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Where To Purchase Snap-on Tools?

CyclePimps

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Nov 12, 2012
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OK, I've searched but not getting good results. Where can a regular Joe (not a mechanic or construction professional of any type) like me go to buy Snap-on tools besides going to their online site and paying their listed prices? Are there discount sources I can purchase from? Thanks!
 
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ddo

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Oct 29, 2012
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Richland
Craigslist, estate sales, garage sales, pawn shops, ebay. U aint always gonna get a price. Name is too well known vs. Other tools. A lot of times pawn shops have terrible prices. Ebay has tons of buyers so cant rely on getting a great deal. U can get lucky at estate sales and garage sales if sellers arent aware of what they got but u can also end up wading through heaps of **** to find a deal.
 

Paulkenosha

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eBay and Craigslist is your best bet. Like he said eBay had tons of people bidding so you cant guarantee a good price, some things even bid up past retail price BUT you do get lucky I have a few times. As far as Craigslist it's give or take. Make sure you jump on a good deal cause you aren't the only one looking, and don't even bother with the guys asking the crackhead prices. In my experiance Craigslist is the way to go just be patient and don't hesitate when you see what you want at a good price.
 

BOONEY7750

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You could also ask your mechanic who his dealer is and catch his truck sometime. I did this the first time I was on a truck about two years ago. You cant technically finaince this way I have been told? I wanted the hard handle ratchets with the tool box model/bank they had at the time, He did not have the color I wanted so I left empty handed. I have since bought, I just call the number I got off his card and ask if he will be around the area in the next week or so and I will meet him on HIS TERMS. Gas station, Hardee's, a shop he is cool with or where ever. I have met a dealer at the Casey's gas station more than once, and at a local shop more than once. I do not buy often, normally one very specific item, but it is extra sales and on his terms so he does not seem to mind. I have found if you want new, prices are not much cheaper than the Snap-On website. Used wise, I think buying in bulk on Craigslist is the best bet if the cash is there, I just bought a box with tools and have almost enough stuff sold to break even and basically keep the box for free, but having cash on hand is a killer sometimes.
 

nahuebsch82

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If your patient and persistent pawn shops and 2nd-hand stores, goodwill etc., you can find unbelievable deals. I haven't paid retail for a tool in quite awhile even though my tool collection has grown substantially and with better tools.
 

Rickster

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A lot of guys here sell used Snap-on and other tools on ebay and in the classifieds. Sometimes they have links to their sales in their signature line and a lot of time if you don't see what you're looking for you can just PM them a question.
 

MG44

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50% off list on SnapOn? Unless you are a student or an absolutely HUGE industrial account I have never heard of that. Sometimes I feel like we are getting charged a PREMIUM on the truck
 

RatchetMan

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I think it depends on what you are looking for. If you want a new F80 ratchet for cheap, good luck finding one at an estate or garage sale. Think about it this way. If it costs you $5 in gas to go to each sale and you visit 20sales in a month looking for your ratchet, you've already spent $100 in gas. Just go online to Snapon.com and buy the ratchet and save yourself the time and trouble.

Some guys go bananas over finding a bunch of oddball tools for $15. I'd rather pay $100 for something I really want then $15 each time I go to a sale and end up with a pile of random tools that often have someone else's initials engraved on them.

Less is more, sometimes. Getting exactly what you want sometimes costs money. But, in the end, you'll have exactly what you want.
 

cburnscrx

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Either look at the classifieds here, or eBay. Maybe a member here would be willing to get some stuff for you? Just a thought...
 

MJB24

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Are Snap On prices the same if bought online versus off the truck? Do drivers sometimes sell at higher or lower prices? Also why would a driver not want to have an easy sale to some non pros. I understand they wont be making regular visits to someones garage.

There are a few Snap On items and a Matco ratchet I want to buy and I was thinking I would rather support a local driver than order online. Is there any benefit either way?
 

Davefr

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There are a few Snap On items and a Matco ratchet I want to buy and I was thinking I would rather support a local driver than order online. Is there any benefit either way?

I've never seen great deals at pawnshops, CL or Ebay unless you piss away a ton of time and are at the right place at the right time.

I'd buy online. It only take a few clicks and SO pays the freight.

Even if you buy online, SO still gives a piece of the action to the local dealer where the online order originated.
 

dirtydogintex

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50% off list on SnapOn? Unless you are a student or an absolutely HUGE industrial account I have never heard of that. Sometimes I feel like we are getting charged a PREMIUM on the truck
Believe it - the 50% off isn't just to biznesses but also to school districts.
The discounts may be deeper but all I've heard is 50%.... which makes sense because SO's retail pricing isn't anywhere close to being competitive in the commercial, institutional and industrial markets.

Do you really think 50% student discounts are as deep as SO's discounts go?


When you order from the retail 800 number you know you're paying a 'premium'.
At least w/the trucks you're supposed to be receiving all sorts of 'services' for the big bucks expended!! *L*
 

farmall400

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We have an industrial account and get 30 percent off. We are a small company, my buddy works for the power company and only gets a 25 percent discount. Go figure, and we both have the same rep.
 

jjjrmx5

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Are Snap On prices the same if bought online versus off the truck? Do drivers sometimes sell at higher or lower prices? Also why would a driver not want to have an easy sale to some non pros. I understand they wont be making regular visits to someones garage.

There are a few Snap On items and a Matco ratchet I want to buy and I was thinking I would rather support a local driver than order online. Is there any benefit either way?

Yes and no.

Drivers can sell at std. retail prices or can discount baased upon volume and clientele'.

It just all depends.

If in the program they get BOGO itmes and other perks.

If all the same price I prefer to pay and buy locally, but some drivers are not keen on walk up's. It's the old 80/20 rule in full effect.

There are perks to buying on the truck but if no truck, buy used on GJ or ebay or buy new off the website.

High quality seldom comes cheap. And in some cases, it NEVER does. :)
 
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theknurl

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Davefr;
you never see deals on Ebay or in pawn shops?????

the ones that got away 18mo ago.......
a guy put up TWO NEW sets of combo wrenches 6-36mm $340 BIN
i saw it, and went and made a cup of coffee
somebody grabbed one set.....and they BID the other to $1,100+

the ones i snagged in as new condition off Ebay;
6-32mm box end $82
6-32mm open end $80
the 6 piece flare nut set $92
short 60deg box set $87
Flexhead set $105 i got the 8mm separately:thumbup:

at my favorite pawn shop;
1/2" CP impact, 3/8" CP butterfly and a Dotco 1/4" anglehead air grinder for a grand total of $45
they all had their foil labels still on them:thumbup:

a Dotco just like this;
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dotco-10L12...834?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e76170c42

about the only things i buy off the truck are the Allen hex bits

:beer:
 
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neophyte

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We have an industrial account and get 30 percent off. We are a small company, my buddy works for the power company and only gets a 25 percent discount. Go figure, and we both have the same rep.

The difference may be how long on average it takes you to pay compared to the power company. The city of Philadelphia routinely gets quoted above catalog price by suppliers who have dealt with them because the suppliers know there not going to see there money anytime soon. :mad:
 

Spudland_Dave

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Yes and no.

Drivers can sell at std. retail prices or can discount baased upon volume and clientele'.

It just all depends.

If in the program they get BOGO itmes and other perks.

If all the same price I prefer to pay and buy locally, but some drivers are not keen on walk up's. It's the old 80/20 rule in full effect.

There are perks to buying on the truck but if no truck, buy used on GJ or ebay or buy new off the website.


Not to mention by forging somewhat of a relationship with your driver...warranty work becomes that much easier.
Its like anything else....try to get in touch with him and figure things out amongst the two of you...back in the day when I was getting more SO tools, I used to meet the truck at the post office at 10:30ish on Tuesdays...he used to be there from 10:00-11:00ish doing paperwork/break/etc... and was always happy to have me onboard to spend a few bucks.
My MAC guy texts me after he's done across the street to see if I need/want anything...if not, he goes about his route as normal, if yes, I run out and hop on the truck. If I need anything from him, I text or email him and he takes care of me.
 

Imcrazy

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I would suggest at least trying to meet up with a dealers truck. For warranty and BOGO specials at least.

I had a dealer that I met up with for years. The one that took over after he retired made it plain at our first meeting that he didnt think it was worth any effort on his part to let me know his tentative schedule.

I found a new SO guy from this forum who has treated me very well and also managed to separate me from a lot of my $$$.
 

dirtydogintex

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The difference may be how long on average it takes you to pay compared to the power company. The city of Philadelphia routinely gets quoted above catalog price by suppliers who have dealt with them because the suppliers know there not going to see there money anytime soon. :mad:
When quoting to a municipality, school district or other governmental entity, it's common practice to include financing ('cost of money') for 90, 120, sometimes 180 days depending on the customer.
Frequently the quoted price is more than 'catalog'/list.... which makes SO's discounts even more remarkable!
Go figure.... *L*

~~~~~~~

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/catalog.asp?tool=all
will allow one to determine if an item is current/discontinued and what the current retail price* is when swimming w/the sharks on ebay/CL....

* the price SO will sell it to you w/free shipping up to $500/online order
http://www.snapon.com/freeshipping.asp
 
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Spudland_Dave

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I had a dealer that I met up with for years. The one that took over after he retired made it plain at our first meeting that he didnt think it was worth any effort on his part to let me know his tentative schedule.

Wow..business was SOOO good for him, he had to refuse customers, imagine that. I'd like to know if said dealer is still around...I'd bet not.
 

Charlief

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I rarely post but decided this thread needed some input.

I'm a Snap-on dealer and I never turn away walk on business. My only rule is if you walk on and none of my customers know you....its cash only. I have several guys who now meet me at certain shops and shop. I offer these guys the same deals as my regulars. That includes BOGOs and trade ins. I treat every one equally and fair. That includes doing repairs for my less frequent buyers.

And yes....if you buy through the interwebs I get a share of that sale.

Charlie
 

[email protected]

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I've never seen great deals at pawnshops, CL or Ebay unless you piss away a ton of time and are at the right place at the right time.

I'd buy online. It only take a few clicks and SO pays the freight.

Even if you buy online, SO still gives a piece of the action to the local dealer where the online order originated.


I've had good luck with pawnshops

Got a slightly used 3/8 air ratchet ($400.00+ new) for $75.00 talked him down from $110.00

Just got a 5pc torque stick set for $40.00 ($199.99 new) and only one was slightly used

You have to know what they go for new and not pay more then 50% if there in good condition. If the price is to high just walk and come back at another day and if its still there offer them less.

With CL you have to be real fast. Just got a 3/8 short and deep set (24pcs) for $150.00 list is $450.00. They were never used and he also had a long needle nose pliers that he sold to me for $20.00. I picked them up 20 minutes after he posted them and he told me he got 3 calls as I was driving to his house.

Good luck and be persistent.
 

tjmonsen5

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I rarely post but decided this thread needed some input.

I'm a Snap-on dealer and I never turn away walk on business. My only rule is if you walk on and none of my customers know you....its cash only. I have several guys who now meet me at certain shops and shop. I offer these guys the same deals as my regulars. That includes BOGOs and trade ins. I treat every one equally and fair. That includes doing repairs for my less frequent buyers.

And yes....if you buy through the interwebs I get a share of that sale.

Charlie

Does the person buying online need to type your name in first? Or would you get rich if everyone in your town started buying snapon tools online?
 

Caterpillar Cowboy

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You could spend a fun afternoon chasing down the tool truck! Snap On used to at least have a franchise locator on their web site, then you could talk to him and find a good place on his route to meet him at.
 

theknurl

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Charlief;
thank you for your input, you would be a welcome addition to the SoCal area......

every truck owner i have every met here is an arrogant *******

i ALWAYS went to the SnapOn warehouse over on Figueroa St......so i didn't have chase some clown around to give him my money

i broke a 3/8" Flex head torque wrench doing rod bolts on my BB Chevy....i went to the warehouse
the kid behind the counter says "Sir, we'll have to send it in for repair"
"excuse me, i'm in the middle of a motor......have you looked at page ONE of your catalog??????"
"Any tool bearing the SnapOn Name has a Lifetime Guarantee"
the older boss comes over and says "go get him a new torque wrench NOW"
he hands me the new torque wrench and says "Glad we could help you, go finish that motor"

"thank you Sir" and i shook his hand
 

ChevyEFI

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I asked the nearest garage when their Snap-On dealer stopped there. He told me the day & approx. time of the weekly visit.
 

Caterpillar Cowboy

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Snap On has a warehouse-store you can walk inside? Good thing that's not anyplace close by to me. I have a bad enough time spending money when I climb up in their trucks!
 

Charlief

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We, as dealers, get a small percentage of Internet sales. Very very small.

Snapon.com does have a dealer locater on the site. I have been contacted several times to service people. For instance there was a solar panel farm being constructed in my area and the foreman ended up buying 6 electric impacts for his crew.

Now I can tell you what I don't like... When I get flagged down and a guy hops on the truck with dozens of items needing warranty. And he gets upset when I tell him that neglect is not warrantied. Neglect= sockets/ratchets left in water etc. I also get my "flea market guy" who gets stuff at yards sales etc and demands a new F80 because his 1945 ratchet he bought for '$5 doesn't have a rebuild kit. I politely tell him to mail it to Snappy and they will take care of him.

You can see why Snap-on dealers sometimes get a little unruly. I will go out of my way for my customers and provide them with the best possible service
 

Dan Jacobs

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CharlieF wish you were in my area I have a shop with 4 techs all with mostly Snap On and my guy won't come to my shop. My tech's are all 30-55 so they're not going to buy a new box and full set of tools but jeez
 

Evan(CA)

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CyclePimps

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what do you need and where are you

bob

Thanks for all the helpful responses. I've been away for the last few days on business.

I don't "need" anything in particular but I've got lots of "wants". Been looking to build up a ratchet and socket set. But primarily just wanted to build my collection with quality tools. I've been buying USA made stuff from the big box stores but the brands are limited.

I'm in the DFW (Dallas/Ft. Worth) area.
 

dirtydogintex

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CharlieF wish you were in my area I have a shop with 4 techs all with mostly Snap On and my guy won't come to my shop. My tech's are all 30-55 so they're not going to buy a new box and full set of tools but jeez
Logic (and human nature) says the truck guys are going to 'service' the most target rich environments first and then work themselves down to the nickel 'n dime folk.... time and aggravation tolerance permitting.

Perhaps this phenomenon might've been a major driving force in the establishment of SO's phone/internets retail sales/warranty operations?? *hint, hint*

This phenomenon is also a reason to seriously question the high value assigned to 'shop service by the tool truck' when justifying the SO cost premium v. other USA premium/industrial tool lines (Williams, Wright, Proto et al).
 
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