My small Snap-On rant

[J.P.]

So like most here on the forum, I have spent a lot of money on snap-on tools over the years. The local franchisee lives about two miles down the road from me and made me some good deals on everything from air tools, hand tools, a KRL box, etc. I never really balked at the idea about spending the premium money because I'm smart enough to know that convenience costs a little more.

So last summer, the local snap on guy quits after nearly ten years. Apparently there was some shake up on a regional level and a lot of franchisees were unhappy with things up high and decided to move on. Can't really blame him based upon what he told me. So...He tells me snap-on has a couple guys lined out that once trained, will take his place. This is assuring to me and everyone else around here because having a truck around is a convenience, and frankly, part of the reason I buy the tools.

Fast forward to now.....

Six months later and no truck. I call snap on and they tell me that they don't know whats going on, only that we still have no local truck (like I didn't know that). So, not only do I get to take care of my warranty issues (naturally I've had my first two here in the last month) via the mail, but I have no access to any sort of promotions, specials, etc. If I want a tool, I pay the website price.

To add insult to injury, yesterday there was a large add placed by snap on in the local paper advertising that "you can have your own Snap-On franchise". Doesnt exactly look like a new truck is coming around the corner any time soon.

I love the tools, but damn this is frustrating.

....rant over.....

 

[Skyline]

So buy your Snap-on on eBay for now...at 40 to 60% off list, or better. You still have to mail in warrantee items though.

 

[J.P.]

I should add, the previous driver didn't just up and quit. He gave Snap-On more than adequate notice about his desire to move on and continued his route for quite a while afterward. I guess the only good thing is that he sold the remaining stock he had onboard for some great prices.

I guess I feel like snap on really dropped the ball when it comes to keeping the customers happy. A lot of frustrated shop guys in my area right now.

 

[X1 Mike]

Maybe I'm a little bit slow but I really don't understand your rant against Snap-on. As far as I know we don't live in a Snaptatorship and Snap-On can not force someone into buying a franchise. The old dealer got out of the business now S-O is making an effort to recruit a new dealer. It may be an inconvenience to you but no one did anything wrong.

 

[J.P.]

I've looked into that but Snappy stuff gets bid up to some ridiculous prices on ebay most of the time. Its either worn out, new and everybody bids on it, or considered "vintage" and gets sold for twice what it cost new.

I suppose my rant has less to do with access to new tools than it does the price I paid for the ones I currently have, which we all know carries a "convenience fee" of sorts.

 

[plinker]

This should help w/ the warranty problem...


If you have broken tools, please send them to
Snap On RPC ARS
2801 80th ST Dock 8
Kenosha, WI 53143

Please include a sheet of paper with all part numbers, your first and last name, shipping address, and contact phone number.

 

[J.P.]

X1 Mike,

Fair enough response. Last I knew there was a line of guys waiting to take over the route, but SO insisted that they purchase a NEW truck to do so. The old franshisee offered to give his truck (which he owned) to a new driver but SO declined. Point being, there were certainly takers but it sounds like there were very strict requirements to get in.

 

[Paullew]

This should help w/ the warranty problem...


If you have broken tools, please send them to
Snap On RPC ARS
2801 80th ST Dock 8
Kenosha, WI 53143

Please include a sheet of paper with all part numbers, your first and last name, shipping address, and contact phone number.

Can you just send tools. Or do you need to call first and get an approval and returned goods number or something?

 

[J.P.]

I never really meant to imply that anyone did anything wrong, per se. I guess as a customer when you pay top dollar for something, you expect to be taken care of as a "return customer", as opposed to Joe Schmoe who's spending his first money with a company. I don't fully understands the in's and out's of the relationship between snap-on corporate and a franchisee but I feel like the money I have spent has gone to support BOTH.

This basically only affects me in regards to hand tools. A lot of the car dealership guys around here can't even get their scanners updated.

 

[mrshaun]

well if I could help you out I would....

 

[J.P.]

Thanks Shaun.

Its not the end of the world or anything, just miss the days of having a good truck guy around. I don't think its good for SO or their customers either one. I know I've spent a lot less on tools in the last 6 months which is probably bad for SO but good for me. Amazing how much less you spend on tools when you don't have them there tempting you in person.

 

[plinker]

Can you just send tools. Or do you need to call first and get an approval and returned goods number or something?

No RMA or calling needed, just send the item(s) in and you'll get the replacments in about two weeks.

 

[Paullew]

Do they repair ratchets?

 

[plinker]

I not sure about ratchets, I assume they would either rebuild or replace them.

 

[mrshaun]

nope they give you a new one most of the time

 

[Zrexxer]

No RMA or calling needed, just send the item(s) in and you'll get the replacments in about two weeks.

I don't think you guys get the point, when you're wrenching for a living, you can't wait two or three weeks to get your tools back. "Oh I'm sorry Mr. Customer... I know your car's been in the shop for three weeks, but just as soon as Snap On mails me a new tool back, I'll get right on it!"

 

[X1 Mike]

J.P. I don't know what you do for a living so I don't know if it would be an upgrade or not but have you considerd buying the route? It sounds like you have a pretty good market in your area.

 

[chadster1]

J.P. I don't know what you do for a living so I don't know if it would be an upgrade or not but have you considerd buying the route? It sounds like you have a pretty good market in your area.

Yeah, thats it. Buy the route. Tell them that I referred you and I will get a free Epiq toolbox.

 

[bigsteve1969]

So buy your Snap-on on eBay for now...at 40 to 60% off list, or better. You still have to mail in warrantee items though.

what ebay are you looking at? most snap on tools i bid on wind up going for 20 bucks off truck price

 

[J.P.]

X1 Mike,

I considered it for a second but I farm for a living and just wouldn't have the time. It seems like it would be a rewarding job to have though, and thanks to years experience and all the fine GJ folks, I know the tools far better than the average person should. SO should recruit a GJ member to take the route.

Chadster, I assume you are joking about that Epiq, but if not, that would be one hell of a deal for ya.

 

[plinker]

I don't think you guys get the point, when you're wrenching for a living, you can't wait two or three weeks to get your tools back. "Oh I'm sorry Mr. Customer... I know your car's been in the shop for three weeks, but just as soon as Snap On mails me a new tool back, I'll get right on it!"

I know what your getting at, but around here in the middle of nowhere the Snap-on guy is only around every two weeks (unless you want to travel two hours round trip), and Sears is the same two hour trip plus the 10-14 day warranty return (small store= limited inventory).

Just saying everybodys situiation is differnt and sometimes you do what you have to to get by, make do, ete..

 

[chadster1]

X1 Mike,

I considered it for a second but I farm for a living and just wouldn't have the time. It seems like it would be a rewarding job to have though, and thanks to years experience and all the fine GJ folks, I know the tools far better than the average person should. SO should recruit a GJ member to take the route.

Chadster, I assume you are joking about that Epiq, but if not, that would be one hell of a deal for ya.

No joke on the Epiq. That is the current referral promotion. I got $8k a couple of years ago for referring someone that signed up. This is a good business. There are no guarantees and some guys go out losing money but it has been good to me and a lot of others that work at it.

 

[J.P.]

In line with what you just said Steve, I saw a USED SLF936 on ebay go for over 150 bucks last week and another $15 to ship it. Could have bought a NEW dual 80 for that price from the SO site.

 

[mooman]

Can you just send tools. Or do you need to call first and get an approval and returned goods number or something?

Nope. I just sent in a ratchet and received a brand new one in about a week.

 

[X1 Mike]

Yeah, thats it. Buy the route. Tell them that I referred you and I will get a free Epiq toolbox.

Shouldn't I get the new box?

 

[chadster1]

Shouldn't I get the new box?

Ok, you buy a franchise and say that I referred you. I will get the Epiq for referring you and then you can get the Epiq for referring J.P.

 

[the spyder]

Where in Oregon?

I have only seen ONE snap on truck and I drive from Wilsonville to Vancover daily. The local Mac and Matco trucks are making a killing off this...

 

[fatfillup]

Ok, you buy a franchise and say that I referred you. I will get the Epiq for referring you and then you can get the Epiq for referring J.P.

Now that's some quick thinking, no wonder you are a successful SO dealer

 

[X1 Mike]

Now that's some quick thinking, no wonder you are a successful SO dealer

Yeah, I was thinking of a comeback but I got nuthin.

 

[J.P.]

I live in Eastern Oregon. We had a Matco dealer here for what seemed about three days a few years ago. Haven't had a Mac truck for ages but have always had a SO truck around. I would imagine there's a good market here for SO. Most of the guys around here us SO stuff because there's been a truck here for quite a while, and there is basically no competition; no other truck brands, the local sears stores have very little tools available and the only other option is Napa or mail order. Factor in that there are lots of Ag repair shops, a few car dealerships, and lots of "backyard" type mechanics, and it seems that a franchisee could do pretty well. If I remember correctly, the past truck serviced three different counties.

 

[autoace]

At least SO is doing warranty by mail, years ago they were not, dealer only.

The influx of new dealers will plummet, due to economic times, less people will take the risk, and banks are not happy to loan. Sales in most areas are falling steady. I would not hold my breath for a new dealer. You can buy anything online, or just use one of the successful dealers here at the GJ, they will sell you stuff. You can't make payments in this manner, but if you can't afford it, why buy it these days, just save what you need, and call Chad or Shaun, bet extra sales would help them out.

 

[autoace]

I don't think you guys get the point, when you're wrenching for a living, you can't wait two or three weeks to get your tools back. "Oh I'm sorry Mr. Customer... I know your car's been in the shop for three weeks, but just as soon as Snap On mails me a new tool back, I'll get right on it!"

I get it, goto your local parts store and buy GW, KD, etc..........and get the job done, that is what I did in previous years. Having tunnel vision for one brand can do this to you, but buy a tool, get the job done. if the tool broke, having two of the same tool in the end won't hurt, once you get your SO tool back.

 

[Zrexxer]

Having tunnel vision for one brand can do this to you, but buy a tool, get the job done. if the tool broke, having two of the same tool in the end won't hurt, once you get your SO tool back.

I don't think most techs would be sidelined for want of simple stuff like a combination wrench or a socket, most have duplicates - or worse comes to worst - could borrow something to get the job done. The problem comes in with special tools or weird sizes that you can't easily source locally. I don't think that's tunnel vision so much as just limited supply chains. I know when I was wrenching, we couldn't clock out and go run all over town trying to find something to finish a job. We were out on the edge of town anyway, and the closest Sears was an hour's round trip, even if they had the stuff.

If we got in a jam, we'd call the Snap On rep, or more likely the Matco guy at that shop, he was more likely to show up, and he'd bring what we needed out. I'm just saying, it's rare that a working tech can rely on buying on eBay and relying on service by mail. But ya'll know that. I think we're just debating semantics at this point

 

[Nuit Damnant]

I have a similiar problem in my area, where there is a route open, and I actually did look into "buying the route" however with the economy the way it is, and the initial investment required, I just am plain too scared to do it. I've got 7years almost 8 where I'm at and buyng my 1st new house soon hopefully and just can't see risking all that to get into it. Although I think id love it if I could make it work.

 

[autoace]

I don't think most techs would be sidelined for want of simple stuff like a combination wrench or a socket, most have duplicates - or worse comes to worst - could borrow something to get the job done. The problem comes in with special tools or weird sizes that you can't easily source locally. I don't think that's tunnel vision so much as just limited supply chains. I know when I was wrenching, we couldn't clock out and go run all over town trying to find something to finish a job. We were out on the edge of town anyway, and the closest Sears was an hour's round trip, even if they had the stuff.

If we got in a jam, we'd call the Snap On rep, or more likely the Matco guy at that shop, he was more likely to show up, and he'd bring what we needed out. I'm just saying, it's rare that a working tech can rely on buying on eBay and relying on service by mail. But ya'll know that. I think we're just debating semantics at this point

Ok, there is not much you can't buy from Napa professional line, and they deliver. When tool truck service is down, you have to improvise. rarelt do we break specialty tools.

 

[Vinko]

I've looked into that but Snappy stuff gets bid up to some ridiculous prices on ebay most of the time. Its either worn out, new and everybody bids on it, or considered "vintage" and gets sold for twice what it cost new.

I've noticed this too. Maybe it's just the stuff I'm interested in.

 

[scottmlew]

I don't think you guys get the point, when you're wrenching for a living, you can't wait two or three weeks to get your tools back.

You're right. But you can wait 2 months!

 

[Ed_EOD]

Not that I would do it, but how much does a typical route cost?

 

[jteck75]

I have a similar problem back here,my long-time Snap-On dealer called it quits back last year. There is a new guy that took over his route,but he is completely unreliable,pretty much shows up when he wants to,and he doesn't seem to want to very often. Most of my friends have completely given up on Snap-On because of him. The Cornwell guy who has been in the area for just a few years now is absolutely making a killing. Mac has been MIA for about 4 years now since the dealer quit. I've been lucky though,I only have one ratchet that needs warranty service,I keep it in the glove box of my pickup in case I see the SO guy out on a day he decided to work.

 

[Az Scooter]

I looked into a Snap On route years ago, and for me, it did not make economic sense. I did not see the return I wanted for the investment. I even looked at the Mac, and Matco routes, too. They were all available. It is something that you need to really look at, and see if it is an viable business for you.