How to sell pro tools #3

[dclassens]

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/shop/223966-how-sell-pro-tools-2-a.html



This link is to a post I started about selling mechanics tools. I did the same thing again only for a little less. Smaller box and no air tools. I got $6,000. 00

I have this issue with building these sets and both times the tools and boxes they were in were literally BRAND NEW. I would buy on sale, warranty broken stuff, and collect piece by piece. They had NEVER been in a shop or on a bolt, both box and tools inside. I am starting basically for scratch and my new rule is used only. There are great prices on ebay and craigslist right now. Just an FYI, never thought in a million years I would get EVERY penny back out of these.

 

[dclassens]

PS, I know this is a sickness but I see it as a game. On the other had it would be easier to put this money into a savings account, rather than invest in tools to resell and put back in an account. :-laf :-laf

 

[fest3er]

Is this related to the old quip, "Buy high, sell low, make it up in volume"?

If you have the time to find low-priced quality tools, you can make a fair bit of money, possibly a better return than in the stock market and almost definitely better than straight interest.

It takes money to make money. But it also takes an eye for bargains. Buy a good, but dirty, older car at a good price, steam it out and polish it. Sell the sizzle. Buy a used set of tools at a good price, clean and polish them and the toolbox. Sell the sizzle.

The only real difference between solid new stuff and solid used stuff is the squeak. Put the squeak, the 'new car smell' back in and the price goes up. Perception is 90% of profit.

 

[MChrist]

When I was 12, I paid $300 for a yellow VW Bug. (yes, 12!). Putted around our farm with it, then cleaned it to "like new", detailed everything, and sold it for $750. Cha-Ching!

 

[dclassens]

fest3er, you are right. I hope to be done selling tools and breaking even. Was not trying to make profit because when both tool box's were purchased they were intended for repair use. When I referred to the "sickness" I have it is a lot like when I got a brand new Dodge Cummins in 02. I would wash and wax and park in the garage and could not bring myself to drive it again. They are just so sparkly..... why get them dirty.









PS ~ my main point is all the tool sales men and other mechanics I work with are amazed I have made back every penny on pro tools. they say they would never be able to sell what they have built and get the original asking price back out. It is because it was so clean and organized. like new cars, take a look here ... .

 

[Dl5treez]

I keep my box in nice shape, but the tools take a beating. I do my best to keep them in working order, but field service takes its toll.

One cool thing about being in debt to your Snap-on man is he'll not blink an eye at doing warranty claims on pawn shop tools, sometimes with the price tag still taped on. :-laf

I've traded and/or sold tool boxes over the years, but have a hard time parting with the tools. They kinda get to be a member of my little shop stuff family.


There really needs to be a cartoon movie about shop tools... . lol

 

[MLee]

And I thought I was a tool nut!!! Good for you, what a hobby you've got.

 

[dclassens]

I may have already mentioned this but I will re-add this fact or tidbit. I work at a shop where the agreement is if we as mechanics maintain master ASE certifications in both heavy truck and auto we get roughly $7500 divided out for the 3 year contract. The only catch is for a lot of that money we must provide receipts. The old timers have a heck of a time getting their tool money. If I have to buy tools to get the tool allowance, then why not sell what I had a start over.





Thanks again for the replies fellers.....

 

[Dl5treez]

I may have already mentioned this but I will re-add this fact or tidbit. I work at a shop where the agreement is if we as mechanics maintain master ASE certifications in both heavy truck and auto we get roughly $7500 divided out for the 3 year contract. The only catch is for a lot of that money we must provide receipts. The old timers have a heck of a time getting their tool money. If I have to buy tools to get the tool allowance, then why not sell what I had a start over.





Thanks again for the replies fellers.....

Dude, that's EVERY three year contract? That's SWEET!!! Oo.





I'd be buying crap just for the sake of buying it... . do you have a scan tool? That new Snap-on VERDICT is pretty amazing.

 

[dclassens]

one other bit of information, the shop provides:
1. all metric tools(they suck and we all have our own stuff)
2. all wrenches 1"-3" and a huge angle wrench set
3. air tools, 3/4 and 1/2 impacts, 3/8 air ratchets, tire gauges and blow guns
4. an entire room full of stuff from gasket punches, race drivers, pullers, DVOM's all specialty, creepers, ladders, vises, press, lathes, and much more
5. all drill bits, taps and dies.
6. Also any non warranty tool we provide and break, they will replace and we keep the original for what ever reason


There are 3 day shift and 3 night shift, plus 1 chief mechanic that sits in an office. We all have to provide inventory lists and estimate values. We are all in between 10K-50k in tools in replacement value in case of fire and other insurance reason.

 

[dclassens]

The main point behind my last post is that when building a tool set with all that stuff provided, your focus changes and you buy stuff that is really important day to day and for doing preventative maintenance work, even though we do most everything in house.

 

[dclassens]

PSS the shop buys Snapon Modis and keeps it updated along with Shop Key.

PSSS some of that $7500 is for safety gear like steel toes and carhart pants and jackets. ($300)