I don't know the deal with the new dealers because they are franchised now. Back 30+ years ago when I got into MAC, I was considered a "Traditional Distributor". I had borrowed around $20,000 in cash for down payments and operating capital and the like. Mac financed the starter inventory, $50,000 and down payment for a leased truck. My first truck was a starter truck, nothing fancy and only 16' and was about a $50,000 truck back then. I didn't pay myself or take a salary for 5 years until I paid off the inventory, bought my truck, and put around $20,000 on the street in accounts receivable. (charge accounts to the customers). It's a tough game especially if there is 2 or 3 other companies trucks in your route area. There is only so much business to go around. Big ticket items like toolboxes can "tie up your pocketbook" (as Snap on likes to do) so you can't afford to buy from anyone else. The failing tool truck dealer is often because there are too many other companies selling tools in your area. Too much competition. Unless the dealer is a complete *** wipe, or a very poor money manager, you can't fault him for trying and if he goes broke and out of business it may not be all his fault. Like coffee shops on every corner, sooner or later one or two close because they can't afford to keep their doors open and the lights on. MAC is part of Stanley which is the largest tool company in the world. But, as far as mobile tool dealers, Snap On is #1, Mac is #2 followed by Matco (which was a spin off of MAC back in the 60's), Cornwell, and lastly the independent dealers usually selling SK for hardline and all the other softline tools.
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