How to sell PRO tools?

[dclassens]

I have recieved a fairly new job in which my required tools went WAY down.

I have a 70" mac tool box with mostly BRAND NEW snapon and mac tools.

The value is over $12K, but I would sell the entire unit as is for $8K. My question is what where when and how to sell. I have photos and would like to NOT deal with the hassel of selling each set as an individual piece. Most of the stuff for sale a tool dealer could literalry buy back and restock as a brand new unit. when I sell this I am already taking about a $4k dollar wash and I can't stand the low bidders(1/2 drive impact set sells new for $400. and I was offered $50). I can send photos, I can field PM's. Any help getting rid of this BRAND NEW PRO TOOL set would help as this $8K would start my one year olds college fund. THANKS!!!

DAve

 

[MVenditti]

Maybe flyer at auto schools, online sales, etc.

 

[seafish]

Lots of people post their snap-on tool sets on Craigslist.org under the tool section.
You can post photos too and NOT leave your phone number on the ad so they only contact you by email unitl you know that they are serious buyers, Good Luck

 

[mickeyblueyes]

I feel your pain, but in this down economy its going to be real difficult to get someone to pony up $8000. One of the problems is that we live on credit cards in this country. Any one making a large purchase like that would want to finance it. You are not in the position to do that easily. Two thoughts come to mind ,if there is a auction house in your area maybe you can set a reserve and try to auction it off. Second maybe you could trade it for a vehicle , just for kicks say you trade the set for a nice Dodge CTD, it would be a lot easier to sell a good truck than tools. Think out of the box. But I can tell you Craigs list is full of Snap on Tools. I did not even mention EBAY, don't look your going to be real sad.

 

[Bob4x4]

Snap on gives new techs at trade schools 50% off so I am going to say you are priced to high. A seasoned tech will not be in need of full set so you will need to drop your price.

 

[InfernoB]

If you can keep them, do so. If not I used ebay to sell some specialty tools. They and paypal take a cut though.....

As stated above you have the craigslist option as well. Best to research the tool prices on that site, and see what they are going for, similar auctions, and multiple bidder's.

Don't expect retail, and don't kick yourself for something that did not sell, or sold way to fast.

And remember this. Once it's gone, you'll need it.

Good luck.

 

[mickeyblueyes]

I do not know how old you are or your financial situation, but life's experience has taught me a lot. You said you just started a new job that you don't need the tools ,that may change, who knows in 4 years you may be turning wrenches again, what about side work. You can earn extra cash putting in starters and such for old guys like me. You have the opportunity to work on only what you want. There is a guy in this area that started small years ago by only working on Hondas, tune ups timing belts et. That guy has got some fantastic business going. Keep the tools earn some extra money and use that for your child's collage fund.

 

[rbattelle]

Snap on gives new techs at trade schools 50% off so I am going to say you are priced to high. A seasoned tech will not be in need of full set so you will need to drop your price.

That's a very good point. It means you're going to have to sell for slightly under 50% of what you paid. I know you think they're new, but nevertheless they're second hand, which always drops the price even if only for psychological reasons.



Honestly, you might make a lot more money selling individual pieces. [Got anything by Armstrong, BTW? ]

I do not know how old you are or your financial situation, but life's experience has taught me a lot. You said you just started a new job that you don't need the tools ,that may change, who knows in 4 years you may be turning wrenches again, what about side work.

There's a lot of wisdom in that post.



Ryan

 

[dclassens]

THANKS A TON for all the good data and recommendations. Here is more info to chew on. I have 2 MAC tool boxes. One is 40"wide 5' tall. It is kinda beat up. This is what I am still working out of. My other is 70"wide and 40"tall. Literally ALL new tools and a ALL new box(NEVER USED ON A NUT OR BOLT). The big box wheels have not made more than 5 revolutions. I have $12K into this one.



I was working at an AG tractor dealership, and needed lots of my own tools, even up to 2" sockets and wrenches. I got a new job for the CITY that I live in. They give us large tool allowances which we can only use on tools. Also they provide most air tools and any tools over 1" sockets and wrenches. SO the only way to not give the tool money back is "BUY MORE TOOLS" I already have so many I don't know what to do with. Like I said before, I would sell box and tools for 1/3 less($8K) of what I have into them. If a Snapon or MAc dealer were reading this he could buy these tools at pennies on the dollar and RESTOCK AS NEW. Any ebay savvy person could buy this as an investment and sell piece by piece and make money. anyway, any ideas are great!!!

DAVE

 

[dclassens]

This photo does not do justice, it has a cover that is unzipped and folded on top. My garage is very dark. Look at the wheels, 0 miles of rolling on crete.

 

[dclassens]

My son was 8 months old at the time, big drawer.

 

[Dl5treez]

I'm going to pretend this is not a not so cleverly veiled classified ad and state the same things many have already said.



Craigslist or eBay are your two best options.



Other options would be local auctions, or pawn shops. Or, if you still have a good relationship with your tool truck dealers, many of them will sell on consignment for you, or buy stuff back.



You can post a classified ad here at the TDR Classifieds as well.



Those are nice tools, IMHO you should hang onto them as you never know what the future will hold, and a mechanic selling his tools is like a soldier selling his rifle because he doesn't need it during peacetime.



Best of luck!