Tool Distributors

[ccd3]

Hey Folks-

Just wondering if anyone out there knows anything about operating a tool franchise (Snap-On, Matco, etc) or buys from these operations.\

Retirement is on the horizon- but I'm still too young to sit on the porch. I've just started looking at things to keep me busy in my golden years.

Any info. appreciated.

[dan42]

There was a thread on here a little earlier regarding this - the gist of it, as far as I could see, is there isn't much money in it, there's tons of competition, and you have to work really long hours. I think there were a couple of guys that actually do it. If you think about it, other than a decent chunk of money to get started, and a working knowledge of a few tools, there isn't too many requirements to get into it. (I don't mean to offend the guys that are doing it). And from the outside, it looks like the benefits would be substantial; i.e., tools cheap or free, access to people that can help you with your projects, etc. so I could see how it could appear to be an attractive job. But I suspect to be successful at it, you have to work your butt off and sacrifice a lot. In the end, there are probably a lot of things you could do that would be more rewarding than selling tools, unless you just love doing it. Just my 2 pennies.

[BACKYARD88]

Here you go
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=264737

[streetstar]

sounds like a pain in the a--- for a young guy who is just trying to make his mark (bigger house, having kids, etc.)

But if its a retirement thing, and you have other income and dont depend 100% on tools all the time, then it sounds like a good thing

[ccd3]

thanks guys- I should have figured someone asked this question before. thanks for pointing me to the thread. I'm a bit skeptical myself. Seems you'd have to move a lot of inventory to make it worth it... and to move a lot of inventory you need to make a lot of calls- and travel a lots of miles.


You know- my wife goes to this group "Pampered Chefs". Sort of like an Avon party for gourmet chefs.. she buys lots of high dollar knives, pots, etc. They usually have demos and such.

You know, it's too bad they don't have something like this for us guys who are tool-heads. I think it'd be cool to get together in someones garage, drink a few brews and have someone show how to lay a good weld... (And BTW,they happen to sell a really quality welder- here you try)

[cdowns]

i know alot of it depends on you extending credit to you're clients who may or may not be there the next time the truck pulls in to the shop

[BACKYARD88]

There hasn't been a MAC man in my area for a while.....

[piecesparts]

The trick is to buy up someones franchise area and take over the tool accounts at the dealerships and local mechanics---otherwise your competition will destroy you.