Taking it personally

While still relying on warranty, some techs, like Lesniak, also focus on price.

IF THE SHOE FITS

Boots get a little more tricky.

Although some techs will work with their tool dealer, the general consensus is to purchase shoes at a local store, where they’re able to try them on before they buy.

“I haven’t purchased shoes from a tool truck largely because the dealer isn’t too keen on it, and I can see why. He can’t really maintain a selection of models and sizes on his truck,” wrote Harry Zier, in response to the PTEN blog. “I could pick a shoe out of a flyer but … no one knows how true to size they’ll run.

“The dealer would have to send them back or try to unload them on someone else if the shoes didn’t fit. I usually get my work shoes from a shoe store. …”

Lesniak agrees. “Usually (distributors) don’t have them in stock, and you have to worry about whether they fit or not,” he said. “And they don’t stock a bunch of sizes on there, they order them in.”

Other shops provide pre-selected brands for their employees, avoiding a retail purchase all together. This includes Bethea’s shop.

“Most everybody here wears Red Wing shoes, we have a local store. We go and get them there,” said Bethea.

Some shops, like Steptoe’s, may also include boots as part of the uniform, which may be rented from certain companies.

Remember that no technician and no shop is the same. All stock should be considered per the customer base that you sell to.