Pros
Self employment, you set your own limitations, success or failure. Out of the three others companies SNAP-ON, MATCO, and Cornwell we are the least expensive. Our CEO is good at his job of making the company more successful.
Cons
IF YOUR CONSIDERING, PLEASE READ ALL OF THIS. 95% of distributors don't live a quality life. It take a very special partner at home to supporting you (I lucked out is this department). MAC is in the business to make money... No matter how they paint it, they really don't understand their distributors as they try to portray. The rebuttal to this is "Well I was a distributor" the question back should be "why aren't you anymore"? I know that sounds strange coming from a company that depends on getting their tools to the market using this means of distribution. A couple of examples would be; 1: I can find tools made for MAC buy independent manufacturing companies (not unusual all do, including SNAP-ON, MATCO, and Cornwell) that you can find at local tool stores for sometimes 300% less, yes 300% (retail) then I my cost. 2: Many, many hidden costs. Look at everything closely before making a decision. There are charges for everything, all of these hidden costs, and fees drop your profit margin quickly. For someone just considering being a distributor be very careful. The 20K in the bank is nowhere near enough to make it. I'm doing well but I started with 100K and used 75% of that to make this boat float. If you only have 20K the failure rate is extremely high. Out of my class their are only 2 distributors left. I spoke with a friend (also a distributor) he was the only one that made it in his class. He also started with a larger amount of startup cash. Hours: I'm not exaggerating! so please look at this, this doesn't go away in time I'm a well organized individual. 5 days a week at 12 hours a day, this is minimum, a lot of 13 and 14 hour days. Weekends require one day Sat or Sun 4 hours of cleaning organizing. Last you will spend a lot of time calling and chasing your money these guys like buying but don't like paying back. This year alone I've had three of my guys (good guys) injured and can't work, therefore they cant pay bills. you have two choices you just let it go until they can or repo the tools. Again don't listen to the company you can only sell used tools for a small portion of there value (profit margin drops again). In closing you need more than the 20K Papa MAC tells you. The hours a big, days off are difficult and vacations impossible. Make sure you are going in with open eyes. If you don't love this gig your life will be miserable.
