Why truck brands

[roketa36]

Ok. I got to ask why are people so stuck on truck brands when they know they can get the same exact tool for a fraction of the cost.

I have seen several post where people have said the source that a truck company get a specific tool rebadged in their name. But people keep paying the inflated price for the same thing.

 

[Flatintoone]

Service.

 

[Hpozzuoli]

Convenience, warranty, and quality

 

[tyndall]

Because people are more lazy than they are cheap.

 

[jd_1138]

You get the items delivered to your place of employment, you can get them swapped out if they break, you can finance them, etc.. There's added value to all that.

I just started working for a guy with a large SO box filled with SO's. I've had to use a few to fix some stuff around the office and warehouse there. They are sweet. My home box consists of 80% Craftsman and 20% misc..

 

[isr2kba]

The truck comes to you saving time.
The truck can often times come the same day you call saving time.
The truck owner does your research for you saving time.
The truck handles warranty issues for you saving time.

Time = money and/or quality of family life

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

For a non-professional, truck brands don't usually make sense. It's hard to argue with the quality of most hardline and specialty truck tools, but I find I'm better served by the industrial brands as they are more cost effective and UPS and FedEx are the only trucks that deliver tools to my house. Don't be so quick to knock the cost of truck tools.......there are some things that are simply worth the price. For me, I bought 9 Snappy Dual 80 ratchets as I wanted the best with easy support (via mail). My other tools are a hodge podge of American brands.

 

[dankicksass]

Better support, better quality, less breakage, less downtime with truck brands. Regarding rebadged tools, Snap-On will gladly warranty or sell you parts or members where the other brands and even the OEM often won't offer anything after sale. Snap-On and the other trucks finance tools same as cash for minor purchases on a handshake. Believe it or not, a lot of young people don't have credit cards.

 

[GTA Matt]

When I first started out, it was the ability to get a quality tool with no waiting on a payment plan. Don't have much use for them any more, except for the few brand exclusive items and warrantying broken tools. The internet has made it easy to find the original manufacturer, often at a fraction of the cost. There's a lot of money I would like to have back from buying rebranded tools.

 

[zkling]

Image and status symbol.

 

[firebox40dash5]

If I think I might break it... it's going to cost me postage, time, and effort to mail it in, since outside of buying Husky, Kobalt, or Craftsman, it's not like you're going to swap in store.

If I don't really have that couple hundred right now, I can still get it.

If I do have that couple hundred, I can probably wiggle 30% or more off MSRP on the truck, and maybe be within spitting distance of the OE.

That said, if I don't think I can break it, or the price difference is something crazy like >100%, I'll save the money. But if it's something like ratcheting wrenches (I was actually just debating Matco's super-long double box vs. EZRed's) that I'll probably break several times, I'd rather spend some extra money.

 

[Skin]

Because people are more lazy than they are cheap.

Basically. People in general don't have the best money management skills. Combine that with a field that requires tens of thousands in equipment investment and some guy placing what you need in your hand and putting it on truck credit for $100/wk, or what have you, and you get the primary reason people buy off the truck. You're not paying $500 for that wrench set, its only $60!..... a week for the next 2 months.

Arguments of "higher quality" and "easy warranty" are secondary to this by far.

Truthfully I don't even understand people claiming its a warranty thing when most trucks only swing by any given shop once a week. In ten days or less I can have a replacement tool in my hand by mailing it. If warranty was really a concern the best will always be a B&M store, or a dealer who will go out of their way to get to you ASAP, but the latter are few and far between.

 

[BobsurUncle]

Tool truck haters UNITE!!!

 

[Steinmetz]

Image and status symbol.

Plus the thrill of stepping onto that boutique on wheels once a week.

 

[rtole]

I guess I dont buy the rebrand stuff. Some of it is better. The oems also have differant lines that are not the same. A proto wrench will be light years ahead of a stanley for example. Same company.

 

[Steinmetz]

"...Basically. People in general don't have the best money management skills…"

Or the ability to recognize the tool truck as the new "company store", committed to easy credit and perpetual indebtedness.

 

[Strouty]

Feed the newbie trolling for a rise!

 

[cotjocky]

Ok. I got to ask why are people so stuck on truck brands when they know they can get the same exact tool for a fraction of the cost.

I have seen several post where people have said the source that a truck company get a specific tool rebadged in their name. But people keep paying the inflated price for the same thing.

Not all tools on the tool truck are "rebranded" or "rebadged". Some tools are of the highest quality available and no one else makes anything comparable whether it be USA or Foreign made.

Although Mac, Matco and Cornwell do make some things themselves, Snap-on seems to make a higher percentage of their own stuff than the other 3 companies. All 4 companies have things outsourced.

I know a guy personally that won't buy anything not labeled "Snap-on". Even if another tool performs better, holds up better and costs less, he'll buy the Snap-on version. He's got a complex about people seeing "cheap" tools in his tool box.

I would consider myself a "Snap-on guy" and probably around 75% of my tools are Snap-on. With that in mind, I don't care what other people think about what is in my box as long as I feel it does the best job for what I use it for. It has to meet my expectations whether it costs $1 or $1000. I'm picky and if I can get a "get by" tool for $5 or buy something I really like for $50, I'll plop down the $50 and not think twice about it.

I'm not rich, but tools is what I spend my bank on. I'm not a ATV riding, Boat driving, 4 Wheeling, racing, let's hang out or go party kinda guy. I don't buy many nice clothes or go on expensive vacations. I don't have any expensive habits or hobbies. My spare time is always spent working on projects for myself or friends. With that being said, I want equipment/tools that supports my lifestyle. Not collecting, but doing all the things my tools allow me to do is my expensive hobby. And it is a lot more fun when you are happy with your tools and feel they are the "best"(regardless of brand or price). It makes the work so much more pleasant and enjoyable.

Some people are hung up on brand names, but that applies to people on all sorts of products, not just tools. That's why companies pay billions in advertising. To brain wash people into being loyal customers.

I personally finding myself to be the judge of what product I stand with and can't say there is any one company that 100% of their product line is the "best".

 

[Hiball]

Not all tools on the tool truck are "rebranded" or "rebadged". Some tools are of the highest quality available and no one else makes anything comparable whether it be USA or Foreign made.

Although Mac, Matco and Cornwell do make some things themselves, Snap-on seems to make a higher percentage of their own stuff than the other 3 companies. All 4 companies have things outsourced.

I know a guy personally that won't buy anything not labeled "Snap-on". Even if another tool performs better, holds up better and costs less, he'll buy the Snap-on version. He's got a complex about people seeing "cheap" tools in his tool box.

I would consider myself a "Snap-on guy" and probably around 75% of my tools are Snap-on. With that in mind, I don't care what other people think about what is in my box as long as I feel it does the best job for what I use it for. It has to meet my expectations whether it costs $1 or $1000. I'm picky and if I can get a "get by" tool for $5 or buy something I really like for $50, I'll plop down the $50 and not think twice about it.

I'm not rich, but tools is what I spend my bank on. I'm not a ATV riding, Boat driving, 4 Wheeling, racing, let's hang out or go party kinda guy. I don't buy many nice clothes or go on expensive vacations. I don't have any expensive habits or hobbies. My spare time is always spent working on projects for myself or friends. With that being said, I want equipment/tools that supports my lifestyle. Not collecting, but doing all the things my tools allow me to do is my expensive hobby. And it is a lot more fun when you are happy with your tools and feel they are the "best"(regardless of brand or price). It makes the work so much more pleasant and enjoyable.

Some people are hung up on brand names, but that applies to people on all sorts of products, not just tools. That's why companies pay billions in advertising. To brain wash people into being loyal customers.

I personally finding myself to be the judge of what product I stand with and can't say there is any one company that 100% of their product line is the "best".

Bravo!! Finally someone in this thread who actually Read and Responded to the OP's Misconception that all Truck tools are rebranded and the Same tool can be found cheaper.

Good Job... Now the Rest of you carry on.

 

[Skin]

Tool truck haters UNITE!!!

Before you take more sips from your koolaid glass recognize the difference between hating on a product and hating on a distribution model designed to take advantage of a blue collar worker, who already works for a paltry wage mind you. Truck brands may have some excellent quality but that does not justify thousands of dollars to equip yourself with the most basic sockets, ratchets and wrenches.

Blame who ever you like, as some fault certainly lies in the pay scale of the field as well, but at the end of the day its contradictory logic to tell some guy making 50k a year to buy products with sky high price tags.

 

[arms1970]

Basically. People in general don't have the best money management skills. Combine that with a field that requires tens of thousands in equipment investment and some guy placing what you need in your hand and putting it on truck credit for $100/wk, or what have you, and you get the primary reason people buy off the truck. You're not paying $500 for that wrench set, its only $60!..... a week for the next 2 months.

Arguments of "higher quality" and "easy warranty" are secondary to this by far.

Truthfully I don't even understand people claiming its a warranty thing when most trucks only swing by any given shop once a week. In ten days or less I can have a replacement tool in my hand by mailing it. If warranty was really a concern the best will always be a B&M store, or a dealer who will go out of their way to get to you ASAP, but the latter are few and far between.

For one. We're not handing broken tools over on a weekly basis. Because the quality is there. and how many "tool" stores are out there and have everything you need? When im working 12 hours a day. 6 days a week, I don't have time to "shop"

 

[Tarheelgarage]

ok. I got to ask why are people so stuck on truck brands when they know they can get the same exact tool for a fraction of the cost.

I have seen several post where people have said the source that a truck company get a specific tool rebadged in their name. But people keep paying the inflated price for the same thing.

 

[arms1970]

Bravo!! Finally someone in this thread who actually Read and Responded to the OP's Misconception that all Truck tools are rebranded and the Same tool can be found cheaper.

Good Job... Now the Rest of you carry on.

Exactly, I second that.

 

[volleyball]

Truck tools = buying on the company time.

 

[Strouty]

Truck tools = buying on the company time.

Doesn't equate if you are flat rate. (that rhymed!)

 

[dankicksass]

No such thing as company time for a flat rate tech.

 

[roketa36]

Feed the newbie trolling for a rise!

Not trolling asking a serious question. I have already participated in plenty of trends.

But thank you for wasting people's time with your post that has nothing to do with this thread.

To everyone else that has contributed to this thread thank you very much

 

[rtole]

Why buy a gmc when a chevy is the same? All companies are out to take your money. EVERY SINGLE COMPANY is looking to get in your wallet for as much as they can in every way they can. Dont single oit tool trucks. Some go agressive, some are not. Make no mistake, anyone who does anything for money is looking to get as much as they can. Its not like tool salesmen are putting a gun to your head. They set out, display , come to you, and market what they sell. If you want to go to a store and shop you can. If you want to buy from a tool truck........its the same ploy. If you want what they sell pay their price. Just like a store. Stores sell the exact same products for differant prices. Why are you not bashing target for selling charmin for more than walmart? Dont be dumb. All business does this exact same thing.

 

[roketa36]

Not all tools on the tool truck are "rebranded" or "rebadged". Some tools are of the highest quality available and no one else makes anything comparable whether it be USA or Foreign made.



Although Mac, Matco and Cornwell do make some things themselves, Snap-on seems to make a higher percentage of their own stuff than the other 3 companies. All 4 companies have things outsourced.



I know a guy personally that won't buy anything not labeled "Snap-on". Even if another tool performs better, holds up better and costs less, he'll buy the Snap-on version. He's got a complex about people seeing "cheap" tools in his tool box.



I would consider myself a "Snap-on guy" and probably around 75% of my tools are Snap-on. With that in mind, I don't care what other people think about what is in my box as long as I feel it does the best job for what I use it for. It has to meet my expectations whether it costs $1 or $1000. I'm picky and if I can get a "get by" tool for $5 or buy something I really like for $50, I'll plop down the $50 and not think twice about it.



I'm not rich, but tools is what I spend my bank on. I'm not a ATV riding, Boat driving, 4 Wheeling, racing, let's hang out or go party kinda guy. I don't buy many nice clothes or go on expensive vacations. I don't have any expensive habits or hobbies. My spare time is always spent working on projects for myself or friends. With that being said, I want equipment/tools that supports my lifestyle. Not collecting, but doing all the things my tools allow me to do is my expensive hobby. And it is a lot more fun when you are happy with your tools and feel they are the "best"(regardless of brand or price). It makes the work so much more pleasant and enjoyable.



Some people are hung up on brand names, but that applies to people on all sorts of products, not just tools. That's why companies pay billions in advertising. To brain wash people into being loyal customers.



I personally finding myself to be the judge of what product I stand with and can't say there is any one company that 100% of their product line is the "best".

That is exactly the type of feedback I was wanting to get. I fully understand your reasoning

Thanks for the great response

Bravo!! Finally someone in this thread who actually Read and Responded to the OP's Misconception that all Truck tools are rebranded and the Same tool can be found cheaper.



Good Job... Now the Rest of you carry on.

Sorry I guess I should have clarified more I know not all tools are just rebrands.

Thanks for pointing out the confusing I may have caused

 

[Skin]

For one. We're not handing broken tools over on a weekly basis. Because the quality is there. and how many "tool" stores are out there and have everything you need? When im working 12 hours a day. 6 days a week, I don't have time to "shop"

Whos "we"? Im talking about the people who say its worth it buying off the truck due to "warranty convenience". If you don't break things then you wouldn't be one of those people, right? There are many reasons, some are more or less just excuses, the truest is simply what I already stated.

 

[RV77]

Because.......You are supporting your local business man who has to make a living also...and he just happens to sell quality tools and I like buying tools.

 

[rtole]

Because.......You are supporting your local business man who has to make a living also...and he just happens to sell quality tools and I like buying tools.

God forbid we buy a import ratchet, but dont pay to much to an american small business owner.

 

[BlksnshN]

Mostly credit. I don't have 5 - 10k laying around to dump on tools.

I don't buy a lot of the truck rebranded stuff. I did buy a set of Matco (Knipex) pliers off the truck but I know my driver will warranty them for any reason and I've heard knipex can be hard to deal with directly. Also bought a few different sets of Matco (Witte) screwdrivers off of ebay. Paid closer to Witte prices and got the cool green color only offered with the Matco branding.

I feel the Matco and Snap On ratchets are truly better than any other brand I've used in both quality and comfort.

Snap On flank drive wrenches (unfortunately, I don't own any) are also leaps and bounds ahead of any other wrench I've used.

There are other things that I just can't justify the price difference. Luckily I'm not so OCD that every tool has to match. Although it does bug me a bit to have different brands of sockets in the same drawer. Also my Duralast screwdrivers don't get to live in the same drawer as my Green Matco's.

 

[crewchief888]

i used to buy nearly everything off a tool truck.

much easier to hide purchases from the ex that way....



"back in the day" before easy internet access,
places like ebay, amazon, and innumerable online tool stores,
finding the OEM for a rebranded truck tool wasnt really that easy.

sure i might have paid a little more upfront off the truck, but i didnt spend my entire weekend running around town trying to find XYZ tool for a cheaper price.

 

[Bruce57]

I buy mostly Snap On on Ebay and usually pay half or less of the truck price. I like the quality, warranty, and parts availability. I also buy some Mac and Matco, as well as Armstrong. Good tools, and I like the fact that they hold resale value. I make my living with my tools. I have had cheap tools break under proper usage. I sometimes ask myself this question: If I were to take my car in for service, which tech would I hope gets my car to work on - the guy with the Snap On tools or the guy with the Harbor Freight tools?

 

[sberry]

The HF,,, he probably understands math better,, hahahahahaha

Mostly credit. I don't have 5 - 10k laying around to dump on tools

Wouldn't need but 400$ at Sears or Walmart.

 

[BlksnshN]

The HF,,, he probably understands math better,, hahahahahaha Wouldn't need but 400$ at Sears or Walmart.

I don't have 5 - 10k to spend on fuel to drive to Sears or Walmart everyday to warranty tools.

 

[Wamsutta]

Because not everybody is happy with the quality of Duralast and Craftsman.

 

[volleyball]

The HF guy doesn't have to charge you as much, so that works for me.

 

[Tarheelgarage]

I buy mostly Snap On on Ebay and usually pay half or less of the truck price. I like the quality, warranty, and parts availability. I also buy some Mac and Matco, as well as Armstrong. Good tools, and I like the fact that they hold resale value. I make my living with my tools. I have had cheap tools break under proper usage. I sometimes ask myself this question: If I were to take my car in for service, which tech would I hope gets my car to work on - the guy with the Snap On tools or the guy with the Harbor Freight tools?

Guess you've never heard the phrase " It ain't the brand of tool in the hand of the mechanic that makes him good, it the brains of the mechanic holding it"