MAC Tools Distributor Interview: Robert Wall, Jr.
April 2, 2013
MAC Tools distributor Robert Wall, Jr. regrets the day he signed up as a MAC Tools distributor.
An experienced mechanic, Robert Wall, Jr. signed up as a MAC Tools distributor for a route out of Dewey, OK after being laid off from his job as a jet mechanic at Cessna Aircraft.
In just two years of trying to keep his MAC Tools distributorship afloat, Robert Wall, Jr. lost his savings, his severance, his retirement account, two houses, a Nissan pickup truck and his Honda Goldwing.
His credit score had been 840, and his wife’s was 870 before joining MAC Tools… today both are under 500.
In all, Robert estimates his losses at around $200,000.
According to Robert, Stanley Black & Decker-owned MAC Tools provided inadequate training, no guidance and no support.
“MAC only wanted their money,” he told us in a recent interview.
As a result, only 2 of the 9 distributors Robert trained with are still in business.
To those considering the MAC Tools distributor opportunity, Robert Walls, Jr. says: “Just don’t go there, period.”
An Interview with Former MAC Tools Distributor Robert Wall, Jr.
UnhappyFranchisee: Robert, what’s your background? What were you doing prior to owning your franchise?
Robert: I was working at Cessna Aircraft in Independence, KS, as an A & P mechanic, specializing in systems installations on the Citation Mustang jet. I was laid off in March 2009 after nearly three and a half years. Prior to that, I had been an ASE certified auto technician for 15 years. I also worked as a mechanical and civil drafter.
UnhappyFranchisee: When did you decide you wanted to own your own business? Describe the process you went through to determine which franchise to buy.
Robert: I looked into the possibility about 2-3 months after my layoff. I initially prospected with Matco, then decided they would have too much influence in my business, and I also spoke with the former Matco dealer for this area, ( I knew him when I worked as an auto tech) who gave me information and advice not to go with Matco.
UnhappyFranchisee: How did you first learn about the general concept? What did you find appealing about this type of business?
Robert: I was aware of the general idea from when I was an auto tech. Since there were limited dealers in this area, I thought it would be a boon, although we were in a nationwide recession at the time.
UnhappyFranchisee: Describe the company’s sales process and your interaction prior to becoming a franchisee.
Robert: I sought them out, after failing to come to any agreement with MATCO, and it was pretty easy, once they saw that I had already gone through MATCO’s preliminaries.
UnhappyFranchisee: How was the company’s training and pre-opening support. Was it a positive experience?
Robert: Well, to start, I had to go clear across Oklahoma to go on the “discovery ride” with a dealer in Liberal, Kansas. Couldn’t get any of the SOB’s in the Tulsa or OKC area to ride with. Yeah, they paid for my motel, I bought my gas and eats for a week. As far as “tool school” goes, it was just peachy. In Ohio, they comped the room, most of the meals, taught the basics about tool-selling. I just loved the role-play. “Now, say it just like we say it, these are tried and true methods!” I could hardly stay awake for most of it. Some good training on their software, to get us started.
UnhappyFranchisee: Do you remember how many other franchise groups were represented in your initial training class? Do you know how many are still in business today?
Robert: There were ten people, one was a candidate for DM, out of us nine, there are 2 left. Even the DM got out.
UnhappyFranchisee: What marketing and promotional guidance, programs & support were provided? Were they effective?
Robert: NO guidance. NO support. District meetings were all about buying tools and stupid ass price point crap that made no sense, always tying in with a BOGO deal. One meeting had the Launch rep there. I asked him point blank, who do you work for? He says “Launch.” This rep dissed me while riding with the Matco dealer in my territory, told a customer that I had lied, that I couldn’t get the deal I had told him I would on a scanner. DM told me there wasn’t a thing he could do.
They were always pushing MAC Card, backed by Greensky, whoever that was. No help there, because they would not approve ANYBODY, except my wife. She got a Platinum card. I put her through just to see what would happen. She was the only one of about twenty apps that went through. After that, I just gave up trying to put anybody through.
UnhappyFranchisee: How was your first year in business? Was the support what you expected? Why or why not?
Robert: My first year in was just what I made of it. No support. My DM didn’t help me unpack, or even ride with me for the first month or so. He rode with a guy in my class, who started up about two hours away from me, in Stillwater, OK. I got some dweeb out of Georgia or somewhere to ride with me. He was on the computer, the phone, or out crying beside the truck because he and his wife were having problems.
I re-scouted my own route after I got home, finding new stops to replace the ones that didn’t pan out. Then my new truck broke down. I had a 2009 GMC C5500 from Herr, and at 14K miles, the engine started acting up. Well, it sat in a GMC Truck dealership shop for SIX WEEKS being worked on, while I ran around in my personal vehicle, with tools and stuff in the back, computer in the front seat, making hand receipts, and wringing my hands trying to get GM Corporate to light a fire under somebody’s ass to get my truck back. Couldn’t hardly sell a thing, made good on some promo stuff I got from MAC, and that worked for about two weeks, and I tried to stay steady on my route to collect.
UnhappyFranchisee: What were the positive aspects of your experience?
Robert: I liked having my own business, the fact that I tried to make it a service-based business instead of a sales-driven business was a good thing, and it went over well with a lot of customers, but having lite bulbs and batteries won’t pay the fuel bill.
UnhappyFranchisee: When did things start to go wrong? What was it that made you an unhappy franchisee?
Robert: Things went south when I couldn’t keep up the payments to MAC, Wells Fargo, and fuel. When you can’t guarantee that you can even fire up the truck to make your route, it’s time to quit.
UnhappyFranchisee: Did you try to resolve your issues with the franchisor? What was the outcome?
Robert: MAC only wanted their money, and I found out that the “financial consultants” you talk to to pay your bill, or make arrangements (ha!) have weekly meetings to discuss “distributor viability” which is a fancy term for letting you go, or cutting you off.
UnhappyFranchisee: What is your current situation? What would you like to see happen at this point?
Robert: I’m done, disgusted, maybe a little settlement money before I die, or MAC Tools exposed. I doubt if anyone will actually see anything worth having after the lawyers pull up to the tit and suck their fees from any kind of “settlement.”
UnhappyFranchisee: Do you think that the MAC Tools distributor concept is a viable?
Robert: No, not really, not at this point in time. You have too many mechanics that have a lot of their own tools. You have the new guys who buy all their tools at once with student discount programs, and most everybody surfs the net, so the service part of the business has really fallen by the wayside, because any dealer who can make it on lite bulbs and batteries doesn’t have much on the shelves. And you definitely DON’T need half of the tools they send you in your start-up.
UnhappyFranchisee: What mistakes did you make? Looking back, what would you have done differently?
Robert: Never use credit cards when you are in a bind, you will NEVER pay them back like you think you will. Especially for fuel.
UnhappyFranchisee: How has your investment in a MAC Tools distributorship decision affected your life?
Robert: It’s back to square one for me. Dirt low credit score, lost homes, working for insurance, driving a beat-up pickup. At least my wife didn’t leave me. That schmuck in Georgia wouldn’t leave MAC, so she left him.
UnhappyFranchisee: What advice would you give to prospective franchise owners? What questions should they ask? What warning signs should they look for?
Robert: Just don’t go there, period. Most cities are looking for more and more restaurants and eating places. Try your hand at that, or a food truck. Don’t even think about a tool truck.
If you would like to contact Robert Wall, Jr., please send a request to UnhappyFranchisee[at]gmail.com
ALSO READ:
MAC TOOLS Franchise posts on UnhappyFranchisee.Com
MAC TOOLS Distributor Problems – Your Input Invited
MAC Tools Franchise Complaints (Video)
MAC Tools Screwed Us: A MAC Distributor Speaks Out (Video)
Mobile Tool Franchise Issues & Index
MAC TOOLS Distributor’s Wives Share Stories of Deception, Hardship
MAC TOOLS Franchise Owners Claim They Can’t Compete (Slideshow)
ARE YOU FAMILIAR WITH THE MAC TOOLS FRANCHISE DISTRIBUTOR OPPORTUNITY? PLEASE SHARE YOUR OPINION BELOW.
TAGS: MAC Tools, MAC Tools franchise, MAC Tools distributor, MAC Tools pricing, MAC Tools opportunity, MAC Tools distributor opportunity, MAC Tools dealer, tool truck franchise, mobile tool franchise, Stanley Black & Decker, MAC Tools complaints, franchise lawsuits, Robert Wall Jr., Dewey OK, Bartlesville OK
SNAP-ON TOOLS Dealer Problems – Your Input Invited
March 30, 2013
SNAP-ON TOOLS dealers: What problems are you dealing with in your mobile tool business?
Are you dealing with:
- Not enough qualified customers?
- Being put on hold?
- Price competition?
-Collection problems?
- Cash flow problems?
- Constant pressure to buy more tools?
- Trouble getting support and advice from your BM other than “put more tools on the street”?
Please share your current problems below.
Anonymous comments are fine.
Buddy the Business Manager will address your problems with tips, ideas and advice.
The Mobile Tool Dealers Association is proud to introduce Buddy the Business Manager.
Buddy the Business Manager is a seasoned, battle-tested tool industry veteran whose priority is tool dealer profitability and success.
Through this site and our online newsletter, Buddy will tackle tough tool dealer challenges and situations, and provide you with hype-free, no-nonsense, unbiased advice and resources.
Tell Buddy your problems by leaving a comment!
Sign up for our email newsletter by joining the Mobile Tool Dealers Association here. It’s free and confidential!
Join the Mobile Tool Dealers Association here.
ARE YOU A SNAP-ON TOOL DEALER? SHARE A COMMENT BELOW.
Tags: Snap-on, Snap-on Tools, Snap-on franchise, Snap-on dealers, Snap-on complaints, Tool truck franchise, tool truck dealer, tool truck complaints, mobile tool dealer association
MAC TOOLS Distributor Problems – Your Input Invited
March 30, 2013
MAC TOOLS Distributors: What problems are you dealing with in your mobile tool business?
Are you dealing with:
- Not enough qualified customers?
- Being put on hold?
- Price competition?
-Collection problems?
- Cash flow problems?
- Constant pressure to buy more tools?
- Trouble getting support and advice from your BM other than “put more tools on the street”?
Please share your current problems below.
Anonymous comments are fine.
Buddy the Business Manager will address your problems with tips, ideas and advice.
The Mobile Tool Dealers Association is proud to introduce Buddy the Business Manager.
Buddy the Business Manager is a seasoned, battle-tested tool industry veteran whose priority is tool dealer profitability and success.
Through this site and our online newsletter, Buddy will tackle tough tool dealer challenges and situations, and provide you with hype-free, no-nonsense, unbiased advice and resources.
Tell Buddy your problems by leaving a comment!
Sign up for the MTDA email newsletter by joining the Mobile Tool Dealers Association here. It’s free and confidential!
Join the Mobile Tool Dealers Association here.
ARE YOU A MAC TOOLS DISTRIBUTOR OR FRANCHISEE? SHARE A COMMENT BELOW.
Tags: MAC Tools, MAC Tools franchise, MAC Tools distributors, MAC Tools complaints, Stanley Black & Decker, Tool truck franchise, tool truck dealer, tool truck complaints, mobile tool dealer association
MAC Tools Franchise Complaints (Video)
March 13, 2013
MAC Tools franchise complaints are streaming in to UnhappyFranchisee.Com from struggling & angry MAC franchise owners like Nick & Paula Tsantles (see video below) and Cory & Michelle Seguin (see MAC Tools Screwed Us).
Are you a current or former MAC Tools franchisee or distributor? Please share your experience with a comment below, or email us at UnhappyFranchisee[at]Gmail.com.
In their video, Nick & Paula Tsantles warn would-be MAC Tools franchise owners of the truth behind the Be-Your-Own-Boss, Control-Your-Own-Destiny hype of the MAC Tools franchise sales pitch.
The Tsantles’ complaints are consistent with many others we’ve received regarding MAC Tools, as well their competitors Snap-On Tools and Matco Tools:
- Indifference to franchisee hardship by the franchisor (tool manufacturing giant Stanley Black & Decker)
- Lack of support from MAC Tools
- Fraudulent list of “guaranteed customers,” some of whom have been closed for 10 years
- A route that had 5 previous distributors, now gone
- Unreimbursed warranty expenses & uncompensated repair time
- Tools made in China and Taiwan
- A system designed to drive franchisees deeper and deeper in debt
- Financial & personal devastation while MAC Tools profits
“Thanks Mac Tools for screwing our family!”
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Nick: Hi, I’m Nick and this is my wife Paula. I’m a Mac Tools Franchisee, I started with Mac tools a year ago and I wanted to take a few minutes to tell you how the past year with Mac tools has been, so you don’t make the mistake I did. Be your own boss, own your own business. You don’t need to know anything about tools. They sell themselves. All you need to do is show up for work everyday. You will start making your paycheck in 12-16 weeks after you start. Sounded good to me.
Paula: Mac does an extensive background check on potential distributors and franchisee. They make sure you have the financial backing to bring you into the business. This is all done before you go to Mac Tool school for training and testing so it doesn’t matter how well you do in school. They don’t care! They know you have the money so you’re in! Yet you are asked to do business with people you don’t know on a hand shake. Sell the tools, Mac doesn’t care if the customer pays. They know they will get their money.
Nick: I’ve struggled from the very beginning, support and help from Mac was very limited. District Managers were always busy with other new start up distributors. the answer to the problem was always “put more tools on the street” which meant me getting deeper in debt with Mac Tools even though there wasn’t enough money coming in to pay my personal bills. They did not seem to care much about what I was going through in my life as long as I sent them there money every week.
Their “12-16 weeks and you will be making money” has turned into “12-16 months and still not making money.” We have depleted our savings account. Your success or failure with Mac Tools is literally the flip of a coin.
Paula: The list of calls on the route survey Nick was given supposedly conducted on January 15, 2012, yet many of the shop on his list of calls have been closed. Some have been closed for as long as 10-15 years! Yet they claim on January 15th, 2012 somebody from Mac visited each and every one of these shops. There’s no way this happened.
Nick: It’s been tough getting customers to trust again after being left high and dry by prior Mac distributors. I didn’t find out until after I started that there has been 5 previous Mac Tools distributors in this district since 1990. Doesn’t sound like a record of success to me.
Paula: Something also we were never told. Several Mac Tools are mad in China or Taiwan. It is strongly suggested to pull the Made in China or Taiwan stickers off all the tools before displaying them.
Nick: Not one word was mentioned about the distributor taking the fall for broken return tools. When they told me they would give me a UPS account number I thought it was for the cost of sending broken tools back to Mac. NO the customer makes out, he gets a brand new tool in replace of his broken one, Mac makes out because they keep a customer and I get screwed working for free and paying the cost for the postage to return the broken tools.
Not to mention my time, and gas, running across town to take returns the UPS.
Nick: Nick has sold and received payment of over $115,000.00 in 2012 and has not made a dime. Mac tools get all of theirs and then there is nothing left.
My family lived a pretty simple life style, although now we are working ourselves to death and living my income only (which for a family of 5 this is around poverty level for this county)
Our family is falling apart! We are miserable! Thanks Mac Tools for screwing our family!
ALSO READ:
MAC TOOLS Franchise posts on UnhappyFranchisee.Com
Mobile Tool Franchise Issues & Index
MAC TOOLS Distributor’s Wives Share Stories of Deception, Hardship
MAC TOOLS Franchise Owners Claim They Can’t Compete (Slideshow)
ARE YOU FAMILIAR WITH THE MAC TOOLS FRANCHISE DISTRIBUTOR OPPORTUNITY? PLEASE SHARE YOUR OPINION BELOW.
TAGS: MAC Tools, MAC Tools franchise, MAC Tools video, MAC Tools distributor, MAC Tools pricing, MAC Tools franchise opportunity, MAC Tools distributor opportunity, MAC Tools dealer, tool truck franchise, mobile tool franchise, Stanley Black & Decker, franchise complaints, franchise lawsuits, Nick Paula Tsantles, Nick Tsantles Mac Tools, Paula Tsantles Mac Tools
Mobile Tool Franchise Guide
March 13, 2013
Mobile Tool Franchise Issues & Index Read more
MAC Tools Screwed Us: A MAC Distributor Speaks Out (Video)
March 5, 2013
“MAC Tools screwed us” states MAC Tools Distributor Cory Seguin in a video that warns would-be franchise owners from owning a MAC Tools mobile tool distribution franchise.
(UnhappyFranchisee.Com) (The Seguin’s video and a transcript of the text are posted below).
In the video, Cory & his wife Michelle tell how MAC Tools sold them a tool truck route (at an investment, thus far, of $130,000) without telling them that three prior distributors had failed with the same route.
The Seguins contend that many MAC Tools distributors fail, in part because of a lack of corporate support, inadequate tool financing, and independent competitors who sell the same products at significantly lower prices.
The Seguins claim their MAC District Manager (DM) had no concern for their success, and was only interested in collecting a “huge sign up bonus.”
Are you a MAC Tools distributor or former distributor? Please share your opinions and experiences with a comment below. If you are willing to take a short survey, see the link below.
MAC Screwed Us Cory & Michelle Seguin Speak Out
“MAC Tools Screwed Us” Video Transcript
Cory: My name is Cory and this is my wife Michelle. I am a Mac tools distributor and this is how MAC tools screwed us.
Michelle: They started off by painting a beautiful picture of how life would be like as a distributor; being your own boss, running your own business, having more time to spend with your family and having a much a larger wallet. We invested over $130,000 and Cory is yet to draw a paycheck after 14 months. We are struggling. The DMs paint a great picture because they are thinking of the huge sign up bonus that they will get.
Cory- Mac did not tell me that there were 3 prior failed distributors on my route.
They claimed that there was tons of support; I received no support from MAC Tools, my RM or My DM when I needed them!
MAC took away the MAC card 8 months in, which means no financing for customers. Especially on tool boxes so I could not even compete with the competitors.
Michelle: They put me in a route knowing that there was an independent dealer selling the exact same products for much lesser prices and again I couldn’t compete.
There was even a light that Cory sold to all his customers that was advertised as a MAC exclusive product. A month later it was out in the Canadian Tire flyer. He sold it for $133.00 and CT for $20.99. We paid $95.19 as distributors for those. Customers were furious and his DM did nothing to help him. Cory lost a lot of money and people’s trust
MAC expects you to put each customer on a Time payment plan so the tool is paid off in 5 weeks. But MAC you wants you pay them within 30 days, if not you will be put on hold and that means no tool orders shipped. Most trade’s people cannot afford to pay a large tool off in 5 weeks. But we have to pay MAC. There were even orders placed on our behalf that we didn’t order. It is not humanly possible for a distributor to do this alone ….that is why they want the wives to be involved.
Cory: we were really taken advantage of and now we could lose everything. Don’t make the same mistake that I did and get screwed by MAC Tools.
Cory & Michelle Seguin would like to hear from other MAC Tools distributors. If you are willing to share your experience through a short survey, please click here: MAC Tools Distributor Survey.
If you would like to contact Cory & Michelle Seguin, please send a request to UnhappyFranchisee[at]gmail.com
ALSO READ:
MAC TOOLS Franchise posts on UnhappyFranchisee.Com
Mobile Tool Franchise Issues & Index
MAC TOOLS Distributor’s Wives Share Stories of Deception, Hardship
MAC TOOLS Franchise Owners Claim They Can’t Compete (Slideshow)
ARE YOU FAMILIAR WITH THE MAC TOOLS FRANCHISE DISTRIBUTOR OPPORTUNITY? PLEASE SHARE YOUR OPINION BELOW.
TAGS: MAC Tools, MAC Tools franchise, MAC Tools video, MAC Tools distributor, MAC Tools pricing, MAC Tools franchise opportunity, MAC Tools distributor opportunity, MAC Tools dealer, tool truck franchise, mobile tool franchise, Stanley Black & Decker, franchise complaints, franchise lawsuits, Cory Michelle Seguin, Cory Seguin Mac Tools, Michelle Seguin Mac Tools
MAC TOOLS Franchise Owners Claim They Can’t Compete (Slideshow)
March 1, 2013
MAC TOOLS franchise owners claim they can’t compete because not only aren’t their products exclusive – they are sold by competitors for much lower prices.
(UnhappyFranchisee.Com) “MAC Distributors invest $120,000+ to be the exclusive distributors of quality MAC tools at fair prices,” states a slideshow prepared by disgruntled MAC Tools distributors.
“Not only are the competitors selling the exact same products as MAC Tools, but for a much lesser price.”
MAC Tools distributors claim that the franchisor (the MAC Tools division of tool manufacturing giant Stanley Black & Decker) is “simultaneously undercutting their own distributors and franchisees” while overcharging loyal and trusting MAC Tools customers.
This situation, MAC franchisees contend, is leading those who invested in MAC distributorships down “a sure path to bankruptcy.”
Some franchisees contend MAC Tools is indifferent to their plight because Stanley Black & Decker’s MAC Tools division will simply resell the failed route to another trusting, enthusiastic distributor… an industry practice known as “franchise churning.”
MAC Tools Distributor Slideshow:
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MAC Tools Prices Significantly Higher for Same Tools?
MAC Tools franchise owners allege that many of the tools they sell are offered at significantly lower prices by competitors… damaging their reputation with their customers and making it impossible to compete.
For example, the MAC Tools slideshow shows that MAC Tools promotes a cordless rubberized LED worklight as a “MAC Tools Exclusive” product.
It sells the worklight to its distributors for $95.15, who then offer it for $103.99 (regularly 134.92, MAC claims).
MAC Distributors claim their competitors sell the same light for only $20.99… nearly 80% less than MAC’s retail “sale” price and $74.00 less than MAC’s wholesale price to its distributors.
Here are some other examples from the slideshow:
| Product* | MAC Tools Retail Price | Competitor’s Retail Price | MAC’s Price is higher by ($) |
| LED Worklight | $103.99 | $20.99 | $83.00 |
| 1/2” Impact AW612Q | $400.99 | $244.95 | $156.04 |
| 3/4” Impact | $800.99 | $499.95 | $301.04 |
| Battery Charger | $519.00 | $399.95 | $120.00 |
| Battery Tester | $603.99 | $469.95 | $140.04 |
| 1/2” Impact AWQP120 | $320.99 | $209.95 | $111.04 |
Source: MAC Tools Distributor Slideshow
What do you think? Is MAC Tools gouging customers and dooming its own distributors? Share your thoughts below.
ALSO READ: Mobile Tool Franchise Issues & Index
MAC Tools Posts on UnhappyFranchisee.Com
ARE YOU FAMILIAR WITH THE MAC TOOLS PRODUCTS & PRICING, OR THE MAC TOOLS FRANCHISE DISTRIBUTOR OPPORTUNITY? PLEASE SHARE YOUR OPINION BELOW.
TAGS: MAC Tools, MAC Tools franchise, MAC Tools slideshow, MAC Tools distributor, MAC Tools pricing, MAC Tools franchise opportunity, MAC Tools distributor opportunity, MAC Tools dealer, tool truck franchise, mobile tool franchise, Stanley Black & Decker, franchise complaints, franchise lawsuits, unhappy franchisee
MAC TOOLS Distributor’s Wives Share Stories of Deception, Hardship
February 26, 2013
MAC Tools distributors are sold the idea that the MAC Tools franchise is their path to the American Dream: a way to be their own bosses, control their own destinies, gain financial independence and build stronger futures for their families.
However, two wives of MAC Tools distributors characterize their experience with MAC Tools as more of a nightmare than a dream.
Two MAC Tools wives sent UnhappyFranchisee.Com a revealing conversation (See the link to A Nice Conversation Between Two Mac Tools Wives at the bottom of this post).
In the dialogue, they describe the despair that results from devoting long hours to a business that not only doesn’t turn a profit, but is sinking them further and further into debt.
The MAC Tools wives describe the toll the business is taking on their husbands, who are caught between a franchisor that demands payment according to rigid terms, and their mechanic/customers who struggle to make their tool bill payments.
Many MAC Tools franchisees, it seems, end up in the unenviable position of selling high-priced tools to undercapitalized customers, then assuming their credit risk.
MAC Tools Challenges are a Family Affair
When a MAC Tools distributor struggles, it can take a devastating toll on the entire family.
MAC Tools distributors have told UnhappyFranchisee.Com they while their initial motivation was to create opportunities for their families, they find themselves not only battling for financial survival, but fighting to save their homes and keep their marriages intact as well.
MAC Tools franchise owners complain that they assume most of the risk (by putting their own money out “on the street”), work a grueling schedule and spend countless hours performing uncompensated warranty repair work.
MAC Tools distributors also complain that their franchisor sells the same tools to their competitors at deep discounts, enabling them to drastically undercut the MAC Tools franchisees in the marketplace.
“MAC Tools Has All Our Money…” – A MAC Tools Wife
In their dialogue, the two MAC Tools wives commiserate about the financial trap they’re in:
MAC Tools Wife #2: No wonder me and my husband get so frustrated when a mechanic can only pay $20.00 towards his account some weeks! I start wishing that he did not make a sale because of it. My husband and I end up losing money hand over fist in situations like this. And believe me- it happens a lot!
…But when it comes to paying your own tool bill to Mac Tools- we can’t get away with it! This week alone we dished out $2,000.00 one day and another $3,000.00 the following day. And it’s only Wednesday! Can’t wait to see what we owe them tomorrow!
MAC Tools Wife #1: I agree. The bank account is drained. Our line of credit is maxed out. Our credit cards are outrageous. Where did all the money go? Oh – Mac Tools has all our money because they get paid first. Our other money is out on the street not getting paid back to us. We certainly don’t get a pay cheque. All we wanted was to own our own business! How I regret that we ever got into doing this. My husband had a dream when he first got into this! The dream is now turning into a nightmare. This is only our first year in business.
While this dialogue is between two specific MAC Tools wives, it likely represents conversations in tool dealer’s households and tool trucks across the U.S. and Canada every day.
READ: A Nice Conversation Between Two Mac Tools Wives (WORD Doc)
Read more posts on MAC Tools.
Read more about Mobile Tool Franchises: Mobile Tool Franchise Issues & Index
If a tool truck distributorship or franchise has had an effect on your family – good or bad – please leave a comment below.
ARE YOU FAMILIAR WITH THE MAC TOOLS FRANCHISE DISTRIBUTOR OPPORTUNITY? PLEASE SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE BELOW.
MATCO TOOLS Lawsuit: VILLANO et al v. TD BANK et al Goes to Arbitration
September 4, 2012
UnhappyFranchisee.com – MATCO TOOLS lawsuit by franchise owner to be settled via to arbitration.
In November, 2011, we wrote about the Matco Tools franchise lawsuit :
FRANCHISE LAWSUIT Alleges Matco Tools Scam, TD Bank Fraud
“…A father and son – David Villano, Jr. and David Villano III, through their attorneys, Marks & Klein, LLP of Red Bank, N.J., today filed a class action lawsuit against TD Bank and Matco Tools, Inc. alleging the tool company franchisor and the bank engaged in a loan fraud scheme to encourage unsophisticated borrowers to enter into risky business loans to buy Matco Tools franchises.
The scheme enabled Matco to sell more franchises and TD Bank to make risky loans without concern. The bank knew if the loans failed, the loans would ultimately be repaid by United States taxpayers through the SBA guaranteed loan program. Data from the SBA shows that from 2000 to 2010, Matco Tools’ SBA loans had a staggering 37.3 percent failure rate.”
On August 29, 2012 Judge Freda L. Wolfson ruled in favor of Matco and Danaher’s request for arbitration:
LETTER MEMORANDUM AND ORDER that Defendants Matco and Danaher’s Motion To Stay Pending Arbitration is GRANTED to allow the claims as between Plaintiffs and Matco and Danaher to be arbitrated as per the Distributorship Agreement; that Defendant T D Bank’s Motion to Dismiss is DENIED with leave to refile after the completion of the arbitration; that Defendant Matco and Danaher’s Motion to Dismiss is DENIED as moot; that this case is administratively terminated with the right to reopen after the completion of the arbitration. Signed by Judge Freda L. Wolfson on 8/29/2012.
Arbitration is seen by most as a serious setback for the Matco franchisee plaintiffs.
Read the Judges Memorandum & Order (PDF) here: Villano et al v. TD Bank et al (11-cv-6714)
Also read:
MATCO TOOLS Franchise Complaints (4000+ comments)
Mobile Tool Franchise Issues & Index
MATCO TOOLS Distributor Franchise (Overview with links)
ARE YOU FAMILIAR WITH MATCO TOOLS, DANAHER CORP, OR TD BANK? PLEASE SHARE AN OPINION OR INSIGHT BELOW.
SNAP-ON TOOLS Franchise Dealer Warns: Buyer Beware!
July 1, 2012
Considering the Snap-on Tools dealer franchise opportunity? A veteran Snap-on dealer shares his advice with Unhappy Franchisee.
On our post SNAP-ON TOOLS Franchise Complaints, commenter I’m no fool contributed the following advice:
“I wanted to add a little inside information about Snap On Tools. I am currently a dealer that will be leaving soon. This is more of a Buyer Beware tips.
“Snap On Tools is not a business opportunity. Recruiters will tell you that but it isn’t. Here is why…..
“Snap on only will give you 200 potential customers that you can sell tools too. That means you can’t sell to anyone outside those list of people. Even if someone walks in your truck cash in hand to buy something. Snap On can also take away any customers at the discretion that is over 200. If you don’t believe me read the Snap on FDD Document. So how is it a business opportunity if you can’t grow? There is an answer to that question.
“Snap On does allow you to get 2nd route if your looking to grow. It is at there discretion if they will allow it but it can be an option. Here is the problem with that…
- Snap On has to approve your employee that will drive your truck on 2nd route.
- You have to meet the criteria which isn’t as easy then when you first got started.
- You will either have to buy a route from a dealer leaving which doesn’t guarantee you a route because Snap On has the first right of refusal. Or you will have to wait till a route opens which then don’t guarantee you anything because a new prospect coming in will get first choice. Reason for that is because Snap On makes more money on a new start up then adding a 2nd truck for an existing dealer.
- If you figured out how to make money outside of the Snap On way then they definitely don’t want you to grow. Snap On only wants people that will struggle most of there career because it gives the company more power over you. If they allow you to grew so you can make the kind of money any REAL independent person expects to make then that would give you too much power.
“So buyer beware. When you join Snap On you are just a glorified employee. You can even read why SBA won’t guarantee Snap On Franchise loans. If you are thinking the Snap On Tool business invest your money in a business that can earn you more then $35k a year. That is all you will make driving a Snap On truck if you make it. Don’t forget Snap On has a over 40% failure rate.”
Read More: Mobile Tool Franchise Guide
SNAP-ON TOOLS Franchise Complaints
SNAP-ON FRANCHISE Pros & Cons of Being a Snap-on Dealer
Forbes’ Praise of the Snap-On Franchise Draws Fire, Disbelief
ARE YOU AN SNAP-ON TOOLS FRANCHISE OWNER OR SNAP ON DEALER? ARE YOU FAMILIAR WITH THE SNAP-ON FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY? PLEASE SHARE A COMMENT BELOW.
