MATCO TOOLS Franchise Complaints

4,850 thoughts on “MATCO TOOLS Franchise Complaints”

• LOL! Too Funny!

• And I’ve heard stories that Nashville received a few ‘dirty diapers’ too. :)

• DOWNLINE – ring a bell? maybe after you read, a light will come on…
  Multi-level marketing (MLM) is a marketing strategy in which the sales force is compensated not only for sales they personally generate, but also for the sales of others they recruit, creating a DOWNLINE of DISTRIBUTORS and a hierarchy of multiple levels of compensation. Other terms for MLM include pyramid selling,network marketing,and referral marketing.
  Most commonly, the salespeople are expected to sell products directly to consumers by means of relationship referrals and word of mouth marketing.Some people use “direct selling” as a name for MLM, although MLM is only one type of direct selling, which started centuries ago with peddling.
  MLM companies have been a frequent subject of criticism as well as the target of LAWSUITS. Criticism has focused on their similarity to ILLEGAL pyramid schemes, price-fixing of products, high initial start-up costs, emphasis on recruitment of lower-tiered salespeople over actual sales, encouraging if not requiring salespeople to purchase and use the company’s products, potential exploitation of personal relationships which are used as new sales and recruiting targets, complex and sometimes exaggerated compensation schemes, and cult-like techniques which some groups use to enhance their members’ enthusiasm and devotion.

• Debbie your post makes you sound silly.

  Todd and former no different now I spend hours every few weeks and still have go to my dm for credit request after. No cookies or diapers from me!

  What sucks now is if you forget to put an item on the list, they don’t accept it, send it back and charge you freight.

• You know what’s weird though this sight is put together by godaddy.com, for a company called ideafarm out of new jersey and that same company has a site promoting franchises called franchisewire

  [ADMIN clarification: 1) This “site” was not “put together” by godaddy.com, 2) It’s owned by a corporation in PA, not NJ, 3) We don’t own or operate “franchisewire” which is based in New Zealand.]

• So we are complaining about a franchise on a franchise site??????

• Tommy must be sleeping, and guest law firm is closed on weekends.

• Guest 3 is a Matco lawyer… It is not a DBR. It is not a DM It is a Matco lawyer, just look @ the inflammatory wording and digs in comments. As an outsider ( I was given this site by a DBR who is on the brink of quitting…or being kicked to the curb). I have dealt with every tool company and independents for 30 years, and the way most have conducted themselves (with a few exceptions ) has been absolutely reprehensible…. after reading all this I know and understand why . DBR’s are either so greedy or so “under the bus” dollar wise, you make an ass of yourselves trying to push your Chinese made crap on us mechanics . PASS anything you’re selling I can get else where, for less money… alot less . Good luck, YOU’LL NEVER SEE ANOTHER PENNY FROM ME !!!!!!

• Guest2 do you ever wonder why Tim Sharkey posted on here twice, left, and never came back?

• Guest3
  He got scared and ran away. The truth hurts.

• wow, “I” sound ‘silly’

  apparently you don’t even read what you post, this site is call Unhappy Franchisee
  Tim Sharkey has nothing to be scared about, he is happy and successful and posted an observation – apparently, since he didn’t stick around to bicker with you – I think that makes him smart

  I’m sorry you found my post ‘silly’, would you like me to Explain? since obviously you did not understand

  Ask your DM sometime, I KNOW he has used the word “downline” – me, silly?
  Don’t think so, I am informed, educated and aware of the deceitful and illegal actions. Apparently, I’m ‘silly’ enough to get your attention :)

  Good night boys, have a nice weekend.

• guest3- Posting, then answering your own post ? How pathetic. Better watch out, ADMIN will nail you again for spamming. Go crawl back under your rock with your bottle of Zoloft.

• Have any of you previous distributors ever accepted responsibility for anything that has not gone your way? I can’t believe that you guys can’t comprehend the fact that MATCO is big business and they are in business to turn a profit. You were in business to turn a profit as well but for one reason or another you weren’t successful in that aspect. If you didn’t understand things when you signed up well then shame on you. MATCO followed through with everything they ever said they were going to do. Sure, my DM was a pain in the ass and I threw him off the truck a couple times but he wanted me to succeed if for no other reason my sales put money in his pocket. His most annoying quote was “if you always do what you’ve always done you will continue to get what you’ve always got”. You people seem to be a negative bunch of people looking at the glass as half empty. I think your complaining isn’t getting you anywhere so try something different. If your out of MATCO let it go, move on, cheer up, and Stop complaining.

  I’m not calling anyone a failure or loser so don’t get all bunged up. Not everyone is meant to sell tools just like we aren’t all meant to be astronauts. Move on and stop expecting a lawyer to make everything better for you. Ever stop and think what he is making off all this? Talk about flawed motive………..

  Craig of AZ

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMyTAumNxUA
  MATCO HAS NOT LIVED UP TO THEIR CLAIMS IN THIS AD from what I’ve seen…

• Damn Craig, Again, you have a problem reading post.

  You know, I am not angry or jealous at all of successful distributors I was one and I can honestly say if I had never had my route cut I would be singing Matco’s praises today. Because I would be in the TOP of Matco Distributors and have blinders on my eyes not wanting to look or think that the company that is taking care of me would screw other people. But, as you well know I am all too familiar with Matco’s tactics when it comes to Franchises. I repeat, before I had my route cut by my Regional Manager (He fired my District Manager) I was purchasing $9000 per week and on a pace to be in the top 10 and servicing more than 95% of my route plus the customers I thought were secured through my District Manager. You would think Matco would be in love with me not kicking me to the curb.

  Can you give me an answer to why Matco takes out Distributors who are making them successful? No kidding $9000 per week. Stop ramrodding us with “Your the cause of your failed Distributorship Theory.”

• Craig,
  You must not read my post’s either… Everything I’ve posted was factual cases were Matco has neglected to act properly in the wording of the contract.

  AGAIN, The contract is one sided, they all are. I and many others have signed it with the hopes and beliefs in humanity, that they would ACT IN GOOD FAITH.

  Have you talked with anyone within the American Court system? Yes, it does matter what state you live in, laws vary and so do Judges.

  Just spend some time and research franchise law and some of the various court cases. SOMETIMES, and I mean sometimes, the wording of the contract means nothing, but what does matter is that both parties ACT in Good FAITH.

  And yes, there is more to it. My point is Action speaks louder than words.

  Why have a contract between two parties if both are going to violate that contract? And then when, and only WHEN it suits YOUR purpose, you site the violations against the other party.

  I would bet, each and every distributor out there are violating that contract. When is it FAIR to act on one and not the other?

• Todd is absoultely correct, I was doing great, when in 08 the economy dumped and instead of matco working with us, they kicked me out. I was in the top 5 in my district and was abidding by the rules. If you are selling the products and making money for you and matco, what the hell.Like I said before, they have their select few. My D.M.’s best friend was a distr,he was on tool hold, below average and driving 50 miles to get tools off my buddies truck, why wasn’t he warned or kicked to the curb? It’s called buddy system or matco favortism.

  We are all here to share our opinions on what matco has done to us. Matco is not all to blame, but their policies on franchises is deceitful, illegal, and fraudulent on the way they sign people up. I take part blame and I am not afraid to admit it. I do blame them for not waiting the 14 days on the fdd, my D.M. said we need to hurry to get you in class, I beleive he had either FED EX OR UPS OVERNITE the fdd. Also, who determines the national average, If you are spending money with them, they shouldn’t give a shit. I had a college in my area, I caught another distr going in there, told my D.M. and he did nothing, I also caught the same distr, going 20 miles out of his way on a saturday, selling tools and he did nothing.Thats the kind of D.M. everyone should have.

  In my opinion, if they would change their policies on franchises, let the distr run their business and be honest when signing a potential distr, they would be a premiere company. You may contact Jerry at MARKSANDKLEIN.COM.

• Craig Wood writes: “You people seem to be a negative bunch of people looking at the glass as half empty. ”

  Technically, Craig, I think people see the Matco glass as 49% empty.

  See MATCO TOOLS Franchise Report Alleges Distributor Churning http://www.unhappyfranchisee.com/matco-tools-franchise-distributor-churning/

  “During the three year period from 1/1/08 to 12/31/10, seven hundred fifteen (715) Distributors, forty nine percent (49%) of the total number of MATCO Tools Distributorships open at any time during the period, left the MATCO system.”

  “MATCO Tools has, nonetheless, continued to offer and sell Distributorships despite the pattern of early failure. ”

  “If a MATCO Tools distributor desired to exit the system during this three year period, and hoped to sell its business through a MATCO approved transfer, that franchisee had less than a seven percent (7%) chance of success. Statistically speaking, such a low success rate indicates that the MATCO Tools businesses run by distributors who were leaving the MATCO system were so unprofitable as to be unmarketable.”

  Let’s say you’re right and all these failing distributors are negative nellies who have themselves to blame for their failure, doesn’t that AT LEAST indicate that, despite its years of doing this and thousands of dbrs having passed through its system, Matco really, really SUCKS at qualifying, screening and accepting new distributors?

  Every criticism the OBC (Old Boys Club) levels at unhappy franchisees is also a criticism of Matco’s dbr recruitment and approval process, is it not?

• Gary don’t know what zoloft is, I just made a comment and admin answered. I didn’t do anything wrong, Its the only way I know ho to communicate with admin.

  Now Tommy on the other hand, you change your story more than a politician. Early you said you made the top 50, them yesterday all of the sudden you were top 2, now today you have dropped back to in the top 5 in your district.

  Todd, simple answer to your question, you probably had 800 headcount route, your RM was TN, didn’t all the dm’s either quit or get fired when he came to your region

  I have been called a lot of things, but lawyer… No I do have some standards…lol

• Guest # 2 and # 3 , I have not posted every 10 min. like you two…..because I have a life there’s a thought. I said what I had to say and I have never been much for the face book thing. Guest #2 you say you know me then say ” I got scared and ran away” If you really knew me you would know how stupid that comment is.

  Why don’t you two #2 and #3 have some balls and post your names.

  Timothy A Sharkey

• I don’t have balls to post

• Guest, that is every bit of being correct, but they do not care, it is profitable to get people in, whether they succeed or not.They keep a few select in and keep the bottom revolving door open.

• Guest3, yes I was in the top 2 a couple of times, if you could read, i also said I was in the top 5 in my district, learn to read before you write. I Also said I made it in the top 50 quite a few times, I have my records to prove it, would you like to see?

• Yes! Show the world Tommy.

• All guest, why don’t you post your names, do you have something to hide? There are a few men and women who have the guts to put their name, because we have nothing to hide. Are you scared of matco? Like I said many times, man-up or go away. Are you scared to get on the train, heading to stow? Tell it like you see it , that is with your name on it. It will be derailing at 4403 allen rd, thats where we are going to crash and wouldn’t you like to be on it. The FEDS ARE COMING ALONG FOR THE RIDE TOO.

• I don’t care about the district awards i want to see gold medalions

• When Jerry,I and the gang , get matco in court, be there and you and the world can see my purchases, placement, and everything else. Still waiting on some names to be posted, like Tim said, if you have any balls at all.I will also take you with me to the bank, when I cash in on my winnings.

• I HAVE 2 MEDALLIONS FROM MATCO, JUST CALL THEM AND ASK.BY THE WAY THOSE MEDALLIONS WERE CHEAP LOOKING AND THAT FIGURES IT WAS COMING FROM MATCO, CHEAP. WHAT DID THEY COSR ABOUT $2.00.

• EVERYTHING MATCO DOES IS CHEAP, BECAUSE IT IS ALWAYS TO BENEFIT THEM, NOT THE PEOPLE SELLING THEIR PRODUCTS.

• Yep, just what I figured Tommy remember you volunteered to show your stuff, not me.

  When guest (DV) reveals his identity I will.

• IF D.V WAS TO JUMP OFF A BRIDGE, WOULD YOU? IT FIGURES YOU WOULD WANT SOMEONE TO LEAD YOU, SOME PEOPLE ARE NOT ABLE TO DO THINGS WITHOUT OTHER PEOPLE LEADING.ITS CALLED , NOT BEING ABLE TO THINK FOR YOURSELF OR HEV YOUR OWN OPINIONS.

• Tommy, Tommy Tommy as the spokesman for Jerry you have to be trustworthy and a man of integrity, you can’t volunteer something or make a statement and not back it up, dicaudo will tear you up! Better change your name to guest 4

• Not changing my name, not going anywhere, and I have the balls to put my name out there and stand behind it , do you? I think not, I am not worried about dicaudo, matco or anyone else. I stand behind my thoughts, i am not a pussy.

• guest3 of course he doesnt care that everyone knows its tommyboy he has nothing to lose…

• GUEST2, ARE YOU A PUSSY TOO, SCARED TO PUT YOUR NAME OUT THERE?I THINK SO, I SPEAK MY MIND , I CALL IT HOW I SEE IT. DON’T LET IT GET TO YOU, BE A MAN, PUT YOUR NAME OUT THERE.

• Tommy you are loosing your temper

• Not really, just asking for you to be a man and put your name out there, life is too short to get mad. I like everyones opinions, thats what this site is for. Some of us have nothing to hide and some do. Like I said before, I enjoyed matco and my time with them , but I am going to right a wrong, so no one else gets ripped apart by them.

• Admin I have a question:

  Do you have a sight for happy franchisee?

• There no such thing, because you can’t be happy knowing its a matter of times before matco kicks you to the curb, stay in touch.

• They only kick bottomfeeders to the curb. As long as you stay at national p/a no worries.

• Thats not true, can you say matco has other violations against them, just ask the feds.I guess everyone on here wasnt at purchase average. Just call Jerry when you need us, we will be there for you, remember its coming.

• Tommy is now using his super powers to stop the earths rotation and go back in time to right on the wrongs he did along the path his life took.,.. Remember been out of business since 2008 and still loving matco that my
  Friends is dedication to the Matco family… You go Tommy see you when you return

• I wont be returning and i wish the best for matco, but i will not shut up until they fix their problems and don’t screw anyone else. I will be counting all the way to the bank and you can be mad at me when your tool prices go up. I will call you and thank you for helping settle their claim, so go sell some tools, so I can make some money.LOL

• Tommy has done a great job getting this discussion started and keeping it moving. It was his complaint on another site that first prompted this post initially.

  I weould suggest that he and others not the guest2,3,17,77 etc. distract and derail the conversation. That is absolutely the only reason they are here. They will do anything to get you off-message, whether it’s spamming with repetitive phrases, obsessing on identities, or trying to divert the conversation with distractions like “do you have a sight for happy franchisees”?

  There is a reason we allow anonymous commenters. There would be much fewer comments here if we didn’t. But some people abuse the privilege.

  I just scrolled back through this conversation and jotted down how many dbrs shared their stories on here. Some of these franchisees claim to have been doomed from the start. Many others claim they built up successful routes only to have them plundered by Matco and/or their DM: John, Carl, Tommy, mike norton, Todd Allen Peterson, former distr, Tom, bill, richard… and I’m sure there are others I missed.

  Think how many dbrs are reading these stories and thinking: “my god, I could be next.” At least one prospective Matco dbr changed his mind after reading this thread.

  There is a report of an ongoing pattern of churning up and spitting out, violations of franchise disclosure laws, allegations of fraudulent bank loans that defraud dbrs AND American taxpayers. Many points being made in this regard could be challenged, but no one is stepping up.

  These are very serious issues and if Matco and Matco defenders have good explanations or defenses from these allegations, they are not being represented here. I will email Matco Tools this week to invite an official response to some of these allegations.

  In years of blogging on franchising, I have found that there are usually two sides to every conflict. I hope that someone will at least represent Matco’s reasons or rationale for their strategies and turnover rates and not settle for being represented by those (the “mini-guests”) who simply seek to disrupt the debate.

  If anyone has questions, comments or requests about the site or its administration, affiliations, etc. feel free to email us at UnhappyFranchisee[at]gmail.com

• Tommy sounds like you have the welfare attitude, let someone else work for your money. Admin ,it is not fair or morally correct to defame successful dbrs like Craig and cary. It sounds like from your own admission in your post that this site is for a single opinion and is not made as a discussion board as it is advertised on the top of the forum.

• GUEST2, no, I work 60 hours every week, make a great living, not on welfare and wont be, don’t need it. Jerry and I have been working real hard on this case and we are not stopping. Thanks ADMIN, for the support, without you, we would not be here. I am open to two sides of the story. Also, guest2, thanks for helping with my 401k.LOL.

• Admin you mid understood my question and also mis represented why I am here, yes I will admit my post about Matco being number 1 a thousand times was s
  Disruptive, I have never defended matco’s actions on this sight. I have just expected people to say the truth and show facts not just throw random phrases put there.

  The question I had was a honest question, expecting what I would assume would have been an honest answer not one that attempted to acuse me trying to derail Tommy.

  I was curious if you has another site, it was an honest question. I am still curious would rather be on that one.

• Admin, you seem to be picking sides in the discussions, you didn’t mention that in earlier post it was posted that after 5 years only 29% of small businesses that opened were still in business, it’s not just Matco, it’s business, busines is a risk that some suceed but most fail and that is with every business, being the admin of this sight you should know this, but like news, it should be fair and balanced, if I would have called Tommy half the stuff he has called us, you would have kicked me off again. I think I am abiding by your rules?

• Yes, the people who operate this site are pro-franchising and believe that the majority of franchisors are sincerely trying to grow through mutually successful relationships with their franchisees. However, there is an inherent imbalance of power which good franchisors use to maintain consistency and their health of the systems and bad franchisors use to succeed at the expense of their franchisees. The potential for abuse is made worse by an industry whose media is controlled by the biggest franchise advertisors, some of whom are the worst offenders. There are less than a handful of sites that encourage frank, open discussions of the problems facing franchisees. We are one of them.

  The subject here is the allegations against Matco Tools, including bank fraud, FTC violations, extremely high failure rates & franchise churning. Serious issues with serious consequences. I don’t spend my weekends & evenings moderating on here to provide playtime for guest2. If you have a viewpoint on these issues, please share them. If you’ve got questions about the “site” email them to UnhappyFranchisee[at]gmail.com. Otherwise, please find another hobby. ADMIN

• Admin
  As I see it this is not my hobby. The only reason I have kept up on this site is the fact of seeing some of the ridiculous complaints that others think Matco has done them wrong. We all signed a contract with them with what stated was their obligation and what was ours. The people on here who Matco did not live up to their contract have a valid issue. The others are expecting matco to help run their business for them, be their buddy(and advisor). Matco is not responsible for providing direct email contact due to lack of cell service. They are not responsible for auto glass replacement. They are not responsible for your dependance on psa to pay your toolbill. They are not responsible for freight damage. They are a business partner not a boss to guide your everymove.

  Tommy you better figuire out what a fdd is. It is not the final paperwork you sign. It is the documents given to you to review when you first contacted matco.