Tool truck pricing vs online pricing

[Tomthumb717]

I am starting to collect various brand name tools such as SO, MAC, MATCO etc... and so far have picked up some nice items at good prices both new and used at auctions, garage sales and off of CL. Can anyone tell me when it comes to purchasing new items do the trucks offer any discounts vs ordering online. I have never been on the trucks before but see them around town. Any insight would be appreciated.

 

[Skin]

When it comes to non-specials it depends on the dealer. Most stick to list, some haggle, some discount a little for cash since it saves them the CC fee. You'd have to ask.

Also when it comes to the specials (usually buy something get something else free) in general dealers wont offer them to customers off the street before they get to their regulars.

 

[Tomthumb717]

Skin - Thank you for the info. Seems that i am just gonna have to become one of their regulars then!

 

[fordnut85]

It really depends on the dealer. Mine pretty much sticks to list for smaller stuff but cuts some good deals on big ticket items like scan tools and tool boxes. He does tend to throw in freebees with some deals like buy a 1/2" and 3/8" ratchet and he will throw the 1/4" in for 1/2 off.

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

 

[Thax]

I think that a dealer will only start to discount stuff under certain conditions. Depends on how long you have been a customer , how much you spend and if you are always on top of your tool bill.

 

[UberA3]

Try Ebay, lots of good deals on new stuff for cheaper than the trucks.

 

[gdocktor3]

I acquired a large collection of mostly all tool truck brands buying off eBay, Craigslist, pawn shops, and flea markets. Some things I buy online though. The thing is, I don't wrench for a living, therefor cannot always justify spending top dollar buying brand new. You have no idea the tools I've picked up on eBay for cheap cheap that appear to have never been used. It's insane. Unless you're in dire need of a particular tool and/or know you will make money with that tool, I recommend buying used or searching eBay for discounted prices. They're out there...

 

[shawhite]

I am no where near a regular on the snapon truck but my driver usually discounts 10-20% for cash.

 

[Mhyde52]

Usually at least 10% off for anything other than the smallest items.

 

[Tomthumb717]

Thanks again everyone for the advice. I will most certainly explore all of the above. I do not work with tools for a living just restore old vises as a hobby and since joining this site cannot seem to stop acquiring new (old) tools with a passion. As my wife says "I have a problem"

 

[gdocktor3]

Another way to save money is to buy OEM stuff or rebadged equivalents. Have you seen the tool truck equivalents thread http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=249851

 

[TReel98]

I've got 3 trucks that come to work. Mac Snap On and basically a Gearwrench truck. mac wont discount anything as far as I can tell (they come on my day off so i rarely go on that truck). Gearwrench will discount if you keep buying from him usually on bigger items. Snap On it depends on who you are some of the guys wont buy from him because he wont discount them. He usually cuts me a deal on almost everything because he realizes I'm just starting out and need god tools (he usually cuts me 25 - 40 % off) my impact he took 100 off gave me a $110 ratchet for 40 bucks once so I usually come back to him.

 

[anndel]

I am starting to collect various brand name tools such as SO, MAC, MATCO etc... and so far have picked up some nice items at good prices both new and used at auctions, garage sales and off of CL. Can anyone tell me when it comes to purchasing new items do the trucks offer any discounts vs ordering online. I have never been on the trucks before but see them around town. Any insight would be appreciated.

My SO driver never charges the MSRP price I always get my SO tools for less than SO's online price.

 

[echerbst]

Depends on drivers and how much u buy. I but a lot from snappy so I don't even have to ask for deals or discounts. He just takes care of me and treats me right. Prolly 20-25% off most stuff and freebies. But I prooly spend 10k a year with him. Matco guy is ok but does not deal as much. All u can do is try and ask what he could do for u on specific items. Never really a good negatioation tactic to just say what kind of discount will u give me. Better tactics are hey this socket set list is 220 would u be willing to do 175 for it. Or throw in a ratchet. Etc.

 

[vettex2]

I always paid cash and got far better deals then the guys with accounts.
Back then there was no"online"

 

[geartow]

my case in point is the sunex 9605m wrench set. buy off the web for 25 dollars to my door. but i choose to buy from the truck at 33 dollars plus tax . why you ask because he comes every week to replace one should i break it , and if he does not replace i can punch him in the nose , hard to do when you buy from the web. but it is the personal service that i find the value in.

 

[67King]

I look at it differently. A truck doesn't sell tools,it provides a service. It comes to you, handles warranty on the spot, finances, offers advice and product knowledge, etc. That saves time. If you average $50/hr, then if you spend $50 more but the guy saves you two hours, you are ahead.

For us DIYers, it rarely makes sense. I've bought a couple of things off of a (multi brand) truck when I saw the guy regularly and he helped out me. But I usually don't, his prices are about twice what places like Tooltopia and Harry Epstein charge.

 

[Ram Hemi]

I've got 3 trucks that come to work. Mac Snap On and basically a Gearwrench truck. mac wont discount anything as far as I can tell (they come on my day off so i rarely go on that truck). Gearwrench will discount if you keep buying from him usually on bigger items. Snap On it depends on who you are some of the guys wont buy from him because he wont discount them. He usually cuts me a deal on almost everything because he realizes I'm just starting out and need god tools (he usually cuts me 25 - 40 % off) my impact he took 100 off gave me a $110 ratchet for 40 bucks once so I usually come back to him.

Would be interesting to see receipts of your discounts, from everything I have read online he is selling you tools below what he is paying for them. It seems most people's discount is about 10% off, anytime I have got a discount which isn't often it's about 10% as well.

 

[Ram Hemi]

I look at it differently. A truck doesn't sell tools,it provides a service. It comes to you, handles warranty on the spot, finances, offers advice and product knowledge, etc. That saves time. If you average $50/hr, then if you spend $50 more but the guy saves you two hours, you are ahead.

For us DIYers, it rarely makes sense. I've bought a couple of things off of a (multi brand) truck when I saw the guy regularly and he helped out me. But I usually don't, his prices are about twice what places like Tooltopia and Harry Epstein charge.

I agree, I think the tools mostly sell themselves, I keep anlist on my phone of the things I want usually with part numbers via snap on or mac website and website price, I know what I am going on the truck for ahead of time and never really need to be sold on the item.

 

[rhandwor]

If you have a tool truck at work buy a few items so you can get warranty. Otherwise your on your own it warranty is needed.

 

[Holzarbeiter]

My experience has been that the level of discount a dealer can give depends on the status of the dealer.

My snappy guy has been in the tool business 16 plus years, owns 2 routes and has 2 employees besides himself. He is a top tier dealer and as such has great promos. Every week there is a new special of some kind and if one ask he normally has a "stupid good deal" on something. I can put "want items" on the list and he lets me know when they come up on sale.

My Cornwell guy is new, maybe a year under his belt. He is young but trying. It appears that he does not have large credit line with Cornwell and as such can only get specials in limited quantity. I do the same thing, go on and ask for the specials. I try to buy at least a little something from him and he always lets me know if he has a "stupid deal".

my Matco man is a slug. doesn't show up weeks at a time, sales far and few if any. His credit must be maxed out since repairs and warranty take forever, truck is bare with no new inventory, most used sockets are missing out of sets, so if you broke and need it, most of the time he doesn't have it.

Mac man quite years ago. Zero service and if you need it send it in approach

As others have said the truck is a service. It depends on the dealer how good the service is. Since my snappy and cornwell guys are the top two it is easy to guess what brands of tools dominate my main box. These guys always have a hat or t-shirt that gets thrown in if you asked.
I also use craftsman and lisle etc. Craftsman is not that great anymore for the daily wrench, just yesterday I tried to warranty a socket at sears on the way home, not in stock has to be mailed, will take 10 days. My Cornwell and snappy are a phone call away and will make an extra stop or meet me if have to have it.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

I look at it differently. A truck doesn't sell tools,it provides a service. It comes to you, handles warranty on the spot, finances, offers advice and product knowledge, etc. That saves time. If you average $50/hr, then if you spend $50 more but the guy saves you two hours, you are ahead.

For us DIYers, it rarely makes sense. I've bought a couple of things off of a (multi brand) truck when I saw the guy regularly and he helped out me. But I usually don't, his prices are about twice what places like Tooltopia and Harry Epstein charge.

The Service comes with an added expense which is factored into the final cost. Then factor in a once a week visit; vs today's multitude of internet sales sites with rush delivery.

Other than replacing a commonly stocked screwdriver or repairing a ratchet during the stop, the value of the service is diminished unless You want to look over some new tools and/or finance a purchase.

I believe many customers, DIY and Professional alike, have utilized the internet, and have realized the savings of the self service approach. In general, I agree with Your viewpoints.