Cost is the biggest obstacle to a craftsman’s never-ending quest to acquire the best tools. But, when have you ever let a challenge keep you from getting the job done? Never! By following these tips, you can find any tool you need on the cheap. That way, you’re assembling the perfect toolbox without breaking the bank.
Buy it used online.
There are plenty of online marketplaces where you can buy second-hand equipment for reasonable prices. Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and eBay will be your best bets. However, even more “official” sites such as Amazon sell used equipment although at slightly higher prices. Familiarize yourself with a site’s guarantees and return policies before making a purchase to protect yourself from getting scammed.
Trade some tools.
Virtual marketplaces aren’t just useful for buying used equipment. These sites also have a strong culture of bartering. Instead of forking over hard-earned dollars for a new piece of equipment, you can simply trade a tool you never use. As they say, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Just make sure to clean up a tool before making the trade to avoid people pulling out of the deal.
Wait for lower prices.
Here’s a wild guess: You’re always dreaming of filling your workshop and toolbox with the newest equipment. In reality, you’re not alone! It’s one of the ways craftsmen fall short. If those grand visions are clashing with the reality of hefty price tags, you can always wait for the dollar signs to fall. Prices gradually retreat as the hype and novelty surrounding a new piece of equipment wanes. Holding back for even a few months can save you a decent amount of moolah!
Watch for a sale.
One of the most reliable ways to get a new piece of equipment on the cheap is waiting for a discount. Sooner or late, every tool will be on sale at some point, someplace. While you could monitor price changes routinely, we’re hoping you have better things to do. It’s much easier to wait for common sales periods (i.e. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Amazon Prime Day) or major holidays. Some sites even offer discounts for new customers after signing up for newsletters.
Fix broken tools.
Your craftsmen skills aren’t only valuable for maximizing your earnings in the construction industry. They can also help you save considerably on tools. The internet is overflowing with surprisingly new tools that people are selling dirt-cheap due to minor problems that most people can’t solve. Fortunately, craftsmen aren’t like most people! You’ll have no trouble bringing these tools back to life. Make sure that the issue really is minor before buying.
Ask people you know.
You’d be surprised how many people have delicately used or brand-new equipment sitting in their garages or workshops. And most would be more than willing to part with these tools at reasonable prices. Asking around to family, friends, coworkers, and anyone else you know could yield some promising leads. Alternatively, you could always put a post online on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace requesting a specific tool.
Go off-brand.
There’s a fuzzy feeling you get when buying brand-name tools, even if you know that the off-brand alternative is the same quality. If you can overcome that urge to have the best names in the industry gracing your equipment, you can tap into some serious savings. While you might want to stick with industry leaders when buying complex power tools, you can get away with off-brand hand tools, measuring devices, and garden tools. In short, stick to simple equipment when buying generic.
Finding high-quality tools on the cheap is a breeze with the right strategy. The same is true when looking for the right gig! Teaming up with an industrial staffing expert like Madden Craftsmen can simplify the process so you can save valuable time and energy. We specialize in pairing qualified employees with leading employers. Check out our job search to see immediate job openings in your area.
