Make a Profit by Selling Your Used Tools

By Peggy Werner

Looking to clear out that garage or basement full of tools seldom or never used?

Make some money while decluttering by bringing in what you have to ReTool, 3622 E. State St., in the Fairview Shopping Center.

Owner Dave Stenberg buys tools and lawn equipment at his business, but everything he buys must be usable, in demand, and in good working condition.

Stenberg estimates 70% of his business is used tools, selling at prices 40%90% less than other retailers while new tools sell for 10%-30% less than other retailers. The store offers a layaway plan, does special orders, and buys back tools it sold for 60 percent of the purchase price, if in good condition.

“Everything you buy here has at least a 30-day parts and labor warranty,” Sten- berg says. “So, it’s no risk and not like buying at an auction or a garage sale.”

In business for more than 25 years, Stenberg decides what inventory to add to his 2,500-square-foot store, where every square inch is filled with product from floor to ceiling in neatly organized displays. He strives to keep his store seasonal, having what homeowners and others need at any time of year.

“We are not a junk store or a dropoff location,” Stenberg says. “If you want to get rid of something because it’s old and broken, we don’t want it either. We only take in those things other people can use.”

Not only does Stenberg sell quality products at good prices, but his customers benefit from his many years of experience.

“People don’t always know what they are looking for, and they have a problem that needs to be solved,” he says.

“The best part of my job is talking with people one-on-one and helping them get only what they need.

“I love this job and love people and all the activity in the store each day. I call it organized chaos,” Stenberg adds.

Retool is open from 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday; 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday and Friday; 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, and closed on Sunday. ❚