Sales Tip: Take the next step with warranties

June 18, 2025
Try going beyond the typical "take it up with the manufacturer" response when a customer has an issue with a tool.

Independent distributor Darrin Tenkhoff emphasizes the importance of listening as a distributor, and that doesn’t just apply to your customers’ tool requests. It covers the complaints and personal issues your customers are dealing with, too, all of which give you the opportunity to make sure you’re helping your customers as best as you can. 

"The big thing is taking care of the customer with the warranty. A lot of tool trucks will sell, for instance, my biggest seller is Milwaukee. And they'll sell [the products] to [their] customers ... but if it breaks on the customers, they'll just tell them, ‘You got to send it back to Milwaukee.’ Well, I don't do that. I take care of my customer. Service, service, and service. If I sell them the product, I want to take care of it for them," he says.

About the Author

Griffin Matis | Associate Editor | PTEN & Professional Distributor

Griffin Matis is an associate editor for the Vehicle Repair Group. A graduate of the University of Missouri's School of Journalism, Matis works with Professional Tool & Equipment News (PTEN), Professional Distributor, and VehicleServicePros.com. 

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