The Parts Alliance has launched a national tool hire programme, Toolhireclub.com, in a ‘first’ for a motor factor group, promising repairers significant savings.

Independent garages and workshops need no longer turn away business because they don’t have the specialist tools to do the job, thanks to a national tool hire programme launched by The Parts Alliance.

Toolhireclub.com, a ‘first’ for a motor factor group, is designed to provide fast and easy access to more than 300 special service tools and diagnostic equipment covering every major area of service and repair.

The club’s website uses a combination of the latest electronic ordering systems, including access through The Parts Alliance’s cataloguing system, so members can see in ‘real time’ the days they can hire for.

Membership is by annual subscription, at gold, silver and bronze levels, with different hire price bands depending on the capital cost of the tools. 
With a gold subscription the rental for some equipment is zero.

Standard delivery is as quickly as next business day on tools ordered by midday.

Paul Dineen, head of The Parts Alliance’s garage programme, said: “Our national tool hire programme offers speed and convenience and being able to access specialist tools without the cost of ownership.

“The Parts Alliance is the first motor factor group to truly understand the future for the aftermarket lies in access to tools as opposed to just buying them. Our response is what we believe is the smartest, most price competitive tool hire programme in the UK.

“With subscriptions starting from as little as £2 a day, workshops will no longer have the disappointment of having to turn away profit generating work because they don’t have the right tools and can’t afford to buy them.

“Instead they will be able to hire them at competitive rates and then return them when the job is finished. Savings can be anywhere between 75% and 95% compared to the cost of purchase.

“In some cases garages attempt the work without the correct equipment but then the job takes much longer than it should. Having the right tools, when you need them, will enable your workshop to run efficiently – and that’s got to be good for business.”

Toolhireclub.com can be accessed via PC, smartphone or tablet. 

Orders can also be made through a telephone and email hotline open during normal business hours. 

The website features videos and user manuals as well as product information.

Delivery and collection of tools is free, with insurance included in the rental pricing. The tools come with detailed instructions and text and email alerts let the garage know its order is on its way.

Dineen said: “Traditional paper-based ordering is typically fraught with delays or mis-aligned availability, which can lead to customer service issues and unwanted costs.

“By using Toolhireclub.com members can search for the right tools by VRM look-up, vehicle make, model, OEM part number, engine code or type of work.”

Under current Block Exemption rules independent garages can service vehicles without voiding the new vehicle warranty. However, the high price of special service tools and diagnostic equipment had, until now, stopped them taking full advantage, he said.