, under-funded, or over-estimated about the income, then you won't last long. One of the main features of Snap-on is the fact they have LOTS of experience in how to best approach any territory, and therefore, have a better track record than others.
But I would sure be careful about starting ANY business now days. . . . uncertainty about the future is the word.
Steve
I suspect it would be like any business. If it is mismanaged, under-funded, or over-estimated about the income, then you won't last long. One of the main features of Snap-on is the fact they have LOTS of experience in how to best approach any territory, and therefore, have a better track record than others.
But I would sure be careful about starting ANY business now days. . . . uncertainty about the future is the word.
Steve
chadster1
Well-known member
Re: Independant tool trucks?
It can be done. I know of several independents throughout the country. The biggest hurdle an indy would have would be brand recognition. Guys want to know that they can get their tools warrantied. They also want to buy a brand that they have heard of. Brand recognition was one of the main reasons that I chose Snap-on when I got into the tool business. I know that having Snap-on on the side of my truck has gotten more guys to walk on my truck for the first time than if I had SK, OTC, Gearwrench or Genius or some other name on it. Most of the indys that I know of were dealers for one of the Big 4 tool companies first. That experience in the tool business has helped them. I would not reccomend trying to start an indy tool route if you did not have the experience. Snap-on has been doing this for over 90 years. Their dealer training and support makes a big difference.
It can be done. I know of several independents throughout the country. The biggest hurdle an indy would have would be brand recognition. Guys want to know that they can get their tools warrantied. They also want to buy a brand that they have heard of. Brand recognition was one of the main reasons that I chose Snap-on when I got into the tool business. I know that having Snap-on on the side of my truck has gotten more guys to walk on my truck for the first time than if I had SK, OTC, Gearwrench or Genius or some other name on it. Most of the indys that I know of were dealers for one of the Big 4 tool companies first. That experience in the tool business has helped them. I would not reccomend trying to start an indy tool route if you did not have the experience. Snap-on has been doing this for over 90 years. Their dealer training and support makes a big difference.
quattrojon
Well-known member
Re: Independant tool trucks?
Yes it's viable, but a lot of hard work and a little luck is required.
I started just under 3 years ago, and the first 18 months were very hard
indeed. A lot of people wouldn't buy from me for a good while, but eventually they realised that i was here for the long haul, and then started buying from me.
Also you don't have the benefit of a big corp like Snap-On behind you, and so you are very much on your own. I was lucky in the fact that a retired truck dealer took me under his wing, and pointed me in the right direction.
Another problem is the fact that you have to stand all of the credit yourself, and cash flow could be a problem in the early days.
I don't pretend to know it all, and there are plenty more dealers on this board that have far more experience than i have, but i have managed to make this work for me. Hope i haven't put you off....
Yes it's viable, but a lot of hard work and a little luck is required.
I started just under 3 years ago, and the first 18 months were very hard
indeed. A lot of people wouldn't buy from me for a good while, but eventually they realised that i was here for the long haul, and then started buying from me.
Also you don't have the benefit of a big corp like Snap-On behind you, and so you are very much on your own. I was lucky in the fact that a retired truck dealer took me under his wing, and pointed me in the right direction.
Another problem is the fact that you have to stand all of the credit yourself, and cash flow could be a problem in the early days.
I don't pretend to know it all, and there are plenty more dealers on this board that have far more experience than i have, but i have managed to make this work for me. Hope i haven't put you off....
ptschram
Well-known member
I've been approved for franchises with both Snap-On and Matco.
I still run a shop.
My dad bank-rolled one of my sister's ex-husbands in a Snap-On truck until he drove it into the ground, then he bank-rolled a Matco truck for him-yeah, he drove that one into the ground as well. I've seen both sides of the tool business. If the economy turns around or my health gets worse, I might reconsider. Right now, I'm doin' alright, but just alright. I don't want to risk more in this economy.
I still run a shop.
My dad bank-rolled one of my sister's ex-husbands in a Snap-On truck until he drove it into the ground, then he bank-rolled a Matco truck for him-yeah, he drove that one into the ground as well. I've seen both sides of the tool business. If the economy turns around or my health gets worse, I might reconsider. Right now, I'm doin' alright, but just alright. I don't want to risk more in this economy.