To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

No love with Snap-On...

Status
Not open for further replies.
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

t100

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 3, 2009
Messages
6,101
Snap On student discount is 42-45% off. what I've heard dealer cost is ~70% listed price, meaning 30% discount is their cost. re-badged tools have even higher cost.

30-40% off from dealer is almost impossible.
 

chadster1

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 25, 2009
Messages
4,023
Location
Terrell, Texas
30-40% off of list is at or below dealer cost depending on the item.

BTW, to my knowledge, there are no dual 80 series ratchets that have been discontinued.
 

wrenchr

Super Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jul 29, 2007
Messages
11,603
Location
Michigan
Well I understand the dealer giving a steep discount and slow moving product but the 80series ratchets fly out of the loops on snappy trucks and it would be like him throwing a few hundred bucks out the winder.
 

Vinko

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 7, 2008
Messages
5,829
Location
Los Angeles
All in all my 35-40% off Snap-On Guy went a long way to lose a reliable customer and I lost my ability to buy Snap-On at 35-40% off retail. Lose/lose situation that makes little to no sense...

Don't know if this guy is an industrial rep or tool truck driver or what, but hell, 35-40% off list is probably his entire profit. I don't see how he's been selling to you at those prices, if he indeed has done so before.
 

Vinko

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 7, 2008
Messages
5,829
Location
Los Angeles
If I don't have to pay sales tax, I'm thrilled.

On some stuff I paid cash for, I got 15-20% off and no tax. On others, like older VOM series wrenches, and the old "A" series ratcheting wrenches, I got 35-50% for buying it all, including some stuff that there was no market for anymore around here, but that was a rarity.

edit: a few other things I got for about 15% off was old style hard handles when I bought a bunch. And a few things in a "re-branded" SO thread I started that had "shelf" or "truck" wear, like a few older style pliers, etc.
 
Last edited:

Vinko

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 7, 2008
Messages
5,829
Location
Los Angeles
I sell for a living and I think the last thing on my customers minds is "his family needs to eat to". Could be wrong on that but it simply is not there.

I sell for a living (unfortunately :) ), and when ever buying or selling, I'm always thinking is the other guy making money or getting value. That was one of the few decent pieces of advice I was ever given, and many who I know are successful at selling have abided it.

I have repeat customers on $2500-3500 items come back ONLY because of price. I evidently don't have SO's margins, however, what I have gets cut a hell of a lot tighter.

Don't know what you sell, but I'd never want to sell something where price is the "only" or even "primary" concern. I couldn't do it, wouldn't want to do it.

That said I've seen this with Tractors, Trucks, and now Tools. If you are selling at reasonable margin volume is key. Make someone a very good deal and he'll bring his son, buddies, and neighbor back to see you when they are ready. It makes up for retiring on each customer atleast for me...

I'd be the opposite. Some of these terms are a bit loose, so what you would consider "a very good deal" might not be what I do. And I'm not really willing to put my chips in for volume, but I wouldn't be persuaded in the least to give a guy a "steal" in the hopes that he send me other customers.

But, I've pretty much removed myself from the equation of selling on price. When you sell quality, and other factors are in place, you don't need to sell on price.

Plus, I believe everyone is entitled to a fair profit and a fair wage. Doesn't always work like that, I know. But it's how I roll.
 
OP
M

Matt in Va

Member
Joined
Jun 22, 2010
Messages
14
Yes there has been, the ones marked USA:beer::thumbup::lol_hitti

fwiw,
Guys I don't keep receipts,and often don't ask for them when dealing with folks I trust. I will say that in retrospect you ARE LIKELY correct on the pricing totals. My original percentage calculation came from the HD Road Chest which was, IIRC, on special. That said it was priced with a couple dealers before dad stopped and ran it by his SO guy.

What surprised me, and likely the only reason I remember, is that I had asked our mechanic what his HD Road Chest ran through his guy. He came back with retail and I thought I was in for the fix. When this dealer's price came back it was so good my father ordered the box on the spot. In retrospect he did say it was on special, however, it must have been to the day as no one else mentioned it.

What had impressed me was that our mechanic had his HD Road Chest fall, loaded to the gills with huge sockets(etc), from about 4 feet and it only crinkled the corner of the box. That would have left any box I had seen/used in the past as a pile of tools in the floor with a mangled bit of sheet metal around them. Hence it renewed my interest in Snap-On and lead me to start buying from Dad's SO guy again.

He is anything but new to the business. Closer to 5-10 years to retirement I would suspect. Dunno though...

What IS APPARENT is that he has been looking out for me on pricing through the years for whatever reason. Listening to the happy to pay retail crowd here makes that apparent. In short I should have asked him, however, in retrospect I've never had to haggle. I've always approached him very politely and asked what I owed him... Hence I was not really comfortable questioning his pricing... I generally treat adults with the same Mister Suchandsuch and Yes Sir routine that I learned during childhood. Hence I ask and tend to let that be it if the answer is not agreeable. I've never haggled with the man.

I had hoped to ask the question here and get some insight on the experience and find out what had changed. I've found that in manner of speaking and will drive on appreciative for the answer.

Do apologize for the bum dope on "discontinued" ratchets. I had taken a brief look at the SO website before I left the house and had clicked on several that said "NO LONGER AVAILABLE". Turns out they were 1/4" Drive. Again my mistake...

I am more than likely going to pass on Snap-Ons new outsourcing bit. Buying a German Knipex Plier off the SO truck does not bother me, however, buying $100+ ratchets that have significant foreign content in them that leads to removal of "Made in USA" kind of cools the fire to own a few. That, for better or worse, is another reason I have bought Snap-on...

That said we'll see as I have enough modern hand tools from my father that I could likely consolidate and form four or five complete sets. Likely a smarter path is these economic times... Then again when the "Made in USA" bit gets worked out I may try a Dual 80 or four for that matter.

The entire thread has been illuminating to say the least. Priced an Epiq while I was there as well and the pricing turned out to be out of my league. I had planned to give SO one last shot before trying my first Lista Cabinet. Which, from what things look like, will be a new triple bank.

Truth be known I buy tools from Wera, knipex, Witte, and a few other German Makers. Not to mention Klein and a few others. I buy metrology equipment from Tesa of Switzerland which owns Etalon, Interapid, and Compac. I always buy new and often caught them on sale at MSC and Enco(same) for a healthy discount to retail. I bought my Hardinge/Bridgeport from MSC, along with 3 axis DRO, and also received a hell of a deal. (Only thing I am considering paying retail on is a HAAS TL-1 Toolroom Lathe. No other choice at the moment.) Hence I rarely pay retail and know of few companies that can command it. Snap On evidently can. at least from most...

In short I appreciate the perspective from all who responded. Even those who showed little to no courtesy in some sophomoric attempt to "pile on". You can learn something from everyone. I've yet to find a forum where an ability to explain your positions cogently, or attempt thereof, did not lead to long term understanding...

Regarsds, Matt.

Btw, I sell COGs or Combat Optical Gunsights. I won't get into names due to MAP policies, however, I've been selling my product to Marine, Army, and Contractor "Boots on the Ground" ever since the GWOT began. So yes I have often sold for cost. If a Marine Private is willing to take a months worth of his pay, or more, to buy decent optics for his rifle, ALL THE WHILE FIGHTING FOR OUR SAFETY IN A THIRD WORLD SH*T HOLE, then yes I'm willing to bend rules and sell for no margin. Do I pass the deal on to weekend warriors shooting at the range? No. They just get a good deal and yes my margin still gets cut to hell to compete...

I must admit that I envy successful Snap-On Dealers who can sell at retail and have a happy customer base. Take care of them, your customers, as you are on rarified ground in the sales industry...
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
OP
M

Matt in Va

Member
Joined
Jun 22, 2010
Messages
14
I sell for a living (unfortunately :) ), and when ever buying or selling, I'm always thinking is the other guy making money or getting value. That was one of the few decent pieces of advice I was ever given, and many who I know are successful at selling have abided it.

But, I've pretty much removed myself from the equation of selling on price. When you sell quality, and other factors are in place, you don't need to sell on price.

Plus, I believe everyone is entitled to a fair profit and a fair wage. Doesn't always work like that, I know. But it's how I roll.

Vinko,
In my field I sell the "Best in the World" BAR NONE. Dunno as SO is even comparable as they sell SOME great tools and SOME rebranded items that are nothing more than average...

As posted above the only guys that get a "steal" are those who've earned it with blood and sweat. I think they are due a bit of courtesy...

Stateside customers get "value" and not a "steal". I've generally found that most deals that involve a "steal", certainly not all, involve the fellow thinking he is getting said "steal" being stolen from... I generally look for a fair deal, and if I find it, I consider myself lucky.

I will disagree with you to my core on entitlements. Being a salesman entitles you to jack...imho. You have to work for it and the harder you work the more you make. The word "entitlement" is one of the reasons so few American Working Men live as well as their local Snap-On, Matco, or Mac Dealer. The World's most vibrant economies are rarely rich with entitlements... When the "E" word takes over the move to the free market is generally going to follow... From my experience. fwiw & ymmv.

Regards, Matt

Btw, I will say I find it that those who preach the Snap-On guys is due/entitled to Retail embrace "Widow" Sales. I personally find that about as antipodean as one can get. In short, for those who don't follow I figure the average SO guy can fend for himself, however, I find those who take advantage of a Widow as chickensh*t as they come. That said this site has been an eye opener.

I will say I avoid hardship purchases. I don't mean folks who get overextended and sell to pay the bills but rather taking advantage of a man who woman just found out they have Cancer and their financial priorities have changed. To me that is bad karma and The Golden Rule. What we put on the wheel of life will multiply and return many times over.

With that in mind I think questioning a dealer is lesser or the two evils than taking advantage of helpless. For you, my fellows, may very well find the tables turned... Interesting ethics.
 

Bull

Super Moderator
Joined
Dec 12, 2005
Messages
16,189
Location
MA
I believe that, for the first time in this board's history, the word "antipodean" has been used.

Jolly good show.
 

GTO

Well-known member
Joined
May 8, 2009
Messages
3,927
Location
NJ,FL
I think that the original 35-40% off,is now more like no sales tax and 15%.Just my .02
 

Vinko

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 7, 2008
Messages
5,829
Location
Los Angeles
I think that the original 35-40% off,is now more like no sales tax and 15%.Just my .02

Probably a good guess. I don't think the OP really knows the percentage of discount he got. It is odd, that he's really unaware, given everything else he writes. But every time he posts, the story is a little different, and now he gets to sort of suggest that he's been the subject of these, er, "sophomoric" retorts, when I see no evidence for it really. That combined with the selfless sales of equipment to our boys in Iraq. It's all touching really.

@OP: I had a feeling you wouldn't care for the idea of "entitlement" :)
 
OP
M

Matt in Va

Member
Joined
Jun 22, 2010
Messages
14
Probably a good guess.

Be careful. You could be quite right, however, one need be very careful with guessing when exactitude is required. Making a generalization on my behalf lead to this thread. Which I'd not do again as it has largely been a waste time. Not all of it mind you, however, this last bit is making up for it in spades.

I don't think the OP really knows the percentage of discount he got. It is odd, that he's really unaware, given everything else he writes.

You are partially correct which shows good reading comprehension. Always a positive attribute. As I said I've looked at the price and its relation to Snap-Ons website. Not on every purchase, however, on many. The HD Road Chest was done on a calculator as I was amazed at the deal. Not every purchase hence has been documented. I look at the website, compared the list to my price, and drove on. I scored modestly well on both verbal & math on my SATs years back before college. Hence I give some credence to mental calculations without aid of calculator or having to take off my shoes and socks. YMMV...

But every time he posts, the story is a little different, and now he gets to sort of suggest that he's been the subject of these, er, "sophomoric" retorts, when I see no evidence for it really.

Do forgive me. This has been as professional an exchange as one might expect of the errornet. You, particularly, are a credit to your ilk.

That combined with the selfless sales of equipment to our boys in Iraq. It's all touching really.

The rest of your commentary can be described as passable for an internet forum. The above comment, however, I admit taking umbrage to. Not, mind you, that it means anything to you. I will say I would love to meet you in person and discuss the above in detail should you ever make your way through Southeast, Virginia. I'll treat you as a Gentleman, which I suspect might be a new experience and misplaced, however it is my responsibility as host. I will listen politely to your take. I'll even buy you lunch and listen to the beauties of entitlements...

I would be pleasantly surprised to find you are more than the gutter snipe your posts seem to indicate. I've always liked surprises but first impressions have proven more accurate through the years. That said you may be the exception...

Should you need directions call me, or ask James Roark, as he was here the other morning to discuss and make suggestions on Lista Cabinets. Met him on here one evening and he was at my new shop a day or two later. Found it refreshing to find an internet persona that matched the Gentleman who got out of his truck...

@OP: I had a feeling you wouldn't care for the idea of "entitlement" :)

You are quite right. I find it myopic, self-centered, unamerican, and generally destructive to future generations. That said it seems to fit you like a Savile Row Suit.

How unfortunately indicative of the age of the common man...

Modest Regards, Matt Garrett
Chesapeake, Virginia
757-581-6270
 
Last edited:

Vinko

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 7, 2008
Messages
5,829
Location
Los Angeles
Great stuff you've been posting. I love it.
Your initial post can be summed as you felt "entitled" (ahem) to a discount on the Snappy truck. You didn't get it. You posted here. You were amazed that there are those who don't feel entitled to a discount. "Rarefied grounds," indeed.

As for the common man wearing Savile Row, well, he's better off than I thought:thumbup:
 

Bull

Super Moderator
Joined
Dec 12, 2005
Messages
16,189
Location
MA
Matt,

Regarding your most recent post here, number 55 in this thread: even the loftiest of rhetoric cannot elevate personal insults to the basic standard of interpersonal behavior that we here at GJ require. I'm sorry.
 

Fubar

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 22, 2010
Messages
360
Location
Cape Cod Ma
30-40% off of list is at or below dealer cost depending on the item.

BTW, to my knowledge, there are no dual 80 series ratchets that have been discontinued.

X2. My dealer is a long-time friend and he's told me the same thing. I've bought tens of thousands off him throughout the years, and he's slid me things here and there, but never discounted like this guys says. He's said point-blank he couldn't.

And for the guys that knock off the sales tax, they most likely end up paying it in the end after turning in their inventory and their accountant matches the amount bought to the amount sold (minus the inventory). Then they pay the difference.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
Top Bottom