SnapOn Tools

[Mogambo]

I was wanting to do something different with my life and I came across the possibility of a SnapOn Tool franchise. I know it will require putting quite a few hours in, but what the heck.

Does anybody know anything about this, or have any opinions on it?

 

[dcarver]

Mogambo, I can only speak from a customer perspective. I have a GREAT SnapOn dealer. He treats me fair, even for being just a 'hobby' mechanic. I know he supplies companies much larger than me... yet he returns my phone calls, provides insightful advice, will meet me when needed, and... I'll not buy from anyone but him. IMHO, SnapOn tools are *generally* the best, from a price and return-on-investment perspective. My tool box consists of SnapOn, Mac, Craftsman, Proto etc.. (some time back I had the opportunity to buy a complete chest from a mechanic who was moving) and somehow I always reach for SnapOn first. If I have to loan a tool, it's something else first.

I really think it's what you make of it. YMMV. Good luck.

 

[Mogambo]

Mogambo, I can only speak from a customer perspective. I have a GREAT SnapOn dealer. He treats me fair, even for being just a 'hobby' mechanic. I know he supplies companies much larger than me... yet he returns my phone calls, provides insightful advice, will meet me when needed, and... I'll not buy from anyone but him. IMHO, SnapOn tools are *generally* the best, from a price and return-on-investment perspective. My tool box consists of SnapOn, Mac, Craftsman, Proto etc.. (some time back I had the opportunity to buy a complete chest from a mechanic who was moving) and somehow I always reach for SnapOn first. If I have to loan a tool, it's something else first.
I really think it's what you make of it. YMMV. Good luck.

DC,

I know it's a personal thing, but do you think he makes a decent buck doing it?

 

[dcarver]

Mogambo, I can only speak from a customer perspective. I have a GREAT SnapOn dealer. He treats me fair, even for being just a 'hobby' mechanic. I know he supplies companies much larger than me... yet he returns my phone calls, provides insightful advice, will meet me when needed, and... I'll not buy from anyone but him. IMHO, SnapOn tools are *generally* the best, from a price and return-on-investment perspective. My tool box consists of SnapOn, Mac, Craftsman, Proto etc.. (some time back I had the opportunity to buy a complete chest from a mechanic who was moving) and somehow I always reach for SnapOn first. If I have to loan a tool, it's something else first.

I really think it's what you make of it. YMMV. Good luck.

DC,

I know it's a personal thing, but do you think he makes a decent buck doing it?

This I don't know. It must depend upon the profit margin and units sold. If, however, everyone of his customers feel the way I do, and he has *lots* of customers, then I could see it working. I've been to his house, seen his toys... He is making a *nice* but not extravagent living. He has shared that times have been harder for him lately.. that some of his larger accounts are buying 'cheaper' tools because the theft rate is high.. so better to provide, from a company perspecitve, less expensive tools knowing that xx% will be 'lost'. I know this from, in a previous life, being the manager of a calibration lab and tool room foreman at a nuclear power plant. I would guesstimate that he clears ~85k - 100k per year. He also is located in an area that has several major, corporate customers.. I don't think it would be feasible for dealing with only guys like me...

 

[Bounce]

I have a friend who's digging his way out of a bankruptcy that started with his dreams of owning a Snap-On franchise. You BUY all your stock and you then have to turn a certain amount and restock even if your route is through a sparcely populated part of the state. You don't know what route you'll get until after you've paid for your training and already begun digging the hole they have planned for you. If you learn that your route has already had 3 or 4 others before you fail, you already have an emotional (and financial) commitment so bailing is less likely.

They **** with their franchise owners like they do with mechanics who start out with a line of credit with Snap-On and end up their whole career having direct withdrawal from their paychecks to Snap-On just to pay for the basic tools and all the new sheite they get as they go along.

 

[Mogambo]

I have a friend who's digging his way out of a bankruptcy that started with his dreams of owning a Snap-On franchise. You BUY all your stock and you then have to turn a certain amount and restock even if your route is through a sparcely populated part of the state. You don't know what route you'll get until after you've paid for your training and already begun digging the hole they have planned for you. If you learn that your route has already had 3 or 4 others before you fail, you already have an emotional (and financial) commitment so bailing is less likely.
They **** with their franchise owners like they do with mechanics who start out with a line of credit with Snap-On and end up their whole career having direct withdrawal from their paychecks to Snap-On just to pay for the basic tools and all the new sheite they get as they go along.

For a company I always thought to have such a good reputation with their product, this certainly doesn't paint a very rosey picture. Thanks for the heads up.

I'm sure glad I have you guys to talk to about things (not just bikes).

 

[mdisher]

All franchises, have plusses and minuses... There are some very successful snap-on dealers out there. There are some that aren't so lucky too.

I don't think they are what they used to be back in the 80's early 90's. The competion and ease of access to quality tools these days would just make me really question doing this.

There are plenty of other things to do if you want to be in business for yourself.

 

[weekend rider]

All those that hae responded have given you excellent informatiom about owning a company.

To add some more info, remember it is a business and a new one even though you are taking over a route.

Do your home work study business trends customer base, new business's comming in, and leaving. how long can you go with out a profit, how much capital do you have to work with.

Do your research and that will tell you. This is not a hobby it is a life.

RREMEMBER MOST NEW BUSINESS'S FAIL BECAUSE OF POOR PLANNING AND LACK OF FINANCE

I do not want to ruin your day but do not want you to go broke and be homeless either.

please post up if you purchase the franchise and let us know how it is going. weekend rider

 

[Mogambo]

Thanks guys. As always, I appreciate your insights and opinions.