Rules for Tool Truck Drivers

[freudianfloyd]

One of my favorite things to do, and something I look forward to every year is going to the big swap meet and looking for tools. I know I am not the only one, but it got me thinking. Are Snap On/Matco/Cornwell/Mac drivers allowed to sell tools to anybody any where? If they are, I wonder why franchisees don't rent a spot at the big swap meets and sell their wares?

I know people are usually looking for deals on tools at swap meets, but not always. I know I would probably buy something every time I saw their trucks. maybe they wouldn't even have a truck, but tables with their tools.

Maybe this is a really stupid question, I don't know, but since I never see any trucks and have never been fortunate enough to step into one, maybe there are things about this idea that wouldn't work.

 

[ex-x-fire]

I've seen a Snap On truck at a big swap once or twice. I don't know about their rules.

 

[unslow1]

They do have routes or areas. I have a couple of friends with Snapon routes and they tell me they are restricted in who/where they can sell. That may not be the case in areas without designated drivers or with other companies.

 

[Tonyuk]

The drivers near me will sell to anyone, however anyone not working at an automotive shop etc.. will need to go to the driver. He wont wait around for joe bloggs to show up.

 

[Brownsfan]

I know that they have a specific geographical territory. Every year at the Summit piston power show there is a Snap on guy there selling tools. And its the same guy every year. So maybe the venue is in his territory and therefore he can sell there

 

[canuckian]

Likely not worth their time dealing with the schmucks that would come on board just looking for a free hat, then tell the truck guy his prices are too high and walk off empty handed, or at least leave without paying for whatever they lifted. Some trucks have a maximum number of people allowed on the truck at any given time rule for a reason.

And yes, most do have a territory that they have to sell within.

 

[freudianfloyd]

Dang. Thanks for the replies everybody. Just the other day, I had my recent bonus burning a hole in my pocket, and I was thinking "if there was a Snap On store around here, I would be buying something". I don't have the nerve to just pull into a lot if I saw a snap on truck, and just ask permission to come aboard. Maybe it's common and the drivers are used to it?

 

[maxpower_hd]

Dang. Thanks for the replies everybody. Just the other day, I had my recent bonus burning a hole in my pocket, and I was thinking "if there was a Snap On store around here, I would be buying something". I don't have the nerve to just pull into a lot if I saw a snap on truck, and just ask permission to come aboard. Maybe it's common and the drivers are used to it?

The ones I have dealt with would have no issue letting you on the truck. But they may very well not have what you need on the truck meaning you would have to order it anyway. They don't seem to stock a whole lot anymore.

I actually ordered a test light from the Snap On guy that goes to where I work. But I never actually see him unless I am there during the day. I work nights. So I grabbed him one day when I was there to get the light and he was happy to work with me. But I had to call him because the guts were missing out of it. My guess is it was the demo and he had to warranty someone else's with it.

 

[OHMS LAW]

If you got the money honey they got the time. Most snap on drivers only care about dollars made.

 

[Wamsutta]

Some of the drivers will sell their wares on eBay. That's a much safer environment for the tools than leaving them exposed to the critters at a swap meet.

 

[protegeV]

They do have routes or areas. I have a couple of friends with Snapon routes and they tell me they are restricted in who/where they can sell. That may not be the case in areas without designated drivers or with other companies.

I know that they have a specific geographical territory. Every year at the Summit piston power show there is a Snap on guy there selling tools. And its the same guy every year. So maybe the venue is in his territory and therefore he can sell there

These are correct. They are strictly bound by their "territory."

They cannot visit a shop that is not assigned to them. However, anyone can go to the truck. Our snap-on guy is a complete loser. NEVER walks in the shop and only drives onto the lot once or twice a month. So I either go to another shop where a buddy works if I need something or if it's just warranty I will give the buddy the tool to get swapped out.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

Unless you actually need to fondle the stuff ahead of time, just jump on SnapOn's website or ebay and do your shopping. I'm not a guy that cares to molest a Dual 80 before I buy it; I know it will be good. I also know a 17mm socket will be a 17mm socket, and the first time I use it the perfect chrome will be scuffed.

 

[nes999]

All of the local snap on dealers rented an event space last year near me. It was pretty cool dealing woth different ones. Every dealer had a table full of "**** we cant normally sell" very good deals to be had.

You can also call the number you see on the side of the truck. Most likely they'll tell you to meet them somewhere on their route and help you out.

Sent from my VS988 using Tapatalk

 

[finn]

I can see it now: Snapon truck pulls into a swap space, then all the used tool vendors mob the truck, hands and pockets filled to capacity with worn out and broken Snapon tools they picked up for pennies on the dollar at estate and rummage sales, demanding that they be exchanged for brand new replacements.

The driver never sees those “customers” until next year at the meet, where they repeat the performance.

If I was a Snapon driver, I’d Stay as far away as possible.

 

[freudianfloyd]

I can see it now: Snapon truck pulls into a swap space, then all the used tool vendors mob the truck, hands and pockets filled to capacity with worn out and broken Snapon tools they picked up for pennies on the dollar at estate and rummage sales, demanding that they be exchanged for brand new replacements.

The driver never sees those “customers” until next year at the meet, where they repeat the performance.

If I was a Snapon driver, I’d Stay as far away as possible.

Good point. Never thought of that.

 

[f121]

Snap on have a number you can call to find who your local franchisee is, or you can usually find them on Facebook. My snap on guy was fine with me messaging him and finding out where he was, then coming over and giving him a bunch of cash for a trim tool set that I needed that day.

I generally find eBay and snap on website are more expensive than on the truck, but it's whatever works for you.

 

[scooby074]

Dealing with the "warranty" return guys

Another is the theft risk.

Another is that most there will balk at the prices, any serious buyers will know to just call the dealer to make contact at a convenient time.

Last one is that the drivers have limited territory they can sell into.

Alot to lose, very little to gain.

 

[619DioFan]

About once a year all the snap-on drivers here meet at a location and sell to anyone that shows up. the event is advertised well in advance. they have lower prices on a lot of stuff for this event. I went a few times , got a nice mechanics chair for half price. mostly the snap-on stuff is more than I care to spend as a DIYer.

 

[dsimatt]

Unless you actually need to fondle the stuff ahead of time, just jump on SnapOn's website or ebay and do your shopping. I'm not a guy that cares to molest a Dual 80 before I buy it; I know it will be good. I also know a 17mm socket will be a 17mm socket, and the first time I use it the perfect chrome will be scuffed.

I couldn't afford snap on if I had to shop their website plus the site *****, my driver is usually 25-50% off lost price.

 

[bobcatdan]

The times I have seen tool trucks at swap meets are guys with a ton of the merchandise, clocks, clothing all the gimmick stuff out on display and maybe some used stuff. I never asked to go on the truck, but that has seem reserved for regular customers who happen to be at the show. I would think as long as the show is in their territory, they are free to go. Its probably a question of do they want to miss a day or two of the route to go sell socks at a car show.

 

[WittHay]

I think a lot of these swap meets and car shows are weekend things. The drivers probably want to have some off time on the weekends for the wife and family. They put in long hours as sometimes they catch the night shift at truck repair shops.

Theft is probably no 1. concern, and they dont want to hear people telling them that they can buy a whole set of HF screwdrivers for half the cost of one truck brand screwdriver on their day off.

Most people will get sticker shock on the tool truck, I still do.

 

[WordMan]

Snap On, Mac, and Matco dealers have "territories" that are designated by shop, not geography. Cornwell dealers have an assigned geographic territory.

 

[-OSIS-]

Dang. Thanks for the replies everybody. Just the other day, I had my recent bonus burning a hole in my pocket, and I was thinking "if there was a Snap On store around here, I would be buying something". I don't have the nerve to just pull into a lot if I saw a snap on truck, and just ask permission to come aboard. Maybe it's common and the drivers are used to it?

No issue happens all the time. They’re always invited to the party. !