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Matco Franchise = 36% Failure Rate

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litljay

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Wow. When I posted this, I certainly didn't expect it to turn into a poop on Matco thread. Sorry about that.

When I read the link, my first thought was that I wondered what the failure rate of the other truck brands. Is it similar?
 
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Hiball

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Wow. When I posted this, I certainly didn't expect it to turn into a poop on Matco thread. Sorry about that.

When I read the link, my first thought was that I wondered what the failure rate of the other truck brands. Is it similar?

Oh yeah your so innocent..... LOL Jk..
 

Sin

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All I can say is it really depends on the salesman and of course the area. I buy nothing but Mac Tools, he shows up every week, he's a good salesman, warranties everything I buy from him and is turning into being a great friend as well!

(and it helps that I'm addicted to tools) :( :spit:


We're on our 3rd Snap-On and our 2nd Matco salesmen, Cornwell doesn't even show up anymore!!!
 

kierin

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So you would call the rolling Craftsman store known as Matco better than a 90 year old American family/employee owned tool manufacturer. I prefer SO of the truck brands but I guarantee you I will never spend one dollar on re branded Craftsman tools at 4 to 5 times the price. Matco makes flashy marketing campaigns and no tools. Cornwell make tools and leaves a lot to be desired in the flashy anything area, but I'll take the tool Mfg. over the tool distribution warehouse any day.


If you used hand tools for a living, you would see things different. Matco is not a re-branded craftsman and prices are pretty reasonable.
 

nato

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All I can say is it really depends on the salesman and of course the area. I buy nothing but Mac Tools, he shows up every week, he's a good salesman, warranties everything I buy from him and is turning into being a great friend as well!

(and it helps that I'm addicted to tools) :( :spit:


We're on our 3rd Snap-On and our 2nd Matco salesmen, Cornwell doesn't even show up anymore!!!

We're on our 4th Snap On dealer, 2nd Matco dealer and our Mac & Cornwell dealers show up every week like it's their job or something! :shocking: :lol_hitti
FYI, I don't believe our Matco dealer is going to hold up in the long run either and he's only been here since late fall 2009.
 

Mickey O

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Wow, This thread as went full circle fast. While i do feel some of the Danaher produced tools family tree sometimes crosses paths and shares alot of similarities especially with Craftsman tools. If you have ever swung a Matco ratchet there is no comparing the feel along with Specialty auto industry related tools and On the Go service is what you pay for. Its not for everyone and if you dont depend on your tools to earn a living, you probably dont need to patronize Matco. Another thing... Has it ever been proven that Craftsman branded tools are Identical to Matco? Or is this just a common misconception because of there shared manufacturer? If this is the case why are we buying these brands instead of the Allen or GW? Dunno..:headscrat

I think it's a misconception, Matco has some real nice tools (minus the imports), I doubt very few if any Craftsman are identical, maybe something that's real cheap. It reminds me of some of the same brand cordless tools sold at tool suppliers and at big box home centers, they have the same manufacturer, look the same, but one has steel gears the other has plastic. While some Craftsman tools may look similar to Matco that in no way means they are identical in materials, to meet Sears price point there might be less of an expensive alloy, less labor, etc.
 

Fedwrench

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no need to apologize. :) I differ on one point of this post and agree on the rest. All trucks sell a lot of the same stuff. The difference is the hardline core products (sockets, wrenches, ratchets, etc.). Cornwell makes all of theirs, Matco makes none. Danaher makes it for Matco, Sears, Lowes, Napa, Armstrong and many more I'm sure. I also think that some of their new stuff is re branded gearwrench stuff which is also owned by danaher.

Cornwell doesn't make as much of their hard line as they used to. Would you be happier if Danaher simply labeled all of the tools they make Danaher? that would significantly reduce the number of tool brands and sniveling about similiarities across different brands. The bashing of danaher brands is really a waste of time. Buy the tools that you like but, remember that your choice doesn't make everyone elses brand wrong. All tool truck prices **** but, you're not paying so much for the brand as you are for truck to shop service, a larger selection, weekly payments, etc.
Matco tools aren't Craftsman. Just for starters show me a Matco socket that has that stupid double stake retention on the square drive, show me a matco ratchet with a quick release, show me a Craftsman wrench with a modified optitorque open end. Now if you want something close in design, the 3/8 and 1/2 drive pinlees swivel impact sockets are close whether they're marked Matco, Armstrong, or Craftsman. Of course, there are expanded sizes available branded matco that you can't get elsewhere. There are also twins between the Armstrong and Matco proswing ratcheting wrenches too.
If you don't like Matco fine, don't use them. Obiviously you've had a bad experience with a Matco dealer or the brand to have such deep seated feelings against them. Did a future matco dealer beat you up and steal your lunch money as a child? I like Matco. I've always received great service from them, the tools perform well for me under pressure, and I will continue to use them. I prefer Danaher made tools for most applications. They do need to work on their screwdrivers though instead of using Wittes. The wittes are great I would just like to see a Danaher screwdriver....:beer:
 

chadster1

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If you don't like Matco fine, don't use them. Obiviously you've had a bad experience with a Matco dealer or the brand to have such deep seated feelings against them. Did a future matco dealer beat you up and steal your lunch money as a child?

In my experience, when someone bashes a truck brand like this. It is because they got repo'ed by a dealer of that brand. I am not saying that this is the case but I have seen it in the past.

I am a Snap-on dealer and even I am not bashing Matco. The beginning of this thread was about the franchise system of Matco, not the tools themselves. I guess we should start a thread bashing Quizno's because they were mentioned in the same article on CNN/Money.com and I think they had a higher failure rate.
 

jimexcursion

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Can't speak for any area but mine but we've had the same Snap On guy for 10 years, on the 3rd Mac guy in as many years and haven't had a Matco guy for 2 years. SO has far better quality than Mac and I haven't seen a Matco tool EVER so can't comment there. The SO owns his franchise and may not be the most knowledgable but you can't count on him to show up every week and not go out of business in 20 minutes. No Cornwell dealer for 50 miles and no Matco dealer for 20. Mac dealer has to travel a ton and my understanding is they (all Mac dealers) have a hard time getting tools from Mac. Something to do with financing I guess. Personally, quality aside (again, I think SO is best), I'll spend more on a Snap On tool any day because I know there will be someone there every week to warranty it if needed. Can't count on the other guys to stay in business long enough. I live in a rural area in Maine so they all have to travel to do business but that 's the way it is here.
 
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litljay

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In my experience, when someone bashes a truck brand like this. It is because they got repo'ed by a dealer of that brand. I am not saying that this is the case but I have seen it in the past.

I am a Snap-on dealer and even I am not bashing Matco. The beginning of this thread was about the franchise system of Matco, not the tools themselves. I guess we should start a thread bashing Quizno's because they were mentioned in the same article on CNN/Money.com and I think they had a higher failure rate.

:beer: And Quizno's competitor was at 7% (Subway).
 

oldtools

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Does this mean Matco may fold soon. Danaher may sell Matco to someone else.
 

chadster1

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Does this mean Matco may fold soon. Danaher may sell Matco to someone else.

Danaher is not hurting at all.

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/danaher-quarterly-net-income-climbs-26-2010-04-22


Danaher quarterly net income climbs 26%

By Sarah Turner DHR

LONDON (MarketWatch) -- Danaher Corp. said that its first-quarter net income rose to $300.2 million, or 89 cents a share, from $237.7 million, or 72 cents a share, a year ago. On an adjusted basis, earnings totaled 96 cents a share. Analysts had been expecting earnings of 87 cents a share, according to data compiled by FactSet. Revenue rose to $3.1 billion, from $2.6 billion last year. "We continue to see encouraging signs that the global economy is stabilizing and returning to growth as evidenced by our solid core revenue performance in the quarter," said CEO H. Lawrence Culp.
 

chadster1

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Let see where this thread has gone.

Matco
6 point-12 point
quiznos
optima batteries.

How about we get Merk to post some pics in here next.
 

RbrtAWhyt

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http://www.optimabatteries.com/_media/documents/Optima_Warranty.pdf

Which contradicts what the guy at AutoZone told me last Friday. He said it was a 2 year warranty, with NO proration.

From the warranty:

"PERSONAL/NON-COMMERCIAL USE​
36 MONTH GUARANTEE​
OPTIMA Batteries, Inc. guarantees to the original personal user that the above OPTIMA starting batteries will be free from defects in material or workmanship for three years after purchase date. User must promptly report any alleged defects to authorized distributors/dealers, provide the original sale receipt to establish proof of purchase and warranty date, and permit examination by an authorized service personnel.

If the authorized distributor/dealer finds the battery to be defective as a result of material or workmanship, they will provide a replacement F.O.B. their location. All replacement batteries will be warranted for the balance of the original warranty period."

I guess if your battery gets replaced 35 months into the 36 months you will only have 1 months warranty on the replacement...:headscrat
 
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jeepnut24

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I think Optima is making a quality comeback. I bought some late last year and they offered a 3 year replacement warranty. Not pro-rated. That to me is a pretty damn good battery warranty.

Used to be made here in the US, now all made south of the border.
 

oldtools

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Danaher is not hurting at all.

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/danaher-quarterly-net-income-climbs-26-2010-04-22


Danaher quarterly net income climbs 26%

By Sarah Turner DHR

LONDON (MarketWatch) -- Danaher Corp. said that its first-quarter net income rose to $300.2 million, or 89 cents a share, from $237.7 million, or 72 cents a share, a year ago. On an adjusted basis, earnings totaled 96 cents a share. Analysts had been expecting earnings of 87 cents a share, according to data compiled by FactSet. Revenue rose to $3.1 billion, from $2.6 billion last year. "We continue to see encouraging signs that the global economy is stabilizing and returning to growth as evidenced by our solid core revenue performance in the quarter," said CEO H. Lawrence Culp.

The company as a whole may be doing well, but the individual division may not. Big company tends to shed unprofitable division if there is no sign of recovery for that division.
 

chadster1

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where was it said matco wasn't doing good?

I am guessing that he is assuming it because of the failure rate mentioned at the beginning of this thread. I would say that from my vantage point that a 36% failure rate of beginning dealers is not out of line with the mobile tool industry.
 

oldtools

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Let see where this thread has gone.

Matco
6 point-12 point
quiznos
optima batteries.

How about we get Merk to post some pics in here next.

How about adding Starret dial indicators. Even though they are made in the USA, alot of people told me they are not worth buying. They are made of low quality metal and plastic (even for the gear). Price is still way up there. I was told Compac is the best (Swiss made).
 

Mike83

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Well since they are on the list of the "10 most popular franchises" that would mean they are a popular franchise, therefore more people trying it which would transform into more failures. A simple numbers thing, if you have 100 people trying to bowl a 300 game at Barney's Bowlarama versus 10 people trying to do the same thing Southport Lanes you'll have more failures at Barney's. The failure rate was 36%, it does seem high but without more information we'd only be guessing as to why they fail, could be a dozens different reasons.

10 people trying to bowl 300 will probably all fail. Out of 100 people you might have 97 fail. That means your failure rate went from 100% to 97%, even though more people actually failed. That is the whole point of using percentages.
 

Billin21

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I am guessing that he is assuming it because of the failure rate mentioned at the beginning of this thread. I would say that from my vantage point that a 36% failure rate of beginning dealers is not out of line with the mobile tool industry.

I dont think that its out of line at all. If fact I imagine its pretty common across the board. A guy I went to class with back in November quit in January. He was in it a little over a month. When I asked him about it, he said his sales were good, this business just wasn't for him. The number one guy in our District is posting some VERY good numbers in a route that the previous dealer was only doing 1500 a week. It is what you make of it. This is an odd business and is not for everyone. I think there is a common misconception that this is an easy business and its very far from that.

BTW Matco is plenty healthy...
 

woody 73

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Man-o-man this thread has my head spinning...

What I find funny about snap-on is this: every time I place an order on the phone they always ship me the wrong tools.

What I find confusing about Cornwell is they refuse to sell me their tools over the phone.

Mac is in my backyard but I have never bought any from them.

Matco I never see them at all (even used tools never show up).
 

Joe B.

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I think we need to take this in a different direction.

Which toolbox color is the best, red, black, yellow, blue or in my case purple? :bowdown:

Orange.

Some of the videos on the Diehard.com website are kind of cool...
http://www.diehard.com/torture-labs

I really like Quiznos but thier food is so unhealthy. The one near me went under a few months ago.

I buy only snap on tools. The then grind off the logos and engrave Matco logos on every tool.
 

chadster1

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Orange.

Some of the videos on the Diehard.com website are kind of cool...
http://www.diehard.com/torture-labs

I really like Quiznos but thier food is so unhealthy. The one near me went under a few months ago.

I buy only snap on tools. The then grind off the logos and engrave Matco logos on every tool.

I think that the .40 caliber round is far superior to the 9mm

The best radar detector on the market is a Valentine One.
 

arkangel06

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All I can say is it really depends on the salesman and of course the area. I buy nothing but Mac Tools, he shows up every week, he's a good salesman, warranties everything I buy from him and is turning into being a great friend as well!

(and it helps that I'm addicted to tools) :( :spit:


We're on our 3rd Snap-On and our 2nd Matco salesmen, Cornwell doesn't even show up anymore!!!

I wouldn't be braging that you only buy mac tools!
 

arkangel06

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How about adding Starret dial indicators. Even though they are made in the USA, alot of people told me they are not worth buying. They are made of low quality metal and plastic (even for the gear). Price is still way up there. I was told Compac is the best (Swiss made).

The older ones are nice I cant speak for the newer ones.

mitutoyo makes a very nice dial indicator.


Also anyone look on the starret site lately they have some products with an american flag beside them and others with some weird black globe looking thing and no american flag, I think we are going to start seeing more starret imports on the shelves soon :(
 

Mickey O

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10 people trying to bowl 300 will probably all fail. Out of 100 people you might have 97 fail. That means your failure rate went from 100% to 97%, even though more people actually failed. That is the whole point of using percentages.

Yeah, I used a bad example, I shouldn't have picked something that was so hard to do, I thought of that afterwords but was too lazy to change it but you get the idea, should have used the lottery.
 

vssjim

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I don't think anybody wants to look to hard at the failure rate of the tool truck guy's as I have stated before it is a tough biz and lots of people fail at it.
 
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