Matco Tools franchise – distributor program is under fire. Failed & failing Matco Tools mobile distributors claim that they are victims of a callous and unethical investment scheme that sets them up for failure. Yet Matco Tools also has its defenders. The comment section below is for Matco Tools and its supporters to share their opposing views, and show their support for the Matco Tools franchise opportunity.
Our post MATCO TOOLS Franchise Complaints sparked more than 1000 spirited, often angry, comments in less than a month, an UnhappyFranchisee.com record.
Central among the criticisms of the Matco Tool franchise is a high failure rate and allegations that Matco intentionally “churns” up to half of its distributor population in order to replace them with the fresh investments of new distributors (See MATCO TOOLS Franchise Report Alleges Distributor Churning).
Complaints also include a frighteningly high SBA default rate for Matco Tools franchise loans (see Failure Rates of the 10 Most Popular Franchises) and allegations that Matco colluded with TD Bank to fraudulently get distributor loans they knew were doomed to fail (see FRANCHISE LAWSUIT Alleges Matco Tools Scam, TD Bank Fraud ).
Both on UnhappyFranchisee.com and a Matco franchisee Facebook page, Matco defenders have shared a different view than the angry detractors.
Veteran Matco distributor Kevin writes: “Matco is not a perfect company. None are. You must use your own common sense in any business dealing. I have been a distributor for 22 years, and have experienced none of the above problems. I am self employed, and I buy what I want from Matco, nothing more. They do not run my business, nor force me to buy anything.”
Another distributor Scott writes: “Matco is not the evil empire that so many are making it out to be, but they are definitely out of touch with what we go through… the complaints you and others are voicing are nothing new. If you do a little research you will find the exact same thing happening in Mac and Snap On throughout the years and it’s almost word for word. This business is damn tough…”
None of the supporters thus far have provided unqualified praise for Matco Tools, but many say Matco is the best choice in a tough business segment.
Jay writes: “I have been with another tool company before that would make all these complaints seem very trivial and chose to switch to Matco over 11 plus years ago all as a distributor. I am not saying they are perfect but they are the best choice out of the 4 major tool companies…”
Some object to the characterization of “terminated distributors” (a term used in Matco’s Franchise Disclosure Document) as being synonymous with “failed distributors.” Some point out that Matco Tools franchisees leave the system for a variety of reasons
Jason writes: “What I saw as a district manager was guys would become matco distributors because they thought it was easy, and matco would set up a route for them and they thought it was instant success. It wasn’t I saw high performing distributors succeed and fail. I had distributors get divorced and fail, I had 2 distrbutors in 1 year die, I had distributors become district managers, all of these are examples of terminated distributors, so the 36% fail rate is inaccurate.”
ARE YOU FAMILIAR WITH THE MATCO TOOLS FRANCHISE DISTRIBUTOR PROGRAM? DO YOU DISAGREE WITH THE MATCO TOOLS CRITICS WHO ALLEGE IT’S A SCAM? SHARE A COMMENT BELOW!
Also, feel free to read & comment on these related posts:
MATCO TOOLS Franchise Complaints June 8, 2011
MATCO TOOLS Franchise Report Alleges Distributor Churning November 29, 2011
MATCO TOOLS 2011 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) & Other Resources November 22, 2011
MATCO TOOLS Class Action Lawsuit, “Secret” Sales Projections November 22, 2011
FRANCHISE LAWSUIT Alleges Matco Tools Scam, TD Bank Fraud November 15, 2011
Failure Rates of the 10 Most Popular Franchises April 26, 2010
To contact the author and site admin, email UnhappyFranchisee[at]gmail.com
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View Comments
The MDAC issue raised, was "why does Snapon put Made in THE USA on their product, but we do NOT?"
That was raised by customers and distributors had no answer. Customers believe what the see.
Former, not an issue all boxes have made in USA, and like I said the snap on on my truck has made in canada
Most techs don't even look at the tag. Some don't even know why I need to look at it to warrent parts on the box. I would hope MDAC didn't spend too much time on this.
You notice Guest never said where his route was, or if he ever attended expo, or any sales meeting. I guess we all know he was not a dbr.
Matco Tools is a 60 year old organization focused on supplying professional grade tools, automotive service and diagnostic equipment to professional repair technicians in the automotive, truck, marine and aviation industries. We distribute our products through a system of Franchised Distributors. Our Franchise features:
* No franchise fees
* No royalty fees
* No advertising fees
* 5 week Training
* Local training and field support
* National Brand
* Computerized business system
* Exclusive Territories
* Pre identified potential customer base
* No employees
* Home based business
* National conventions at world class resorts
* Financial assistance
* Modest overall investment
* SBA approved Franchise
* IFA member
* VetFran sponsor
Matco#1, why would a DM go back to selling tools on the Truck?
Better Money? Too many failing distributors in the district?
Or the experience I'm witness to- Your fired! or you have the option to go on a truck...
Recognized as the "Best Automotive Franchise" by FranchiseBusiness REVIEW (based on 2006 Franchise Satisfaction Survey), Matco Tools is one of the top franchise opportunities out there. That's because Matco Tools provides you with the guidance, training, potential customer base, marketing and the on-going support you need to start your business. Our award winning franchise program provides you with a business process
that will help you generate revenue from day one.
Financing Options
At Matco, we understand that starting your own business can be financially trying. With our low start-up costs, we can offer a variety of options to fit your unique financial needs. You may also qualify for financing through our in-house financing department or an SBA Bank Loan.
Additional Support Includes:
Matco Distributor Business System (MDBS)
Matco Customer Service Support Team
Matco Distributor Advisory Council (MDAC)
National Advertising
Racing Support
Outstanding Franchisee Support
We offer a variety of programs to support and help your Matco business grow, including:
Premium quality products
Lead the industry with New and Exclusive products and monthly promotions
Custom financing programs for your customers
Field management support
Customer support center
Technical support staff
24/7 online order placement
Franchise Satisfaction
Recognized as "Best in Category -Automotive Franchises" by FranchiseBusiness REVIEW (based on 2009 Franchise Satisfaction Survey), Matco Tools has rated as one of the top franchise opportunities out there. That's because Matco Tools provides you with the guidance, training, potential customer base, marketing and the on-going support you need to start and run your business.