Related SO Question

[scratchedup]

I do not wrench for a living but occasionally I feel like purchasing a Snap On tool for a special need or use. They have some great stuff. However, I have found it next to impossible to get the local SO guy to pay any attention to me.

Do the local dealer/truck guys ever service folks who are not professionals with wrenches?.....ever come by the house?

I really like the idea of coming to me with a truck full of candy. Is this possible?

THX

 

[gsingh]

Yes they will. ONLY IF YOU ARE A GOOD CUSTOMER!

 

[RedneckWelder]

If you are only planning to buy the occassional tool, get it online from either Snap On themselves or Ebay.

If you are planning to buy a lot of tools, then you may be able to get a relationship with the dealer to where he will stop by your house (if it is near his route) occassionally.

They do not like their time being wasted by stopping somewhere and waiting 15 minutes while the lookie-loos stare at all the shiny then leave without buying anything.

 

[Hpozzuoli]

Mine comes to my house within an hour of calling him unless he is busy. I have come home to find boxes of goodies he has left me just because he was in my area.

It's all about relationship building and spending money....maybe it's spending money then relationship building.

 

[scratchedup]

Yes they will. ONLY IF YOU ARE A GOOD CUSTOMER!

Its been a few years ago but I recall the local guy was gruff and basically seemed uninterested and would not return my calls. I finally had to take my SO torque wrench to a shop and leave it to have it calibrated.

I'm not really sure what a good customer is....I pay my bills, would pay cash and would probably spend ~ $30 - $50 month.

 

[OutsideMachinist]

If you are only going to buy a couple hundred bucks of tools a year you aren't really worth their time. Definitely not to spend time and gas to come to your house. Can you blame them? You might be able to work out meeting them somewhere convienent for them.

 

[RedneckWelder]

It's not that you are a "bad customer" it's that it's not worth his time to stop by for you to browse and pay $30-50 a month, which is a pittance when it comes to tools. For that you are better off buying online and having UPS bring it to the house.

Sorry, it's just business. He has many shops to stop at and sell to and a busy route to cover. Remember they also have fuel to cover and to go out of route and idle while you shop takes $$.

You might be better off calling him and trying to work out where you can stop at one of the shops he services and buy then if you really want the truck experience.


And I can't wait for the butthurt to flow over from that statement from the SO haters.

 

[scratchedup]

It's not that you are a "bad customer" it's that it's not worth his time to stop by for you to browse and pay $30-50 a month, which is a pittance when it comes to tools. For that you are better off buying online and having UPS bring it to the house.

Sorry, it's just business. He has many shops to stop at and sell to and a busy route to cover. Remember they also have fuel to cover and to go out of route and idle while you shop takes $$.

You might be better off calling him and trying to work out where you can stop at one of the shops he services and buy then if you really want the truck experience.


And I can't wait for the butthurt to flow over from that statement from the SO haters.

I would be happy to meet at a local shop but he just seemed totally uninterested and frankly jerkish..... But thanks I have always wondered if there was a SO policy about serving private houses...

 

[tjmonsen5]

There is no policy against servicing someone at their house, its up to the franchisee whether its worth his time or not. Think about it, he has a set number of shops he needs to visit each day with paying customers. They are all paying their weekly bill, usually 20-100 bucks a week. If that franchisee stops at someones home to browse tools, he could be missing out on a lot of money if he misses one of his shops. Guys dont wait for the Snappy man to show up, once closing time comes, they scram!

If you really want to buy from the truck, you need to find out where he is and wait for him.
Honestly it would probably be best to purchase directly from snapon.com, free shipping and you can spend all the time you want figuring out what you want.

 

[DodgeMech]

50 a month? i spend 500...and have for two years with this guy...and i'm not even paying the most at my shop haha...so don't expect any special treatment buying one or three sockets/pairs of pliers a month

 

[Adam.C]

Agree with everything so far- only annoyance is the non-pro customer's lack of access to specials. I believe Snap on sells nothing at a loss. Specials are designed to create excitement about a product. So why can't Snap on put specials on their blog page or something?

 

[wornoutoldman]

So why can't Snap on put specials on their blog page or something?

Because then they would be competeing with thier franchisee's that chose not to participate.

 

[ladrones]

Can you meet him at one of his local route stops?

 

[Farmall450]

I'll meet up with him at a local shop, like Farm & fleet.

Typically I just buy online though.

 

[scratchedup]

Maybe I will make another attempt to meet up.

For me not being a pro and not being around techs sometimes I just like to look at the stuff/tools because there are very useful tools out there that I did not even know were existed.

It can be an "aha" moment when you see a tool and say wow I know exactly where and how I can use that....I NEED that!

 

[Toyota mechanic]

I would be happy to meet at a local shop but he just seemed totally uninterested and frankly jerkish..... But thanks I have always wondered if there was a SO policy about serving private houses...

You have it right, lol.. You can buy online, but they don't like to deal with warranty, and you would have to mail things for any service... Kinda defeats the service aspect, and warranty. Dealer problems is the biggest reason I never bought too much Snap-on.... I just learned to live without them.... for the most part. They are great tools, but without a good dealer it is tough...

If you buy online, there will be a hard copy of all you buy on your account history, so set one up. I had pliers (one of my SO favs....is their pliers) I had to mail them for warranty, and they did it because I had the purchase on file.

All the folks that like to argue about SO, will say there is no problem with warranty online, but................. not sure they experienced doing it; since they have dealers....

My advice, which I have had luck with is the online order, and saved invoice... make sure to keep copies of the paper invoice and they have the E-file... They will always warranty the tools, if warranty applies.

That is how I have done it with no dealer... good luck

 

[Toyota mechanic]

^^^ On the rare occurrence I need warranty. I have copied my original invoice, and mailed it with the tool to be replace. I had a new pair of pliers, within a week and a half.... Just the postage. I have orders from 8 years ago still in my account history online, so Snap-on is good at keeping track. Hope it helps. Most dealers in my experience are jerky... Look at your buddies toolbox, and order online may be a win win... They don't like warranty online for old tools, with no sales record, in my experience..... Very good service if they KNOW you bought it from them.... I understand that...

 

[scratchedup]

... Most dealers in my experience are jerky...

Are these not sales people? I do not understand this. ...catch more flies with honey.....

 

[Toyota mechanic]

Are these not sales people? I do not understand this. ...catch more flies with honey.....

I have had one of the many Snap-on guys that come and go do the following

1)Oh a "MAC BOX", we'll have to fix that
2)You can't use tools like that, especially Craftsman, not the mark of professionalism
3)Here is a flyer with real tools in it, tell me what you want first

They must be programmed with this **** in 'training' They act like the Jehova Witness of tool sales....

My response is
1) My MAC box is fine, I like SO better, but this is the deal I found.
2)My tools are working so far, shh! They didn't here the memo, they were not good enough
3)I love Snap-on tools, and have some, what I could afford; that seemed worth it to me. Stop being such a tool yourself, and maybe I would like to add to my tools.....

All my dealers were ridiculous and short lived.... Years ago, there was a great Snap-on dealer. The older guys miss those days..... It was before my time.

Snap-on tools are great, the red tape is what it is. I don't look for any tool dealers anymore. I use what works, and like shopping for older tools.

I told you the truth, so if you don't have a good dealer, online works as I stated from my personal experience.

 

[pi_guy]

Are these not sales people? I do not understand this. ...catch more flies with honey.....

There are different sales methods, you are not pitching to the general public.
You are pitching to a specialized group, and it is much like mechanics. Do mechanics like to have their brain picked, what is the hot tool of the week? How do you use this? A newbie can consume a lot of time for very little contribution. My guy gets a couple of hundred every time he sees me.

 

[JDon99]

I have always though it was easy to warranty items that were bought directly off the site. Is this not the case?

 

[Toyota mechanic]

Now that you have me thinking about the subject, the Matco, MAC, and Cornwell dealers are all nicer! Why? Compared to Snap-on, no one really wants their stuff.... Most of us prefer Snap-on, IF we can invest. The other dealers get business because their stuff is... very good, but they have to earn business; they can't afford a big attitude with Snap-on around.

Matco, MAC, and Cornwell are like the cute brunette, that is good all around, and they look good until Snap-on walks in, wolf whistles expected, tall blonde, firm *** cheeks almost hanging out, perky nips, pretty face! lmao....

Most of the guys that buy the other brands do so; because the dealers try harder, from what I have seen. I work with my mixed group of tools. 'whores' to 'pretty and chubby' Craftsman, you name it. I make NO tool payments. That is the road I took. I do hope one day. I might buy outright a dream Snap-on set. Until then, me and my 'ugly duckling' tools are making money. I buy the Snap-on tools I want, and indulge online, until the day comes I buy exacltly what I always WANTED, but obviously don't NEED.

Good luck with the tool purchases. Don't let a bad dealer rattle you... lol

 

[scratchedup]

There are different sales methods, you are not pitching to the general public.
You are pitching to a specialized group, and it is much like mechanics. Do mechanics like to have their brain picked, what is the hot tool of the week? How do you use this? A newbie can consume a lot of time for very little contribution. My guy gets a couple of hundred every time he sees me.

All very true and I know nothing but it seems to me if one is in sales the principles of "How To Win Friends And Influence People" classic applies.....

Being a **** will always hurt...

I'm not in sales though.

 

[Toyota mechanic]

I have always though it was easy to warranty items that were bought directly off the site. Is this not the case?

As I said, ones you bought, yes! Buy Snap-on online with confidence

 

[pi_guy]

They must be programmed with this **** in 'training' They act like the Jehova Witness of tool sales....



All my dealers were ridiculous and short lived.... Years ago, there was a great Snap-on dealer. The older guys miss those days..... It was before my time.

Snap-on tools are great, the red tape is what it is. I don't look for any tool dealers anymore. I use what works, and like shopping for older tools.

I told you the truth, so if you don't have a good dealer, online works as I stated from my personal experience.

I refound my dealer he was trained by my original dealer who died from drug abuse <1980s>. The last area current dealer and I did not get along, so I stopped spending on Snap-on.<He pulled the you did not buy this from me ****> But I found this guy in a different route at one of my racing customers shops and we knew each other.
His sales are no pressure type, often I push him into telling me what is hot and new. I also order things that nobody else has, keeps him on his toes.
He has let me go though the drawers in his truck and I have picked out old stock that appealed to me. He has warrantied every thing I have wanted even flex sockets that droop a little.
The unliked dealer sold his route and he arranged with new dealer that I was one of his regulars and now he can visit me at home/shop with out issue. I do find it easier to meet him as his day in my town is often a test day at the track.

 

[Toyota mechanic]

All very true and I know nothing but it seems to me if one is in sales the principles of "How To Win Friends And Influence People" classic applies.....

Being a **** will always hurt...

I'm not in sales though.

Read my above post...lol... They are the 'hot blonde'... you need them! lol That is most SO dealers attitudes, and I wrote why I think so, from what I observed at the dealerships I worked for.

 

[Toyota mechanic]

I refound my dealer he was trained by my original dealer who died from drug abuse <1980s>. The last area current dealer and I did not get along, so I stopped spending on Snap-on.<He pulled the you did not buy this from me ****> But I found this guy in a different route at one of my racing customers shops and we knew each other.
His sales are no pressure type, often I push him into telling me what is hot and new. I also order things that nobody else has, keeps him on his toes.
He has let me go though the drawers in his truck and I have picked out old stock that appealed to me. He has warrantied every thing I have wanted even flex sockets that droop a little.
The unliked dealer sold his route and he arranged with new dealer that I was one of his regulars and now he can visit me at home/shop with out issue. I do find it easier to meet him as his day in my town is often a test day at the track.

A good dealer sure makes it all better. Most are not, that I have seen, sadly. Love the tools though.

 

[pi_guy]

All very true and I know nothing but it seems to me if one is in sales the principles of "How To Win Friends And Influence People" classic applies.....

Being a **** will always hurt...

I'm not in sales though.

If it is your area you get the sales, if you have a product people want.
I can think of some racing tire people and others that had an exclusive area distribution and you had no choice but to put up with their ****.
Look at Iphone sales and the service contacts you sign for a phone.

 

[pi_guy]

A good dealer sure makes it all better. Most are not, that I have seen, sadly. Love the tools though.

He answers my texts and phone calls, got me one of the miniature tool boxes.
I have sent him to search for old items and never a complaint.
Keeps me up on specials and fun to chat with<outside of tools>. We do have a lot of knowing the same people for 35 years.

 

[zkling]

I have had one of the many Snap-on guys that come and go do the following

1)Oh a "MAC BOX", we'll have to fix that
2)You can't use tools like that, especially Craftsman, not the mark of professionalism
3)Here is a flyer with real tools in it, tell me what you want first

They must be programmed with this **** in 'training' They act like the Jehova Witness of tool sales....

My response is
1) My MAC box is fine, I like SO better, but this is the deal I found.
2)My tools are working so far, shh! They didn't here the memo, they were not good enough
3)I love Snap-on tools, and have some, what I could afford; that seemed worth it to me. Stop being such a tool yourself, and maybe I would like to add to my tools.....

All my dealers were ridiculous and short lived.... Years ago, there was a great Snap-on dealer. The older guys miss those days..... It was before my time.

Snap-on tools are great, the red tape is what it is. I don't look for any tool dealers anymore. I use what works, and like shopping for older tools.

I told you the truth, so if you don't have a good dealer, online works as I stated from my personal experience.

This reminds me of two different friends of mine that like to give each other **** on occasion. Keep in mind we are all under 30. Both guys went to school for about the same amount of time.

Guy A.) Automotive tech, works at an independent shop, from moderate high end to common beater cars, all under $100K, some well under. Has a massive snap on box filled with almost every brand tool there is.

Guy B.) Has a basic craftsman stack shadowed with mostly craftsman USA tools, with a few misc specialty tools thrown in, very little truck brand tools. He works at a small airport doing maintenance on small aircraft that start at about $250K

 

[kythri]

I haven't had too much of an issue meeting local dealers at certain stops on their routes.

Some are more accommodating and friendly than others, and I've tended to go back to those particular ones.

 

[Art From De Leon]

The worst consequence of having the tool truck come to your house would be that it would attract unwanted attention, as to what you might have in your garage.

When I had my place in Texas, both the Snap on dealer and the Matco dealer would come by my 'shop' if I asked them to.

I could deal with the dealers (Snap-on, Matco, and Cornwell), that come by our mechanic and pump shops, but I prefer meeting the Snap-on dealer that I have been buying from (a couple of thousand a year) someplace on his own route.

 

[pi_guy]

The worst consequence of having the tool truck come to your house would be that it would attract unwanted attention, as to what you might have in your garage.

I live on a main drag, so it is not so obvious. The bigger draw of attention is a 40 foot trailer letting off a race car.

My Snap -on guy was shocked when he saw how loaded my Suburban was with tools and equipment. There no room for any passengers. He said you park that outside of a hotel when your on the road. Where else am I going to keep it.
They would need a bigger vehicle to pack all the stuff in, plus mostly what gets taken is race trailers parked for long term.

 

[canuckian]

The worst consequence of having the tool truck come to your house would be that it would attract unwanted attention, as to what you might have in your garage.

We just had a new Snap On guy take over the last guy's route (retired) and has offered to come by my residence if I needed anything as I'm on the way to a few of his bigger stops. I politely declined for the reason above. He's cool with me meeting him at any of his stops and he's also OK with me dropping by on weekends so I'm covered. He also participates in special offers and BOGO's which is an added bonus. The last guy had no interest at all in that kind of thing

2 types of people I don't need knowing what's in my shop....potential thieves and nosey neighbors (the bad, judgemental kind of nosey).

 

[Wakefield]

If there is a shop where you have a good relationship you might be able to find out when the tool truck is expected to come there and try your luck-if you are in good with one of the mechanics who visits the truck you can probably get in with him

the tool man might be a little bit suspicious about unknown walkons-potential shoplifter or even hijacker?

 

[Buster21]

My guy parks his truck in the same parking lot every weekday from 9:00 to 10:00 am, so you always know where to find him, you don't have to call and track him down or wait until he drops by the shop. If I need something right away I can always drive over in the morning and he will be getting his paperwork done etc. Makes it nice.

 

[P_I_Torque]

I haven't had too much of an issue meeting local dealers at certain stops on their routes.

Some are more accommodating and friendly than others, and I've tended to go back to those particular ones.

Good suggestion there. Snap-on, MAC, Matco, Cornwell, Independent, finding one that will work with you, for you, is what it's all about. They're out there, just ask the shops around the area.