Why doesn't Snap on have a local store

[ToolGlutton]

If Snap on want to expand their market from professionals to DIYers, they should considering having local stores. It's true an ordinary DIYer is less likely to spend >$100 on a ratchet compared to a mechanic, but there are hundreds of thousands times more DIYers compared to mechanics there purchasing tools.

Below are more advantages for having local stores:

1) It can help more people get to know the brand. Some people only buy Craftsman, because they think Craftsman is the best. They can afford Snap on, but just have never seen a Snap on tool.

2) People would buy tools they normally wouldn't buy online if they can feel the tool in a local store.

3) Warranty issue. I would never buy any Snap on sockets before I can get warranty easily from a local store. Who wants the idea of chasing a truck just to replace a broken socket?

4) Snap on can also save cost in warranty issues. DIYers are much less likely to break a tool compared to a mechanic.

 

[Theo]

They had one in Canada, it lasted about a year before it closed.

 

[dxdexter]

Where did you come up with the idea that Snap-on wants the DIY market. It is already overloaded with inexpensive Asian Snap-on wannabes.

Most home tool users could care less if the tool is Snap-on or not. They just want to get the job done with the least amount of expense and that means cheap tools available at the box stores. The folks on this board are not representative of most DIY'ers.

I personally think it would destroy the image that Snap-on and other truck and industrial supplier brands have fostered over the years. It puts them on the same level and thus the desire to obtain them is lessened.

 

[MXtras]

Snap-on's service in my area sucked when I was wrenching. Plain and simple. A retail store would help.

Scott

 

[Theo]

Where did you come up with the idea that Snap-on wants the DIY market. It is already overloaded with inexpensive Asian Snap-on wannabes.

Most home tool users could care less if the tool is Snap-on or not. They just want to get the job done with the least amount of expense and that means cheap tools available at the box stores. The folks on this board are not representative of most DIY'ers.

I personally think it would destroy the image that Snap-on and other truck and industrial supplier brands have fostered over the years. It puts them on the same level and thus the desire to obtain them is lessened.

I believe that's one of the reasons they closed it.

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

Snap~on did have some retail stores a few years back. There was a story on it, however, I think they sold more chit, like hats, shirts etc, then actual tools. The people that tended to shop them, just wanted cheap tools, because they don't do it for a living.

As for the warrany, you do have the other side of the issue. People trying to get tools warrantied, because they broke them, since they didn't have the correct tool. (chrome sockets on an impact)

Once they go retail, they DO have to compete with Sears. Now, they try to stay in the elitest, exclusive markets, so they can keep their high prices and profit margins.

 

[Jared]

There still is a snap on store 1.5 hours from me, never been there but i hear the guy is hard to deal with.

 

[Theo]

There still is a snap on store 1.5 hours from me, never been there but i hear the guy is hard to deal with.

Are you sure it's a Snap-on store, or is it a store with a Snap-on sign in the window? I think I know the store you're talking about and if so it's not an official Snap-on store.

 

[Danglerb]

Simple answer they make more money with the trucks.

Much less overhead than a building.
Once a week truck visits increase impulse buying.
Once a week truck visits make price and product comparison more difficult.
One guy couldn't run a store by himself.
Truck visits WORK, convenient and its a killing zone for selling. How many people would visit the Snapon store once a week with all their coworkers?

 

[Pedro-snapon]

and the official reason, It made it a pita for dealers who now have to compete against a retail store.

snap-on dealers are individually owned franchises who have a specific route that they can't get away from running, so its a loss of money if any of their customers go to a store to buy snap-on tools.

 

[rsanter]

I like the idea beacuse I would visit the store and even buy some stuff there.
on the other hand I am unsure that the buisness would actually be successfull.

perhaps they could make a deal with an industrial outlet that would carry their hardline tools, but other than that I would say that the store would have a hard time making it

renting a retail outlet space is not cheap

the store will still have to pay franchasising fees for using the name

big potential for theft with all those little sockets and bits

we are currently in a tough market, so now is the worst time to start a store

bob
the average person would be shocked by the price

 

[joshboogie]

Simple answer they make more money with the trucks.

Much less overhead than a building.
Once a week truck visits increase impulse buying.
Once a week truck visits make price and product comparison more difficult.
One guy couldn't run a store by himself.
Truck visits WORK, convenient and its a killing zone for selling. How many people would visit the Snapon store once a week with all their coworkers?

This is exactly what I was thinking. I know for a fact that if the SO truck didn't come by just before payday I wouldn't have the SO tools I have now. I impulse buy allot of stuff on the SO truck. I like the fact that I can shop on the clock personally. That and I have a credit with the truck. If there were a store I doubt there would be much credit given. Unless there was an application process in which case allot of people wouldn't qualify for. I'm not saying I'm totally opposed to the idea but I don't think it's logical or cost effective for SO.

 

[jay50]

Business model is set up like this: Put a driver in an enclosed van so he can close the door during sales transactions....LOL

 

[speed bump]

I like the idea beacuse I would visit the store and even buy some stuff there.
on the other hand I am unsure that the buisness would actually be successfull.

perhaps they could make a deal with an industrial outlet that would carry their hardline tools, but other than that I would say that the store would have a hard time making it

renting a retail outlet space is not cheap

the store will still have to pay franchasising fees for using the name

big potential for theft with all those little sockets and bits

we are currently in a tough market, so now is the worst time to start a store

bob
the average person would be shocked by the price

They did make a deal with Industrial suppliers, you can go in and buy JH Williams tools all you want from dozens of various suppliers.

As far as having a store why? If you want to buy something from the Snap-on guy call him up and say "yo I needz these tools Biotch, where can I hook up with you and prostrate myself in hopes of trading my left testicle and dignity for a screwdriver".

 

[wilbilt]

Dealers have an exclusive, protected territory, so opening a retail store there would be in violation of the franchise agreement.

Of course, Corporate can split the territory and give half of it to another dealer if they so choose...

 

[MachineTech]

Half the maintenance and industrial mechanics I work with despise the mobile tool industry. They complain about the cost, they complain about having to wait a week for the guy to show up to warranty something, they claim that the quality of store bought tools is the same as the trucks have to offer. Most of us here know thats BS. I have seen folks throw a rope over a tree limb and hook one end to a bumper and the other to an engine to pull an engine. These are the same people that don't use the correct tool for a job, the same ones that take no pride in what they do, and the same folks thats favorite tools are duct tape and bailing wire. They scoff at people like us for spending 10x what they do for tools and equipment and call us foolish. Those hill billys would never buy more than a Snap-on sticker from a Snap-on store and would put the sticker on their Wal-mart plastic tool box.

When I took my job where I currently work and rolled in my nice Snap-on box, the plant manager and others took notice. Nobody else there had anything that nice yet. It made a statement about myself that I'm not "fly-by-night", I'm a professional and since I have been there I feel it has influenced others to follow suit and better them selves, either with education or better equipment.

No, I don't believe that a store would make it.

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

I believe a dealer can open a store in his territory
a nice toolbox screams professional

 

[billymade]

I already posted this link but it explains "who why, where and when " of the Snapon tool company; the marketing, target consumer etc. Its all there in black and white; I think there is a "not broke, don't fix it" mentality to the company and their market. The article below mentions a Snapon store in Albuquerque that I believe has closed down; I couldn't find it through google or mapquest.

"Case Study: How Snap-on Tools Ratchets Its Brand" strategy + business magazine

http://www.strategy-business.com/press/16635507/9598
Here is a press release about the framing nailers they are selling under their brand; maybe there is change in the wind?
http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS207314+13-May-2008+BW20080513

 

[TheToolMan]

I agree that a nice box screams pro, When i got my first snap on box the owner came down to check it out, I shook my hand and thanked me for investing in my career. That put a big smile on my face. My shop is always the cleanset and most professional in the company. When tours come through the boss always comes in my shop because he is proud to show it off to his customers. I just recently got a new bigger box with a riser and i think he was just as happy as i was when he saw it.

 

[Stuey]

SO's premium is about service. They drive up to the shop, sell tools, service tools, etc.

Besides, they're already making a name for themselves - "Snap-On" flashlights are available wherever fine imported gizmos and gadgets are sold, as well as at wholesale clubs.

If SO opens a shop, just imagine how much more they'd have to charge for tools to be able to profit with their warranty/guarantees.

 

[billymade]

Here is a quote from the article posted above that talks about this issue:
"The push toward more complex diagnostic equipment has even lured Snap-on into new, uncharted territory. In early 1997, the company opened its first retail outlet, in Albuquerque, N.M., expressly to offer local dealers a place to send customers for new product demonstrations, training and sales. As the equipment gets larger and more sophisticated, it becomes more difficult to sell off the back of a van. The storefront also gives tool aficionados who are not professional mechanics a place to buy Snap-on tools for themselves or as gifts.

Mr. Cornog conceded that Snap-on is walking a thin line in testing the consumer market. He insisted that the company would never undermine or dilute the dealers' position in the marketplace. In fact, the company has always defaulted back to the dealer if any strategic decision might weaken that position. Thus, Snap-on is moving very slowly in this regard, with plans to open just two more stores, in Detroit and Torrance, Calif., in 1998. Commissions from consumer sales will be pooled and spread among the local dealers.

In the end, Snap-on executives understand what nearly eight decades of brand development and management has created. That, in itself, is a mark of the best brands, a long-term corporate memory that retains what spawned the success in the first place.

"Our customers buy solutions," Snap-on's Mr. Beronja said. "When they buy a wrench, they are actually buying a turned bolt or screw. When they buy a drill bit, they are buying a hole." "

"Case Study: How Snap-on Tools Ratchets Its Brand" Strategy+Business Magazine

 

[CAT_serviceman927]

Just wondering that myself.

 

[wilbilt]

In the end, Snap-on executives understand what nearly eight decades of brand development and management has created. That, in itself, is a mark of the best brands, a long-term corporate memory that retains what spawned the success in the first place.

And it only takes a couple of years with greedy execs at the helm to turn that brand into an offshore *****.

 

[eschoendorff]

Snap On does have a retail store... You been to Ace Hardware lately? They are carrying more and more average-consumer stuff...

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

diluting the brand is nuts
they should sell at neiman marcus

 

[Merkava_4]

I don't want a local store; plus, their website with free shipping is marvelous.

 

[Voltron]

i for one would welcome a local store.

I live in New Zealand so things may be a little different here, but i find the truck system to be a PITA for the following reasons:

1. i am a professional, i appreciate good tools. I currently work in the fuel industry - fixing pumps etc so i spend as much time as anyone using wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers and so forth - but i am not a mechanic. So the local SO guy doesn't stop at my work. PITA!.

2. Even if he did, i work in the field ie i drive around all day from gas station to gas sation, so i am rarely if ever actually at my place of work, so i would never see the SO guy.

I dont really have the time to chase the SO truck around town (but i often do anyway!) so a store would be awesome. Many people i work with have never used SO (many of them probably havent even seen any SO tools), if there was a store where they could go and see the tools and touch them.........well you know the rest. Im sure there are many professional tool users out there who dont see the SO truck and could benefit from having a store locally. The prices would keep the DIYers and idiots away i'm sure.

 

[Merkava_4]

If Snap-on had a store, your average Joe would never shop there; plus, the security they'd need at the place would have to be something similar to the Green Zone in Bagdad.

 

[Danglerb]

Dance in a circle around the Snapon truck if you want, but you can do professional work with Craftsmen, Proto, SK, Armstrong, etc as sold by Sears and many industrial hardware stores.

The Snapon business model is the same as an ice cream truck, sell what you could buy elsewhere much cheaper at a large premium by taking it directly to the consumer.

 

[nissan_crawler]

Dance in a circle around the Snapon truck if you want, but you can do professional work with Craftsmen, Proto, SK, Armstrong, etc as sold by Sears and many industrial hardware stores.

The Snapon business model is the same as an ice cream truck, sell what you could buy elsewhere much cheaper at a large premium by taking it directly to the consumer.

Partially true. For wrenches I mostly stick to Craftsman Pro, I woudl like snap on (thinner box ends), but I won't pay the price, regular craftsman sockets work fine.

But..Craftsman swivel sockets **** *** and theyd on't make 1/4" 12 point. They don't make 30/60 wrenches, in fact, nobody but snap on does. The Craftsman ratchets aren't on par.

Proto/Matco/Sk/Armstrong, all worthless here, no way to warranty it. Craftsman is getting hard to warranty, also.

 

[eschoendorff]

They did make a deal with Industrial suppliers, you can go in and buy JH Williams tools all you want from dozens of various suppliers.

As far as having a store why? If you want to buy something from the Snap-on guy call him up and say "yo I needz these tools Biotch, where can I hook up with you and prostrate myself in hopes of trading my left testicle and dignity for a screwdriver".

 

[eschoendorff]

Are you sure it's a Snap-on store, or is it a store with a Snap-on sign in the window? I think I know the store you're talking about and if so it's not an official Snap-on store.

Actually, that reminded me...

A few weeks ago I was driving through Clinton Township and happened to be in an industrial area. There was a particular store that had a Snap On Industrial sign in the window.... took every bit of willpower NOT to turn around and go back to that store... the wife was with me and we were running late as it was,

 

[daveblank]

2. Even if he did, i work in the field ie i drive around all day from gas station to gas sation, so i am rarely if ever actually at my place of work, so i would never see the SO guy.

Easy solution. Call the dealer & make an agreement with him. I'll assume you have a base location. Meet hime & give him a credit card #. Buy your tools & let him bill you a set amount each week. If you need something call him & have him leave it at your base location. That way he only needs to come if you call.