Man, so many horror stories about tool trucks. I must have got lucky in the early/mid 2000's. Wrenched in a couple bike shops, and all the Mac and snap-on guys were awesome to deal with. Still love Mac and snap-on.
Damn it brother, i feel your pain. I’ve watched plenty of your videos and you are definitely a man with a big heart. Its a damn shame corporate greed always sours good souls. You stay strong brother.
Well done video. I'm a Mac Tool Distributor going on 27 years. I have been around even before you started. Everything you said is 100 % correct. I have never wasted time on school or government sales knowing we never had the infrastructure to handle those accounts. I don't let the corporate guys get to me since I know I can kick them off my truck at any time. I just paid off my last tooltruck btw. The one thing you said that know one talks about and its the reason I have had the success that I have is I like you, sell the hand tools and never really focus on storage ( of course I sell storage from time to time). Selling the small stuff verses being a elephant hunter returns my money quickly. On a final note the reason I will retire doing this is its hard to replace a 6 figure income with unlimited time off that I get to control.
Thanks for this series CP it’s a good incite into the tool truck industry. Also we get to know more about you, and to me you seem like a great guy so I like that.
That’s a shame when a company grows so big that it becomes numb to people’s concerns. Loved the story man, I’m glad you’re looking out for the little guy.
Amen brother 🙏 this has been the most honest opinion/review of the tool truck business I’ve ever heard so far. It really takes someone that lived through it to be able to speak up like you did. Lots of customers don’t know what really goes on behind doors and expect to much out of tool guys. Not to mention all the lies that these companies throw at the tool guy prospects to get them in business and once you sing everything changes. Like they say “once you sing your life to the devil you’re on your own and you’re the only one with everything to loose “ Thanks again CP
That's so sad to hear that MAC Tools couldn't back you up on such a major sale! That's ridiculous! My friend is a Snap On dealer and he's pretty happy. He has his own territory and has many friends along the way that purchase from him. He's always been staright forward and honest.
I have had the best luck in sales by teaching people and showing benefits- not cramming or pressuring or calling them into submission. I Like your approach!
First off, LOVE the white and blue tool box. Thank you for a truly honest assessment of your business dealings. Well done. Best of luck to you and Merry 🎄 Christmas 🎅
Retired GM tech for over 50 years. I liked MAC tools, but they did not take care of their dealers. Then the dealers did not take care of customers. I purchased a MB1700 back in the late 80's. I was told this was the heaviest and strongest toolbox that MAC tools ever built. Yes, it was hard to move. I wanted to replace the drawer guides that were worn out! No one wanted to work with me to help me purchase new guides. When I finally contacted MAC tools "direct", I was told it had a lifetime warranty on this box! I took this toolbox completely apart and cleaned and rebuilt it. I even cleaned and painted it. Now it stays in my home garage. I am happy it has been cleaned up. The reason Snapon dealers seem to do better, they take better care of customers for a price. You seem to be a good tool man, clearly MAC tools did not take care of you. They did not take care of me until just before I retired.
I am a tool guy plus a retired mechanic of over50 years I loved Mac tools a lot over snapon tools we lost a great dealer because corporate kept getting in his pocket after that it was hit and miss dealers then no dealers in my area ever you have to send and order Mac tools on line
Thanks for sharing your experience on being a Mac Tools dealer. Back when I first started wrenching we had Snap On and Mac. I purchased more Mac than Snap On. I really liked my Mac 3/8" flex head ratchet with the red plastic handle. That was my go to ratchet. Never had an issue with it.
Mine too I wore mine out I'm a retired mechanic of over 50 years we lost our dealer never ever got a replacement dealer so it was go online for repairs and purchases
My Dad had a yellow Gator Nationals toolbox back when I was young, I always thought it was super cool. Unfortunately it got tipped when trying to load onto a trailer. I currently inherited one of those blue Mac tool carts that slide open on the top. I was surprised to see China stamped on one of the metal panels after taking it apart for transport in a car. Still a nice little cart to have sitting around.
To be fair all the tool dealers i have cornwell dealers have been the happiest with the company they represent over the other 3 big truck tool brands my former cornwell dealer and became my best friend as we went on vacation together families becoming close friendship unfortunately passed away and the dealer i work with now is great aswell and has same opinion of company and my friend did and they love what they do and like the company they sell for which speaks volumes to me
Grate video and if i was given the same opportunity for a big contract like that and the company would not offer to help out i would definitely question my faith in the company and be vary bitter going forward i love your videos and glad to see your unbiased opinion keep up the great work
I remember these times with Mac tools. But I really liked them. I had a Mac tech triple bank purple with black trim. I remember the Mac edge sockets. Which are reborn as the RBxx sockets and wrenches
O wow, I literally spoke to a new Cornwell dealer. I told them (the new dealer and the manager showing him how to operate) that I was considering it but this just opened my eyes.
Hey CP I started with MAC & SK Tool back in the 70’s . Still have my original box. Excellent video. I believe the tool guy taking over the route still has his old Grumman
Nice! My area Mac guy NEVER shows up, so we will never buy that brand if he does show. Snap On guy had a heart attack 2 months after getting the new route/truck... Sad deal, he lost everything. Matco is the only guy who shows up on time, rain or shine. I have a bunch of Mac wrenches from the 80's era. Best wrenches hands down.
Tti never owed my snapon or Mac dealer less than 400 dollars in over 30 plus years till I retired it was craftsmans tools before that and I paid cash every payday still would today if we had a dealer in this area
There are lots of ways to make money. I made mine by low pay and slow pay increases, but steady regular work. Other folk made theirs faster, but with a higher risk factor than me. Thank you for the insider's story on what it takes to be a tool truck route owner. Sales is tough work even if it isn't the same kind of hard work that a technician faces every day. Sales tied to a brand or a manufacturer ties the salesman's hands. As you explained, the corporation often has their interest before their dealers or their customers. Big companies are routinely profit driven and that profit is often counter productive to the marketing force and even the customer. An independent dealer may not have to bow to the big brand, but he is likely not going to get support from the primary brand name. When the company brand name is badged on your truck, you are bound by the good and the ugly of the brand. Prior to 2000 I thought highly of MAC, but Snap--On was consistently proving to be a better choice for me. My loyalty shifted to Snap-On. MAC quality and innovation seemed to dilute in the lower quality tool family it swam with. I have noticed that users that depend on their tools and machinery can be happily successful with inferior product when they get strong support from the manufacturer or the dealers. A premium tool or machine value diminishes rapidly when there is no support for the customer who is dependent and in crisis. I built strong relationships with certain suppliers. If I needed parts or technical support, I needed it now, not when the company got around to servicing me. We could have the best made machine in our shop, but that machine was useless if it was down and I couldn't get parts or data. We bought machinery with 30+ years of full production service life. Initial purchase cost would eventually mean little if I didn't have support to keep it running. I have a relative that farmed with AC MN machinery long after AC was a viable product simply because he had an AC dealer that supported him. I still love the best tools and prefer to purchase quality and performance over cost. Money is always a limiting factor, and sometimes I reluctantly will yield and postpone a purchase or buy inferior. I have stretched my buying power by buying used tools and always paying cash.
CP It goes back to my old job I would tell the people I worked with we weren't even a spoke in the wheel I would say we would be lucky if they covered us with a moving blanket if we dropped they would keep filming we were nothing to them even when there were some of us that could do something the rest of the crew couldn't do keep on keeping on CP know one thing you are appreciated Merry Christmas 👍👍
Awesome stories..sad ending..it's tough having passion for your job & no support..guess they can't see your what supports them..I always share info on products that seem useful & quality..mostly from your introducing them to us..try to help my tool dealers ,want to see them all successful..Thanks so much for sharing Buddy..👍
Great series of videos. This has really helped me decide on what company I want to be a franchisee for. Still not sure who I'm gunna go with. My Mac dealer is like u. He never forces a sale, not pushy at all just shows me fool tools and let's me make the decision
dealing with Mac on warranty sucks as with no dealer near. you have to pay to ship it back. so a long extensions etc cost as much as its worth to return it
I don't know how MAC did their financing, but with SnapOn, they financed the tool boxes. They gave the credit for the box. The problem is/was, if the purchaser defaulted on the box, SnapOn would deduct the default from the dealers bottom line. It pays to now the most senior mechanic of each shop, so that when a purchaser went skip, chances are the senior mechanic knew where the deadbeat went. I helped my SnapOn dealer repo a couple boxes over the years as well as repaired most of his air tools. My shop/house was his last stop of the day, so he'd get beer, I'd get food and repair tools while he waited. I'd get a good price on tools, but I also paid cash for everything, and not the usual 10% off.
Goddamn I love your content. You must be older than you look if you were a Mac guy 20 years ago. You make great points, real educational to a guy who’s always wondered “where’s the mac guy?”
I have 60k in Mac Tools that i proudly own! My Mac Tools Dealer is Ken Taylor, Ken has been my Mac Guy since 1994. I'm sure you know him. Ken is one of the reasons i chose Mac over other tools. Mac has really saddened me over these last years. And i could only imagine what they did to you guys! I support Ken the best i can. I don't think I'd make it as a Mac Tools Distributor for one day! So sorry this happened to you. Thank you for being one of the awesome tools guys!👑
That was an incredible story brother. Awesome series. Thanks for sharing. Keep the content coming. Hope you have an incredible night. Much love and RESPECT
Thanks for sharing your journey. Sounds like MAC knew they couldn't be Berry amendment compliant but didn't have the courage or courtesy to let you know that.
i was a mac distributor in the early 1980s and i can tell you that the company only cares about your purchases.they dont care about you the distributor.
Outstanding job CP. It's interesting to hear how the other side of the tool truck works. I am sorry that Mac F***ed you over. My main attribute in life is loyalty. If you put yourself out there, working day in and day out, you should have your back covered by those who benefit from your hard work. Keep up the good work CP.
I’m a younger guy to the field not super young but I have 3 kids at home to feed and I will go for the cheaper option every time USA made stuff is great but I have USA made kids at home to take care of
Great video cp.. I too have a sour taste about Stanley black and decker investing more on store brands like irwin, craftsman or dewalt, over the Mac brand. I feel bad for my Mac dealer, cuz he’s a super cool guy but he has to compete selling against his own brand through everyones local hardware store. And the sad thing is that my Mac guy can’t offer to sell or warranty all of Stanley products but just the Mac brand.
I had been wanting a set of knuckle savers. Needed a set of wrenches for a second box. I have a small business that does some DOD contract work. After hearing that story I just ordered a 38 piece snap on set off eBay. I know they’re just as bad but that rubbed me wrong. That’s one $3000 sale they won’t get
This is the way of big corporations and government. They're only concerned if a customer complains or they aren't making as much money as they think they should. My sister sells Tupperware. A totally different company and merchandise, but they act the same way tothe people that sell their merchandise.
Cant blame you as a former Mac distributor i got no assitance from Mac or Stanley and and did a lot with the student program which made them a lot of money. Agree Stanley wish's it never bought Mac Tools
Thanks for doing this series. What are your thoughts on being an independent tool dealer, they don't have one tool brand to stand behind them but they also don't have to worry about being forced to buy stuff they don't want.
I want to address this those guys have a bigger hurdle to jump imo they don't have a solid hardline and that would be something I wouldn't want to buy into.
Still have only 1- 3/8 drive long handle ratchet from Mac from the 90's junk since day 1, Still skips gears alot. Had it back a few times Still don't work, snap on had alot better quality ratchets that I still use. And Mac is worried about putting there name on a top fuel dragster how about lowering your prices to the people who keep you in business
I understand what you're saying about them falling behind on the times. I bought very little mac because I didn't really think too much of certain designs even though I had some stuff that I loved. I guess they offered you the best deal for startup versus Snap-on or Cornwell or Matco or were those even a thought at the time? Just kind of wondering what they thought and how they responded to you saying I'm done? Yeah I'm sure you were an awesome dealer. rarely do you get more than one. Sad for sure. I know that you and I would have gotten along very well because I know what prices are before I even hit the truck and I pay and I never b**** and I never moan because I'm there because I want something and I'm there because I need something and that's how it is
Hello Fellow Toolhaulics: CP, Thanks for spending time with us on a Sunday with this video. I understand your frustrations with corporate America but all they appear to care about is there own stuff. I wad required to sit in on planning meetings where these assholes pretended to care, action items were registered in the meeting minutes & weeks later nothing was done. So at times I would walk into the presidents office or ask for a meeting with him & put it all out on the line so now it's all in his wheel house. Some of the nanagers / directors refused to listen to documented requests for corrective action & many times I was told to F CKOFF . Well after 5 managers + directors were fired they couldn't kiss my ass fast enough. Unfortunately you must learn to shortcut the system in order to WIN BIG. Unfortunately you were at the short end of the stick with no leverage at all & at their mercy. God Bless CP, Don't change, & my best to Henry, TMP from N.J.
Thanks for doing this. Looking into making a career change at 52. Submitted my name to Mac a couple days ago. Sounds like it will be really expensive to start. Still researching the industry. I'm a Truck Driver currently. See an opportunity with a huge batch of young guys in the repair industry. Would love to know more of your thoughts.
Best of luck! It's a tough buisness lots of critics and chasing money but the friends you will meet will be life long and it can be extremely rewarding it's a 80hr a week career and it's like raising a kid!!
Cornwell is a notable choice price pointed well still make good usa tools dont hide the rebrand tools they carry truth is in the part numbers warranty about everything and have great sales fliers and have good deals on Milwaukee power tools and stock them aswell and their in-house financing program even though a bit stricter than their competitors has better no nonsense interest rates towards customers and has better no recourse to dealers if they skip out of your territory just some noticeable differences mac has alot of back orders on usa made tools even before covid as the proto line takes precedent over mac due to production facilities being shared that includes toolbox plant aswell snapon is tough as everything you do snapon watches carefully matco has its ups and downs rebrand and have all tools manufactured for them just tool boxes made under their own roof and matco your prices a bit on the high side for things made by p.t.p. that are made for cornwell and mac and their cheaper than matco branded same tool same goes for kabo made tools aswell snapon does make some good hand tools but their specific special tools are in many cases priceless when needed but theor hard to dealnl with many outside tools unavailable to them if its not in the rwd catalog just my opinion 2 cents worth
Mac has been very well known to shit on their distributors, in 30+ years in the industry ive owned a lot of Mac tools. Today i have very little of them left, minus the vintage 70s-80s stuff. Their quality went to hell a long time ago, them shitting on their distributors is nothing more than a trickle-down effect to us technicians, to me it's very sad as i have had some of the absolute best mac dealers over the years, today you couldn't give me a truck load of their garbage.
look at Michelin. slow to react , hated white lettering . The offshore tire makers were on scene instantly with 16-18" tires. Michelins weather crack bad as well . They never listened to consumers. Mac combo wrenches are for left handers as well
Didn't know it was that bad being a tool truck guy..putting out that much cash is nuts. and possibly not getting it back from payments.and the inc gets theirs an screws the little guy
Did Snap on for 20 years sold the route and retired. I share a lot of your issues, though Snap on had excellent products the business itself was tough. I would tell anyone who wants to get in it not for the weak. BTW what do think these low/no maintenance EVs will do to the repair business and the related industries?
I've been really thinking about Cornwell but there USA stock is very limited and that's an issue to me. I ordered a Cornwell 120t ratchet 6 months ago still haven't gotten it. My dealer feels bad but can't do anything about it
That's just it 20 yrs ago the online market didn't exist this is a new generation of people that could care less about face to face interactions and customer service they just want tools for cheap.
Im new to the channel but what about a tool truck stocked with what you want to stock it with not attached to Mac SnapOn Matco or Cornwell. Is that workable in 2023?
How many hours a day/week did you work? I've heard different things from different dealers but it typically seems like a 12-14 hr a day gig. This turned me off to it.
The other thing is today there are many brands that have similar quality for half the cost or less. Plus people are realizing just because it's better doesn't mean you should always pay that premium price for something you're going to use a couple of times.
Your hypothesis is exactly what a person would say that doesn't understand what it means to use better materials that is why cars nowadays will not last and do not last because we have cut corners and quality to make profit and yet the people getting rich are the ones producing garbage. It's funny that cars in the 60s and 70s that have been setting in the weeds for decades still have better metal and can be salvaged but a car built 15yrs ago rots in half and is recycled because of poor quality.
Further more, the throwaway society isn't being coined because these so-called practices are working for longevity it's laughable that people like you spread your foolish ideas and you forget that stuff that was made in the 40s and 50s is still in use while most of the trash made cheaply is junk in a decade. Once again logic is hard to grasp.
@CP The Tool Addict first I do know the use of quality materials, I just realized there is a diminishing return on value. It's like this you can have a titanium ratchet for 300 or a steel ratchet for 50 which may or may not last. As for your car anolgy they where over engineered do to lake of technology. They had chose to insure they made something that would last vs saving them from a bad reputation. I've seen plenty of older cars that have plenty of rusted out panels and floor boards. They also had 7 liter engines barely making over 100hp, and now you have 1 liter turbo engines making twice as much power. Besides the cheap tool market exists because most people only need to use them a handful of times. But today's mechanics buy cheap where they need to and spend it on the stuff they need to. Such as if you had a choice would you spend 500 or 100 on a tool you might use 5 times over a five year span, while you are trying to take care of a family. Let me put it this way I needed a torque wrench that does 300 ft lbs, now most only go to 250 before you get to the ones that go up to 600 ft lbs. But tekton had one that went to 300 which cost about a 100 vs 550.
Man, so many horror stories about tool trucks. I must have got lucky in the early/mid 2000's. Wrenched in a couple bike shops, and all the Mac and snap-on guys were awesome to deal with. Still love Mac and snap-on.
Great point!
Damn it brother, i feel your pain. I’ve watched plenty of your videos and you are definitely a man with a big heart. Its a damn shame corporate greed always sours good souls. You stay strong brother.
Well done video. I'm a Mac Tool Distributor going on 27 years. I have been around even before you started. Everything you said is 100 % correct. I have never wasted time on school or government sales knowing we never had the infrastructure to handle those accounts. I don't let the corporate guys get to me since I know I can kick them off my truck at any time. I just paid off my last tooltruck btw. The one thing you said that know one talks about and its the reason I have had the success that I have is I like you, sell the hand tools and never really focus on storage ( of course I sell storage from time to time). Selling the small stuff verses being a elephant hunter returns my money quickly. On a final note the reason I will retire doing this is its hard to replace a 6 figure income with unlimited time off that I get to control.
I'd imagine you know Ken Taylor also?
Thanks for this series CP it’s a good incite into the tool truck industry. Also we get to know more about you, and to me you seem like a great guy so I like that.
You bet
Haven't seen a Mac Tool truck in years, like 10 years. Surprised they are still in business.
That’s a shame when a company grows so big that it becomes numb to people’s concerns. Loved the story man, I’m glad you’re looking out for the little guy.
You and me both!
Capitalism! It’s never good enough for these huge companies ! Profit profit!
Amen brother 🙏 this has been the most honest opinion/review of the tool truck business I’ve ever heard so far. It really takes someone that lived through it to be able to speak up like you did. Lots of customers don’t know what really goes on behind doors and expect to much out of tool guys. Not to mention all the lies that these companies throw at the tool guy prospects to get them in business and once you sing everything changes. Like they say “once you sing your life to the devil you’re on your own and you’re the only one with everything to loose “ Thanks again CP
Thank you for all your time and effort sharing your experiences with us. I appreciate you sir !
My pleasure
That's so sad to hear that MAC Tools couldn't back you up on such a major sale! That's ridiculous! My friend is a Snap On dealer and he's pretty happy. He has his own territory and has many friends along the way that purchase from him. He's always been staright forward and honest.
Good story man, just wish it ended better! But glad that you have found a way to share your tool knowledge and enthusiasm with all of us!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for sharing your journey. Merry christmas
Thanks Andy appreciate your support though out!!
I have had the best luck in sales by teaching people and showing benefits- not cramming or pressuring or calling them into submission. I Like your approach!
Thanks for sharing!
First off, LOVE the white and blue tool box.
Thank you for a truly honest assessment of your business dealings. Well done.
Best of luck to you and Merry 🎄 Christmas 🎅
Retired GM tech for over 50 years. I liked MAC tools, but they did not take care of their dealers. Then the dealers did not take care of customers. I purchased a MB1700 back in the late 80's. I was told this was the heaviest and strongest toolbox that MAC tools ever built. Yes, it was hard to move. I wanted to replace the drawer guides that were worn out! No one wanted to work with me to help me purchase new guides. When I finally contacted MAC tools "direct", I was told it had a lifetime warranty on this box! I took this toolbox completely apart and cleaned and rebuilt it. I even cleaned and painted it. Now it stays in my home garage. I am happy it has been cleaned up. The reason Snapon dealers seem to do better, they take better care of customers for a price. You seem to be a good tool man, clearly MAC tools did not take care of you. They did not take care of me until just before I retired.
I am a tool guy plus a retired mechanic of over50 years I loved Mac tools a lot over snapon tools we lost a great dealer because corporate kept getting in his pocket after that it was hit and miss dealers then no dealers in my area ever you have to send and order Mac tools on line
Corporate being out of touch with what happens on the ground isn't something unique to the tool industry.
Absolutely blue collar people have some how become irrelevant and corporations look past them they just are out for greed.
Really like the photos in this video another great video thanks for sharing
You are welcome thank you
Thanks for sharing your experience on being a Mac Tools dealer. Back when I first started wrenching we had Snap On and Mac. I purchased more Mac than Snap On. I really liked my Mac 3/8" flex head ratchet with the red plastic handle. That was my go to ratchet. Never had an issue with it.
Thanks for sharing
Mine too I wore mine out I'm a retired mechanic of over 50 years we lost our dealer never ever got a replacement dealer so it was go online for repairs and purchases
Great Video..... makes me appreciate my Tool Dealers even more.
Glad you understand
My Dad had a yellow Gator Nationals toolbox back when I was young, I always thought it was super cool. Unfortunately it got tipped when trying to load onto a trailer. I currently inherited one of those blue Mac tool carts that slide open on the top. I was surprised to see China stamped on one of the metal panels after taking it apart for transport in a car. Still a nice little cart to have sitting around.
Sorry to hear that
Really enjoyed these videos. Very interesting to listen to.
Glad you like them!
To be fair all the tool dealers i have cornwell dealers have been the happiest with the company they represent over the other 3 big truck tool brands my former cornwell dealer and became my best friend as we went on vacation together families becoming close friendship unfortunately passed away and the dealer i work with now is great aswell and has same opinion of company and my friend did and they love what they do and like the company they sell for which speaks volumes to me
Grate video and if i was given the same opportunity for a big contract like that and the company would not offer to help out i would definitely question my faith in the company and be vary bitter going forward i love your videos and glad to see your unbiased opinion keep up the great work
Thanks for sharing
I remember these times with Mac tools. But I really liked them. I had a Mac tech triple bank purple with black trim. I remember the Mac edge sockets. Which are reborn as the RBxx sockets and wrenches
Great video. Thanks for sharing your journey
Our pleasure!
GREAT VIDEO!!!! You just totally explained corporate America. Thank you
Glad you liked it!!
Thanks for telling your story CP
Thanks for listening
I’ve learned a bunch from watching you videos. This story is a textbook example of how to fun people into the ground
Awesome job CP, I really enjoyed this and glad you done it for us to give all us guys a little bit of insight. Keep on doing your thing Brother!!
Glad you enjoyed it
O wow, I literally spoke to a new Cornwell dealer. I told them (the new dealer and the manager showing him how to operate) that I was considering it but this just opened my eyes.
As much as I love quality made tools, I learned a long time ago the name on the tool is less important than the person using it.
my mac dealer ( David Stump ) went independent and is now doing great. what pushed him out was he was frowned on for selling Milwaukee.
Hey CP I started with MAC & SK Tool back in the 70’s . Still have my original box. Excellent video.
I believe the tool guy taking over the route still has his old Grumman
Thank you! Merry Christmas 🎅 🎄 ❤️
You're a good person thank you for posting
I appreciate that
Your videos have helped not waste a shit ton of money and if our paths ever cross the beer tab is on me!
I appreciate that compliment thats what matters the most not making bad purchases.
CP, thank you for the honesty and great content!!
I appreciate that
Nice! My area Mac guy NEVER shows up, so we will never buy that brand if he does show. Snap On guy had a heart attack 2 months after getting the new route/truck... Sad deal, he lost everything. Matco is the only guy who shows up on time, rain or shine. I have a bunch of Mac wrenches from the 80's era. Best wrenches hands down.
Tti never owed my snapon or Mac dealer less than 400 dollars in over 30 plus years till I retired it was craftsmans tools before that and I paid cash every payday still would today if we had a dealer in this area
There are lots of ways to make money. I made mine by low pay and slow pay increases, but steady regular work. Other folk made theirs faster, but with a higher risk factor than me. Thank you for the insider's story on what it takes to be a tool truck route owner. Sales is tough work even if it isn't the same kind of hard work that a technician faces every day. Sales tied to a brand or a manufacturer ties the salesman's hands. As you explained, the corporation often has their interest before their dealers or their customers. Big companies are routinely profit driven and that profit is often counter productive to the marketing force and even the customer.
An independent dealer may not have to bow to the big brand, but he is likely not going to get support from the primary brand name. When the company brand name is badged on your truck, you are bound by the good and the ugly of the brand. Prior to 2000 I thought highly of MAC, but Snap--On was consistently proving to be a better choice for me. My loyalty shifted to Snap-On. MAC quality and innovation seemed to dilute in the lower quality tool family it swam with.
I have noticed that users that depend on their tools and machinery can be happily successful with inferior product when they get strong support from the manufacturer or the dealers. A premium tool or machine value diminishes rapidly when there is no support for the customer who is dependent and in crisis. I built strong relationships with certain suppliers. If I needed parts or technical support, I needed it now, not when the company got around to servicing me. We could have the best made machine in our shop, but that machine was useless if it was down and I couldn't get parts or data. We bought machinery with 30+ years of full production service life. Initial purchase cost would eventually mean little if I didn't have support to keep it running. I have a relative that farmed with AC MN machinery long after AC was a viable product simply because he had an AC dealer that supported him. I still love the best tools and prefer to purchase quality and performance over cost. Money is always a limiting factor, and sometimes I reluctantly will yield and postpone a purchase or buy inferior. I have stretched my buying power by buying used tools and always paying cash.
CP It goes back to my old job I would tell the people I worked with we weren't even a spoke in the wheel I would say we would be lucky if they covered us with a moving blanket if we dropped they would keep filming we were nothing to them even when there were some of us that could do something the rest of the crew
couldn't do keep on keeping on CP know one thing you are appreciated Merry Christmas 👍👍
Awesome stories..sad ending..it's tough having passion for your job & no support..guess they can't see your what supports them..I always share info on products that seem useful & quality..mostly from your introducing them to us..try to help my tool dealers ,want to see them all successful..Thanks so much for sharing Buddy..👍
So sad
Hey CP! thanks for continuing to make great videos. I look forward to the next one!
Glad you like them!
Great series of videos. This has really helped me decide on what company I want to be a franchisee for. Still not sure who I'm gunna go with. My Mac dealer is like u. He never forces a sale, not pushy at all just shows me fool tools and let's me make the decision
Cool* not fool lol
I have always had a mac dealer that is like that.
Thanks for sharing your story as tool truck distributor plus I've seen some ideas that I obtained from you
Glad to help larry
The first tool i purchased off a tool truck almost 20 years ago was a Mac impact gun. I still own my Macsimizer MB1350 tool box.
Thanks for making this video cp, I do feel like I Learned something from it
Glad it was helpful!
Great honest info, that's why we all tune in.
Great Series CP Enjoyed it very much Merry Christmas to you and Henry
Happy holidays!
dealing with Mac on warranty sucks as with no dealer near. you have to pay to ship it back. so a long extensions etc cost as much as its worth to return it
I don't know how MAC did their financing, but with SnapOn, they financed the tool boxes. They gave the credit for the box. The problem is/was, if the purchaser defaulted on the box, SnapOn would deduct the default from the dealers bottom line.
It pays to now the most senior mechanic of each shop, so that when a purchaser went skip, chances are the senior mechanic knew where the deadbeat went.
I helped my SnapOn dealer repo a couple boxes over the years as well as repaired most of his air tools. My shop/house was his last stop of the day, so he'd get beer, I'd get food and repair tools while he waited. I'd get a good price on tools, but I also paid cash for everything, and not the usual 10% off.
Goddamn I love your content. You must be older than you look if you were a Mac guy 20 years ago. You make great points, real educational to a guy who’s always wondered “where’s the mac guy?”
The snap on truck is why I get up on Monday
I have 60k in Mac Tools that i proudly own! My Mac Tools Dealer is Ken Taylor, Ken has been my Mac Guy since 1994. I'm sure you know him. Ken is one of the reasons i chose Mac over other tools. Mac has really saddened me over these last years. And i could only imagine what they did to you guys! I support Ken the best i can. I don't think I'd make it as a Mac Tools Distributor for one day! So sorry this happened to you. Thank you for being one of the awesome tools guys!👑
It is terrible to guys that bled for Mac like myself, but loyalty is a thing of the past now.
@CPthetooladdict man I'm so glad I'm not like that. But you're right, they mind as well remove loyalty from the dictionary and let it become legend!
That was an incredible story brother. Awesome series. Thanks for sharing. Keep the content coming. Hope you have an incredible night. Much love and RESPECT
Thanks! You too!
Good one. Deep stuff.
Much appreciated
I have heard distributors from Snap on, Matco and Cornwell on You Tube complaining about the same crap.
Yes it is very common unfortunately
Great series CP, very interesting look at how it works. Corporate screwing the guys hustling on the street, no shock there and very infuriating.
Thanks for sharing your journey. Sounds like MAC knew they couldn't be Berry amendment compliant but didn't have the courage or courtesy to let you know that.
True to that I had a truck route Ex-Tech also
i was a mac distributor in the early 1980s and i can tell you that the company only cares about your purchases.they dont care about you the distributor.
Good job cp. Sounds like you ran across the same problems that godfather nick had with Mac corporate.
Outstanding job CP. It's interesting to hear how the other side of the tool truck works. I am sorry that Mac F***ed you over. My main attribute in life is loyalty. If you put yourself out there, working day in and day out, you should have your back covered by those who benefit from your hard work. Keep up the good work CP.
Good on ya for being loyal. That is a rare trait in this back stabbing world.
Hey CP , you re the man bro.
Hey, thanks
I worked in Calif. for 25 years have not seen a Mac tool truck in 15 years.
Thank you! Merry Christmas 🎅 🎄 ❤️
We joked about the Stanley buy out would kill Mac way back. Our dealer retired a few years later. We haven't seen one since.
I’m a younger guy to the field not super young but I have 3 kids at home to feed and I will go for the cheaper option every time USA made stuff is great but I have USA made kids at home to take care of
Great video cp.. I too have a sour taste about Stanley black and decker investing more on store brands like irwin, craftsman or dewalt, over the Mac brand. I feel bad for my Mac dealer, cuz he’s a super cool guy but he has to compete selling against his own brand through everyones local hardware store. And the sad thing is that my Mac guy can’t offer to sell or warranty all of Stanley products but just the Mac brand.
That explains why there isn't a Mac truck in the rural areas. Hasn't been since 05. North of Houston Montgomery area.
I am going to miss this segment love hearing this story great video CP 👍
Glad you enjoyed it
Great job CP. I hope you can steer younger technician to buy quality tools at affordable prices. So they don't get so far in tool det. Keep going.
I hope so too
Dude I’m subbing to see your other vids.Chin up man!
Thank you!
Looking at a mac box the white an blue one you showed with hutch love the colors but the mac guy I have won't give me a price on it .
I had been wanting a set of knuckle savers. Needed a set of wrenches for a second box. I have a small business that does some DOD contract work. After hearing that story I just ordered a 38 piece snap on set off eBay. I know they’re just as bad but that rubbed me wrong. That’s one $3000 sale they won’t get
This is the way of big corporations and government. They're only concerned if a customer complains or they aren't making as much money as they think they should. My sister sells Tupperware. A totally different company and merchandise, but they act the same way tothe people that sell their merchandise.
Thanks for the story! Sorry to lose a good tool truck dealer though.
True story
I like mac tools, the only problem for me is in the 22 years i have been wrenching the only mac tool dealer in our area went out of business in 2003.
Cant blame you as a former Mac distributor i got no assitance from Mac or Stanley and and did a lot with the student program which made them a lot of money. Agree Stanley wish's it never bought Mac Tools
Thanks for doing this series. What are your thoughts on being an independent tool dealer, they don't have one tool brand to stand behind them but they also don't have to worry about being forced to buy stuff they don't want.
I want to address this those guys have a bigger hurdle to jump imo they don't have a solid hardline and that would be something I wouldn't want to buy into.
Still have only 1- 3/8 drive long handle ratchet from Mac from the 90's junk since day 1, Still skips gears alot. Had it back a few times Still don't work, snap on had alot better quality ratchets that I still use. And Mac is worried about putting there name on a top fuel dragster how about lowering your prices to the people who keep you in business
Thanks for sharing
I understand what you're saying about them falling behind on the times. I bought very little mac because I didn't really think too much of certain designs even though I had some stuff that I loved. I guess they offered you the best deal for startup versus Snap-on or Cornwell or Matco or were those even a thought at the time? Just kind of wondering what they thought and how they responded to you saying I'm done? Yeah I'm sure you were an awesome dealer. rarely do you get more than one. Sad for sure. I know that you and I would have gotten along very well because I know what prices are before I even hit the truck and I pay and I never b**** and I never moan because I'm there because I want something and I'm there because I need something and that's how it is
Hello Fellow Toolhaulics: CP, Thanks for spending time with us on a Sunday with this video. I understand your frustrations with corporate America but all they appear to care about is there own stuff. I wad required to sit in on planning meetings where these assholes pretended to care, action items were registered in the meeting minutes & weeks later nothing was done. So at times I would walk into the presidents office or ask for a meeting with him & put it all out on the line so now it's all in his wheel house. Some of the nanagers / directors refused to listen to documented requests for corrective action & many times I was told to F CKOFF . Well after 5 managers + directors were fired they couldn't kiss my ass fast enough. Unfortunately you must learn to shortcut the system in order to WIN BIG. Unfortunately you were at the short end of the stick with no leverage at all & at their mercy. God Bless CP, Don't change, & my best to Henry, TMP from N.J.
Thanks for doing this. Looking into making a career change at 52. Submitted my name to Mac a couple days ago. Sounds like it will be really expensive to start. Still researching the industry. I'm a Truck Driver currently. See an opportunity with a huge batch of young guys in the repair industry. Would love to know more of your thoughts.
Best of luck! It's a tough buisness lots of critics and chasing money but the friends you will meet will be life long and it can be extremely rewarding it's a 80hr a week career and it's like raising a kid!!
Cornwell is a notable choice price pointed well still make good usa tools dont hide the rebrand tools they carry truth is in the part numbers warranty about everything and have great sales fliers and have good deals on Milwaukee power tools and stock them aswell and their in-house financing program even though a bit stricter than their competitors has better no nonsense interest rates towards customers and has better no recourse to dealers if they skip out of your territory just some noticeable differences mac has alot of back orders on usa made tools even before covid as the proto line takes precedent over mac due to production facilities being shared that includes toolbox plant aswell snapon is tough as everything you do snapon watches carefully matco has its ups and downs rebrand and have all tools manufactured for them just tool boxes made under their own roof and matco your prices a bit on the high side for things made by p.t.p. that are made for cornwell and mac and their cheaper than matco branded same tool same goes for kabo made tools aswell snapon does make some good hand tools but their specific special tools are in many cases priceless when needed but theor hard to dealnl with many outside tools unavailable to them if its not in the rwd catalog just my opinion 2 cents worth
CP, do you know? Where the last gen Mac swivel head ratchets 72 tooth? Specifically the XR12SPA. How do they compare to the snap on 100 tooth?
Mac has been very well known to shit on their distributors, in 30+ years in the industry ive owned a lot of Mac tools. Today i have very little of them left, minus the vintage 70s-80s stuff. Their quality went to hell a long time ago, them shitting on their distributors is nothing more than a trickle-down effect to us technicians, to me it's very sad as i have had some of the absolute best mac dealers over the years, today you couldn't give me a truck load of their garbage.
I have to agree they were on a good path at one time and let the wrong people lead them down bad paths.
Tool truck business is hard. The future is going online.
look at Michelin. slow to react , hated white lettering . The offshore tire makers were on scene instantly with 16-18" tires. Michelins weather crack bad as well . They never listened to consumers. Mac combo wrenches are for left handers as well
"Corporate blow jobbers"... love it :)
Great Story CP.
Thank you! Merry Christmas 🎅 🎄 ❤️
I didn’t know you were a Mac dealer! Idk how old this video even is lol but I had no clue
Yep, it's a year old
Great story CP..🔩🔧🪛
Glad you enjoyed it
Didn't know it was that bad being a tool truck guy..putting out that much cash is nuts. and possibly not getting it back from payments.and the inc gets theirs an screws the little guy
@Peter Swecanski it's not a buisness that seems very responsible does it? Lol
Did Snap on for 20 years sold the route and retired. I share a lot of your issues, though Snap on had excellent products the business itself was tough. I would tell anyone who wants to get in it not for the weak.
BTW what do think these low/no maintenance EVs will do to the repair business and the related industries?
I've been really thinking about Cornwell but there USA stock is very limited and that's an issue to me. I ordered a Cornwell 120t ratchet 6 months ago still haven't gotten it. My dealer feels bad but can't do anything about it
That's a common theme with them unfortunately.
The only MAC stuff I own is the rbrt bit set it’s amazing.
Makes you wonder what the tool truck business will be like in 20 years.
That's just it 20 yrs ago the online market didn't exist this is a new generation of people that could care less about face to face interactions and customer service they just want tools for cheap.
@@CPthetooladdict I agree 100%, brother.
My question is , Mac worth buying. I bought both metric and sae precision torque wrench set and rbrt mid length hex socket set
Yes I still have faith in the tools
@@CPthetooladdict Thank you
I did Cornwall tools for 2 years… what a mistake.
They all suck its not your business to many middle men
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Who ended up with the contract, and I heard about how dirty snap on is about taking successful routes away from guys who built them.
Snap-on of course
Im new to the channel but what about a tool truck stocked with what you want to stock it with not attached to Mac SnapOn Matco or Cornwell. Is that workable in 2023?
How many hours a day/week did you work? I've heard different things from different dealers but it typically seems like a 12-14 hr a day gig. This turned me off to it.
Yes easy 12-14 hr days I started at 7am usually 7-8pm I was done
The other thing is today there are many brands that have similar quality for half the cost or less. Plus people are realizing just because it's better doesn't mean you should always pay that premium price for something you're going to use a couple of times.
Your hypothesis is exactly what a person would say that doesn't understand what it means to use better materials that is why cars nowadays will not last and do not last because we have cut corners and quality to make profit and yet the people getting rich are the ones producing garbage. It's funny that cars in the 60s and 70s that have been setting in the weeds for decades still have better metal and can be salvaged but a car built 15yrs ago rots in half and is recycled because of poor quality.
Further more, the throwaway society isn't being coined because these so-called practices are working for longevity it's laughable that people like you spread your foolish ideas and you forget that stuff that was made in the 40s and 50s is still in use while most of the trash made cheaply is junk in a decade. Once again logic is hard to grasp.
@CP The Tool Addict first I do know the use of quality materials, I just realized there is a diminishing return on value. It's like this you can have a titanium ratchet for 300 or a steel ratchet for 50 which may or may not last. As for your car anolgy they where over engineered do to lake of technology. They had chose to insure they made something that would last vs saving them from a bad reputation. I've seen plenty of older cars that have plenty of rusted out panels and floor boards. They also had 7 liter engines barely making over 100hp, and now you have 1 liter turbo engines making twice as much power. Besides the cheap tool market exists because most people only need to use them a handful of times. But today's mechanics buy cheap where they need to and spend it on the stuff they need to. Such as if you had a choice would you spend 500 or 100 on a tool you might use 5 times over a five year span, while you are trying to take care of a family. Let me put it this way I needed a torque wrench that does 300 ft lbs, now most only go to 250 before you get to the ones that go up to 600 ft lbs. But tekton had one that went to 300 which cost about a 100 vs 550.