Complaints

This profile includes complaints for Harbor Freight Tools's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see Find Local Branches.

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• 

  Harbor Freight Tools

  22912 Victory Blvd Woodland Hills, CA 91367-1634

• 

  Harbor Freight Tools

  304 Oak Spring Rd. #1450 Washington, PA 15301

• 

  Harbor Freight Tools

  5185 Campbells Run Road Pittsburgh, PA 15205

• 

  Harbor Freight Tools

  275 State Route 18 STE 1 East Brunswick, NJ 08816

• 

  Harbor Freight Tools

  2431 Butler St Easton, PA 18042-5302

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/27/2025

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  see Attached document

  Business Response

  Date: 08/30/2025

  I am in receipt of the complaint filed by ******* ********. In response to the complaint regarding product issues, we addressed the restock fee that was resolved on 11/15/2023 via a digital gift card in orde3r P13228538. We resolved the issue of a faulty battery for his drill with a digital gift card in order *********.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/22/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  While traveling I purchased a harbor freight predator generator in Billings Montana. I had the generator for 11 ********* is defective & it overloaded while under capacity. This generator overloaded at 1200 *****. This generator is rated for 2000 ***** & 1600 running *****. I'm unhappy with the unprofessional way I was treated at this location. It's probably the worst harbor freight store I've been to. The store charged me a restocking fee. This is unacceptable that I have to pay 100 dollars for an item that will be warrantied by the manufacturer. I want a full refund & the 100 dollars owed to me. I hope harbor freight corporate reaches out to me to discuss this & provide the refund. Otherwise I will be taking it up with my card company.

  Business Response

  Date: 08/25/2025

  Thank you for contacting Harbor Freight Tools.
  
  In response to Mr.Krivecs current complaint,some items do carry a 20% restocking fee. We can understand the frustration however the policy is clearly located on the shelf, below the price tag, on the customer's receipt, and on the website, under "Product Overview." If you have any further questions regarding the policy, it can be viewed here: ******************************************************************************
  
  The policy states the conditions under which we waive the restocking fee:
  
  -             Item is unopened and in new condition
  -             Item is exchanged for an upgraded product in the same category
  -             Item is replaced under an **************** Plan
  -             Item is replaced under manufacturer warranty
  
  If none of those conditions are met, the return is subject to a 20% restocking fee. We apologize for any frustration or inconvenience this causes.
  
  We appreciate you taking the time to provide us with feedback. If you need further assistance, please let us know.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 08/25/2025

   
  Complaint: 23780144
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  

  This is a direct lie. Numerous other complaints exist on the better Business bureau that I've read that depict numerous customers complaining about the restocking fee on broken items. Items that are damaged or defective should not have a restocking fee and this is not the practice until recently. I've never had this problem with harbor freight before and my returns have always been accepted hassle-free. There is definitely not a notice on the shelf and you can even see someone else complain to the BBB saying there is no notice on the shelf. Customers are only notified after purchasing something if they happen to look at the receipt. This is bad business practice and if I do not receive my refund I will be not only taking it up with my credit card company to request chargeback but I will also be reporting harbor freight to the *** for deceptive business practice. I will never shop at harbor freight again and I will make sure everybody I know and talk to know what kind of business harbor freight is acting like now. Do the right thing. Thank you.
  Sincerely,
  
  ******* ******

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/21/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  On August 3, 2025 I went into the Harbor freight store to buy a mini portable sandblaster machine and the sand stuff that goes it and when I was checking out, the cashier told me that the the sandblasting material that comes in a 5 pound jug is not returnable if it was used. When I got home, I realized that it was not the sandblaster that I needed so I tried to return both of them to the storeand they told me that the sandblasting material was not returnable. I explained to them what the gentleman told me when I was cashing out and said for me to come back when he was there to sort it out. I went back two days later when he was there and he told me that if he told me that it was returnable, he was wrong, but theres nothing he can do to return it. I told him you were the specific person that told me that it was returnable just so it was not used But he still said that theres nothing he could do. I called their corporate office in ********** and explain to them the situation and they said since *** the cashier is a supervisor, he should be the one that should take responsibility for giving me wrong information and find a way to fix the situation but obviously he didnt and I told him that if he could not give me my money back, I was going to contact the Better Business Bureau and file a complaint and he said do what you have to do.

  Business Response

  Date: 08/22/2025

  We are in receipt of the complaint filed by ******* ***** regarding the non-returnable/refundable media. Upon speaking to Mr. ***** over the phone, we have agreed to process a digital Harbor Freight gift card (*********) for the amount and out of appreciation for Mr. ******* time and feedback Thank you for the opportunity to address this issue

  Customer Answer

  Date: 08/22/2025

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******* *****

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/15/2025

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  On August 4, 2025, I returned an item that I had purchased just a few days prior. According to the policy, a 20% restocking fee applies only if the item is used. I returned it in pristine, unopened condition because I realized I no longer needed it. However, the customer associate insisted that the fee still applied, despite my clear explanation that the item was entirely unused. Frustratingly, he charged me the fee regardless. Upon returning home, I decided to visit their website to verify the return policy, and to my dismay, I found that the associate had intentionally disregarded the companys guidelines. I am eager to share this information with you for further insight.

  Business Response

  Date: 08/19/2025

  I am in receipt of the complaint filed by Thi Le.   In response to Honore's current complaint. Some items do carry a 20% restocking fee. The policy is listed on the shelf below the price tag, on the receipt, and on the website, under Product Overview. If you have any further questions regarding the policy. It can viewed here: **************************************************************************
   
  The policy states the conditions under which we waive the restocking fee:
  Item is unopened and in new condition
  Item is exchanged for an upgraded product in the same category
  Item is replaced under an **************** Plan
  Item is replaced under Manufacturer Warranty
   
  It none of those conditions are met, the return is subject to a 20% restocking fee. We apologize for any frustration or inconvenience this causes.
   
  Please let us know if you have any additional questions. Thanks again for contacting Harbor Freight.
   
  Thank you as well for providing this opportunity to respond. 
  
  
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 08/20/2025

   
  Complaint: 23747323
  
  I am rejecting this response because: Subject: Rejection of Response - 23747323

  
  

  Dear Harbor Freight,

  
  

  I am writing to formally reject the response I received regarding my complaint. It seems the person handling my case is either overlooking important details or is not fully aware of the policy.

  
  

  I have included the document that clearly shows the item # ***** - a set of  12' SDS Max ******* which consists of 3 pieces. The item was unused and unopened, as stated in the receipt. I'm confused about how it was determined that this does not meet your policy.

  
  

  Thank you for your attention to this matter.

  
  

  Sincerely,

  
  

  Thi Le
  
  

  Business Response

  Date: 09/03/2025

  I am in receipt of the complaint filed by Thi Le. In response to the rejection,  It is at the discretion of the store management to determine if the item would be eligible for the restocking fee to be waived.  As a one time token of goodwill we have provided the customer and have offered a ************************ E gift card for any inconvenience this may have caused. Order reference ********* I would like to thank you for providing us with the opportunity to respond to Thi Le 's complaint. Thank you.
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 09/05/2025

   
  Complaint: 23747323
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  I am rejecting this response because it is clear that you have two conflicting policies: one for in-store transactions, which seems to rely on the subjective mood of the store manager, and another that is publicly stated on your website. This inconsistency is unacceptable.
  
  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  Thi Le

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/13/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  MY 3500 HAS A PROBLEM AND HARBOR FREIGHT HAS NO PARTS AVAIBLE FOR THEIR PRODUCT. I PURCHASED A EXTENDED WARRENTY AND IT RAN OUT 1 YR AGO. i NEED IT FIXED OR REPLACED!!!

  Business Response

  Date: 08/19/2025

  I am in receipt of the complaint filed by ****** ********. I have reviewed the purchase mentioned in this complaint, and it appears that the item in question is SKU *****. I was able to confirm that the product was covered under an extended protection plan until 06/11/2024. While the product does not have any additional coverage, we suggest that Mr. ******** reach out to ************************* at ************ for troubleshooting assistance. Some parts for this product may be available for purchase; any available parts can be found at ********************************************. Harbor Freight Tools carries certain parts for some items, but not all parts. If a specific part is not available on our website, it would have to be outsourced through a third party, since our manufacturers only provide certain parts. I would like to thank you for providing us with the opportunity to respond to ****** ********' complaint. Thank you.
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/12/2025

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  To whom it my concern, I purchased a hand held drain cleaner from Harbor Freight on 03/01/25 and the drain cleaner broke a month later. I opened a ticket with Harbor Freight and they replied back on 03/31/25.We have received your return request.Please allow a few business days for the request to be reviewed.Customer Information:Email Id ****************** Phone Number ********** Address ********************************************************************************** Transaction Information:Customer NameRobert ************ Customer Number ************ Store ***** **** ****** Date Mar 1, 2025 Ticket ******** I would like to receive my refund in form of HFT gift ******* Product Return Information:Product SKU#***** Reason For Return Not Working Did you purchase an extended service replacement plan? (Check one)NO If you have any questions, please contact Customer Support during normal business hours.If you did not provide transaction information below, please have your receipt available to help us locate your record faster. Called again on 06/25/25 and was told check cant be located. I was told by **** a new check will be sent and wait another 4 weeks and still no check. It's been over 4 months and all I here are stories about the new *************** system being faulty. I only ask for a full refund.Please assist me in receiving my refund from Harbor Freight. Thank you, ****** ************

  Business Response

  Date: 08/29/2025

  I am in receipt of the complaint filed by ****** ************. I'm sorry to hear about our customer's issue with the ***** Drain Cleaner and the delay in receiving a refund. We're showing a check was previously issued for $95.96. Since ****** has not received this check, and in response to his complaint, we've followed up again with our team and requested the refund check is reissued to customer's address. Thank you for providing us with the opportunity to respond to ******** concerns. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/08/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I purchased an Icon Torque Wrench, SKU *****, on 7/3/2025. I found that the wrench was not as accurate as I had hoped and I tried to return it within the 90 day return window.On 8/7/2025, I went to the *******, MA store and was told that the return cannot be processed because it has been opened. This does not make sense because how is a customer supposed to know if the product is good if they can't use it first. The return policy also mentions that I can return it if I am not satisfied with the product. During the interaction, the manager, ****, picked up the wrench to inspect it and went through the computer to review a list under my profile. I am not sure what the reason for reviewing anything was because if he was going to deny the return based on the open package, then it was already mentioned that it was opened. While he took his time scrolling the list, I mentioned I have the digital receipt and date of the original purchase, but he didn't respond. Again, I do not believe **** was being truthful about the return policy because he mentioned it being opened and still went to look through a list. This type of customer service is unacceptable and is contradictory to the company return policies. I have spent hundreds of dollars at Harbor Freight and to be treated so poorly is unacceptable. Please refund me the item or at least allow me to return it in store.

  Business Response

  Date: 08/19/2025

  I am in receipt of the complaint filed by ***** **. In response to the complaint, I have forwarded his information to the stores District Manager to arrange the exchange or return at the original purchase store. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 08/20/2025

   
  Complaint: 23717972
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  Hello, I would like to know if it is possible to go to the Medford store to return it instead. 

  Also, I would like to know why the Medford store has an issue with any opened item returns. 

  Is there a way for me to contact the district manager directly?

  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***** **

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/04/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Harbor freight tools **************** ******** Monday Aug 4th i bought a generator that did not work when I returned it they charged me 160$ to return it called it a restocking fee even though it did not work.

  Business Response

  Date: 08/18/2025

  In response to Mr. ******** current complaint, some items do carry a 20% restocking fee. The policy is located on your receipt and on our website. If you have any further questions regarding the policy, it can be viewed here: ******************************************************************************
  
  The policy states the conditions under which we waive the restocking fee:
  
  -              Item is unopened and in new condition
  -              Item is exchanged for an upgraded product in the same category
  -              Item is replaced under an **************** Plan
  -              Item is replaced under manufacturer warranty
  
  If none of those conditions are met, the return is subject to a 20% restocking fee. We apologize for any frustration or inconvenience this causes.
  
  Please let us know if you have any additional questions. Thanks again for contacting Harbor Freight Tools.
  
  Thank you as well for providing this opportunity to respond.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/01/2025

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  On July 7, 2025, I made a purchase at Harbor Freight Tools, Store #***** (********************************************************), totaling $282.99. My customer number is ************, and the transaction number is ******, with ticket number 02******.The next day, July 8, 2025, I attempted to return the items at the same store. At the register, my return was denied by an automated system run by a third-party company called The Retail Equation. The printed denial notice gave a Verify Transaction ID: 37077681-673-HFT and referred me to their website.Of the eight items I purchased:Six items were completely unopened Two were opened briefly to check fit, but were never used All items were in new condition and returned well within the 90-day return period stated in Harbor Freights return policy.I followed the instructions and emailed ************************************* three times to request a review. I never received a response to any of those messages. In my third and final email, I clearly stated that I would escalate the matter to the Better Business Bureau if no one responded and still, I was ignored.Additionally, I called their listed customer service line ***************) and asked to speak to a supervisor. I was told someone would call me back, but no one ever did.When I signed up for a Harbor Freight customer account, I was never informed that there was any type of return tracking or restriction policy associated with my purchases. There was no notice or warning that excessive returns could lead to permanent denial. This lack of transparency is misleading and unfair.I now have over $280 in unused tools that I cannot return despite following all posted policies and making good-faith efforts to resolve the issue directly.I am requesting one of the following:1. Immediate approval of my return per Harbor Freights published policy, or 2. A direct override of the denial from The Retail Equation or Harbor Freight.

  Business Response

  Date: 08/05/2025

  Thank you for the opportunity to respond to ******* Sobys concerns.
  We understand the customers frustration regarding the denied return. However, as noted on the back of our receipts and in our return policy, Harbor Freight Tools uses a third-party company, The Retail Equation, to assist with return authorization decisions. This system helps us identify and prevent return abuse.
  In this case, the customer had made two separate purchases on the same day and attempted to return both the very next day. The first return triggered a warning notice, and the second return was denied based on the return history. The customer was informed of this and was provided with the website for The Retail Equation (*************************), where they can request a copy of their return activity report and submit any questions or disputes directly to them.
  We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused, but please note that return activity is subject to evaluation by The Retail Equation and is not something Harbor Freight Tools can override.
  Best Wishes,
  
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 08/07/2025

   
  Complaint: 23681860
  
  I am rejecting this response because:I do not accept Harbor Freight Tools' response.
  I made two separate purchases on the same day at Harbor Freight Store #*****. I returned both later that same day. During the first return, something popped up on the cashiers screen. A manager came over, entered a password, and the return was completed but no one said a word about any issue or warning.
  Then, during the second return just minutes later, the return was suddenly denied. I was handed a slip with a reference number and told to call this number with no explanation at all about why it was declined or who was responsible.
  Let me be clear: this was not the first time Ive made returns at Harbor Freight, and Ive never once been told about any return tracking policy, system limitations, or third-party involvement (like The Retail Equation). When I signed up for my account, there was no mention of a return limit, no documentation about return evaluations, and no posted signage warning customers that their ability to return items could be restricted.
  If the first return triggered a warning, I should have been told immediately: "Hey *******, there was a system warning if you try to return something else today, it may be denied."
  That never happened. They accepted the first return without a word, began the second one without any warning, and then handed me a slip saying it was denied leaving me to deal with a third-party company I had never heard of.
  I have emailed the company (The Retail Equation) three times and received no response. I also called **************, asked for a supervisor, and never received a call back.
  I dont care what system Harbor Freight uses internally the lack of communication, transparency, and accountability lies with the store and the company itself, not a third-party vendor. I followed the rules and returned unused, resalable items within hours of purchasing them.
  Harbor Freight should take responsibility and either accept the return or issue a refund. The current setup, where a customer is denied and passed off to a third-party with zero notice or communication, is unfair and deceptive.Sincerely:******* ****

   Customer #: ************

  Store #: *****
  Transaction #: 213194
  Ticket #: 02213194
  Verify Transaction ID: 37077681-673-HFT
  

  Business Response

  Date: 08/14/2025

  Were truly sorry for the frustration this situation has caused. The customer is saying he was never told there was a flagged warning during his first return. When the second return was attempted just minutes later, it was declined by The Retail Equation , a third-party company that manages return activity for many retailers.
  
  While a printed slip with a reference number and The Retail Equations contact information was provided at the time , we understand how upsetting it has been that he has not been able to reach them despite multiple attempts. Unfortunately, because The Retail Equation operates independently, we cannot access their records or change their decision.
  
  Although our return evaluation policy is printed on receipts, we recognize that this may not have been clearly explained in-store. Were sharing this feedback with our team to improve communication so customers are better informed in the future.
  

  Please kindly have the customer submit an official dispute through the Retail Equation. If they do not wish to call them or receive their RAR, they can file a dispute by emailing ************************************* directly. The Retail Equation | Was your return denied?
  

  We truly regret the inconvenience and appreciate the chance to respond. 
  

  
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 08/21/2025

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, for some reasons i got an email that  i can go ahead and do my return which is i did walk in to the store and returned the items,I find that this resolution is satisfactory to me and thank you for helping and protecting costomers rights.

  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******* ****

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/31/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Date:7/27 Business does not honor lifetime warranty.If they have intention of honoring the "lifetime warranty", they shouldn't advertise it.Note this is for the 6 inch dial caliper and not the 6 inch digital calipers which have "limited warranties".

  Business Response

  Date: 08/11/2025

  I am in receipt of the complaint filed by ***** *******. In response to the complaint, the PITTSBURGH 6 in. Dial Caliper, referenced as item *****, does in fact have a lifetime warranty. The alternative item ********** 6 in. Digital Caliper with SAE and Metric Fractional Readings item ***** only carries a limited 90 day warranty. To utilize the lifetime warranty, any guest can visit our local store with the product, a valid government issued ID, and proof of purchase to facilitate an exchange. If the product is not available, a comparable product or store credit will be offered. I would like to thank you for providing us with the opportunity to respond to the ***** ******* complaint. Thank you.