Off the street customer for Snap-on Truck

[Skin]

Just out of curiosity, is there any advantages doing business with a truck vs the website? (Price?)

Assuming you have a good dealer you get

-on the spot warranty
-the pleasure of helping a small business
-a face and personality to talk to
-hot deals flyers and unique monthly truck deals if the dealer participates (no-go online)
-to handle the merchandise before buying
-sometimes a discount on full priced items
-truck credit allowing you to pay over time without finance charges

if you have a bad dealer stick to online. Easier to warranty and all your purchases are accessable anytime should you need proof of purchase. And generally you have about 7 working days turn-around for replacements. Some dealers will take your broken tool and vanish or give you excuses for weeks and weeks.

 

[Kurn]

I've posted this before,but I've had the same experience.When I had my trucking company,I parked my trucks in the lot of a truck garage.I tried to buy tools off the SO man,with cash,and was given the "We only sell to professionals" line of BS.Gee,here I am with 40 years in the mechanicin' and trucking biz and I don't qualify as a "pro".The guy even said it was company wide policy.It left a bad feeling about SO for a long time.In fact,I used to knock 'em pretty good.So after we closed the business,I eventually wound up being a diesel tech for a private company,and was still hesitant about SO.But my current guy is great and I've spent lots of money with him and always get great service.And he said the first guy was full of it.So my point is yes,one guy can turn off someone to the point he'll just buy elsewhere.
Oh,and the SO guy that turned me down? He lost a sale of some big,expensive tools.

 

[Matt018]

Been on a Snap On and Mac truck so far, Both drivers were very nice to me and i took their cards for when i want to buy some more tools.

 

[Shadowdog500]

I got an attitude from a Matco driver for the same thing last year. I won't set foot in that truck again even if he was giving away tools!

I do go to the snap on guy who lives around the corner from my house occasionally. Usually I call him during the day to see if he has what want then I arrange to meet him at his house in the evening. I make a point to make a quick transaction without wasting his home time by asking him about every tool on the truck. In your drivers defense, I'm sure he gets a lot of walk on tire kickers in his truck who take up his time and don't spend any money.


Chris

 

[DFW-LSX]

Just out of curiosity, is there any advantages doing business with a truck vs the website? (Price?)

I have never approached a truck for this very reason.. they would probably see me more as a pest then a custumer..

Heck yeah, my dealer always has a 40% special going on. Now is the time if you want to build a set. All the sockets/ratchets/wrenches you can shake a stick at for 40% off because they just got back from the tool show.


Sent from somewhere in Tx using Tapatalk

 

[Brownsfan]

Wow I guess I am lucky. I have a great Snap On guy. We are actually friends now. Same with my Cornwell guy. I have done some work on both of their vehicles tool truck, boatand personal vehicles. I have even gone and had beers with both. I do not buy a ton off either of them but I buy enough I guess. In fact I just installed a back up camera in the Snap On guys tool truck. Traded a bunch of tools I have been wanting for the work. I had them both pull a history on how much I spent in the year they have been comingand was actually surprised it was not more. I woild rather spend my tool dollars with them any day over say Sears, Lowes, HD,HF etc. I just feel better about supporting a small business being a small biz owner myself. My Snap On guy even warrantied a Gearwrench 18mm flex that I biught from HD when HD would not. Thats why I will be loyal to him no matter where I go. If I move the shop I will seek him out.

 

[signcrafter]

OTOH, if somebody drives up and knocks on the door, I might not be aspleased

What would be the best way for a new guy to approach a snap on dealer?

 

[EvilWelder]

I met my dealer when I caught him outside a shop. Great guy, gave me his number and told me to call if I need anything. I was in my personal vehicle when I caught him, and not my welding truck. Most dealers will gladly trade you there tools for your cash.

 

[Chipmunk]

I have chased SO trucks, caught them at regular stops and even caught a driver in a bank doing his personal banking. I've never been turned down, nor treated curtly. I'm not a professional tech and only buy tools that I consider rare or out of production or collectible. One driver even let me snoop through his drawers (truck drawers btw) while he wrote up orders for other customers at his computer.

Although drivers are independent businessmen,I would still be on the phone in a heartbeat to Kenosha if if I were treated badly. (I've even had one driver invite me to his personal garage to view his inventory not carried on his truck.

(I also always pay by credit card and I alway ask for and recieve a few free screwdrivers)

 

[Givl Reggin]

It should be (if it isn't already) Snap-Ons policy that the level of service you get is exactly the same regardless of who/what/where you're dealing with -- having 1,000's of tool trucks out there each setting their own rules? That can only give Snap-On a bad name.

Look at successful franchises like Starbucks and McDonalds - no matter where you go, whether it's in the states or in a foreign county, you can expect the same level and quality all according to company's standards - that should be Snap-On's goal as well.

 

[EvilWelder]

I have chased SO trucks, caught them at regular stops and even caught a driver in a bank doing his personal banking. I've never been turned down, nor treated curtly. I'm not a professional tech and only buy tools that I consider rare or out of production or collectible. One driver even let me snoop through his drawers (truck drawers btw) while he wrote up orders for other customers at his computer.

Although drivers are independent businessmen,I would still be on the phone in a heartbeat to Kenosha if if I were treated badly. (I've even had one driver invite me to his personal garage to view his inventory not carried on his truck.

My Cornwell guy is like that, then again I did build the wheelie bars for his door slamner.

 

[mking1865]

I drive part-time for a wholesaler that turns money away like that. The company doesn't sell to the public, or else the professionals would buy from a different wholesaler that doesn't sell to 'their' customers. Doesn't make as much sense in your case, since the s-o website sells to anybody, but his regular customers still might have something to do with it.

 

[d_rock]

I don't recall the Driver's name, the location was in West Denver,CO. I had $300 in my pocket, went to Matco guy today.

I haven't had to buy tools in years, because I work on Dirt bikes (mostly suspension) on the side, but my suburban project is requiring a new assortment of tools.

probably my old snap on guy. Was he an older fellow? My boss won't even let him come by the shop anymore.

 

[JerseyBoatBuilder]

That *****

My Snap On guy specifically has a couple road side stops during the week where he sits and waits for potential new customers or walk on's during his lunch.

The only difference I have seen in how he treats the walks on's is with certain broken tools like ratchets he just hands me a new replacement, The walk on's he will either give them a rebuild kit, or rebuild it on the truck for them.
And no RA until he establishes routine business with the person.

 

[Jeeper]

I will pile on here. My snap-on and matco guys are super nice and always helpful. I am a DIYer and always bring cash and they always have cash price. Plus they are more than willing to give a catalog or flyer.

Good people and good businessmen.

 

[NUTTSGT]

A paying customer is a paying customer, especially if they have cash in hand and wanting to spend it. I referred one member here to the local SO dude. Hopefully, it worked out for him.



I needed a laugh this a.m.

The busines owners and jerks with collage degrees that cause the muck up. I know, I know I have 9 yars of collage and I am here to tell you that in most fields the poeple are clueless including many Doctors. My father had his Ph D in bussiness and was a total dumb *** when it came to business. He did not have a clue. I rest my case.

 

[Jeff]

If a dealer doesn't do something you can't base the whole company on that one dealer.

It's MY cash and I can spend it anywhere I damn well please. And yes, I can blame everything on the dealer and subsequently the company. His truck has the SO logo and the bad attitude towards non-professionals.

SO should pay attention to what's being said on the interweb about some of their dealers. But, they are independent contractors and can do as they please.

I had a specific list of what I needed and the $400, in cash, to cover my order. I would like to be in a position, financially, where I can refuse cash sales and sneer at non-professionals.

Maybe I should sneer at the SO dealer when he comes into my ER with chest pain.

 

[Journaler]

...And yes, I can blame everything on the dealer and subsequently the company.
...
Maybe I should sneer at the SO dealer when he comes into my ER with chest pain.

To continue your analogy, should a patient never visit your ER again because the triage nurse had a "bad attitude"?

Maybe you should call Snap On, and let them know about your experience. Just like you'd appreciate a patient letting the hospital know about a rude nurse/doctor.

 

[bsaint]

I know the SO guys in the city dont like to have walk ons off the street for safety of the ratchets missing.

 

[Dick in Wisconsin]

That *****

My Snap On guy specifically has a couple road side stops during the week where he sits and waits for potential new customers or walk on's during his lunch.

This guy is smart. Like many of the posters have said ... these are independent businessmen and women. Using the training from the parent company and their experience, they are responsible for developing their business model and making it successful.

Have any of the tool truck guys and gals reading the Forum ever set up shop routinely on Saturday mornings for "casual sales" to the general public?

I hope none of them are waiting for the government to show and tell them how to be successful!

 

[DustysPC]

I was once broken down on the freeway needing a 9/16 wrench. Here comes the Snap-On truck, I flagged him down and got my wrench, though I think I paid list plus for it. $18 I think. But he had me in a spot. Rescued me pretty much.

 

[Ohio Auto]

Here's a point I've not seen made yet:

You're expecting someone to let you on their truck filled with multiple thousands of tools, probably off the beaten path somewhere, and you don't even know the guy.

I can see why some dealers in certain areas would not want people climbing in their truck that they absolutely do not know. Might want to cut some of these drivers a break, maybe they've had a horrible experience. That's what the online store is all about anyway.

We live in a rural area and I meet up with the Snap on guy at the same place, same day of the week whenever I need something.

 

[Davefr]

I'm not defending that dealer, but I bet there are a lot of scenarios where "Lookie Lous" go on the truck, gawk at all the tools, ask the dealer for pricing on a gazzzilion items then get sticker shock and walk out not buying.

Time is money!!

 

[ptschram]

What would be the best way for a new guy to approach a snap on dealer?

Wait until you see a dealer at one of his stops, wait for the customers at that shop to get off the truck, introduce yourself and ask to be allowed on.

We are trained to avoid meeting folks other than at our stops so that we are not alone with someone we haven't met.

Most folks are honest. Some are not. Do what you can to not make your Snap-On dealer think you're there to do anything but buy tools .

As for me, I'll warranty a tool for anyone if it says Snap-On and can no longer be used for its intended purpose. Today's tire kicker (or ratchet handler) might be tomorrow's toolbox buyer.

My comment about someone knocking on my door was more along the lines of, if I'm home for the day and sitting in my living room and someone I've never met or seen before comes up and knocks on my door wanting to buy tools, I might respond differently than if they had met me somewhere else prior and established some sort of relationship. I'm in business to sell tools, but my personal life is open enough as it is given what I do for a living.

 

[Monkey_Wrench]

I met our Snap-On guy standing next to him in line at the bank.
Told him me and my dad were interested, and he came by the house with his truck in evenings every month or so. He lived 45 minutes away.

 

[RKA]

So here is an interesting question for those that are franchisees. This is coming from the perspective of a DIYer that will buy truck tools from other avenues including SO's website. I will rarely visit HF and Sears and only for something I need right now or don't want to spend money on because the tool will be used infrequently. I would like to establish a relationship with the local franchisee, but it seems like it would be too difficult to meet/shop, so I haven't bothered to hunt the local guy down, then threads like this pop up leading me to wonder if I'd just get the door slammed in my face after I've gone out of my way to hunt him down.

Why not develop an app that lets the customer base easily find you (find my snap on guy/gal)? You could even go so far as to list your route for the day, scheduled stops, and maybe if/when the opportunity arises, one stop on some routes where DIYer's can find you. This allows your regulars to track you down as well. And if you're off for the day, they can easily find out as well. I see this being done with some uber-sensational food trucks and it seems to work for them. Ideally SO corporate should have already thought of this and provided a tool for franchisee's to use, but a franchisee could take it upon themselves to undertake the development and try it out. Yes, it's an expense, but it could easily pay for itself in the first year. If it does, continue to expand/improve the functionality and if it doesn't, abandon it.

 

[ptschram]

I met our Snap-On guy standing next to him in line at the bank.
Told him me and my dad were interested, and he came by the house with his truck in evenings every month or so. He lived 45 minutes away.

Be careful. I met my old Snap-On man at the hardware store and less than a year later, I bougt his route!

 

[ptschram]

So here is an interesting question for those that are franchisees. This is coming from the perspective of a DIYer that will buy truck tools from other avenues including SO's website. I will rarely visit HF and Sears and only for something I need right now or don't want to spend money on because the tool will be used infrequently. I would like to establish a relationship with the local franchisee, but it seems like it would be too difficult to meet/shop, so I haven't bothered to hunt the local guy down, then threads like this pop up leading me to wonder if I'd just get the door slammed in my face after I've gone out of my way to hunt him down.

Why not develop an app that lets the customer base easily find you (find my snap on guy/gal)? You could even go so far as to list your route for the day, scheduled stops, and maybe if/when the opportunity arises, one stop on some routes where DIYer's can find you. This allows your regulars to track you down as well. And if you're off for the day, they can easily find out as well. I see this being done with some uber-sensational food trucks and it seems to work for them. Ideally SO corporate should have already thought of this and provided a tool for franchisee's to use, but a franchisee could take it upon themselves to undertake the development and try it out. Yes, it's an expense, but it could easily pay for itself in the first year. If it does, continue to expand/improve the functionality and if it doesn't, abandon it.

For the honest folks, yes it would be great.

OTOH, it would also be a great way to set yourself up to be robbed or worse.

Food trucks don't have inventory like our tool trucks do.

If folks are hesitant to post up pics of their garages for fears of burglary, why doesn't the same apply here?

 

[PeteMoore]

I have two trucks within 10 miles of me, both cover different areas.

Both are more than happy to have me call at their homes after hours, absolutely NO issues with the service from these guys.

 

[RKA]

For the honest folks, yes it would be great.

OTOH, it would also be a great way to set yourself up to be robbed or worse.

Food trucks don't have inventory like our tool trucks do.

If folks are hesitant to post up pics of their garages for fears of burglary, why doesn't the same apply here?

Clearly not everyone is that paranoid judging by the number of folks that are saying they stop by their driver's house. If you really live in such fear, you shouldn't be driving a rolling billboard that says "I have 100K in non-serialized inventory that can be easily fenced and I drive a fairly regular route so you can pick the most convenient week to rob me!".

 

[SpawnedX]

Something I have seen kind of stated, but I know for a fact is a reason, considering I am a professional auto tech.

If you just walk on to a businesses property, say a repair shop, while the SO guy is there and just strike up a conversation and start buying tools from him, did you ever think you are stepping on that shop's toes? Firstly, the techs usually don't get enough time to do all the business and get all the transactions they need done as is. They poor tool guy is being pulled in different directions by each tech and still has a schedule to make. Maybe an individual tech doesn't spend as much money as someone in a more lucrative career, but when a shop has 15 techs, then I can promise you, you aren't ever spending close to what he makes off one visit to that shop each week.

If you are at a place of business unannounced and uninvited, you are probably ******* off the techs and managers. Firstly, what are you doing here? We have a job to do and a living to make, do you give that shop any business? Or are you just trying to buy tools so you can remove the shop from the equation and fix your car yourself? If you don't give that shop any business, chances are the techs or managers there are asking the SO guy to not keep indulging you or to not indulge you at all.

If you truly want to get in with the SO guy, talk to one of the shops, get in good with them and see if they will introduce you. Otherwise catch the SO guy at lunch or the bank, he may have a very different attitude when not in front of a much more lucrative account that is not very happy to see you on their property for no good reason.

Also, my SO guy is pretty peeved with Joe Random, because more often than not, they walk on the truck and get a healthy dose of sticker shock. I doubt most people are use to buying 1 wrench at the same price as an entire set of the economy store brand. They usually go in with a talk of a big spending game and then realize 100.00 isn't getting you much. They then leave and never show up again. In all fairness to the SO guys, that truly is a waste of time for them and I am sure that is the more likely scenario. I hate having to need SO quality tools, as much as I love them, because even after years in the industry, the prices are hard to swallow. A Solus cost more today than the top of the line computer would cost in 98. I can buy a laptop and cables and software to do all the same things for under 1500.00.

 

[PT Doc]

Something I have seen kind of stated, but I know for a fact is a reason, considering I am a professional auto tech.

If you just walk on to a businesses property, say a repair shop, while the SO guy is there and just strike up a conversation and start buying tools from him, did you ever think you are stepping on that shop's toes? Firstly, the techs usually don't get enough time to do all the business and get all the transactions they need done as is. They poor tool guy is being pulled in different directions by each tech and still has a schedule to make. Maybe an individual tech doesn't spend as much money as someone in a more lucrative career, but when a shop has 15 techs, then I can promise you, you aren't ever spending close to what he makes off one visit to that shop each week.

If you are at a place of business unannounced and uninvited, you are probably ******* off the techs and managers. Firstly, what are you doing here? We have a job to do and a living to make, do you give that shop any business? Or are you just trying to buy tools so you can remove the shop from the equation and fix your car yourself? If you don't give that shop any business, chances are the techs or managers there are asking the SO guy to not keep indulging you or to not indulge you at all.

If you truly want to get in with the SO guy, talk to one of the shops, get in good with them and see if they will introduce you. Otherwise catch the SO guy at lunch or the bank, he may have a very different attitude when not in front of a much more lucrative account that is not very happy to see you on their property for no good reason.

Also, my SO guy is pretty peeved with Joe Random, because more often than not, they walk on the truck and get a healthy dose of sticker shock. I doubt most people are use to buying 1 wrench at the same price as an entire set of the economy store brand. They usually go in with a talk of a big spending game and then realize 100.00 isn't getting you much. They then leave and never show up again. In all fairness to the SO guys, that truly is a waste of time for them and I am sure that is the more likely scenario. I hate having to need SO quality tools, as much as I love them, because even after years in the industry, the prices are hard to swallow. A Solus cost more today than the top of the line computer would cost in 98. I can buy a laptop and cables and software to do all the same things for under 1500.00.

Seems like you have it all figured out. You bring up some good points but please try to be open minded.

 

[SpawnedX]

Seems like you have it all figured out. You bring up some good points but please try to be open minded.

How am I not being open minded? I have no problems with people going up to the SO truck. I am just summarizing a conversation I was apart of a few years back.

 

[ptschram]

Clearly not everyone is that paranoid judging by the number of folks that are saying they stop by their driver's house. If you really live in such fear, you shouldn't be driving a rolling billboard that says "I have 100K in non-serialized inventory that can be easily fenced and I drive a fairly regular route so you can pick the most convenient week to rob me!".

Um, google my name and see I you think I'm paranoid.

I'm about as open and notorious as a person can get.

My name, address, phone number, and picture are all available for anyone to see who wants to.

"I" want to do business and do what I can to make folks know who I am and that I'm a real person with a brick and mortar presence as well as an on-line presence.

 

[RKA]

Um, google my name and see I you think I'm paranoid.

I'm about as open and notorious as a person can get.

My name, address, phone number, and picture are all available for anyone to see who wants to.

"I" want to do business and do what I can to make folks know who I am and that I'm a real person with a brick and mortar presence as well as an on-line presence.

My comment wasn't about you, it was a counterpoint to the business owner that lives in fear of being robbed. Given the nature of the tool truck business, installing a GPS unit on the truck during business hours doesn't seem like it would add more risk than is already present in their business, but it's their business to do what they want with....

 

[mvptrukin]

The OP never gave an exact location in Denver where this happened but PT Doc if you had a mobile biz that carried $$$ and expensive tools would you let strangers walk on your truck on West Colfax Ave? Not me! The bad guys look for easy scores! ptschram I like your biz philosophy but Denver is full of petty thieves like most big cities, the dealer could have had some bad experiences! I am a working mechanic that due to shift work sometimes miss my SO guy and haven't quite had outright refusal but more like hesitation on other dealers trucks until they got to know me. SpawnedX gave a total valid discussion that has been talked about with other tool truck dealers.

 

[PT Doc]

The OP never gave an exact location in Denver where this happened but PT Doc if you had a mobile biz that carried $$$ and expensive tools would you let strangers walk on your truck on West Colfax Ave? Not me! The bad guys look for easy scores! ptschram I like your biz philosophy but Denver is full of petty thieves like most big cities, the dealer could have had some bad experiences! I am a working mechanic that due to shift work sometimes miss my SO guy and haven't quite had outright refusal but more like hesitation on other dealers trucks until they got to know me. SpawnedX gave a total valid discussion that has been talked about with other tool truck dealers.

Colfax in general can be I interesting. I guess the sw metro area is different during broad daylight and thats when I seem to have spare time to tool shop. Keep in mind Fred Farmers name, he is a very nice guy and easy to deal with.

 

[Lurker]

...We are trained to avoid meeting folks other than at our stops so that we are not alone with someone we haven't met.

Most folks are honest. Some are not. Do what you can to not make your Snap-On dealer think you're there to do anything but buy tools ...

I'd be willing to bet that your "avoidance training" was the result of an incident in Columbus, Ohio back in the mid-'80's. The SO Dealer's name was Ed Murray.

Ed got a phone call from a potential customer and agreed to meet at a local shopping center.

ED DID NOT SURVIVE THE ENCOUNTER.

Fortunately, they caught the 2 dirtballs who were responsible. They both got Life (with possible parole after 30 years).

For some history, Google: "State vs. Crago Decided March 1, 1994"

 

[FlatHeads_Suck]

Clearly not everyone is that paranoid judging by the number of folks that are saying they stop by their driver's house. If you really live in such fear, you shouldn't be driving a rolling billboard that says "I have 100K in non-serialized inventory that can be easily fenced and I drive a fairly regular route so you can pick the most convenient week to rob me!".

Smart men have caution, weak men have paranoia, and foolish men dont know the difference

 

[Mastermind]

my former SO guy was complaining about meeting up with a guy that called him outta the blue, then came in the next week and told us the guy spent 10 grand that day. half cash half check. said he was nervous about the check, guy offered to go to the bank, it cleared.