So far, we’ve had several articles about the intricacies of tools: a guide to buying the right ones, which ones you should have in your basic tool kit, which ones are worth investing in, and even how to use them safely.
You’re probably familiar by now with the importance of having the right automotive tools for various tasks - and perhaps even the best power tool brands to buy.
The question now is: where should you buy your tools? Should you get them online or from your trusty tool truck?
Let’s take a look.
Buying Automotive Tools Online
With the growth of e-commerce, especially over the past decade, buying stuff online has increasingly become the preferred option for many gearheads (and with good reason).
Convenience and Accessibility
There is a wide range of mechanic tools available online. From basic wrenches to the most advanced diagnostic tools, you can find almost anything on the internet.
In terms of convenience, it’s also difficult to beat an option that allows you to shop from nearly anywhere, any day of the week. There’s no need to wait for the tool truck to come around in a week’s time or so.
Online shopping can also be a seamless experience in terms of processing returns and refunds. Many of the best online tool shops offer flexible return policies, efficient customer support, convenient online tracking, and order management.
Cost-Effectiveness
Powerful search engines and the sheer number of online retailers have made comparing prices from different sources easier than ever.
As a result, many of them come up with competitive prices and significant discounts and promotions.
For instance, Free shipping is a standard feature for many e-commerce websites.
Furthermore, you can bypass middlemen and buy your tools straight from the manufacturers for higher cost savings.
Research and Information
Gone are the days when you had to consult with the salesperson at the hardware store or with the driver of your neighbourhood’s tool truck for updates on the latest tools available.
These days, so much information is readily available with a few keystrokes.
Detailed Product Descriptions and Specifications
Aside from the product descriptions on the manufacturer’s or online retailer’s website, entire user manuals are available online. You can even view blogs or videos talking about certain tools before you decide to buy them.
Speaking of…
Customer Reviews and Ratings
The World Wide Web has plenty of room for every hobby under the Sun, and a passion for all things automotive is no exception.
Whether you prefer to read written reviews or watch detailed videos, sounding out which tools professionals and enthusiasts are raving about is easier than ever.
Some of these reviews even have links to where you can buy the product - sparing you the trouble of having to look it up.
Buying Automotive Tools From a Tool Truck
Still, there remain mechanics who prefer to build their mechanic's tool set via regular visits from their tool truck.
Let’s explore why.
Personalized Experience
The biggest advantage a tool truck can potentially have over an online retailer is genuine face-to-face interaction with sales representatives at your doorstep.
If the driver of the tool truck exhibits consistency, efficiency, and integrity (along with expert advice and guidance), the truck is likely to have a steady roster of loyal customers.
Since tool trucks tend to frequent the same areas each week, savvy drivers would be able to set up rapport and thus present their buyers with customized recommendations.
Plus, since tool trucks bring their own inventory, customers have a chance to see and try out the actual tools in person before deciding to purchase.
Exclusive Product Offerings
Some tool trucks, like Snap-on, continue to make their own products, so their inventories feature tools that buyers aren’t likely to get anywhere else.
It should be noted though that it’s also possible to find very good alternatives online.
Payment Plans
Unlike online shops that pretty much require you to pay in full for automotive tools upfront, tool trucks offer flexible payment plans. (Albeit with steep interest rates, as the video below explains.)
As Brian Eslick from How to Automotive explains:
This way, mechanics can readily acquire the tools and start using them without initially shelling out a large amount of money.
Warranty Services
In the days when lifetime warranties were actually a thing, stories abound of tool truck drivers readily replacing tools covered by such - even when they were practically family heirlooms by that time.
These days, however, warranties are far more limited - and many online stores also make it easy for buyers to invoke them as required.
Replacement units are also delivered to your doorstep within a couple of days, which can beat waiting for the tool truck to pull up the following week.
Buying Online vs. From a Tool Truck: How Should You Stock Your Mechanics Tool Kit?
Buying online seems to be the clear answer at first glance.
On the other hand, the decision to buy online or from a tool truck comes down to a handful of factors:
Tool Requirements and Preferences
As we mentioned earlier, certain tools are exclusively available from tool trucks.
While some of them do rebrand tools manufactured by other companies (or factories overseas), trucks like Snap-on still make their own.
If you have a preference for their tools, buying from their trucks might be better for you.
Otherwise, there are thousands of online retailers you can source your tool requirements from.
Cost Considerations
Online options are generally more affordable, with the lack of a middleman and all the additional discounts and promos.
Still, those who can’t afford to pay for the entire total of their tools stick around for the tool truck, given the flexible payment options.
Time and Convenience Factors
Do you need your tools now, or can you wait around for a few more days? The answer to this question could determine where you’ll buy them from.
If the tool truck is right there and they have what you need on hand, you may as well get them on the spot.
If not, you might be able to get a better deal online.
Availability
Although tool trucks allow you to see and try out a tool, they might not always have what you need in stock.
On the other hand, the internet is sure to have it for sale somewhere.
The Real Score
So now that we've compared the two and discussed their pros and cons, how do they really compare? Here's a table to help you decide:
Got Tools?
At the end of the day, your tools are an investment. To get the best ROI possible, you should weigh your options based on your specific needs. Look for retailers with a wide range of trusted brands and automotive tools.
If you shop at MPR, for example, you’ll get personalized customer service, our Price Match Guarantee, and free shipping for orders over $150. Too good to be true? Not with us!
Save your valuable time and energy, and check us out.
Happy Shopping!
Sources:
https://www.techshopmag.com/the-tool-truck/
https://www.autotoolexperts.com/why-buy-snap-on-tool-truck-equivalent/
https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/canada-ecommerce
https://mprtools.com/blogs/news/fun-facts-about-11-of-your-favourite-power-tool-brands
https://mprtools.com/blogs/news/7-mechanic-tools-that-every-garage-needs
