Why does anyone purchase a tool box brand new off the truck?

Evan(CA) · May 20, 2013

Even with my student discount of more than 50% off boxes + added incentives I can't justify the cost of a brand new one. I browse CL for deals pretty regularly and great boxes for dirt cheap pop up all the time. The main reason people buy them I am sure is because the truck finances the box but if you qualify for a ~5k loan on the truck why not get a ~2k personal loan from a bank and buy a used box? I wouldn't even consider this one of the better deals I've found but it's still half the price of a new, smaller and lesser quality box.

http://ventura.craigslist.org/tls/3796685956.html

SpiderGearsMan · May 20, 2013

what if you are out of skrewel ?
and in 1988 , the only used toolboxes on the market[the classified ads ] were wasted or the owner died

X1 Mike · May 20, 2013

Why does anyone purchase anything new? Why don't we go back to the barter system? How many wampum for that used box Sir?

woody 73 · May 20, 2013

Evan that is one heck of a good deal for that used tool box...but those deals don't come up in certain parts of the country.

let me give you an example, just this week a slime-ball (sorry but it fits) posted not one but two snap on tool boxes for sale. Box one (forgot the model #) I think same as above and he said shoot me a price it was a $10,000 dollar box.

On his second box he wanted $1000.00 dollars for a smaller box (also forgot the model #) but he only posted it for a few hours.

So I call and ask in a nice way what do you want for the larger box; would $5000.00 be a starting price? He snorts hell no closer to $9999.99 dollars. So I thank him and hang up. Two seconds later he calls back and snorts hey I got another smaller box for $1400.00 (see above only $400.00 more), too which I thought this guy is into playing games and I hung up.

I guess what I am trying to say is that in my area used boxes don't come up very often and when they do you can expect to pay out the wazoo; But yes used is the way to go at least for me.

glenmore · May 20, 2013

Because something new and shiny is always good! :drool:

That's the only way you are going to get one new.

Maybe not the best way to spend your money, but it is their money.

Dealers know the game and offer ridiculous values for traded-in boxes to grease the deal.

sdguy55 · May 20, 2013

Well in my area it is very rare to have a used toolbox that's in good condition and a good name brand one to begin with for sale

KLRCraig · May 20, 2013

Because the tool truck guys give you a big trade-in on your old box, much more than you could get on Craig's list if its a tool truck brand. Then you use list price of the new box on you taxes.....

oldldh · May 20, 2013

New is good...

Cheap used is better...

Don't start your "small business" with a boatload of debt, is even better...

The C/L box is a good deal, if it's in good shape...

Or go to www.strictlytoolboxes.com and get the something similar for less...

Evan(CA) · May 20, 2013

I guess I'm lucky to be in California because there are what seems like hundreds of different boxes for sale within driving distance available at all times. KR1000's can be had for ~1k, KRL722 or similar for 1500-2k, Master and Epic series boxes anywhere from 2500-4000. Those are prices I feel I could buy a box this weekend at, better prices pop up occasionally but they don't last long.

cburnscrx · May 20, 2013

I think a big reason people will spend that kind of money on a new box has to do with location. If you're not in a major city, selection is limited and you're kind of stuck with buying new. That said, I'd map out the nearest HF and make it a road trip. Haha.

I've never bought a brand new car either...and never will. I'll let somebody else pay the depreciation for me. Thanks new car buyers!

Justanoldguy · May 20, 2013

Poster 1 is assuming everyone is as broke as him.
That is not the case and people will buy at a premium price.
All relative to income I reckon.

Convenience is a big factor as well.

Steevo · May 20, 2013

I'd bet that 80-90% of new tool box purchases from a tool truck are at least partially financed. It is hard to get a C/L seller to accept weekly payments

Super Sport · May 20, 2013

Convenience, impulse, financing.

What I love are the guys selling slightly used boxes for nearly new prices. I always want to ask them if they will finance and deliver like the dealer will. Maybe then they will sell that box for 90% of retail.

oilfieldtrash4 · May 20, 2013

it's just like buying a new car. No seriously. They are nearly as much as a car that has engines, safety standards, years of engineering, etc.. A friggin metal box!

NC-Fordguy · May 20, 2013

cburnscrx said:
I've never bought a brand new car either...and never will. I'll let somebody else pay the depreciation for me. Thanks new car buyers!

I generally buy cars news.

Lets see.

1974 Ford Bronco--still have it
1983 Ford EXP Turbo-- Totaled in 1986
1986 Ford Thunderbird--sold in 2002
1995 Ford F-350--still have it
2002 Ford Thunderbird-still have it
2003 Ford Explorer--still have it
2005 F-150--still have it.

I've gotten my moneys worth out of them with the exception of the totaled exp..accidents happen.

It's called driving the depreciation out of them

redwrench60 · May 20, 2013

To get exactly what you need. Just like you want it. Don't you know almost nobody pays near full price for those off the truck?

Evan(CA) · May 20, 2013

redwrench60 said:
To get exactly what you need. Just like you want it. Don't you know almost nobody pays near full price for those off the truck?

Actually I don't know truck prices at all other than what I've read here. How much off would you typically expect if paying cash? How much if financed?

jmm · May 20, 2013

Most obvious: if you've got the money, why not? Two: envy. Tell me a big new box doesn't carry with it associations, which can be taken in a million different ways (I'm not saying a new box commands respect, only that it commands something). Three: the deal's they'll give you on trade-ins. Four: lack of used options, especially on the larger or more obscure models (colors, etc). In my area, it's easy as hell to find boxes on craigslist, and they're usually going for a decent price. BUT, 95% of the time, the boxes up for sale are usually one of about 4 different models. If you're looking for something even slightly unusual, you better be able to wait.

Personally, I'd buy a new box if I were loaded. Until then, I'm satisfied buying used.

Mister Laugh · May 20, 2013

I bought new for several reasons.

1: I got exactly what I wanted. I didn't have to live with someone else's color choice, or model.

2: it was far easier to just trade my old box in than sell it and deal with all of the kijiji no show's and dreamers.

3: The only box of the model I wanted for sale near me was actually listed for more money than I paid for the brand new one I bought.

4: It helps me build a relationship with my snap on guy. He no longer questions anything g I need warranty on. As well as I get better deals than the guys who haven't bought boxes from him on everything. (If just for that it paid whatever perceived price difference).

5: I don't want to be working out of "so and so's" box. Boxes seem to carry thier original owner with them.

6: new is a tax write off for me, tough to send in that napkin bill of sale to the government when they ask.

jd_1138 · May 20, 2013

If you buy new, you can pick the exact model that fits your working style which can save you hours and frustration.

billybudge · May 20, 2013

When I first started out as a mechanic I joined Ford, and signed up for the 3 year apprenticeship, to get the national recognised qualifications, you have to have these to become a vehicle mechanic in the UK,
Given a list of tools to buy, although already had them as I was raised in the trade, (family full of mechanics etc)

However. we had 20 car bays, each with its own ramp, and bench, and Ford supplied a roll cab to each bay, with the tools in, air tools etc, as there would 20 mechaincs in the day shift then 20 in on nights, so space was tight, so you were only allocated a small space, so to compensate we were all given a standard size top box, one each,

Just managed to get the baisc of tools in there,

When I left there, I had to buy a roll cab to fit the top box, and back in those days, they were hard to find,so it was either Mac Van or Snap on van,top price, with a payment plan, or hopefully find a working second hand one, which luckely for Me I found a second hand one,Because as time went on, I needed more and more tools, and they kept on growing and growing,

Then after a few years, I bought brand new monster of a tool box, as I was top of my game at the time, well paid and working all hours, and single, had the lot,

Is it worth going into debt for, not sure, Its all down to you, but nowadays good quality tools and boxes are much more easily availble and affordable,
Also depends on your allocated workshop space,
My advice, and this is just My own opinion, Get what you can, go for it,your only on this planet once,
But there is no rush to get the best, or the biggest, will have it one day, and sometimes without the debt,

Boiler · May 20, 2013

Mister Laugh said:
6: new is a tax write off for me, tough to send in that napkin bill of sale to the government when they ask.

I claim expense of used items every year. I have an eBay receipt or a handwritten "Chip paid bob $2000 for xyz on jan5th" type receipt and we both sign it. My accountant doesn't seem to be too concerned.

CWP1616L · May 20, 2013

Mister Laugh said:
6: new is a tax write off for me, tough to send in that napkin bill of sale to the government when they ask.

How does that work? If you pay $10K for a box, can you subtract $10K from what you owe in income tax?

cburnscrx · May 20, 2013

Mister Laugh said:
6: new is a tax write off for me, tough to send in that napkin bill of sale to the government when they ask.

Actually it's really okay to get a bill of sale for used items. It's a common misconception you can't buy used and document the sale. Consult your tax attorney for clarification.

Murphy4570 · May 20, 2013

If you want anything bigger than your basic common 53-54" wide box, usually 24 or 29" deep, you need to get new. Rarely will you see a wide 3 or 4 bank box for sale used. I have never seen a 4 bank box on craigslist. I have seen older 24" deep 3 bank ones, but not often.

You can also get the color you want, etc etc. Fortunately for me, my favorite color is RED, so I have no problems finding used boxes that I like.

jethro29 · May 20, 2013

BECAUSE I CAN, and i can get the style,layout,size and color that works for me.i have over seventy grand invested in my tools, and i want to know they will stay dry,not rust and remain organized.

Hafen_Kafer · May 20, 2013

jethro29 said:
BECAUSE I CAN, and i can get the style,layout,size and color that works for me.

X2

X1 Mike · May 20, 2013

cburnscrx said:
I've never bought a brand new car either...and never will. I'll let somebody else pay the depreciation for me. Thanks new car buyers!

Thanks used car buyers who take my junk hand me downs when I'm done with them. :thumbup:

Hafen_Kafer · May 20, 2013

hahahah

bobcatdan · May 20, 2013

When I bought my box new in '04, big boxes were not coming up used like they do now. Also if nobody buys new, there will be no used stuff.

SKAutomotive · May 20, 2013

Because I got the exact box, in the exact color, in the exact configuration with the exact accessories I wanted and needed. I paid cash. I did not pay retail. I no it's history. I know that with how well I maintain it, it will last me for live. If I turn wrenches for 40 years which makes my boxes annual cost of 125.00. Seems legit to me. Considering I am making a living out of it.

Don't worry, we had a tech out of school like OP. Didn't believe in new or even in tool truck brands. He had a 283 piece Craftsman mechanics set he bought used and a used Craftsman impact gun that had less balls than Lance Armstrong. Was funny hearing him boast himself up and then carry his entire tool collection in with one hand. He quit us shortly after because he felt he was worth more money. He talked up a real big game to another dealership who agreed to his silly money request. Then they laughed him out of the shop when he toted in his used Craftsman 283 piece set.

aretstudent · May 20, 2013

I side with Mister Laugh on this one. I am getting just what I wanted. I looked at everything out there; Sears, Viper, Lista. The Snap On box fit all of the criteria that I was looking for. Am I paying a little more than I would like? Sure. But it is an investment that I will have for a lifetime.
Here is what I ordered. I hope it should be in this week.

Skin · May 20, 2013

Mister Laugh said:
6: new is a tax write off for me, tough to send in that napkin bill of sale to the government when they ask.

Just keep in mind write offs go against your income. If you made 70k but wrote off 15k your income is listed as 55k. It can effect something like getting a car or home loan.

Mister Laugh · May 20, 2013

CWP1616L said:
How does that work? If you pay $10K for a box, can you subtract $10K from what you owe in income tax?

Not quite like that. More like you subtract 10k from your taxable income. Somewhat like contributing to a retirement plan.

Boiler said:
I claim expense of used items every year. I have an eBay receipt or a handwritten "Chip paid bob $2000 for xyz on jan5th" type receipt and we both sign it. My accountant doesn't seem to be too concerned.

cburnscrx said:
Actually it's really okay to get a bill of sale for used items. It's a common misconception you can't buy used and document the sale. Consult your tax attorney for clarification.

Perhaps in the USA, but not in Canada.

ganymede · May 20, 2013

I'm shocked this turned into a ******* match between classes.
Who would've thought that'd happen.
:lol:

cburnscrx · May 20, 2013

ganymede said:
I'm shocked this turned into a ******* match between classes.
Who would've thought that'd happen.

In related news...the sun came up today.

Maexle · May 20, 2013

ganymede said:
I'm shocked this turned into a ******* match between classes.
Who would've thought that'd happen.

does the bear **** in the woods ? Is the pope catholic ? :lol_hitti

MattPersman · May 20, 2013

Hey when a thread gets to the second page the ******* match always starts lol

If you are not in a hurry you put a bug n your dealers ear and say I want this box when the right sale or deal comes up. Make them work for it, they will come up with something sooner than later. You can also spend many hours a week looking on Craigslist and waiting for exactly what you want maybe it will show up maybe it will not.

I would say most do it to trade in there old box and finance at least part of the new one.

Fireball027 · May 20, 2013

I bought mine brand new off the truck because there was not much different in price between used and new, and also I did not have to worry about selling my old box.

I told my dealer, here is how much I have, this is how much I want on trade in for my old box, can you make those numbers work. He came back very close to what I offered and said this is what I can do. A little more negotiation and I gave him a deposit, and in 4 weeks he picked up my old box, dropped my new one and I paid it off.

Now don't get me wrong if I was in the market for my first box or another one, without trying to get rid of my old one then I would definitely consider used. When your looking to trade up sometimes you get more credit towards a new box then what you can sell it for and also alot less hassle.

cburnscrx · May 20, 2013

X1 Mike said:
Thanks used car buyers who take my junk hand me downs when I'm done with them.

Happy to oblige! :beer:

In all seriousness I don't begrudge anybody who buys new cars. It's a personal choice, and everybody spends their money differently and enjoys different things.

Me personally, I've spent $10k on cars net from my first car in high school until now. Some I've sold for more than I paid for them. I still own 5 of those cars as of today. I am almost 40 years old so this isn't over a period of 4 years. Buying a new car was never a priority for me, I wanted to invest in rental properties. To each their own.

Back to the original topic...I bought a brand new Harbor Freight 44" and couldn't be more pleased. It's not for everybody and I am not a professional mechanic and in a professional enviroment it might not be what you want or need. Again, to each their own.

Why does anyone purchase a tool box brand new off the truck?

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