Tool Franchise help

[Racer451]

What's up guys? Thanks for taking the time to read this thread. I am thinking of purchasing a tool franchise and would like some feedback. Anything is everything. If you are a fra nchise owner, and want to chime in on likes, dislikes, things to look out for, do's, song's etc.etc that would be great.
If you are a mechanic that buys tools, who you buy most from and why. Things you like about your tool guy things you hate etc etc
I know snap on is the known leader, but also the leader in price. Any feed back would be great. Thanks

Bill

 

[Conductor562]

Are you looking for a B&M shop or are you looking to buy into a truck brand franchise?

 

[Conductor562]

I'm not a salesman. If I made a living selling **** I'd starve in 3 weeks. I am a hell of a purchaser though. Not knowing what direction you intend to go, I feel there's a lot of upside to SK. Nice quality, vast line, name recognition, USA made, and probably the most affordable truly professional line.

 

[CWP1616L]

Buy a Cornwell franchise. The world needs more Cornwell dealers. They're the maker of the most ergonomic ratchet out there. And their extra-long combination wrenches are most excellent.

 

[Racer451]

I am looking into buying a tool truck, not brick n mortar. I have been looking at Mac but am open. .mac seems to be reasonably priced to get in, but why? I k ow if you are going to use a tool all day every day you will want the best, but for the so let's wrenches screwdrivers pliers ect. The best is extremely costly. Mac seems to be a little more reasonable for the majority. I have to do some research on SK and Cornwell. I am just starting to look around. Keep the ideas coming I apreaciate the feedback!
Bill

 

[Spudland_Dave]

MAC seems to do well around here...I know my MAC guy does well for himself...good guy, treats me good, etc...You wont catch me bad mouthing my MAC guy...The general consensus here is "I haven't had a good MAC guy since Roosevelt was in office"...

 

[oilfieldtrash4]

I am looking into buying a tool truck, not brick n mortar. I have been looking at Mac but am open. .mac seems to be reasonably priced to get in, but why? I k ow if you are going to use a tool all day every day you will want the best, but for the so let's wrenches screwdrivers pliers ect. The best is extremely costly. Mac seems to be a little more reasonable for the majority. I have to do some research on SK and Cornwell. I am just starting to look around. Keep the ideas coming I apreaciate the feedback!
Bill

Check out YouTube for some Mac dealers reviews. Why not look into a subway or some other kind of franchise that would actually make you money?

 

[wafrederick]

I know with Matco,the person goes down to Matco for a 10 day class before starting a route.The big thing is the service,great service gets you a great name out there.I don't bad mouth my Matco tool dealer for this reason,service is great from him.There are some that are not good out there with ****** service treating the customer like **** getting a bad name.

 

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

Some of my thoughts in random order:
SO is the only brand that has been there for me throughout my career - all the other brands have come and and gone and restarted again. We have Matco guy now who is the only other brand truck in the area, but I don't even deal with him since I went for so long with only a SO guy that by the time he came around he had nothing on his truck that I wanted.
The business *****, IMO. Lots of hours and tons of variables / unforeseen problems that can wreck your ability to be successful. You better love it and be dedicated to that job to make it work.
You need cash in the bank - more than they say you do. 'Cause us mechanics aren't happy when the tool man has hit his credit limit with corporate and can't order in more tools till he pays that bill down - yet he can't bring much cash in except the weekly payments guys make. This is doing it all within the guidelines corporate will tell you of what customers can carry off the truck / must pay each week. It only takes a few little hiccups of a missed week (truck broke down or it snowed 3 feet) and you are in trouble. Add in the fact that big stuff like a tool box goes against that same bill and you get maxed out fast. It hard to sell tools that you can't get for the customer - If I'm going to pay premium SO prices I want that item the next visit.

 

[wafrederick]

I talked to a shop owner my father knows in Febuary,he had 4 Snap On dealers at least come in so far and nothing but ****** service out of them including the current one.The current one,he did have to give an ultimatuim to and took care of the problem himself.Told this dealer to fix a ratchet or he was done stopping by.This dealer refused to fix an employee's hand ratchet that was slipping saying there was nothing wrong with it.This shop owner witnessed it,busted knuckles twice slipping 5 times.Ended up fixing the ratchet finally.Basically there are some bad Matco,Mac and Snap On dealers out there.This includes Cornwell also.

 

[wornoutoldman]

I would imagine an independent tool truck could give the big three a run for the money, providing consistancy and service remained constant. Check out PTEN magazine (google it). Think SK, Wright, all the rebranded tools the big guys hustle. You could provide top quality/warranty at a discount and make your money without franchise fees/restrictions.

 

[NC-Fordguy]

Check out YouTube for some Mac dealers reviews. Why not look into a subway or some other kind of franchise that would actually make you money?

^this

I've gotten to know my snappy and cornwell guys pretty well and have witnessed some of the **** they deal with.

Broken down trucks, deadbeat customers, bad weather, company policies, all which effects what they put in their pocket. Plus they have to be nice to folks that I'd want to ***** slap much less be on my truck. The **** they deal with isn't for most folks.

Tough way to make a living

 

[devoncoolman]

I live and work in an area where snap-on reigns supreme. Mainly because they have had reliable dealers here for the last 40-50 years. The other 3 come and go. Mainly why 70% of my tools including my box at work and home are all snap-on. Same with my father and grandfather. I currently have all 4 tool trucks that come to my shop. I buy from all 4 but i usually be careful what i buy. I have a feeling the cornwell guy wont last more than 4-5 yrs. so i only buy Ast, Otc, Knipex, etc from him. All brands i can get my matco or snap-on guy to warrantee for me if need be. If i were to get into a tool franchise it would be snap-on or matco. They both have good names around here and thats mainly because the dealers for both around these parts are everlasting and quality dealers.

A tip for when you do pull the trigger. Be your mechanics friend listen to their gripes and trials and tribulations. Honestly you will get more sales and your customers will be more inclined to pay u more. I value my dealers that will hold a conversation with me. Not the ones that ask what u need then the storm off in their truck. I don't buy squat off those guys.

 

[MattPersman]

I like Mac but you would be crazy to start a Mac franchise. For instance those great sale fliers with the cheap promos on there ok well you got a line of 50 people on your route that want in on that deal...sorry Mac may only give you 2 or even 1. Or if you can order as many as you want it may be 3 months to get it. Not the drivers fault but your potential customers may shop else where when they can't get what they want this is the now generation and we want instant results. It is almost like you are set up for failure unless you can sell your everyday hard line stuff at full retail like crazy. The promo stuff that is real reasonably priced is very low availability to the average driver.

Snap on is not the highest price. Matco is. Compare items from all areas in the catalog. Snap on has the BEST name recognition, a very high percentage of the tools are made in the USA by snap on, not relabeled KD or Lisle or OTC pretending to be Matco or off shore Matco stuff. Used to be 10 years ago Matco was cheaper and had a lot of USA stuff but it has gotten out of hand price wise and they really changed the line up.

If it was me it would be snap on, best name recognition, good finance options for buyers, great tool storage, veRy good lineup of tools and accessories. Huge cult following, look at the money people will pay just for the promo stuff. Or a new color handle that a dealer can only get, the $99 dollar deals they have done n the past etc.

It would be a tough business regardless no doubt, but you gotta give yourself the best chance for success. The technician segment of the world is not getting richer so sales are tougher but if you offer the best and are friendly and willing to deal a little it will go a long way. Just make sure you make warranty service pain free even if someone isn't buying stuff from you, etc. some of these old timers are just running there time out before they retire and have all the tools they think they need.

Good luck.

 

[chris142]

Our snap on guy seems to be doing very well as he just bought a house and paid cash for it. Matco guy is running around on bald tires and a broken windshield but he does keep the truck well stocked. Mac went under as did both Cornwell guys. The last Cornwell guy didn't last a year.

 

[MadTinkerer]

I am serviced by a Mac and snap-on guy. I purchase from both guys. My two biggest problems are rebranded products and consistency. I prefer snap on, but my snap on dealer is so inconsistent in coming to the shop. He usually comes Fridays but weeks can go by without seeing him and that can get frustrating when waiting for a tool. On the other hand my Mac guy you could set your watch to. He shows up once a week at the same time every week. My problem with Mac and to a lesser extent snap on is I go on the truck and look around and all I see is rebranded product. With tool websites offering free shipping and cheaper prices for the oem manufacture of the tools I find it hard to pay the inflated price of stuff just because it is labeled Mac or blue point.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2

 

[dsimatt]

I think the biggest thing to do is do your home, you need to figure where the route will be and then what's the tool brand that sells best. The Mac guys around here really struggle and barely last 2 years at most.

 

[firebox40dash5]

I would imagine an independent tool truck could give the big three a run for the money, providing consistancy and service remained constant. Check out PTEN magazine (google it). Think SK, Wright, all the rebranded tools the big guys hustle. You could provide top quality/warranty at a discount and make your money without franchise fees/restrictions.

There's where I'm thinking you'd derail. Especially with those rebranded specialty tools. It's always been my understanding that particularly OTC ***** to deal with for service, and that's the reason I'll buy some of their stuff (the things I think have good odds of breaking ) off the truck. Pay more up front, but for the knowledge that I can get it replaced hassle- (and shipping expense-) free when it breaks. I'm sure Matco is buying enough volume to get better service from them, as well as selling enough volume to have a person or team dedicated to warranty claims with just that company.

I'm curious how well that would work with the hardline tools as well... can you reliably get someone a socket or wrench or ratchet within a couple days? Can you do it without paying through the nose for faster shipping, and/or having spares of everything in inventory? Hell, my biggest gripe with tool trucks is that half the time I'm waiting a week plus for broken stuff to get replaced, where a B&M store with it in stock could have swapped it right now.

 

[metalhead212121]

Racer451 read what Heavy Metal Doctor wrote about 20 to 30 times before you decide to have your own tool route. From what Ive seen... Matco, Mac and Cornwell guys have come and gone... some leave the business.... some end up down the road as Snap on dealers. Some snap on dealers throw the towel in and do something else. I've NEVER seen a snap on dealer become a Matco, Mac to Cornwell salesmen.... Just something to think about!

Some of my thoughts in random order:
SO is the only brand that has been there for me throughout my career - all the other brands have come and and gone and restarted again. We have Matco guy now who is the only other brand truck in the area, but I don't even deal with him since I went for so long with only a SO guy that by the time he came around he had nothing on his truck that I wanted.
The business *****, IMO. Lots of hours and tons of variables / unforeseen problems that can wreck your ability to be successful. You better love it and be dedicated to that job to make it work.
You need cash in the bank - more than they say you do. 'Cause us mechanics aren't happy when the tool man has hit his credit limit with corporate and can't order in more tools till he pays that bill down - yet he can't bring much cash in except the weekly payments guys make. This is doing it all within the guidelines corporate will tell you of what customers can carry off the truck / must pay each week. It only takes a few little hiccups of a missed week (truck broke down or it snowed 3 feet) and you are in trouble. Add in the fact that big stuff like a tool box goes against that same bill and you get maxed out fast. It hard to sell tools that you can't get for the customer - If I'm going to pay premium SO prices I want that item the next visit.

 

[Conductor562]

I've seen the Mac driver testimonials on YouTube. I don't think I'd want to be a Mac guy.

IF you could get the warranty support, I still think an independent SK truck could be pretty great.

 

[PeteMoore]

The truck guys round my area are all awesome. More than happy to drop out to the house at the end of a working day with nothing more than a text sent to their phone requesting their presence.

Mac guys are floating about in vans, but they look modern, very corporate and their service is spot on. Snap-On seem to continue using their older vans until they die their last death. My personal preference is the Snap-On man. Not only has he always supplied me with USA made product (he knows I won't buy the non-USA made stuff) but it turns out he is heavy into motorsport like me and we now deal back and forth in a lot of his repo stuff. Meaning I get good prices and he clears his debts and pockets a few pound.

Non of them seem to be in any sort of hardship, but all of them are working every hour god sends to make sure they keep their wives in the lifestyle they have become accustomed to.

SO would be my choice, and I have considered taking on a franchise myself, but all our local routes here are taken and I would struggle with keeping my own personal collection under control if I were to take a franchise on.

 

[Racer451]

I appreciate all this feed back guys....Thanks! One thing I know about sales, is customer service.....makes you or breaks you!!! My goal would be to try to have the common tools that need replacement, on the truck! This way, when a mechanic comes up and says his ratchet is slipping, I can hand him one on the spot, and not make him wait a week for a new one. Then take his, and chuck it in the bucket! Lol. A mechanic without tools is like a house without a roof. Nothing worse than having to borrow a tool for a week from the boss.
I appreciate the credit insight. That is something that needs to be paid close attention to. I know after talking to the Mac RM he said, with toolboxes, they are financed through a bank and the driver is paid on delivery. A portion of that $ goes into an escrow account in case of default, but it shouldn't eat up your credit line unless you are holding the note for the customer. If you actually wanted to take that risk.....you should set up a deposit of an agreed amount like 50% and the rest can be owed. That way you can pay down the credit with Mac and keep rolling.
On another note, what are the more common tools that need to be replaced? I know I break ratchets, sockets, and screwdrivers but than again I am not a mechanic working with them all day everyday. I am just a backyard racer.
Again, thanks for all the insight, and good feedback. Keep it going!

Bill

 

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

I appreciate the credit insight. That is something that needs to be paid close attention to. I know after talking to the Mac RM he said, with toolboxes, they are financed through a bank and the driver is paid on delivery. A portion of that $ goes into an escrow account in case of default, but it shouldn't eat up your credit line unless you are holding the note for the customer. If you actually wanted to take that risk.....you should set up a deposit of an agreed amount like 50% and the rest can be owed. That way you can pay down the credit with Mac and keep rolling.
On another note, what are the more common tools that need to be replaced? I know I break ratchets, sockets, and screwdrivers but than again I am not a mechanic working with them all day everyday. I am just a backyard racer.
Again, thanks for all the insight, and good feedback. Keep it going!

Bill

But did he tell you what happens to the dollars wrapped up in a trade in deal?
I just traded a box that my dealer had to take with nobody lined up to buy / pay for it. Here's a theoretical numbers run down to consider: I buy a 20K box. SO corp. Charges the franchisee 17K for it. He offer's me 10K for my trade in. So I pay him 10k (even if I put that money on a credit deal and the toolman get the 10K from the bank - makes no difference) and give him my old box, but SO want 17K so he is 7k behind on his account for the 3 months it takes him to sell a 10K used box. He may be able to sell that used box for a profit and come out better in the end, but he has to carry some significant dollars on his account 'till both deals are done....do that many times over in a short time when the "rock and roll tool box express" (or whatever they call it) comes to town and gets a bunch of big boxes sold and you can see how it eats up a big portion of your corp. tool account when they start getting delivered to the customers......my last dealer (worked with him over 15 years) quit over this exact situation - he dealt with it fine and did a good business until Corp. lowered the tool account limits. Within 6 months of that he was out. The new guy has been at it for about 2 years and he has run up against that wall 2 or 3 times....nothing but regular stock items on the truck gets sold 'till he gets back off hold.

 

[Dave455]

Talking to the tool truck guys here in the U.K. I think it would be vey foolish to sign up for anything other than Snap On, and even then I would be wary!

The problem with Mac is that I don't believe that they actually make any tools any more! They are just a brand, owned by Stanley, applied to their better quality tools! Now, some of those tools are pretty good, are US made, and can rival Snap On for quality, but these tools are now making up less and less of the range! Stanley are quite happy to put the Mac name on more and more Taiwanese **** and have pretty much trashed it!

In the past, Mac tools had their own followers (quite rightly, many of the tools were unique to Mac) but there is now less and less stuff for them to buy! Last time I was on a Mac truck I reckon only about 25% of the tools were US made, and you had to work to find them!

A potential customer can buy Taiwanese tools anywhere, he doen't need to go to Mac, and all the guys on the trucks seem to be struggling as a result!

Here in the U.K. quite a few guys are setting up their own business, and that's one thing to consider. The mistake most of them make is to stock the trucks with the same Taiwanese shite that nobody wants. If you got your own truck and filled it with some quality stuff like Stahlwille or KoKen, and maybe something like Beta for the budget conscious, you might be on to something good!

As you say, the key is giving a good service! When visiting the US I'm surprised how little stock some of the US dealers keep on their trucks! I know they can order it, but that's not the point! Just having the stuff would probably win you a lot of customers straight off!

Good luck!

 

[devilsnight]

If i was going to do it. I'd be independant. Sell good quality tools and completely undercut the rest of the tool trucks. We have Snapon, Matco and Mac by us. I don't buy anything from them anymore, the pricing has just become rediculous. Realize the majority of your customers that need tools are entry level guys trying to fill up their box, get the stuff they need. Making 8 - 12 bucks an hour. Sell em a $400 wrench set and they'll be making payments on it for 2 months. Just the way I see it. I wish there was someone selling reasonably priced quality tools that would show up at my shop. I'd buy em

The other thing i see is with all the tool truck guys that come and go. Your probly getting into a route that someone else failed. Could be the last guy was a bad salesman, could be theres no market for the brand in the area. Seems like a huge deal to get into and say, out of all your potential customers less than 5% even would consider buying a Mac tool.

 

[Racer451]

Theses are all great points....Thank you! To tell you the truth, I wish Craftsman had a tool truck trade, but I guess the price is so low already, there would be no place to go with the price but up from the store for your time and expenses. LOL. I have an appointment to talk to a matco guy on monday and see what the deal is stright from the driver himself. I was told by my buddy that he is doing really well, and that he just bought a new international so he must be doing something right lol. My buddy also said he hasnt seen a mac guy come to his shop in a long time. The RM said there were a few territories available in NJ, but that makes me worried as well.......Why? I am thinking mac was on a downslide, and they are trying to come back? The whole tiawanese thing worries me, but it sounds like that is the direction all tool company's are heading. Snap on is taking the usa off thier tools? Matco is importing? Even craftsman is shipping across the big blue. Unfortunatly, it seems that the tool companys are following suite with all other industry. I guess when it comes to the technology of these cars and the electronic equipment to scan, and repair, you have to go over to who makes the computers. Once you are over there, they wont make one tool for you, you have to have a line up in order to become a partner with them.
The tool box scenario is great feedback, and has me thinking hard about the credit scenario. I was more worried about having to chase down money owed to me from guys that move around, but now concerned about credit issues with the boxes. I have a lot of questions regarding up grading boxes, he didnt get into that at all (wonder why?)
THe majority of guys that buy into franchises see, being an owner....taking vacations when you want, waking up and not feeling like you want to go into work so they dont, had it for the day, are banging out early, but that is not reality. Being the owner, you have to work twice as hard! You have to go to work every day 6 days a week, work late, then go home and work more, keep customer's happy and show them you are responsible. Product sells itself, but if you arent there to take care of your customer when they need you, they will buy from who they trust. I think why a lot of people fail in business is they are all about making the new sale and not worrying about the problems. Problems dont go away, they only get worse. And then again, some people just arent people persons. LOL

thanks again for all this great insight, it is really making me think!

Bill

 

[amlv20]

Snap on is taking the USA off their tools?? Uhh no, they just put the USA back onto the ratchet heads and pliers, my dealer has been selling them like crazy been trying to get me a new fl80 just for the USA stamp.

 

[amlv20]

I also don't like matco for the longest time, I had a good run with a Mac guy.he was great for four years until I bought a cart and a tool box on credit.the cart was junk and I was unhappy the tool box drawers would bind when opened.after three months and several attempts to fix he warrantied the box and his rm had him give me a stainless top and cover for the troubles then he bought the cart back from me but he stopped warrantyingmy tools and that was the last time I saw him, I was greatful and satisfied with what he did to correct the problems but disappointed our business suffered from it.i still see him driving around town give him a wave at times but Wednesday comes around and I see him just drive past the shop, its a shame.we did have an Indy guy who used to have all the brands that get rebranded and complete used sets of snap on,Mac and matco at good prices, but then he had personal issues and went down hill from there, we're lucky if we see him once a month with any tools on truck.my snappy dealer has been around for years and have known him over three at first he was to business for him but now I like him took me a while to realize he was just trying to do what's best for me, he likes taking my money but I don't mind for superior tools and consistent service.i would recommend snap on but everyone has their own expierance and opinions, regardless hope for the best and good luck

 

[TDWendt]

MAC is in the process of going out of business, I just called em the other day to see if we could get a driver here in Toledo.
Its weird cuz MAC is an Ohio company and I've never seen a truck in nw Ohio.

My vote is Snappy or an independent truck( I buy more from my independant dealer that comes in then anyone)

 

[metalhead212121]

This way, when a mechanic comes up and says his ratchet is slipping, I can hand him one on the spot, and not make him wait a week for a new one. Then take his, and chuck it in the bucket!

Bill

In my experiences this only happens with craftsman stuff.... all the tool truck guys Ive dealt with will take ratchet apart rebuild it and give it back to you. Personally I'd rather just give out a new one of the same $$$ amount and be done with it.... I have a feeling CORPORATE makes you it THEIR way. I know some guys will say that its not a big deal to take a ratchet apart and rebuild it..... just remember TIME IS MONEY! What part of NJ are you looking to start a route in? Ive only seen one or two Matco guys in the past 13 years Ive been living in NNJ. The ONE experience I had with a Matco guy was NOT a good one.

 

[firebox40dash5]

In my experiences this only happens with craftsman stuff.... all the tool truck guys Ive dealt with will take ratchet apart rebuild it and give it back to you. Personally I'd rather just give out a new one of the same $$$ amount and be done with it.... I have a feeling CORPORATE makes you it THEIR way. I know some guys will say that its not a big deal to take a ratchet apart and rebuild it..... just remember TIME IS MONEY! What part of NJ are you looking to start a route in? Ive only seen one or two Matco guys in the past 13 years Ive been living in NNJ. The ONE experience I had with a Matco guy was NOT a good one.

My Matco driver ******* about rebuilding ratchets when the topic is brought up, for the same reasons. Of course, he also won't throw me a rebuild kit and let me do it myself either, soooooo... IMO, you made your money (I hope, anyway) on the front end, if all you gotta do is spend 3 minutes on a ratchet with no other out of pocket expenses, kwitcherbitchen.

I don't think anyone but Sears would dream of throwing anyone a new ratchet and trashing or refurbing the old one to sell it used and have to maintain a stock of them.

 

[Conductor562]

MAC is in the process of going out of business, I just called em the other day to see if we could get a driver here in Toledo.
Its weird cuz MAC is an Ohio company and I've never seen a truck in nw Ohio.

My vote is Snappy or an independent truck( I buy more from my independant dealer that comes in then anyone)

Mac actually told you they were in the process of going out of business? I can't say I'd be all that surprised if Stanley sold it off (they are the ******* step child anyway), but going out of business would surprise me.

 

[Pumpman1968]

Check out YouTube for some Mac dealers reviews. Why not look into a subway or some other kind of franchise that would actually make you money?

Check this out

 

[1982fxr]

MAC is in the process of going out of business, I just called em the other day to see if we could get a driver here in Toledo.
Its weird cuz MAC is an Ohio company and I've never seen a truck in nw Ohio.

My vote is Snappy or an independent truck( I buy more from my independant dealer that comes in then anyone)

Who told you they were going out of business? Mac will go out of business when Craftsman does which is never because the name is a goldmine. Yes i know Craftsman does not actually make tools.

I call ********

 

[metalhead212121]

My Matco driver ******* about rebuilding ratchets when the topic is brought up, for the same reasons. Of course, he also won't throw me a rebuild kit and let me do it myself either, soooooo... IMO, you made your money (I hope, anyway) on the front end, if all you gotta do is spend 3 minutes on a ratchet with no other out of pocket expenses, kwitcherbitchen.

I don't think anyone but Sears would dream of throwing anyone a new ratchet and trashing or refurbing the old one to sell it used and have to maintain a stock of them.

In this day and age with swap meets, craigslist and ebay I can't buying BRAND NEW ratchets unless the price is right or its a unique one. I'll admit there's a couple special ratchets out there that I might have a hard time finding at a swap meet, craigslist or ebay.... So as far as guys making money "on the front end" I just dont see that happening. In theory I see it happening... in the real world.. unfortunately not. Further more... 3 minutes for EVERY GUY that is on your stop day in day out... it gets old fast. Personally I'M WITH YOU FIREBOX... **** it up and deal!!! They signed on the dotted line to sell tools and play by corporates rules. That's one of the reasons why Ive always tried to buy snap on stuff. Ive had minor to major issues with ALL tool truck guys over the years. Ive made complaints to Mac and Matco district reps and they've pretty much told me to my face they dont give a **** about my issues! Snap on on the other hand has made their district reps come around and COME TO ME and ask if I had any issues with the tool truck rep. What a concept.. a rep that COMES to me vs. me chasing a rep down only to tell me I dont give a **** about you.


Im sure some tool truck guys can play the angle of 0% financing to the young guys starting out ect ect..... Id argue a guy just starting out would be better off applying for a credit card with 0% interest for 12 to 15 months.... buy $1000 to $1500 of basic tools on ebay and make $100 a month payment to the credit card. It never hurts to think outside the box.

 

[Givl Reggin]

Being the owner, you have to work twice as hard! You have to go to work every day 6 days a week, work late, then go home and work more

I'm going to tackle it from a different point of view... why do you want to work that hard? Giving up your free time, your hobbies, your evenings, your weekends, vacations?

I get the lure of being your own boss, and the possibly of making a good living, but what's the failure rate of tool trucks in their first year? 50%? 60%? 70%? That's a big risk.

I can remember the advice my father gave my mother when she wanted to open a restaurant.... if you have enough money to open a restaurant, you don't need to open a restaurant.

 

[CWP1616L]

MAC is in the process of going out of business, I just called em the other day to see if we could get a driver here in Toledo.

MAC is owned by the huge conglomerate Stanley Tool Works.

 

[TangoFoxTrot]

Even though I love tools, I think it's a dying business model that's only going to get tougher. The internet has really changed the way we buy and sell goods. A couple of key strokes on my smart phone and I can have a product on my doorstep in the same day.

Also, the distribution channel can't be controlled like it used to, people have CraigsList, Ebay, etc. where they can sell those products, both new and used.

I'm sure there's guys that do great business, but I'd be willing to bet for every one of those there's at least 10 that really regret jumping in.

 

[scott917]

I know nothing about how the guys that own tool trucks work, but i do want to offer you something that i was told just a week ago.

I bought a Snap On tool cart from my snap on guy. He delivered to my house(it is for my home garage) because it was easier to deliver out of his pickup truck.

We got to talking and told him that i wanted a bigger Equip box in the same color(68" Equip with powertop). I told him i would like the hutch too, but that would have to be a later time... just too expensive to buy them both at the same time. Here is what he told me....

He told me that he personally buys boxes twice a year. He said they have a "national roll out", and a "regional roll out"(about 6 months apart from each other). Evidently they get tool boxes for a deal at those two times a year. He said if i could tell him about it in advance, or could wait till one of those two times rolls around, he could buy the box i wanted with the others he would buy and then tell them on my box to throw in the hutch for free, and he would pass it on to me at the same price. He said at these two times of the year he buys "several" boxes and this is the time of the year he can "wheel and deal" on them.

He essentially told me he buys 6 months worth of tool boxes and then tries to sell from what he personally bought. He said if someone wants a new box and can't wait, he will special order it, but they will pay a higher price for it.

I hope i am not giving any Snap on secrets away. I like my Snap on guy a whole lot. And whats more, i am not even a professional. I work in a hospital. I just appreciate nice tools. I am pretty sure he is more than happy to sell to me because he knows he will probably never have to "warranty" very much from my home garage.

And to be fair and honest, I like Cornwell ratchets and wrenches. I have a decent amount of Snap On, so i cant see me buying duplicates just to have Cornwell on them, but I do like them.

Edit: that last part is a kinda a lie. I am currently looking for Cornwell Ratchets, i just think the handles are ****.(curvy like a woman...) i will look into buying some Cornwell wrenches if i ever need them....

S

 

[CWP1616L]

That truck lease payment is gonna kill you; they're about $1200 a month. It's hard to build an inventory when you got $1200 going out every month. The only way to get on top of the game is if you got the resources to own your own truck and your own inventory.