Toptul Order

[DFW-LSX]

Alright so my wife and I are business owners and I was looking to start selling Toptul.

I contacted them in the ROC and they are actually great to work with. They are pushing me to become a distributor because I have resources and am in Ft Worth (centrally located) but I cant afford to carry $200,000-$400,000 in inventory while I'm working in Afghanistan. And with the economy, the wife and I arent comfortable going into a business that's going to be that capital heavy in the begginning. But they want me to place an order so I can use/inspect their quality.

So with that, I have an idea (courteousy of "wornoutoldman"). I want to put together a purchase and in exchange for wholesale prices I would like a review of the tool/tools, good or bad!

I have my order lined up and am placing it Monday July 9, 2012. Im fine with 1 or 2 if thats all the people interested. We would split the customs/duties and frieght but other than that just the prices of tools.

Let me know!

Catalog link: http://www.toptul.com/style/frame/t...d=92177&fid=2965&rid=2965&content_set=color_4

 

[concealer404]

Where to look at full catalog with prices?

 

[DFW-LSX]

The best references would be thetoolchest.ca and there is a garage company that also carries them. They are the only sellers that I know of. Too bad I wont be able to get in on this, seems like it could become profitable given time.

 

[NC-Fordguy]

Sounds like a good idea.

I'm not well versed in the line so I gotta take a look.

Do you have any personal experience in the line such as warranty policy and procedures, innovations, quality etc that you can share?

 

[DFW-LSX]

I can tell you from working with their corporate they seem to be a solid and personable business. All their tools carry a lifetime warranty, but there in lies the question of where to get them warrantied. Ill get with them and work something out before we order.

 

[DFW-LSX]

The quality, I have one of their wrench sets and I think its step for step with Gearwrench (insert asterisk for opinion). They have a good amount of reviews on here if you search, a member on here was selling them for a while a couple years ago.

 

[DFW-LSX]

I bought this whole package to see the quality of their workbenches and boxes.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[DFW-LSX]

If we can get an order of 200 boxes they will paint them any color under the sun.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[ncfh]

Steve D at Ultimate garage sells toptul. He also carries Facom.

Ultgar is his user name on GJ. Nice guy.

I really like the few toptul tools we have. Their HD screwdrivers are fantastic.

Wholesale prices? We could definitely get in on this! Got a pricelist?

 

[amolaver]

can you ask them for a URL to their catalog - i think most people want to browse a catalog. i'm pretty sure that thetoolchest drops an item from their site if they don't have inventory, so looking at their site is far from the full range of products.

i've got a couple wrench sets of theirs, pliers, screwdrivers and few other bits and bobs (inspection mirror, retriever magnet) and all of it is good quality. i bought a big SAE combo wrench set that i've been using quite a bit of late, and it is nice stuff. the chrome on them is excellent, and they have a great fastener fit. only problem is..almost all their stuff is satin finish now. don't think they do anything really in chrome.. the satin stuff is nice enough (i have one combo wrench set in it) but i prefer chrome for wrenches.

i am curious if anyone has any of their impact sockets. i don't have any impact stuff of theirs and might want a thing or two..

ahm

 

[Skin]

catalogs can be found here

http://www.toptul.com/style/frame/t...79&name_id=92177&content_set=color_4&rid=2965

Really nie stuff and an incredible value if you're use to staring at the $300 list prices of truck brands. For example 10pc full polish combo wrench sets are under $80.

 

[bobbar]

Interested. Sub'n

 

[DFW-LSX]

Thanks for the link Skin. No pricelist but if u check thetoolchest.ca you can collect the part numbers, and im placing the order on monday. I want to get the tools in more hands as they are not very well known. We can only do it once so lets get it hammered out.

In about 18 months I should be off the ground operating out of Ft Worth as Lonestar Tool Outlet, I'll be looking into joining the Alliance. With any luck I can line up some wholesale customers and get these great tools out there.

 

[Bull]

I haven't opened any documents yet, so forgive me if this is covered somewhere. But, if I am interested in something, how will I know what it's going to cost me? I hear the wholesale thing, but how would I know what that is?

 

[billymade]

I don't want to sound like a kill joy but I would really look at the TOPTUL opportunity; long and hard before committing that amount of money... and look at the business model (minimal long term market penetration here in the USA). A number of people in the USA have tried selling TOPUTUL and most if not all; have decided the product line doesn't seem to work well here, long term. Please don't take this in the wrong way but a number of people have tried it and been supported by sales to members here. We all want people to succeed in whatever business people decide to go into but just realize the history of the attempts that have gone before you. I believe Ultimate Garage; stopped ordering and decided to clearance his remaining stock. Here is hoping for your personal success; just look at the opportunity with TOPTUL with a critical eye!

 

[t100]

to me, If Toptul is SERIOUS about selling tools in the U.S., they'd either
a. setup a distribution center somewhere in the U.S.
b. contract a large company as their distributor.
bottom line, you gotta have inventory stateside.

reason #1. independent dealers CAN'T afford the freight. sending tools from overseas by boat load(container) is a lot cheaper than Fedex.

reason #2. I(end user) am not gonna waiter 3 weeks for my order.

reason #3. you can't sell Toptul at Snap On price.

reason #4. for a start up brand, someone has to pay for the marketing campaign. who the F is Toptul? I don't even know 1 person recognize that name. dealers can print some flyers locally, but that's about it.

reason #5. tools without sufficient warranty, good luck.

 

[DFW-LSX]

I don't want to sound like a kill joy but I would really look at the TOPTUL opportunity; long and hard before committing that amount of money... and look at the business model (minimal long term market penetration here in the USA). A number of people in the USA have tried selling TOPUTUL and most if not all; have decided the product line doesn't seem to work well here, long term. Please don't take this in the wrong way but a number of people have tried it and been supported by sales to members here. We all want people to succeed in whatever business people decide to go into but just realize the history of the attempts that have gone before you. I believe Ultimate Garage; stopped ordering and decided to clearance his remaining stock. Here is hoping for your personal success; just look at the opportunity with TOPTUL with a critical eye!

I think everything you said makes perfect sense. I am going to try to be on the distribution side and do retail for local/internet sales. Im not going to commit anything until I can get a wholesale customer or two lined out. Im working on registering with Dun and Bradstreet with the hopes of getting picked up with a national chain store.
If I told you I think Ill be the next millionaire I'd be lying, but I want to give it a good effort and see how it goes. Hopefully the channels I have will open some opportunites. Thats once reason you wont see me off the ground for around 18 months. Im looking at this from all angles. Rather than most starting a business just looking how its going to succeed, I'd rather go the route of looking at all the ways it can fail and try to talk myself out of it. My family is in various business and its never good to go in with rose colored glasses on. So hopefully it gets going and as long as Im not eating cat food Ill try to make it work.

 

[DFW-LSX]

I haven't opened any documents yet, so forgive me if this is covered somewhere. But, if I am interested in something, how will I know what it's going to cost me? I hear the wholesale thing, but how would I know what that is?

Ill provide everyone with an invoice after I let you know through PM what the cost will be.

 

[DFW-LSX]

to me, If Toptul is SERIOUS about selling tools in the U.S., they'd either
a. setup a distribution center somewhere in the U.S.
b. contract a large company as their distributor.
bottom line, you gotta have inventory stateside.

I 100% agree and im working with them on this issue, if Im going to invest in this company they have some things to take care of their end. One of the reasons nothing is being rushed. If it all goes to plan Lonestar Tool Outlet will be that U.S. distribution center

reason #1. independent dealers CAN'T afford the freight. sending tools from overseas by boat load(container) is a lot cheaper than Fedex.

This is truth

reason #2. I(end user) am not gonna waiter 3 weeks for my order.

This is one thing I noticed others have done and wont be happening, I will carry the whole gamut of hand tools and other popular specialty items.

reason #3. you can't sell Toptul at Snap On price.

Agreed, I think I would cater toward the mid grade line. I see that as the biggest void in the market.

reason #4. for a start up brand, someone has to pay for the marketing campaign. who the F is Toptul? I don't even know 1 person recognize that name. dealers can print some flyers locally, but that's about it.

This goes right a long with my first answer, if they dont work with me on this it will be the deal killer.

reason #5. tools without sufficient warranty, good luck.

This is a no-brainer, whats the use of a lifetime warranty but no one to fulfill it. Hopefully LTO will be about to help there.

 

[Squankum]

If we can get an order of 200 boxes they will paint them any color under the sun.

What? Who wouldn't want that bright green?!

I say give it a try. Why previous Toptul efforts haven't worked, I can't say. I've always been tempted. The past year, with encouragement from GJ,I've been repeatedly wowed by the quality/price ratio coming out of Taiwan.

You are, alas, living in a HF/mainland China world. That will always make things harder. And with each passing year, Chiccom quality will increase.

 

[Nealcrenshaw]

Put me down for a CJHM1631 : Qty 1
Pm me the price.

 

[brockstar]

Good luck!

If you haven't already, contact Mike Wren http://www.wrenhandtools.com/ - he did exactly what you are hoping to do several years ago.

Nice guy and I'm sure he'd be glad to give you some insight. Ditto with Steve Ultgar from www.ultimategarage.com

 

[DFW-LSX]

What? Who wouldn't want that bright green?!

I say give it a try. Why previous Toptul efforts haven't worked, I can't say. I've always been tempted. The past year, with encouragement from GJ,I've been repeatedly wowed by the quality/price ratio coming out of Taiwan.

You are, alas, living in a HF/mainland China world. That will always make things harder. And with each passing year, Chiccom quality will increase.

I told them to make their roller line a success they need to address 2 things immediately:
A) Carry 40"-60"
B) Expand the color line to black, orange, yellow, etc

Where I personally think others failed is not carrying inventory. I know myself and personally like T100 said, who is going to wait 3 weeks for tools? Not this guy! If I cant set up a sustainable model with a business I would shop at then this will all be but a dream. Im not going to buy from a company that I cant go through a warranty with and I wouldnt expect anyone else to.

 

[Bull]

This might be a dumb question, and I don't mean it to be anything other than inquisitive.

How come this business opportunity is based on a tool company located across the ocean? Are the profit opportunities just not there if you become a distributor of a line of tools from a lesser-known USA company or companies that manufacture their stuff here?

 

[DFW-LSX]

This might be a dumb question, and I don't mean it to be anything other than inquisitive.

How come this business opportunity is based on a tool company located across the ocean? Are the profit opportunities just not there if you become a distributor of a line of tools from a lesser-known USA company or companies that manufacture their stuff here?

I would love to do that (I would be tickled to death to carry Armstrong) but mostly if you arent a multi-million dollar distributor the U.S. made tools are out of reach, sadly.

 

[Bull]

I would love to do that (I would be tickled to death to carry Armstrong) but mostly if you arent a multi-million dollar distributor the U.S. made tools are out of reach, sadly.

Even with a company like Wilde? I had never even heard of them until I first saw the Epstein's site. But they probably don't offer anything near a full line of tools, which is what you are trying to connect with.

Too bad about the need to be huge to distribute American stuff, but I guess I can see why that would be.

 

[t100]

reason #2. I(end user) am not gonna waiter 3 weeks for my order.

This is one thing I noticed others have done and wont be happening, I will carry the whole gamut of hand tools and other popular specialty items.

problem is you will never know what's gonna sell. for an established product line, you have some data to reference, invest your LIMITED capital accordingly. but a new brand is a completely different story. lots of people have been burned by this. unless you can negotiate some bullet proof dead inventory buy-back clause in your contract, it's gonna be very hard on you.

remember, if you cater the auto techs, you've got to allow them to make payments, very few would pay them off straight up. that will hold up your cash flow quite bit.

 

[Rico.]

The tools that Rotar make are of very good quality. Even though Stanley have their own
factory in Taiwan, Rotar actually makes some spanners for Facom as the Stanley factory
couldn't make them of high enough quality.

Their own Toptul brand, although they are not Snap On / Facom quality, I think are
superb value for money, and not a million miles away from the big boys in quality terms.

I wish you the best of luck with your Enterprise, if you can market and get the pricing
just right with these tools (Which I think will be key) you could do very well indeed.

Just one other thing, Toptul tools seem to have quite a European look to them, I don't know
if that is good thing or bad thing from an American perspective, but it is a thing never the less.

Best of Luck.

 

[packet]

I might want some stuff. What's the delivery time going to be?

I have some toptul and it works well. My only complaint is that they mark the sizes on their wrenches & sockets way too small. It's impossible to pick the correct size with a quick glance.

 

[Squankum]

If you haven't already, contact Mike Wren

Isn't that kind of the problem with Toptul sales in the US in the past year or two?

 

[matthew]

Two questions:
1) Will you be willing to ship to Canada? I'll have to take a look, but might be interested, although not sure yet.
2) Is there a minimum quantity of a given item number you will need to buy? If I wanted, say 1 hammer of a certain size, can you get that, or do you need to fill up case quantities?


A couple of comments on where others have failed:

- inventory is important, but don't get sunk with the wrong types of inventory. Pick items where you can be competitive. I don't know what their individual socket pricing is, for example, but that seems to be a good area, as everyone charges through the nose for that. Stay away from items like gearwrenches - there's enough options that are low-cost, locally available, and decent quality, so you just won't compete there. Same deal with vise grips.

- I'd also look closely at the more specialized tools. XZN ('triple square') bit sockets, for example, if you can supply something decent at a good price. Mike Wren had been out of stock, but I would have like to have tried a Toptul set of those when I needed to buy them.

- they carry lots of stuff in a choice of polished or satin finish. Most accounts seem to be that satin is really nice, and is a differentiating factor. Downside is it doesn't match existing tools if people are infilling sets. Your call as to what you carry, but myself I'd try just to stock satin.

- they seem to offer a lot of different styles on many items. When you have a choice, buy the european style inventory. I think it gives a bit of differentiation, especially because the euro stuff is pricey in North America.

- try to plan your inventory such that you restock reasonably regularly, so that you can accomodate a few new items every once in a while, and can take special requests in reasonable amounts of time.

- if you're stocking sets, try to keep the selection simple and inventory the few best sets, and offer reasonably priced open stock to fill in any gaps. Cheaper when you're starting out to stock 1 set and 5 open stock items than 3 different sets with different combinations of sizes. (Maybe I'm optimistic in hoping for economical open stock, but Mike Wren's prices on open stock were decent, and I hoped that was the way Toptul worked...)

 

[Hiball]

Im not sure what the "Wholesale" Cost is on Toptul but the last order i placed with Mike Wren was Silly Cheap... IRC.. It was like $40 bucks for a Extra Long Set of Combo Wrenches, $18 for some stubby's and i bought a 6pt set of 1/2" Drive Metric Sockets for like $12 bucks.

 

[vssjim]

The Extra long metric combo wrenches in Satin finish are an excelllent product and I would buy them again. Anybody I showed them to wanted a set and I bought more than ten sets through Mike Wrenn. I would take a couple right away and actually need a 10mm for some one that lost one. Over all they have very good products at very fair prices.

 

[pipsters]

Your entire customer base would be people from on here buying - not really that broad of a base.

 

[wornoutoldman]

You might want to purchase like 20 or more sets of popular sockets ratchets wrenches and resell them here with the understanding/intent that the end user provide detailed demographics and product satisfaction survey in exchange for wholesale pricing.

 

[DFW-LSX]

You might want to purchase like 20 or more sets of popular sockets ratchets wrenches and resell them here with the understanding/intent that the end user provide detailed demographics and product satisfaction survey in exchange for wholesale pricing.

Thats an excellent idea. Im going to add that in.

 

[beelsr]

I'll have to drag out my old xls that mike wren was never able to fulfill.

if you're as serious as you seem to be, i second the give mike & steve a call and chat with them motion. mike wren was really laid back and maybe that was part of his problem. mrholeshot was also looking into selling the stuff but i don't think he did anything with it. more info is better than less.

I uploaded a 3 year old pricelist here: https://rapidshare.com/files/876804988/Toptul_PriceList_-_20081231.pdf.

BTW, http://www.wrenhandtools.com still works.

 

[willhollin]

Good luck, I have a set of combi wrenches and they are excellent quality.

 

[MarkH]

There has been advice on inventory, etc. That is great for people who know about and use the product.

The most frequent issue in setting up a business plan which you will need to do to get money at some time is to look at all of the costs. The big one being cost of sales including advertising, up 50% of the costs of the business can be getting the product out the door not getting the product to sell. Items like how does the company back you up for advertising. All your dime or ??? There should be something major here provided here as they have been pushed back multiple times to share the risk. ie do they understand the US business plans and want that or look at this just like another provider contract with a company? I have seen a couple major companies not understand that.

Then there is factoring in your living expenses. Those need to be set up so both new inventory can be obtained and you can pay your bills for things like eating, sleeping, family, etc.

Then be prepared to take a loss at sometime usually the first couple of years for sure. How does the supplier help you through those? All of those need to be part of the contract. I say so because the first time out I got blown away by these items, did not not stop trying because of them after that but took that knowledge and built on it for future successes.

 

[darkk]

We've had about 10-11 of their screwdrivers for about a year and a half or so now. They're actually pretty good quality, to me, the color is ugly a hell but a good screwdriver none the less. We also have a shitload of the Gearwrench racheting wrenches,straight, swivel,short and long. Nice stuff. Our problem was the guy we bought from had small inventory and it took forever to get anything because he had to get a big order together. That and it was a pain in the *** to get pricing because he was doing this part time I guess. The prices are really good but such a pain in the *** to get anything done. People want to look at a catalog, see prices andget stuff they order yesterday, not next month or the month after. I'd try some of their wrenches, but not if I have to wait 4-10 weeks for them. The good was the prices I paid was killer cheap.