Independent Tool VS Branded Tool Trucks: The Hard Questions Answered! Real Tool Truck Talk.

[@EricRomines]

I’m that customer from Knoxville, TN. Matt is a super nice guy to deal with. 10/10 I recommend!

[@thebackwoodsmechanic5029]

Independent dealers can also tap into the trades. You can introduce yourself to the local HVAC techs , Boat mechanics , Small Engine shops , Industrial Techs etc because they all use similar products but are overlooked by the big brands

[@jimhaines8370]

The only Tool guy we have these days is a GearWrench Independent and he started at the worst time right before the lock down but he is trying and seems to be making it. I am glad he comes by and try to support him as he grows and he listens which will serve him well. I really like the independents as most of the top four branded deals just aren't what they were fifty years ago and I think the independents come up with new stuff way more often. I see the branded dealers pushing their import lines for US money prices more every day then talk bad about tools like GearWrench or Sunex which is were they probably sourced they import lines from they sell anyway. Out of all the brands of tools I have the GearWrench 120 XP and 90 Tooth tools have become my favorite. Thanks Matt and Clay for putting this out here.

[@bradclancy6069]

Huuuh 😂 huh😂u

[@oldman3388]

Customer service is the # 1 thing I look for in any thing I buy when it comes to my tools because I want somebody to stand behind what they sell. I live in a big city but surprising we don't have a lot of Independent dealers. I have lots of snap on and milwaukee, gearwench I take pride in my tools and I like to buy them from people that take pride in selling them.🔧🔧🔧🔧

[@themaestro7922]

Thanks, guys. And thanks, Clay, for all the time invested doing this (and everything else)!

[@superbscott53]

I would love to see Hamilton respond to this video. Would be a interesting take on it

[@dieseldoctor9294]

With so many quality tools with lifetime warranty available, I personally go with who has the best price and best service. The last 4 years I have spent the most money with my Cornwell guy, why? Because he shows up like clockwork, has a well stocked truck and does what he says he will do. Haven’t seen my Mac guy in over a year, yet he goes to the shop across the street every Monday, my Matco guy doesn’t have anything and his truck is a wreck, Snapon is a corporate employee so he only gets the leftovers after the franchise’s orders get fulfilled 1st. Whoever has the best customer service, inventory on hand and best price with warranty will always get my business!

[@87FoRunner]

Are you in Memphis? Lol

[@AToolWithTools]

I mean even if a brand doesn't have lifetime warranty from the brand itself, a dealer could opt to do something like offer an extension on yhe warranty so long as it was bought from them or something. Yeah it takes money out of the dealer pocket potentially so a length should be carefully chosen as well as which products to do it on, but it's about the service. Not saying they should do that, just that it's an option for things that don't have lifetime.

[@LifeofaCarnivore]

Off to a great year with videos Clay. Thank you for what your doing for people who work with and love tools.

[@barnescycle]

I cannot begin to tell you how much I needed and appreciate this video, I know the industry, I have a ton of shop connections, and I have the money just needed a little more insight to jump👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@stevemclaughlin8666]

Interesting video. I would think by the way he speaks about being an independent that his sales and collections would be much higher, even with not selling many boxes or carts. Not sure why he stopped being a Cornwell dealer, but Cornwell has many of the attributes that an independent has, no franchise fee's, no assigned stops, and able to sell non-Cornwell "approved" product. As you can tell I'm a Cornwell dealer, and pretty darn proud to say it.

[@KoonTrucking]

If you watch the video that’s on the card at the end of this video he explains it all in detail why he left Cornwell to become an independent

[@boblittle1055]

For 32 years, of being a body man, I've bought a ton of tools, at about the 16TH year ,all children are grown, then I replaced stuff with snap on. Had about 2O percent snap on before that

[@Scott_69HemiDart]

Great video. No BS and real talk..................Matt does so well, due to the Passion he has for the business! Love the channel.

[@75miguel75]

Blending my inventory slowly to provide for my customers, thanks Clay and MTN. Positive feedback on my variety from my customers.

[@JulianJohnston919]

Would love to hear what Mr. Sledge had to do with his business when Covid hit. Great post as always Mr. Koon, thanks pal!

[@nathano148]

We have 5 tool truck brands one is hurt right now so I see 2 trucks right now will be 3 when other dealer is feeling good. This is an interesting video just like the one a year or few years back thank you for it.

[@famousjamison421]

This is the only entertaining and educational mechanic channel on KZbin! This channel has gave me the courage to go on the truck and talk too my tool guys in Knox Tn. Thank you Brother 🤙🏻👍🏻

[@KoonTrucking]

Thank you for watching

[@joegriffin66]

Great informative and well directed video Clay!! Matt makes you think who your first choice should be to buy from. Hands down a stand up guy. Great shout out to Mr.Joe!!!

[@davidpinnix7446]

I really appreciate the education! I'm 61,and I can count on one hand how many times I've been on the tool truck. Thanks.

[@cmac7118]

Drew needs to iron that shirt when he is next to the boss. His looks great

[@georgeferlazzo7936]

Hello Again Clay, Matt, Drew and Connor Thank you for a Great Video. That was Great information. I have thought about doing just that. But I didn't know the costs until I started asking questions. Again thank you

[@jeffmaitland7030]

Great video and advice. Went independent 4 years ago, after 19 years with Matco. Best decision I have ever made.

[@KoonTrucking]

You need to get on board with Mobile Tool Network, check them out MTN.tools tell them i sent ya to check em out

[@anthonydamico5830]

Im curious how you collect from guys that leave your area? Its gotta be brutal chasing money around neighboring towns. I just dont see how an independent can be profitable or how you can warranty product to the extent that a name brand tool truck can.

[@dodgesportsman772]

@@anthonydamico5830 my understanding from my Matco guy is....you don't... You eat the loss... But at Matco their computers talk to each other. So if you move and don't pay and get another truck that new truck can see if you owe ur old truck money... But as an independent truck I guess you just lose the money and write it off on taxes

[@chrisgeorge1362]

@@anthonydamico5830 they mostly don't warrany themselves, they just process the factory warranty. No different than a big brand truck.

[@jeffmaitland7030]

@@anthonydamico5830 kind of what these guys are saying. Warranty is not an issue. Usually the WD will warranty for credit, just like the flag trucks. If not you contact the manufacturer. Or, in some cases, I just eat it. It’s all about customer service. As far as skips. Yes you are correct, it can be difficult to get guys that run off. But I have been selling tools in my area for 28 years. I know who I can trust and who I can’t. You still lose some money in skips. But every business has losses like this. It’s part of owning your own business.

[@1hasbeen531]

I had a good independent, and I definitely threw some business his way because of him, and his service. He went with MAC, and it wasn't long he was gone.

[@RADMAN752]

keep truckin love u guys

[@shawnanderson8908]

I was with cornwell for 14 years and they've never sent me a tool that I didn't ask for...

[@pointbreak8293]

Freakin awesome video. If I was getting in the tool business, I’d definitely wanna work for a guy like sledge… awesome video and I’m glad to see that techs choice is doing great. Independent is definitely the way to go….👍👍👍

[@thebackwoodsmechanic5029]

I debated this myself in the past because the tool quality has changed over the decades. As long as China doesn't take Taiwan, they're working hard to create a quality tool . Feeding the family is what matters

[@Toyotas_n__Tools]

I notice there are a lot of used tool trucks in the Seattle Area, and they all seem to be matco trucks.

[@dodgesportsman772]

Tool truck has a great amount of loss due to no payments from it's customer. From what my Matco guy tells me he loses 10% every year. Not sure if I want to make the switch yet but it's still in my head, thanks

[@midatlantictools]

Clay great video. I (and I hope others) would like to see more like this with other tool dealers. Maybe even set it up like an interview with you asking questions about the tool truck business. Matt always good to hear your take on being a tool dealer..

[@techschoice]

What’s up mr Mark !!!

[@garagelife4981]

It’s good to see this end of the spectrum and they are right about the quality and warranty of tools with so many options out there, but it would great to see the other end I’m sure they have good reason for being a Snap On, MAC, MATCO, Cornwell truck drivers. Get Hamilton, Michael on and let’s hear them.

[@bdunn854]

Agree. I’d love to hear how Hamilton got his start. @koontrucking

[@KoonTrucking]

We have talked about it several times with Hamilton and also with Michael

[@donotrobme9295]

The questions I’d love Answered are about collections that don’t happen and u Can’t find em and can’t collect. Also, that’s a full truck that costs money. How do I fill It even partially on week one

[@EDUARDOSANCHEZ-df5pt]

Not going to lie I got my tlr-6 and tlr-1hl from the independent guy honestly guy gets me what I need if I asked him don’t matter for home or work use

[@blackghost1734]

He says treat customers with respect…ok..to me… charging over 30% over eBay prices for Milwaukee is disrespectful.

[@donaldhollums3278]

Very Impressive. I told the "boss" I would not mind running a tool truck, she told me to retire from my full-time job first! The only independent tool dealer I have dealt with is Joe Sydorowicz from All-Star Tools; he was a Cornwell distributor as well. Ole Joe was great to deal with. I have read many a comment from whiners complaining about how expensive Joe is; I would rather support a business like his or yours than Amazon.

[@clintmcintyre6165]

Ole Matt wide open. I travel to his area a good bit one day I will check him out.

[@tonymijares5368]

Some hard working people I swear

[@bmk506]

Tools the techs choose...rolls rite off the tongue

[@randysmith9636]

Good morning brother from mid Tn. I am not to far from him.

[@randysmith9636]

Good video but in my opinion he mis spoke on the 10mm socket. Yes they all fit a 10mm bolt but to say if it breaks don't worry, I will warranty it, NEXT WEEK. I buy a quality product so it doesn't break. Next week warranty is not a selling point if you depend on your tools for a living. Snap on, yes I know they cost a butt load, has probably the best quality in the market. Is it worth the money if you are not a tech, probably not. But you will not find a BETTER quality on most of the hand tools. With that being said, I own some Tekton tools also. The quality is really good and their warranty is incredible. I broke a socket ( cheater pipe was involved) took a picture and sent it to them and 4 days later a brand new socket arrived. In my opinion (which is worth exactly what you paid for it) Tech's Choice is a fantastic option, especially for the other 75% of the tools you use. Rebranding is a thing and as much as I respect Snap On as a tool brand i do not buy a tool just because it says Snap On on it. Therein lies the beauty of a tool truck like Tech's Choice. Same tool, probably from the original manufacturer, at 1/3 - 1/2 the cost of a Branded Tool truck price.

[@kevin1kraemer1]

Got a Miller light ad for this video

[@KoonTrucking]

We need a beer sponsorship

[@jamesgregg5410]

This video should have been only 3 minutes the rest of the 20 minutes is this goof ball repeating himself, and I am sorry but bear wrench does not come close to Mac and Snap On

[@shawnh9677]

the arrogance is no joke!!

[@thefogisgone3662]

I mean I like snap on. But seems like any time I have something break and Fridays rolls around he doesn't have it. And can't get it for weeks

[@AToolWithTools]

Even now poking around their website there's all kinds of stuff marked as backorder. Maybe they prioritize getting product out to franchisees or something but you would think the literal source of the stuff would have some.

[@foodskewed9197]

I buy tools from the guy, not the company. Almost everything is lifetime warranty and like they said it’s all rebranded so I buy from the guy I like. And I’m definitely referring to my snap on dealer as Johnny dickhead from now on!!

[@foodskewed9197]

I’d love an independent tool dealer. We had one for a while but he disappeared.

[@timcockrell3378]

I like to read the comments I've been buying snap on tools for along time then we had a falling out I will not buy any more tools from snapon

[@ronanderson1816]

Well said, well done !

[@Toolaholic7]

The deadbeats are the tool truck dealer's nightmare.Don't want to pay their bills and wonder why they get tools repoed.If I need a socket that I don't use a lot,will not get a tool truck brand.Needed a 12 point 30mm deepwell impact socket,was not going to spend Snap On prices and bought a Grey Pnuematic instead

[@justinsmet]

Wish there was an independent tool truck person where I lived. I have snapon and matco. Which I'm fine with, but I ussualy buy tools from Amazon and ebay.

[@59reyder]

Tools are like mutual funds can't put put all your tools to one brand😃👍

[@rschreck876]

So he’s a big box store on wheels with higher prices.

[@rjsaindon9080]

Great video 🙌🏻

[@tylerfirlotte6920]

Gearwrench is already sold in stores near me

[@KoonTrucking]

Here too

[@timcockrell3378]

Awesome video I

[@larryborkstrom3580]

Ita all on the guy on the truck right know I deal with a snap on and a matco guy both of them are great guys I'm guess I'm fortunate now I don't throw all my eggs in one basket I try to spread the love

[@donotrobme9295]

Also, what’s theft like on the truck. Thx! Sincere questions if interest for starting Independant. Thx

[@chuckmiller5763]

I was told once by a shop owner, the guys only buying Snap On will always be working for someone else, the guys who stay off the Snap On truck end up owning their own shop.

[@ifyourmarriedyourasimpandacuck]

As a new guy who has a Marco and Mac tools ratchets, I buy from the friendliest down to earth, non judgemental, honest truck guy that stops guy, it's no mistake snap on guys are assholes, my old shop had a dope matco guy, but my current one has the coolest Mac tools dealer, I'm not a fan of a brand, because I need the best tool for the job, but the dealer can definitely influence a purchase.

[@servicetech123]

Question I have been thinking about making tool truck the question is do I get a loan to get tools for the truck or talk to tool manufacturer

[@peterchristlieb]

Mr Clay, my comments on your previous video directed at Mr Sledge were harsh and out of line. Regardless of my opinion of his style, I see he is trying to carry a message here and can appreciate that. My apologies to you and Mr Sledge.

[@BrickyardPowerMan]

How would I find out who some independent mobile tool dealers are in my area (Indianapolis)?

[@petiehernande8630]

Excellent video

[@Xxmacdaddy21xX]

How would I go about looking for an independent tool guy?

[@U_ever]

Reverend Sledge preachin' the truth ! ! !

[@ericmorales2272]

All talk and no truck tour, or tool examples that were rebranded.

[@dougbackstein2937]

What type of good quality ball joint press do you have

[@wolfhound1a]

The problem with independents is the warranty, and I get tired of them talking shit about the other guys. So you buy tools from Matt. Lets say he retires, quits or he passes away. Your fucked. Try to warranty out some mountain wrenches on your own. Good fuckin luck. Alot of his tools are going to be a pain to warranty. Some companies are good but others will not warranty anything.

[@lawrenceashworth7668]

The problem I’ve had with snap on is they rust and Mac tools brake really easy

[@markgalentine6724]

You going to bring a truck up to clays in May

[@KoonTrucking]

Would be nice. He would make a killing !

[@theone9564]

What happened to Snap on Friday? Cool video.

[@KoonTrucking]

Hamilton is out

[@joedirt2062]

Could of swore I saw clay at matco where they was making the ratchets 🤔

[@KoonTrucking]

I have been there, 3 times actually.

[@joedirt2062]

@@KoonTrucking I thought so when he said matco makes nothing I was a bit confused. Even if they didn’t make the locking flex head I would buy them.

[@KoonTrucking]

@@joedirt2062 technically Matco doesn’t own the factory that makes them. You just can’t buy that ratchet unless it’s a Matco ratchet. The same factory makes several ratchets for many different companies that have tool trucks.

[@rdmanone]

I get your trying to make a living selling tools. If I had to rely on my tools from a tool truck I would be broke. 98 percent of my tool purchases are straight from the interwebs. I know everyone is saying support your local but when your local is charging way too much sorry but I'm going to purchase elsewhere.

[@zacharywhitman2404]

This guys attitude would not let me buy from him 😂😂 I get you gotta make a living but shitting on snap on and Matco when people have already invested is not smart

[@lawrenceashworth7668]

Do they have a website where you can order on line

[@KoonTrucking]

Yes watch the video we just did Tuesday on his tool truck he talks about it in there

[@richardmarshall1883]

Do you carry launch scanners

[@shawnh9677]

kinda bummed no snap on friday

[@KoonTrucking]

Hardly a vacation when your dad passes away …. At least one I wouldn’t want to take.

[@Burnuby]

Can i ask where you order your uniform shirts from. Thanks.

[@KoonTrucking]

I get them from our local uniform rental company. They are made by redkap

[@Burnuby]

@@KoonTrucking thank you for that

[@morriswomack9952]

If a person is loyal to a brand, the brand is the only one that benefits..

[@morriswomack9952]

I agree... some of my daily users are snap-on... I also have some older sk that still gets used. I don’t necessarily need everything with one brand... seldom used tools are expensive

[@hardnosecattlecompany6974]

The problem I have with independent guys is they always play the it's a snap on rebrand tool there trying to sell or they play the cost game. If cost was a major factor everyone would shop at harbor freight. Truth be told majority of the tools independent guys sell can all be bought online or on amazon. You deal with the tool guy that takes care of you. Doesn't matter the brand or how much it cost if the tool dealer won't show up or take care of you.

[@KoonTrucking]

I agree it’s all about the dealer. Hell I have had a previous Matco dealer that sucked worse than a dyson vacuum and I wouldn’t buy anything from him. I prefer independent dealers because you can get quality tools cheap. That is if you have a good dealer. They warranty on the spot and the prices are comparable to online with no wait. If you never tried to warranty a tool you got off Amazon good luck ! That’s a crappy process to ease through. It’s much easier handing a guy a tool and getting a replacement or a rebuild kit installed right there.

[@hardnosecattlecompany6974]

@@KoonTrucking I hear ya mr clay. I'm just little upset how they bash snap on. Because my snap on guy pulls in the farm driveway knowing well and fine that I'm the only one who walks on and buys tools but the independent dealer that lives 3 miles away won't even stop. Ment no ill feelings towards Mr matt nor yourself just sharing my experiences which seems to be reverse of what everyone else has. Guess I just am lucky to have a hungrier snap on dealer than a independent guy. Since you took the time to listen to me and read my comment Im throwing ya a new subscriber and heck I'll do a thumbs up to since it doesn't cost me anything like you always say!

[@djosbun]

Matt's sales skills are so good that he could sell Hunter Biden a Fox News-branded hoodie and crack pipe.

[@IronHorseHD]

If you wanna learn to be a independent guy. Give Nick 1200 at JDTco. He will school ya

[@paulevans9783]

He reminds me of a used car salesmen that hasn't made a sale in 6 months. Sounds like he's try to hard like trying to convince himself

[@blackghost1734]

Matco sells mostly exclusive tools and they pick mostly the best in the world, but you can’t usually buy the exact tool cheaper elsewhere. Design will almost always be a little better from matco

[@jeremygaddis1203]

Anybody in Louisville ky

[@RT-fy7gt]

Ha! Makes perfect sense after watching that he was a Cornwell distributor…just about everything he said is b.s. and self promoting and is basically a mobile peddler for Milwaukee.

[@ezeeduzzit]

how to be a narcissist 101

[@michiganguns7911]

Cornwell is the only way to go...

[@michiganguns7911]

@@edwardkramer8738 what part of Michigan are you in?

[@michiganguns7911]

@@edwardkramer8738 we have a guy in Owasso now. Flint is on our radar for 2022.

[@michiganguns7911]

@@edwardkramer8738 yes sir I am the district manager for Lansing and west.

[@blackghost1734]

No. Just no.

[@blackghost1734]

@@michiganguns7911 my Cornwell dealer won’t warranty Milwaukee stuff I didn’t buy from him. Is that ok?!!!