MATCO TOOLS Franchise Complaints

4,850 thoughts on “MATCO TOOLS Franchise Complaints”

• I can say from my experience. While your trying to dig out, Matco will will grab a shovel allright and throw it right back in the hole.

• renetless

  Let Matco handle it. Stay out of it. Ge the DM involved if he will. You didnt write it they cannot charge it back or make you buy it. If Snap on picked it up and it is not paid for, that is theft by deception if he doesnt pay it off.

• Relentless why would anyone answer your questions when you disrespect them and start your question with “lap dog”

• Gary, one of the few things I agree with you on, I don’t repo unless a customer tells me himself to repo, especially if, like this situation, it did not personally affect my business. If you weren’t carrying the contract, and you did not write the contract it did not affect your business in any way until you got involved.

• You did what you were told, you called Matco and notified them. That is why we have a 3rd party repo company so you dont loose accounts over it. At some point common sense needs to kick in. Don’t do anything that is going to cost you accounts.

• So let me get the straight. All of you are saying overlook a dishonest mechanic because it is not your fight? You didn’t right the contract.

  No wonder Matco looks after Matco and not Distributors. I guess turnabout is fair play.

• Regarding routes Matco#1. I guess you missed my earlier post where I pointed out that Matco comments on their website (Frequently asked questions)

  ————————————————————————————————————
  How are my customers identified?
  Matco Tools gives new franchise owners a “List of Calls,” which contains at least 325 potential customer names and contact information.

  Each territory is identified by the District Business Manager through surveys and customer interviews.

  This helps eliminate time-consuming cold calls, while increasing productivity and sales.

  Will I be competing with other Matco Tools Franchisees?
  No. Each Matco Tools Franchise has their own territory and “List of Calls,” so you never have to worry about overlapping or competing with other franchise owners.

  Approximately how many miles is each territory?
  That can vary from franchise to franchise. If your territory is located in the city, you may cover fewer miles as opposed to a franchise owner whose territory is located in a more rural area.

  ————————————————————————————————————–
  See how I am a little confused. You say Matco gives you a defined “List of Calls.”
  which implies only what is on your “List of Calls” is yours. But in frequently asked questions it implies you have a territory and Matco prefers not to have Distributors overlap. HMMMMM! So if there are available shops and you ask your DM to call on them shouldn’t they be considered your shops. Since you are distributors,(RIGHT) Would you want Matco to give away stops you have time to call on right in the middle of your route? Have you as distributors ever filled out a Drop/Add form to secure a shop? Were you told in training about a Drop/Add form that would secure stops on your route list? Are there Drop/Add forms in our franchise agreements? Or am I just a victim of another Matco corporate scandal against Distributors?

• Rentless, sorry for the delay, had to help put the kids to bed and was feeling a little sleepy myself. This toilet of a web site is about number 900 on my things to do list. Judging by your post yesterday showing your volume and vpt figures I would have been asking for my job back at quick lube during year three, couldnt you see the pattern mr numbers????? Like guest17 said what other franchise offers a 5-6% bonus back just for paying your bill on time, I mean you massed $35k in bonuses with those pathetic numbers……cant be all bad.

• Guys and gals, you need to check in your state what the repo laws are. Matco had me do many repos here in Florida. It is against the law in the State of Florida to do a repo without a license. I didn’t know matco had me violating the law, in which , The state just told me I could have been heavily fined by the state. I just spoke to Melinda in Tallahassee at 850-245-5691.

  FLORIDA STATUE 493-6101.22- STATES;

  22) “Repossession” means the recovery of a motor vehicle as defined under s. 320.01(1), a mobile home as defined in s. 320.01(2), a motorboat as defined under s. 327.02, an aircraft as defined in s. 330.27(1), a personal watercraft as defined in s. 327.02, an all-terrain vehicle as defined in s. 316.2074, farm equipment as defined under s. 686.402, or industrial equipment, by an individual who is authorized by the legal owner, lienholder, or lessor to recover, or to collect money payment in lieu of recovery of, that which has been sold or leased under a security agreement that contains a repossession clause. As used in this subsection, the term “industrial equipment” includes, but is not limited to, tractors, road rollers, cranes, forklifts, backhoes, and bulldozers. The term “industrial equipment” also includes other vehicles that are propelled by power other than muscular power and that are used in the manufacture of goods or used in the provision of services. A repossession is complete when a licensed recovery agent is in control, custody, and possession of such repossessed property.

  Automotive tools is considered industrial equipment.

  What is your answer to that Matco?

• You paid your 9% to them for the right to not worry.

• Where in that description does it say tools are industrial equipment Tommy boy once again you LIE to try and make MATCO look bad.
  Franks going to have fun with you.

• Read it and weep. cha-ching.

• YOU MUST BE LICENSED IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA TO DO REPO’S. SHE SAID LICENSED, LICENSED, LICENSED AND I DONE THIS UNDER MATCO’S AUTHORITY. IS ANY AMTCO DISTRIBUTOR LICENSED AS AREPO MAN? NOT.

• You have to be licensed if what you are repoing falls into that category listed. Tools didn’t fall into the categories listed, it only fell into your hand when you typed it in below the description of the law…. So once again Tommy boy is easily proven to be a liar.

• Tommy did Jerry inform you, you were incorrect regarding your post?
  Did you not read the section that covers when you are required to be a licensed repo person? I would expect more from jerrys spokes person?

  Sorry relentless I was too busy with Tommy boy.

  No geograpic territories only list of calls, pretty sure I discussed this with “former” previously if you have time feel free to check on previous posts as I don’t wish to waste time answering the same question over and over, I already did this with Debbie on a really easy question.

• its so quiet, i hear crickets

• It’s makes me laugh That it drives you crazy you don’t know who I am…Calling people names won’t get you anywhere. How do you know I am not a girl

• Tommy looked up your law. As I suspected you are incorrect.
  686.402 definitions of terms used in 686.40-686.418
  (6) “equipment” means those tractors or farm implements which are primarily designed for or used in agriculture. Equipment designed for or used in off-road construction, mining, utility, and industrial purposes is NOT included in this definition.
  So did you just make a mistake or are you back to lying again?

  It’s a good thing you are jerrys spokesman and not his legal assistant. Good thing there is a job for everyone.

• Seriously!

  So Matco refering to territory on its Frequently Asked Questions page over three times would be called a LIE?

• Why would Matco mislead Distributors by mentioning territory and not overlapping routes?

• Have you ever had someone take shops that your DM told you you could have because they were in the same territory you were already running and run another NEW Franchisee right down the middle of your route OVERLAPPING THE WHOLE THING! Why would Matco say that does not happen to Franchisee Prospects and then do it when they are successful distributors servicing over 95% of what they have?

• relentless my franchise agreement says list of calls, I am surrounded and overlapped by distributors, but you know what I dont let it affect my business. Who cares if the FAQ says territory it’s not a legal document only a guide.

• I’ll tell you why there are 465 routes available through Matco right now! Because they LIE! They promise you a recession proof opportunity! LIE!!! They say you will receive a list of calls within a certain territory which will not be overlapped! LIE!!! They tell you I will resurvey your route. “Just give me some time. Couple months later he sends me an email stating I am below 80% of the National Average. I don’t find it till I am terminated. He knew I don’t read email and prefer phone calls. Something that important should have been handled with at least a phone call if not in person. LIE!!! Remember in training? Just communicate with your DM. Hell, for 4 years I didn’t even know I had one.

• You are STUPID!

  You are the reason this forum is here! Stupid comments like that ignoring facts. Sticking to your bull crap theory that a minimal head count will make you successful Distributor. In my District right now we have an Ex Snap-On Distributor who was hired to be a DM “To avoid a no compete clause I am sure” and as soon as his 2 yrs. was up made a tool guy again in the very same area where he competed as Snap-On and the very route I was forced to vacate or lose my franchise. Does that seem like something you would approve Matco#1

• I went from over 600 customers to 350 after two years in the business. The new Distributor started with over a 100 more customers than that and about 125 more than I started my franchise with. Is that how you want Matco to role against other Distributors. I know as well as everyone who has looked at this site that you are not a Distributor because everyone of your comments is negative and you are inflating your non-existant success as a distributor.

• Relentless
  How did you not know you were under the 80% PSA? mymatco clearly shows under self service your 13 week average, 6 week average, national average, and also year to date average. Is it the companies fault you do not check that?

  There is a place that advertises on the radio that the IT profession is recession proof. If an IT guy trains there and then gets layed off, does he now have grouds to sue that school?

  Also, Tommy, while you spend your day trying to scare off any customer that Matco might have did you think how that will effect any kind of payment you MIGHT get IF the suit wins? How in the world are you going to get blood from the turnip you are trying to make?

• 600 customers seeing 95%=570 guys
  570 guys times 6min per customer =3420 minutes
  3420 minutes /60 min in an hour=57 hours
  Thats 57 hours with NO drivetime and only 6 minutes per customer…..wow
  And you still had over 350 when done and couldnt be over 80%npa?????

  And I wont resort to your name calling relentless….
  I dont think you possibly could have hit all 95% of your customers weekly
  unless you could park your truck in the middle and walk to all shops….
  Just sayin

• Mr. Admin,
  could we possibly not post all of the childish comments so obviously unrelated to the purpose and direction of this site. i enjoy reading the comments that everyone has to say good or bad business wise but i dont see the point of sitting here reading about all the name calling. those posts seem to outnumber the rest. i posted a message about opinions last night and i believe in it. i am not interested about who can best who in name calling. it is overloading my inbox and my time. we are adults here and should act like it and have an honest discussion here without putting our feelings out first. just saying.
  thanks in advance

• I agree Richard, today I have been called stupid and a pussy and i think moron wad included in the list too, I like to think I am smart and not a female body part.

  Relentless you are the dbr’s that Tommy complains about and on this one I agree with Tommy why should you be so special and get a 600 headcount route and the rest of us get 325? Then have the nerve to complain when you have to be on the same playing field as the rest of us!

• i competed with several dbrs that have a much better route than i could never match. the one that got me in this business has an area about 5 times mine and has all the industrial areas anywhere close to me. thats where the money is today. its not in the mom and pop shops. most of them have all the tools they need or cant afford. they will borrow or make do than buy.
  matco doesnt want to admit to bad economic times but they cancelled all the holiday activities they used to have and why was that. the almighty dollar. yet we are supposed to reinvent the wheel to please them and keep the money coming in. you cant make chicken soup with chicken poop. just saying.

• 6 minutes per customer – well if you ACTUALLY could spend six whole minutes with a customer that would be amazing

  Truth is, the guy under the lift with tranny fluid dripping down his arm – can’t talk
  The guy at lunch – can’t talk
  The guy out doing the tow – yeah no conversation there either
  The guy on a test drive, The guy out sick, The guy on vacation, the guy that has the day off, etc – wow, all of a sudden I have an extra half hour free, maybe I can eat lunch on this day!

  You don’t TALK to them all, six minutes is really a long time,
  Yes, some conversations take more time

  IT DOESN’T MATTER IF THE TECHS IN THAT SHOP HAD A 60 HR PAYCHECK
  for a TWO WEEK PAY PERIOD!!!!
  – they are hoping to buy groceries this week

  TOTALLY possible to visit all of your shops – talk with all the available mechanics, AND STILL FALL SHORT OF THE NPA

  The NPA needs to go away
  Counting mechanics that are never in the shop (TOW guys) – has to change
  Counting mechanics that are students and receiving the student discount – has to change

  Sales is simply a NUMBERS game, If you don’t have the NUMBERS you won’t have the Sales

  The NUMBERS don’t matter if you have just counted ‘heads” – I have lube techs, students, DETAIL techs included in MY LOC – has to change

• Yes – I do regret listening to my DM – on multiple fronts

  Listening in the beginning when I was told my route was Viable

  Listening (against my own gut feelings – and still listening even after I expressed dissatisfaction and concern) listening when told my route would drive over a mountain pass at 11,532′ in elevation to ultimately service 6 guys

  Listening to excuse after excuse as to why we couldn’t discuss my budget
  (A budget that HAD HIS ERROR – a budget that ultimately had me in the RED for six months before I could get an explanation)

  Listening and believing the LIE that “I was living off my inventory”
  BIGGEST CROCK OF CRAP – AND COMPLETELY A LIE
  My truck appeared full, my orders were always paid to VPTT terms, my customer’s always complimented my ‘full’ truck, and business was going well
  SUCCUMBED TO THE PRESSURE TO PURCHASE MORE – caved when badgered after EACH AND EVERY district meeting (that I did not even attend!) to
  PURCHASE THE ‘MEETING SPECIALS’

  THIS IS THE VERY REASON BY BUSINESS BEGAN TO FALL BEHIND

  but, since I wasn’t ordering the NPA (my route could not support that) – I was pressured into buying beyond my means

  National Purchase Average HAS TO GO AWAY
  I’m going to be kicked to the curb and MY customers are going to be the losers
  My Mountain Route will never get a replacement, the hundreds of thousands of dollars of tools I sold – will be without means to warranty

  damn shame………………..

  (I can document EACH and EVERY point, and I can include customer testimonials to back up EVERYTHING i’ve posted)

• Hmmm, I feel sorry for you Debbie not sure who you were talking to but I will throw a couple comments out there for badgering too since Tommy has been doing that to me all day.

  I can’t imagine driving over a mountain pass to service 6 people why in the world would anybody do that, makes no sense.

  In my time with Matco I have never seen or witnesses anyone badgered into buying tools from a sales meeting, and second of all doesn’t our franchise agreement say we have to attend 80% of the meetings???

  Honestly not to cut you down, if you are not at 80% npa, you can’t be selling more than $ 700 a day, you can’t pay bills selling that little, unless you don’t have any bills then you could survive.

  One final thought, I am sure your customers are good people and appreciate you, but do you think if they were working at s shop and going into debt doing it, they would stick around that shop and still work there for you? Heck no they would quit and find a better opportunity. Its not just your customers it’s all of ours. Just like you they think of their family and friends first, just lime you need too.

  You have already posted on other sights you want out, that means you have already made up your mind, collect your money, get past 90 days and move on, no career is worth loosing family over.

• that is an honest post MATCO#1. the writing is on the wall and it will be done.
  i have seen badgering at sales meetings though.

• Richard I disagree. Out of my 340 customers about 220 are in dealerships, then it’s Midas, brake shops, firestone, goodyears, and mom and pops.
  I do a lot better at the smaller shops than the dealers because typically a dealer has too many techs.

• all geographical areas are different. here in the south they will try to make a pipewrench out of bubble gum if it will work. check out you tube if you dont believe me. :)
  there are some hard times for alot of people and we are told that there is not yet all the benefits have been cut and you are hung out to dry alot of times.
  there is too much bs and not alot of honest answers

• Richard, between us distributors we badger, never seen a dm do it, plus her own admission she doesn’t attend….why not?, seems weird right,
  The layers being uncovered….works 4 days a seek, doesn’t attend sales meetings, doesn’t meet 80% npa, what else are we going to find out?

• Yeah I believe you Richard, we all have to work our butts off to make it work it ain’t easy at any level.

• i started my second route working 5 days a week but after a year i realized that i had to condense to survive. i went to 4 days to conserve fuel and time costs to achieve the same results. i did attend all the sales meetings and was badgered to buy, even more so than the older dbrs with experience. i felt stupid and fell for some things and realized later that i was the fool.
  banter is good all in good taste but not good in trying to better ones self. humor is the spice of life. without laughter we would be miserable. i spent 20 years in the military so i do know the difference between badgering and abuse.
  there is a difference between badger and banter.

• 1. Point WAS – EVEN WHEN I DIDN’T attend a meeting – the “meeting special” deals were still sold to me, phoned up after every meeting i didn’t attend

  2. The meetings I DID attend – there WAS pressure to buy. When the DM goes around the room for EACH AND EVERY tool he has to sell, it sure felt like pressure to me (and my husband felt it too!)

  3.”” I can’t imagine driving over a mountain pass to service 6 people why in the world would anybody do that, makes no sense.””
  yeah i KNOW – that is why I refused, and the DM pressured and pushed, LIED and told me “It would be good” – “Those mechanics are hungry for a tool distributor and it will be good” LIE – then said, “well, you have to go home at the end of the day any way – this route is shorter” – yes, in actual MILEAGE it is shorter, in TIME it is much LONGER

  4. Thank you for following my posts on other sites, nice to know you care……….

  5. Um, HUMAN reaction – natural response – to NOT LIKE things that are going badly, natural to want ‘out’
  OR – BETTER – WANT THINGS TO CHANGE SO ALL CAN SUCCEED

  6. My family is well taken care of, no worries there…………

• debbie
  trust that it will all be alright and it will.

• Richard, I really am trying to trust it will all work out.

  The “right” path is not always the “easy” path

  good night and thanks as always for being positive !! ;)

• Debbie, I actually talk to the guy with fluid down his arms, and we all know there are good buyers who take more time. I actually have figuired this statistic out, in school they say 6 minutes, in real life minus drive time with my 325 customer route I am closer to 8-9min. It takes time to show your wares ask how their families doing….etc. I am not badgering you, but I think you may see results from spending more time with all your headcount, not just the ones who already buy from you or owe you money. Just a clue from an old vet at this tool gig. Have a great day.

• Here are the requirements to do a repo in the State of Florida, so check the laws in your state before you repo someones tool box and tools.

  493.6401 Classes of licenses.—
  (1) Any person, firm, company, partnership, or corporation which engages in business as a recovery agency shall have a Class “R” license. A Class “R” license is valid for only one location.
  (2) Each branch office of a Class “R” agency shall have a Class “RR” license.
  (3) Any individual who performs the services of a manager for a Class “R” recovery agency or a Class “RR” branch office must have a Class “MR” license. A Class “E” licensee may be designated as the manager, in which case the Class “MR” license is not required.
  (4) Any individual who performs the services of a recovery agent must have a Class “E” license.
  (5) Any individual who performs repossession as an intern under the direction and control of a designated, sponsoring Class “E” licensee or a designated, sponsoring Class “MR” licensee shall have a Class “EE” license.
  (6) Class “E” or Class “EE” licensees shall own or be an employee of a Class “R” agency or branch office.
  (7) Any person who operates a recovery agent school or training facility or who conducts an Internet-based training course or a correspondence training course must have a Class “RS” license.
  (8) Any individual who teaches or instructs at a Class “RS” recovery agent school or training facility shall have a Class “RI” license.
  History.—ss. 5, 11, ch. 90-364; s. 14, ch. 91-248; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 7, ch. 93-49; s. 2, ch. 2007-232; s. 16, ch. 2011-205.

  More info to follow.

• Tommy, the first line says it all “any company who engages in the BUSINESS of a recovery agency. Matco does not engage in the business of s recovery agency. You were dead wrong yesterday, today you are just digging yourself a bigger hole, you should leave the legal stuff up to Jerry he is the smart one when it comes to law, not you.

• I will keep researching and posting, get over it. Keeping the valuable research and saving people. Stay away from matco and run like hell , don’t let them suck you in.

• Keep the path people, we have people trying to derail us. Post your problems that matco has caused and lets right this wrong.

• Tommy you forget, that is only if you are a recovery agent. A recovery agent is someone you PAY to repo the items you sold for you. Check it out.

  The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Licensing, Licenses and regulates the recovery industry in accordance with chapter 493, Florida Statutes. Recovery Agents and Recovery Agencies serve in positions of trust. Untrained and unlicensed persons, businesses or persons not of good moral character are a threat to the public safety and welfare. The Recovery industry is regulated to ensure the interests of the public are adequately served and protected. The information has been made available to inform Florida citizens about licensing requirements.

  “Recovery Agent” means any individual or agency that, for consideration, advertises as providing or performs repossessions as described below. These individuals and agencies must be licensed.

  “Repossession” means the Recovery of a motor vehicle as defined under 320.01(1), F.S. by an individual who is authorized by the legal owner, lien holder, or lessor to recover, or to collect money payment in lieu of recovery of that which has been sold or leased under a security agreement that contains a repossession clause. Repossession is complete when a licensed recovery agent is in control, custody, and possession of such motor vehicle, mobile home, or motor boat.

• Just spoke to Malinda again in Tallahassee at 850-245-5691 and was qutoed “If I
  picked up automotive tools and equipment, with or without a license, paid by someone or not paid, if you took that equipment, that is a repo”.

  Tammy in licensing, in Tallahassee, at 850-245-5498, quotes” yes, if you took any tools or equipment, from an individual or company,paid or not paid for the service, it becomes a repo and without a license or working for a repo company is against the law”.

  also spoke to Vann in enforcement.

  Just speaking, feel free to call, the numbers are listed. I must be lying about that also.Hmmmm

• Question for you all.

  Over on the “positive” page, there’s a guy Lenny who is seriously considering investing in a Matco franchise. The “pro-Matco” guys were saying how Matco is a better choice than being independent, or Snap-on or Cornwell, etc. Nobody asked whether becoming a mobile tool distributor even makes sense in this economy.

  Think about it: With fuel prices and unemployment (of mechanics like everyone else) at an all-time high, and everyone looking for cheap alternatives, is burning tons of expensive fuel and selling a premium product at a premium price really the best way to go into business?

  Do you think that maybe the whole concept is a dinosaur, that the whole idea of mobile tool selling is dying, and each year fewer and fewer routes can produce a good living?

  Or do you think that most or all of the existing Matco franchisees could make a decent living if Matco would revamp their policies, procedures and service, and make a serious, determined effort to reverse the franchise failure rate?