ComplaintsforHarbor Freight Tools
Hardware and Tools
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Complaint Details
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Initial Complaint
12/11/2021
- Complaint Type:
- Service or Repair Issues
- Status:
- Unanswered
On December 11, 2021 at approx 4:30pm pacific times, I called Harbor Freight 800 number to inquire about a $189.99 solar panel kit purchase. I have a gift card for $144.99, and I needed an additional 20% off to bring down the price. I waited on the phone over 30 minutes for somebody to pick up. The first two times I called, nobody answered after 10 minutes, so I hung up and called back. I had to call back three times. ***** answered the third time after 7 minutes. I asked for a manager because usually managers are the only ones who can approve these coupons, and they are giving 20% off to select customers, so I feel they should give the discount to all customers and not pick favorites. ***** demanded that I tell her the issue before she transfer me to a manager. So I told her. Then she talked for a manager. I told her she's not a manger and should not talk for the manager, but ***** continued to talk for the manager. She then transferred to ** the supervisor. **, argued with me and tried to make me listen to him like a child while he talks negative explaining to me that he's not giving the discount. I asked for his manager because a manager can. ** said he does not have one and they can't give discounts either. I explained to him, that you give the 20% to select customers, so I would also like the discount as a customer satisfaction or else I'm taking my business elsewhere. **, then told me that he CAN give the discount to retain a customer if I give him a reason, then he demanded I give him a reason. So I told him yesterday and today I had to wait on the phone over 30 minutes for somebody to pick up and that's aggravation. ** said that's not a good reason to get a discount. I then said I'm buying the item from a different company. ** said ok. ** lied and said he'd give the discount if I tell him the issue But then he never did. ** built me up, just to let me me down. I'm upset. A plausible solution to the problem: Store creditInitial Complaint
12/07/2021
- Complaint Type:
- Product Issues
- Status:
- Unanswered
Today is Dec7th, my Birthday was yesterday and my wife bought me a new pierce framing/sheating gun from harbor freight.I took it to work today excited about having a new gun and it doesn't work right can not be used.It shoots the nails but about !half inch doesn't go in and it bends the nail,hard to explain but I have pics.Ive never seen nothing like it,but looking closer you can see the nail rack is at a slight angle the way it has the nail.so I called the store and told them it was a b day gift I just got and I still even had the box but no receipt, my wife didn't think she needed to keep the receipt, you shouldn't need to.Its brand new.But the store would not let me exchange the gun for a new one.I never even got to use it because it's broke and I can't exchange it for a new one.This is so not fair.My wife saved up to get me that gun.It was over 200$ we have 2 kids and funds are low specially with Christmas coming up.Why can't I exchange it it's brand new and I have the box.Who cares I don't have receipts.Im not a drug addict trying to get over.Im a hard working father and husband trying to provide for my family that never gets gifts,I. Usely only buying them for my family.The rare time I get one I get a broken tool an can't have it replaced. The nails in the pic. Are not being shot at a angle there being shot strate on crazy rightInitial Complaint
12/02/2021
- Complaint Type:
- Billing Issues
- Status:
- Resolved
I recieved a harborfreight credit card in August 2021 I used it 2 times for a total of $108 and make my payments before due date which payment is due the 28th of each month 1st payment of $27 paid on October 1st 2021 posted to my bank account October 6th, 2nd $27 payment made October 29th 2021 posted on my bank account, November 4th 2021 and 3rd payment of 54.05 pay off credit card on November 30 posted to my bank account December 2nd and harborfreight is telling me I was being penalized for making my November payment early before the due date on the 28th of November, I don't owe a late fee and customer service they will not remove late feeBusiness response
01/04/2022
Consumer Response /* (2000, 9, 2021/12/31) */ Harbor freight has resolved this issueInitial Complaint
11/11/2021
- Complaint Type:
- Product Issues
- Status:
- Unanswered
In June of 2019 I picked up a 20 gallon McGraw air compressor with store credit for a previous HF compressor that had a dangerous electrical failure. The McGraw compressor had been working as it should. On Nov 4th, 2021 I went to use the McGraw compressor and when it should have turned on to build pressure it did not start, I subsequently found that my shops 20 Amp circuit breaker had been tripped, after resetting my shops breaker I tried to start the compressor but all I heard was a loud humming sound, after my previous compressor issues I unplugged the McGraw immediately. I removed the cover to find that the motor had gotten so hot that it melted the plastic fan on the motor shaft, I emailed HF and was told the motor was bad. HF told me they could order a motor at my expense and it would be 10 to 12 weeks before it would arrive. I feel this compressor has more wrong with it than just the motor and feel HF needs to be accountable. I replied to their email with photos of the melted fan, and asked if they really felt only the motor was bad, and that I didn't feel that it was safe to operate, I have received no further replies from HF, which is why I'm filing this complaint.Initial Complaint
11/07/2021
- Complaint Type:
- Customer Service Issues
- Status:
- Unanswered
I am attempting to purchase a Predator 9500 Watt Super Quiet Inverter Generator With CO SECURE� Technology. This item is on sale for members with a 15% discount. I have also been approved for a Harbor Freight credit card that I can combine a 10% discount with. I am unable to buy the advertised item as it is never in stock. The store advises me that over 100 are at the warehouse but they can not request them to be sent nor know when they will arrive. They also refuse to allow me to prepay for the item and pick it up once in stock. They are failing to sell an advertised product. The item can not be located in the entire Pacific Northwest. I simply wish to buy the mentioned generator with 15% member discount and 10% credit card first purchase discount.Initial Complaint
10/27/2021
- Complaint Type:
- Customer Service Issues
- Status:
- Unanswered
I purchased a set of Pittsburgh Pro dual hex-head ratcheting wrenches for 23.99 on June 5th, 2021 at Harbor Freight Tools in MESA AZ. I attempted to return the tools after the 90 day mark due to me being out of the country and denied, re-entry because of the ongoing pandemic. I understand the need for business to place time limits on when they allow items to be returned due to possible war and tear and price changes in general, especially with power tools. When I attempted to explain my circumstances to the manger, ***** at the *********************************** he became rude and dismissive. I am a frequent customer of HFT and have been for decades. I am also a disabled veteran who takes advantage of the great value offered. I should not have been spoken to like that or been treated poorly. I am a good customer and deserve respect, even if I pass the return window by a few weeks. I asked the manger his name and he rudely walked away and shouted it behind him.Initial Complaint
10/20/2021
- Complaint Type:
- Product Issues
- Status:
- Resolved
Receiving refund for a purchase on line that was never received. Received the purchase refund but not the S&H refund for purchase that I did not receive. I have called them several times to try to resolve this issue. It is their responsibility to contact FedEx to get the product that was never delivered to us. I just want to be refunded my money (23.47 for shipping)Business response
11/24/2021
Consumer Response /* (2000, 13, 2021/11/16) */ Harbor Freight refunded the shipping charge, so I have now received all my money back. Thank you for your help. *************Initial Complaint
10/14/2021
- Complaint Type:
- Product Issues
- Status:
- Unanswered
Purchased item online, and received the same one the following day for a gift, I called harbor freight, they said no problem, bring online one back to local store for credit, ( I did in shipping box and all packaging) .the store said no problem, they gave me credit slip, and said money would go back on card the next day ( same card as it was bought on).. waited, no credit, I called them, they said credits are issued from corporate (?) , called the 1 800 number for customer service, they said " yes.. we see it was returned, unsure why we haven't credited you.. I'll have it done ASAP ( *******).. 10 days later, still no credit, I call again ( *****) she said same thing. " I will escalate this to priority " I even gave her card number over phone after I asked for a supervisor ( not available) ...but she will have this credited right away.. STILL NO CREDITInitial Complaint
10/11/2021
- Complaint Type:
- Customer Service Issues
- Status:
- Answered
Purchased a Fortress air compressor on June 15 for $450. It started malfunctioning in September. It was dangerous as it would run until the safety valve would pop and all compressor parts were red hot. I replaced the safety valve in September hoping it would remedy. It continued. We would turn it off. I loaded and hauled it back to them on 10/9. They stated it is out of their 90 day warranty. And I did not buy their extended warranty. I am not sure anyone expects a 90 day warranty on a $450 compressor and they did not explain that point when I purchased it. I talked to a supervisor when I returned it this morning. She stated her manager would call me. He did not. I call at 5pm and got a hold of ***** the manager. He said it is my problem. A 115 day old compressor that has big problems is my problem. In a kind way he said "too bad, so sad".Business response
11/01/2021
Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2021/10/19) */ I am in receipt of the complaint filed by Mr. ***** . In response to the complaint, Harbor Freight Tools makes every effort to assure that its products meet high quality and durability standards. I apologize for the inconvenience you have experienced with us. What you described is not what we want for our customers. Our goal is to provide friendly and helpful service every day. I forwarded this information to the appropriate District Manager for Store #***. They will review the information and make every effort to correct the situation for you. We appreciate you taking the time to provide us feedback, and again, I apologize for your poor experience. If you need further assistance, please let us know. I would like to thank you for providing us with the opportunity to respond to Mr. *****'s complaint. Thank you.Initial Complaint
10/10/2021
- Complaint Type:
- Customer Service Issues
- Status:
- Unanswered
We ordered a harbor freight credit card and was approved and it was opened on 08/31/2021. At time of approval, they gave us a temporary card number to use if we would like to purchase something immediately. That was the reason we applied for the card. We tried using the temporary card but it would not work. Then we waited weeks for our card. Never came. We called customer service they said it was sent to our old address which was address from years ago that they must have pulled from credit. No worries they said a new one will be in. I was worried about the price changing. Customer rep said no worry he would notate the account since we couldn't buy right then. Well, price did change on the 72" us general red tool box from **** to **** base price. I've called and wrote with no resolution. All I want is the price honored on the dates I tried to purchase the tool box. Please, it is for my work and I cannot pay that extra 300. It was **** or *** for so long then this happened. Thanks
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Customer Complaints Summary
337 total complaints in the last 3 years.
143 complaints closed in the last 12 months.