Why can’t I buy Snap-On tools from a retailer?

[Art From De Leon]

I can't remember the name of the Snap-On dealer that was/is in Laredo, TX, that had a store, set up to serve customers from Mexico.

He was consistently one of the top, if not the top dealer in the South Texas region.

He set me up with a Mexican address, so that I would NOT have to pay TX sales tax on what I bought.

Also, when Snap-On had a distribution warehouse in Shertz, TX, they would sell to walk-in customers.

 

[pburressiii]

You gotta remember everyone on this forum are people who want to spend free time talking tools and garages, we are not the norm. I'm sure if you got to know a driver and asked why they don't like dealing with non route customers you would hear the stories of the browsers, gas wasters, time takers, etc... Tool truck guys are not a regular store they have a fairly strict schedule to adhere to as some shops only allow a certain time frame for tool truck stops, they have to dodge lunch hours, and have to hit all their stops everyday or they don't get paid. Waiting around at a dealership or maint facility for an extra 5 to 10 minutes while someone is "on their way" can cost the driver an entire shop's worth of payments and purchases.



These guys aren't just riding a gravy train. A vacation during a work week can cost them a lot. There is always going to be someone out there thinking you are a jerk or ripping them off, but they only know their side. Tool trucks make money off of consistency not casuals. Off route guys are welcome on the trucks if you make an effort to not slow the driver down and not cost him money. They want your money, not at the cost of more money from missing making it to their last stop before the shop is closed for the day tho.



Some drivers open up every couple weekends for casuals. My driver opens up at his house for holiday shoppers even. Every one is different and their levels of give a f*&% about the off route shoppers will also vary. Get the driver on your routes number and call them. Do not expect them to go out of their way to match your schedule, as theirs is already set. It's not uncommon for a driver to make house calls at the end of a business day if you are willing to purchase enough to cover gas and time.



It's not the easiest way to buy tools, but the number of people who are inconvenienced by it are way out numbered by the number of guys who reap the benefit of weekly tool shopping. Snap on dedicated to a mobile franchise business a long time ago, these routes have to be protected to protect the franchisees. Snap on opening up a corporate store would directly effect the income of the driver who currently owns that area. Same goes for them putting snap on on the shelves at a box or hardware store.

Thanks, I guess I never looked at it that way


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[Adam.C]

Retail store is a terrible idea. Grocery stores will remain brick and mortar, everything else....?

I buy a lot of Snap On. For the OP, anything you don't think you'll have to warranty is best bought on eBay. Ratchets for example. The wear items are all available for very little money. I will never break my flank drive wrenches. Their chrome is perfect and will never flake off in my lifetime. If something happens to one, I'll just buy a replacement at full retail and I'll still be ahead financially. You can buy most Snap On items at 1/2 price on eBay.

But some things are better bought new. I AGREE WITH THE OP. What is the harm in offering the flyer deals to the general public? How are the franchisees harmed? Why can't I get on a mailing list? What if I signed up with a franchise and he sent me the flyer? I don't care who gets the sale.

FWIW: The flyer deals are good. The prices are still higher than everyone else, but often not by much.

 

[carfix2000ca]

Just to throw my 2 cents in. I've been working on cars since 1978. I still have snap on tools that I bought back then. And use regularly. Including my tool box.
As a professional I will use nothing else when it comes to tools I use regularly.
Yes. I do buy the odd cheap tool. But it's always something I might need once or twice a year.
I'm now in the process of trying to become a snap on dealer.

 

[jt777]

If i take the time to call my local snap on guy he usually will meet up with me as long as it's not out of his way which makes sense since i only spend a few hundred at a time.

 

[Dick in Wisconsin]

You'd think the Snap On guy or any tool truck for that matter would set up in a saw the parking lot of a grocery store (or a car dealer) from 7:30am to 10:30am the second Saturday of the month and operate a mobile retail outlet for non-techs.

Anyone ever see a tool truck guy/gal do that?

 

[90zcar]

If i take the time to call my local snap on guy he usually will meet up with me as long as it's not out of his way which makes sense since i only spend a few hundred at a time.

Only a couple hundred....lol


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[truckdriver]

Holy dead thread revival!!

 

[Chadwilliam1]

I buy mine off ebay or snap on website. I need to get in touch with a dealer I need parts for a tool box. I would think a snap on dealer would do fairly well set up a retail shop but I am not business savvy

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[pi_guy]

You'd think the Snap On guy or any tool truck for that matter would set up in a saw the parking lot of a grocery store (or a car dealer) from 7:30am to 10:30am the second Saturday of the month and operate a mobile retail outlet for non-techs.

Anyone ever see a tool truck guy/gal do that?

Think it would violate the contract.
They are given specific routes with certain customers.
My guy is so busy that he is happy with current route and would not want to waste a Saturday if he was not doing work on truck he would be fishing.
Been on the truck several times when non techs come on, they are lost do not have a clue. Often the first word is that is too expensive.
The snap on guys have a captive audience a route to follow that regular non assigned clients can find him.
My guy been going this for 30 years and he has a following of disgruntled tech that had been screwed over by an other dealer. The call him they visit the truck on the route they get serviced by a good snap on dealer.
Since I consult from the house my dealer will visit my shop once every month or so just to see what I have added to the collection, just need to make parking for him.
The best way is to become friendly with a good responsive dealer.

The major problem with retail is there going to hire a 18 year old to work the sales floor and how much is he going to know.
I get to swap info and ideas with my Snap on guy, having a retail setup would be like going to Home Depot and having the sales people ask you how something operates. Which is a regular occurrence for me at Home Depot & I do not wear any orange.

 

[Roberts210]

I can't remember the name of the Snap-On dealer that was/is in Laredo, TX, that had a store, set up to serve customers from Mexico................He set me up with a Mexican address, so that I would NOT have to pay TX sales tax on what I bought.

And people wonder why Americans want to build a wall!

 

[lilredex]

Yes, Snap on did experiment with store front retailing in Toronto, more info here.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=159749

 

[nutsnbolts]

They sell a few SO items at my local Costco!

For reals? Like what?

 

[martin666]

Snap On stuff that's sold at Costco's, Pep Boys and the like are just Chinese made licensed products. Not ' real ' Snap On

 

[sberry]

93 posts and w still aint got the guy a tool, is it worth it yet? He wants a truck so it may it may be cheaper , about like shopping for a deal on a Rolls Royce.