what's your experience buying snap-on stuff on ebay?

[bimmerZ5]

so, I've tried buying Snap-On stuff on ebay twice now, and both times haven't been very satisfactory. i'm wondering what other people's experience has been or perhaps you guys have a favorite seller that is worthy of doing business with?

my 1st purchase was a SHBB24, sold as 'new' condition. but it was shipped wrapped in a small cardboard box where the ends were sticking out several inches. the seller tried to wrap packing tape around the part of the breaker bar that was sticking out. of course, the ends got scratched up in shipping and the chrome finish on the business end of the breaker bar got scratched pretty badly and less so on the bottom of the handle end too. anyway, tool is usable and i got a decent price on it so I just didn't leave any feedback for the seller and left it at that.

my 2nd purchase was a SLX80A, sold as 'used, like new, barely used' condition. what arrived was a SLX80, not the SLX80A, and the condition was clearly *not like new*. There were severe scratches all over, and what looked like chemical pitting or something on the handle's chrome finish. it was also covered in grease/dirt, like the seller didn't even bother to clean the tool he was trying to sell in "like new, barely used" condition. I know "condition" can be subjective, but no matter how I think about it, I just can't justify to myself that this person really thought this item was in "like new" condition... decided to contact the seller and he's not really cooperating... after 4 days of him ignoring me, i had to escalate the issue to ebay.

now i'm just very skeptical about buying anything else snap-on on ebay... anyone have good experiences buying snap-on stuff with certain sellers on ebay? or is my experience pretty much the norm of what most people deal with on ebay for snap-on stuff?

 

[rusty65]

Yeah eBay seems sketchy sometimes I just noticed their were two snap on thnfd72s with the same photos sold for different prices at different times so it brings up the question who copied who. I say if I'm buying a like new tool I would like real pictures with real quality and not out of focus ect.

 

[purplezr2]

Had very few issues, most have worked out well, I buy alot of tools and sell some too,.

 

[ianguilly]

All smooth sailing for me.

 

[greasemonkey44]

havent had any real issues
one time i won a bid on a 4" 1/4" extension for 1$
then read it was 14$ to ship the sob

 

[Hiball]

NO Issues Here... If you have time to Refresh the page throughout the Day you can score some Deals.

Always double Check the Pictures or ask More Questions.. Wrong Model Numbers are very common on Ebay, Mainly because the Seller will put the "Actual" Model number into the Snap on Site and the Snap On site will update the page with the Current Production model.

 

[mattyrattypoo]

Ive never had a problem.

Maybe ask for additional pics if you can't tell from the provided one?

 

[canuckian]

no real issues. if I have any doubt about a listing I just pass on it and wait for the next one. If there is an issue after the purchase, I message the seller and most times we can settle things so we're both happy.

 

[Presto_z]

No major issues, and I buy a good amount of tools on ebay and generally have made out very well. I scored some major deals on gearwrench tools yesterday.. Pennies on the dollar!

 

[Chris_PT]

All smooth sailing for me.

same for me

 

[sharkytm]

Hit and miss.
I bought a bunch of sockets and some crow's foot wrenches from eBay. They were in "excellent, like new" condition. The seller taped them to a piece of cardboard and put it in a priority envelope. The tape left adhesive residue all over everything, and the cardboard only protected one side, so the other got beat up pretty good.

The other few items came in described condition and without problems.

 

[NoNN37]

A lot of them dont know what they have, the model numbers or they put them down incorrectly. My guess is they try to look it up on the SnapOn website or compare to other ebay ads to get idea on price. They think every combo wrench is like the other, sockets are all the same etc

 

[HTGTS350]

Ive bought many items of Snap on from the US and had them shipped to oz and never had a problem but I do stick with buying from one particular seller who only deals with the best items. I also am probably willing to pay a bit more than some of you guys in the US because SO if stupidly expensive in oz.

 

[1967lemans]

No issues for me either. I learned the hard way to examine the pics and ask questions after the Matco ratchet I bought.

 

[HaroRider]

I never had any problems.

 

[bimmerZ5]

thanks guys. I guess I'm just either not really good at this or just bad luck. can any of you guys share with me some of your favorite sellers?

 

[billymade]

I've had problems with the model numbers being incorrect (people always put the model number in the "search" on snapon's website; copy/paste the info that pops up, snapon just takes you to the latest shipping tool that is equivalent to the old part number) and the tools being "marked" with initials without that being described in the ebay ad, pictures taken in a way that hide the marks is common as well. In my case; it was a 900 series ratchet, described as a dual 80 and initials marked in two places without that being disclosed. The seller gave me a partial refund on the sale; so, I guess it worked out. I think many sellers do not have a clue about what they are selling (or act like they don't) and are not as particular about the tool condition as many of us would be here on GJ. I tend to get better deals at flea markets and can see the tool in person, so I don't buy that much snapon on ebay. I don't see what I consider to be good deals on ebay; retail or more then retail seems to be common on things like ratchets that I am interested in, so.. I don't quite see the point (high shipping costs push things even higher). Again, mainly lack of description, wrong part number and lack of disclosure of detailed disclosure of condition, lack of reasonable total pricing (with shipping), seem to be my main issues.

 

[tomshep]

Most have been good. If it is used, I decide on a price I know I will be comfortable with if it shows up with scratches, etc.

A couple of times I have been burnt. A 1/2" drive socket set. Photos looked good but he didn't have any of the drive side but were described in "as new" condition. When i got them it was clear two sockets had been used with an impact. $%&!@ I contacted the seller and sent him pics. He refunded my $10 which probably wasn't enough but I went on. Not worth my hassle.

Second time was a set of metric 6 pt metric universal sockets 10-19. The description was poor and there were only a couple of bidders. I got them for $125. They were in "as new" condition but two had initials. I was irritated but decided for the price, I could definately live with it.

My advice, don't overpay. And decide if it is worth it to spend a little more to get new on ebay.

Tom

 

[I van putski]

I sell snap on tools on eBay under a different user name. I usually have about ten photos so you can see all areas of the tool. I don't want or need the headache of a buyer complaining.
Some guys are dicks though a used tool will be used and have scratches. Tape residue? Really.

Undisclosed owners marks are what ***** as a buyer. Always ask if they don't specify.

 

[STGFordCrazy04]

Ive had good luck with buying sockets but terrible luck winning bids for anything else.

 

[NoNN37]

I had been looking for a screwdriver set for a while that was used and priced good without being to beat up.

I noticed many sellers are selling JH Williams ones that are similar to SnapOn hard handles but have no SnapOn marks on them. This can confuse unknowledgable buyers to thinking theyre getting actual SnapOn branded stuff. Same with some Kobalt stuff thats made by Williams, which makes it a Snap-On!

I ended up getting some 8pc Instinct screwdrivers that were advertised as red and looked red in the photo. But I got an orange set instead. I contacted the seller and worked it out.
So,... If youre looking into getting red/orange stuff, be sure to confirm the color because some cameras make orange look like red.

 

[jeffmoss26]

My only problem has been getting outbid :O

 

[bimmerZ5]

I sell snap on tools on eBay under a different user name. I usually have about ten photos so you can see all areas of the tool. I don't want or need the headache of a buyer complaining.
Some guys are dicks though a used tool will be used and have scratches. Tape residue? Really.

Undisclosed owners marks are what ***** as a buyer. Always ask if they don't specify.

I realize the "condition" of a used item is somewhat subjective. I take care of my tools, i clean them after I'm done and before i put them back in the drawer. I don't throw my tools around or drag them on a rough surface. i have 10+ yr old tools that i've used a lot that most people would probably think is in "like new" condition. and if I'm selling something, I'll usually get out a buffing wheel and polish it up to get rid of the micro-scratches. but, i realize not everyone is like me and a beat up tool that is still functional may seem "like new" to someone else...

so, put another way, I don't mind some micro-scratches on a "like new" used tool... no big deal. Hell, even if it's covered in grease/dirt but is really "like new" underneath, i might not be perfectly happy about it, but I might just let it go. but when it looks like the tools been dragged around on the floor and thrown into the back of someone's truck and driven offroad, then i get pissed when it's described as "like new, barely used" ... when there are scratches so deep that it's past the chrome plating and into the metal of the tool and no way of ever buffing that out, that's definitely *NOT* "like new" to me... when the handle looks like someone was holding it with a acid soaked glove and has chemical pitting on the finish... that's NOT "like new" ... that **** really starts to piss me off...

 

[jbighump]

lots of new snap on stuff at great prices just picked up a mg325 brand new in box for $265 that is a $410 dollar impact!!

 

[Herod]

With ebay, be wary of vague ads and grainy photos.....almost always signs of deception.
Ebay is not a corporation that sells things....it is a group of individuals who sell things. Individuals are sometimes evil and greedy.
ebay is like craigslist with a credit card. I've been punked a few times buying "like new, excellent condition" tools that didn't even work.

 

[Kay_poops]

I once bought a Snap On mini pick and awl soft handled set in like new condition for a decent price. When it got then they were like new but smelled like an ashtray. Even my hands smelled when I handled them. Left then out in the sun for a couple of days and cleaned then with citrus cleaner to help get rid of the smell.

 

[wild cowboy]

one thing that I had to learn in 15 years of being on ebay is that the feedback % needs some interpretation

it is natural to think that 97% good feedback would be a good seller right?

I mean 97 is a great score on an algebra test!

but on ebay, 97% feedback is a very sketchy seller!

stick with 99.5% or better feedback for best results!

and at least 50 feedbacks in total, and don't worry, ebay protects you as a buyer, satisfaction guaranteed or your money back, and I have taken them up on this more than once!

 

[fuzzytek]

It is always good to look at seller feedback before purchase (not just for tool purchases but any purchase). Other purchasers that got annoyed with condition will typically complain.

 

[Rickster]

You should buy from me! I always secure the tools properly for shipping to ensure they arrive to your door still in the package. I apologize for not having anything up for sale right now in my link below, but I will remedy that next week!

 

[Skin]

-Purchased 3 different auctions labelled Flank Drive Plus before I actually got a set that was. I couldn't be bothered arguing and dealing with refunds so I just resold them, properly described of course.
-Numerous "Like New" chrome socket sets however the most common sizes must of went on an impact or air ratchet marathon before they got sold off as "Like New!!" (hammered drive ends).
-Purchased a completer wrench set "New In Package!" which I actually found to be noticeably used and the box was re-wrapped in saran wrap. As a bonus someone used the the 23mm wrench as a hammer. Still a good purchase after we settled on a partial discount.

Some rules I now follow

1. Don't trust descriptions or part numbers. Look for detail in the photos.
b. If you want new, make sure its literally new with the factory packaging still on it.
3. If you want "like new" sockets only shop for sellers who take good photos of both ends of the socket to show wear.
d. If you care about warranty or cant be bothered to deal with the auctions that routinely flirt within 10-15% of list, just buy direct. This is what I ended up doing when I wanted to get a set of screwdrivers, which have crazy high resale, especially in green. Same thing with the mini-picks.

 

[peaceonesxwai]

Ive been pretty lucky so far as with great deals on eBay.

SHR80A New $80 shipped

Scored a $240 BIN last month for 6 ratchets, slf80, sx80b, fl80, flf80, tx72 and t72. They were pretty used but work as intended, happy I now have a good variety of snap-on ratchets.

Couple days ago scored another BIN of $300 for a 3/8th set. F80 ratchet, 1/4-7/8 deep and shallow socket, 8-19mm deep and shallow socket, plus a 6pc extension set.

im not that nit picky about the used condition and how they damage in shipping as i am going to put the to work anyways.. but so far they all came pretty well packed.

 

[davethorik]

I've bought quite a few tools off eBay, not many Snap-On but I did win an auction for a SL710 for BIN $20, it was used but it is one of my favorite ratchets.

I've had some bizarre experiences too...most recently, bought a Mac V24SF breaker bar, auction pictures showed the older style that had the fork on the head instead of the handle, and also had a knurled handle. I received the current production style with triangle handle and fork on handle. Also, the drive was slightly twisted, so I had to get a rebuild kit. Seller almost didnt even take me seriously when I politely emailed him, until I sent him pics, he was genuinely confused and swore up and down it had looked like the one in the auction. Either he was confused or someone did the old bait and switch without him knowing, got me stumped. I think I got the better end of the deal.

 

[SASORacing]

Issues are a non issue because you are covered under ebay and paypal.

 

[WhiskeyTangoFox]

First purchase ever on eBay I bought a snap on ad12 and ad10. Empty box showed up. The seller literally used scotch tape on the box and box opened up in shipping (I was refunded by eBay and not the seller. Seller was actually a duck waffle about the whole ordeal and accused me of lying and trying to screw him)

Second purchase was a ranching screwdriver. Black handle used. Saved a few bucks there. No complaints.

Bought a 1/2" and 3/8" drive dual 80s. Nothing exciting about that purchase.

And since then everything i bid on gets stolen/outbid from under my nose at the last second by a dollar so I've given up.

 

[gbh]

I've bought quite a few new snap on tools and even with the expensive international shipping it's still cheaper than buying the same item locally (Japan). I got some very nice 1/2 inch drive impact sockets second hand and an as new 1960s 1/4 inch drive ratchet and socket set at a bargain price.
Touch wood.

 

[gbh]

one thing that I had to learn in 15 years of being on ebay is that the feedback % needs some interpretation

it is natural to think that 97% good feedback would be a good seller right?

I mean 97 is a great score on an algebra test!

but on ebay, 97% feedback is a very sketchy seller!

stick with 99.5% or better feedback for best results!

and at least 50 feedbacks in total, and don't worry, ebay protects you as a buyer, satisfaction guaranteed or your money back, and I have taken them up on this more than once!

All good advice. Something I sometimes do is check the bad feedback. It doesn't take long to scroll through and find out what you need. I have sometimes bid on something from a seller with negs who was screwed by a malicious buyer. You can determine a lot from a little reading.

 

[bry@n]

I've had good dealing on eBay. Twice I've had issues. One the guy just gave me the socket. Refunded my $$ and the other guy just reduced price never really concerned about scratches etc. my dealer warranties anything.

 

[Hornman]

The eBay sellers selling Snap On are like all the other eBay sellers; some of them know absolutely nothing about tools and don't know how to properly display them for sale. A seller like "AuntiEmsCurioShop" probably got those Snap On sockets at an estate sale "gold member preview", will post two fuzzy pictures, and the description will consist of "like new, very rare". Even if you ask questions she won't know the answers. The upside is that the Snap On stuff could be a real bargain because no one is going to bid on that lot due to the lousy sales job. They could also be totally clapped out.

The other end of the spectrum is the professional tool seller. He (or she) will post ten sharp clear pictures of the socket set with close ups of the inside and the mounting end, calling out any noticable damage or PO marks. The description typically is more detailed than the Snap On website. A complete set of truely like new sockets from this seller will usually sell for 80% of new or higher if people get into bidding against each other or if it is a series they need (want) for their collection.

Recently I saw two sets of 1/2" sockets sell for over $300 (well over). I bought a set of 1/2" sockets for $125 that was missing two sockets and had one that looked like it sat in a puddle of battery acid for a long time. I bought replacements for all three sockets on eBay for about $10 each including shipping. So, I got my set of Snap On sockets for about half of what the like new, complete sets cost. Since I plan on using them, not just polishing them, I'm happy.

Look in frequently, put some time and effort into it, don't get caught up in the auction hysteria and you can do well over time. Don't fall in love with any single lot. Don't expect to find screwdrivers cheap.

 

[wornoutoldman]

I've bought and sold quite a few tools on ebay. Snap-on and other quality US brands. Never been burned or even disappointed. Although I won't bid on items with **** pictures or overpriced shipping charges. The good new is if you wait long enough you will eventually find that special tool you want at a price you're willing to pay. It just might take a year or more. There is always a never ending supply of new inventory but you have to spend the time looking for what you want.

 

[Skin]

Issues are a non issue because you are covered under ebay and paypal.

I don't know how you can say that. Dealing with belligerent sellers who accuse you of lying, filing a claim, taking photographic evidence, composing a reason, and waiting for ebay to pass a ruling, repackaging and re-shipping, and waiting for a refund is all a major hassle.