I stopped at a guy's house over the weekend that had all his tools for sale. Not advertised and not in a rush to sell, but would sell when the time is right. His supply consisted of basically all Snap on hand tools (ratchets of all types, full wrench set, sockets deep well and standard, screwdriver bit sets, etc) a few MAC and Blue Point air tools like impact wrench, die grinder, drill, and a couple othere misc. Complete tap and die set, compression leak decay testor, ring compressor, full puller kit (harmonic and some others), timing light, two nice torque wrenches and everything was wrapped up in a Hammerhead Stainless LX tool box http://www.hammerheadsteel.com/products_lx.htm I'm guessing the tool set is this give or take a couple dozen pieces: http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=hand&item_ID=69374&group_ID=2292&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog Everything that came with a storage box was in it's box and nothing looked abused. I would say the tools were maybe all about 6 to 10 years old. I know it's a shot in the dark here, but I know nothing about Snap-on or Mac. What kind of "realistic" offer should I make this guy? Any help or suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks!
Generally, tool dealers will give 60% to 80% value on used tool trade ins in good shape, at least around here. Flatman
this and everything else is subjective. what are you willing to pay? how bad does he need cash. can you trade a bag of dope? are they really HIS tools. the only value is to the buyer and seller. if there are two interested buyers the price can go above the considered value. if there are no buyers the price goes down this is a lame question. what you need is a lesson in horse trading. offer him $300 and wait till he stops laughing and ask what he has in mind then counter with half of that. then wait till he counters or accepts this can go on for days if he has no other offers. this all changes if the seller thinks he has something you can't live without, at that point you're at him mercy. don't get in that position.
I should add this guy worked for a Mechanic when he got his stuff so he got good deals himself. Is it safe to say that I would expect to pay listed retail minus about 30%? Not sure how much the Hammerhead box is worth, but maybe offer $600 or so for that?? The guy is kind of a burn-out stoner and says he doesn't need the money, but checking out his situation, I'm guessing the opposite.
EXACTLY! The way I look at it is, he seems a little hard up, I don't necessarily NEED to have Snap-on and MAC tools to do what I do so I would be willing to consider what I would pay for say a Craftsman set with the same pieces new. I was just going to hook myself up with some nice Craftsman tools to replace the mish-mosh of crap I have, but get everything I need then I ran across this guy. I don't know how well he knows his tools, but I'm sure no matter how many joints he's smoked his wife still reminds him how much he spent for the stuff. I just want to make sure I'm educated on what they're worth so he can't BS me. I personally don't have a lot of respect for the guy because he's screwed over some close friends of mine pretty hard, so making an extreme low-ball offer just to light 'em up a little would be enjoyable!
I am a mechanic and always look for a deal. If the stuff's in good shape (ie: sockets fit firmly on extensions, not alot of wear around the square holes, open end wrenches not spread) offer him 50% of what it lists for and see if he bites. Don't expect used air tools to be great, they degrade in their first year if not oiled regularly (daily if used daily). The box drops it's value fairly quick as well, unless it's Snap On and a high end one at that. Try half, he can only say no... Unless you think he'd go for less Flatman
I'm thinking he may go for lower or about half. He's basically looking to just clear out his garage of anything that might be called a tool. Even the lawnmower! I was thinking the same about the air tools. Judging his character and the shape of his garage (DISASTER AREA!) I would say the air tools were not oiled. The MAC impact (or maybe it was Blue Point) looked pretty beat up. I told the guy that before I made an offer I want everything in the box where I can see what I'm offering on. Will probably take him 3-months to do that. I overheard a phone coversation with his buddy (who referred me) where he said he actually found some of the sockets and wrenches in his SOCK DRAWER! I hate people who don't take care of their tools!!
You're definetly on my wavelenth here! I'm thinkin' show up with $2K (just in case the super low-ball doesn't fly), let him smell the low-ball green and come with a truck, boxes/crates and a couple guys to help me load the stuff and get out of there before he knows what hit him!
Put a grand in one pocket, $250 in another, and another, and so on... Never let him see you whole roll... And make it in $20 bills, it make it look like alot more in hand... Also hope he's stoned when you go there Flatman
Being a mechanic for a quarter of a century I have to agree with Flatman's way of doing buisness.Make sure there are no damages to tools such as bent,stretched due to misuses,rust or pits ect. because the hand tools are lifetime warrantied and you should be able to trade them in.The air tools as previously stated were not oiled properly you are taking your chances,but if you are useing them for hobby work and not daily job you will probably be alright. Good luck!
I think I know what I'm going to do now. Thanks a ton for all your input guys! I hate posting O/T stuff, but I knew you guys would have a better clue as to what I'm looking. Thanks a ton guys! If I buy them I'll post what I got! Cheers! Scooter
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