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Business Profile

Hardware and Tools

Harbor Freight Tools

Headquarters

This business is NOT BBB Accredited.

Find BBB Accredited Businesses in Hardware and Tools.

Complaints

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

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Harbor Freight Tools has 273 locations, listed below.

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    Customer Complaints Summary

    • 333 total complaints in the last 3 years.
    • 81 complaints closed in the last 12 months.

    If you've experienced an issue

    Submit a Complaint

    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.

    Sort by

    Complaint status

    Complaint type

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:03/13/2024

      Type:Product Issues
      Status:
      Unanswered
      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 issued a recall for several models of their Pittsburgh **** stands. According to their press release, they also allow return of models not included in the recall if customers desire. I own model number ***** as included in the attached image. I do not have faith in the ********** **** stand brand. I contacted my local Harbor Freight to return or replace them with a different brand. I was told that they only return the model numbers listed in the recall notice.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:03/13/2024

      Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
      Status:
      Unanswered
      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 went into Harbor freight tools in *********** *****. Was looking around and found a floor **** on sale. When I took it to the register the manager came out and said he could not honor the price shown on the shelf because it was mis marked. The price was marked at $129.99 and he refused to sell it to me. I think this is a case of false advertisement and I should get it at the price it was marked.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:03/08/2024

      Type:Delivery Issues
      Status:
      Unanswered
      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 feb 26 th ordered a replacement motor for a central machinery band saw this mill is my companys income source was told 5 to 7 days for delivery . Money was removed from bank account instantly . Today is march 4th no delivery and costumer care threw me a $50 gift card to compensate for the $1000 in income Ive had to miss out on with no callback on the replacement motors status if it is or isnt available????

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:03/08/2024

      Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
      Status:
      Unanswered
      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.
      False advertising- bate & switch --advertising multimeter for $2.97 - not available when in store, had exact same one for $6.99. Also was told item was discontinued -- This is "bate & switch " -- false advertising-- totally UNACCEPABLE.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:03/07/2024

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Unanswered
      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.
      01/24/2023- Transaction at Harbor Freight: ************************************** ********, ** ***** ******* ***** Purchsed 2 Gift cards: ******************* ($200 ***** *********************** $200 ***** 01/27/23 Called ************, Headquarters of Harbor Freight, ***** *********, *********, ** ***** Spoke to **** in ***************** I requested a refund for Gift Cards as they were not given to anyone, as unknown to me he had already given them a Xmas Gift. My belief was I had purchased an item from their store and should be able to get refund since they were not given to anyone. Spoke to ****** next and she stated this was unusual for them but as a customer courtesy they would refund my $ 400. She stated a check would be sent to me that day, 01/27/1023 and cancelled both Gift Cards. 01/26/2024 Called ************ Still no check received. I spoke to ****** (hard to Understand her name but I think this is Close) and after checking informed me my $ 400 refund check would take 8 weeks to receive. 01/24/1924 Called ************ Still no check received. I spoke to *****, who passed me on to *******. She informed me their accounts ***** is very slow 01/05/2024 Still no check and no response. My information: ************************* *********************************** ************, ** ***** Phone: ************ Email: **********************

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:03/01/2024

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Unanswered
      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.
      Feb 24 2024.. The website advertises the 4 drawer green tech cart with a side tray on it in the photos. I purchased the cart and spent over an hour putting it together to find there was no side tray. I contacted the company through email and they stated the side tray was an add on and showed me the very fine print at the bottom of the listing when you scroll all the way down. This is very misleading and one could argue downright deceiving. The email reply with the screenshot of the fine print highlighted (which it isn't on the website) was as of to say it's my fault for not reading 4 pages of fine print before buying a toolbox. This isn't a house or a car woth inclusions and exclusions and contingencies in the contract. People expect to get what they see in the photos. The company did not respond my to my second email requesting they change the photos so people cease to be deceived

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:03/01/2024

      Type:Billing Issues
      Status:
      Unresolved
      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 was illegally and fraudently charged a 20% restocking fee on a BROKEN and DEFECTIVE item! I purchased an OBD2 scanner and it was BROKEN when i got it! I tried to return it, but the drug addict cashier didn't care or even tell me about this charge!You cannot charge a restocking fee in ** if it's a BROKEN or Defective item! I called corporate a dozen times, and my credit card tried to dispute this charge but Harbor Freight refuses to reimburse me or them! I already filed a complaint with the attorney general.

      Business Response

      Date: 03/13/2024



      Thank you for contacting Harbor Freight Tools.

      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.

      Customer Answer

      Date: 03/14/2024

       
      Complaint: 21362607

      I am rejecting this response because it's BS.

       

      Under ** state law you cannot charge a restocking fee on a damaged item. It was sold to me damaged. And returned in the same condition!

       

      Already contacted attorneys general

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:02/26/2024

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Unanswered
      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 purchase a Chicago electric miter saw item ***** awhile back. not under warranty.the plastic lower blade guard part # *** broke at the connection point i called-for a replacement (to purchase). was told i was going to be reconnected to the RECALL DEPARTMENT. They said the parts are in stock the original lower but reserved for people who had previously replace lower guard and needed to replace the 2nd guard that failed. Those of us that need to replace the guard for the first time are out luck because the improved guards are reserved for those who's guards had failed once already. since the parts were moved to the recall department only those lucky few are entitled Toa safe saw. my saw works but is completely UNSAFE TO USE AS IS.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:02/23/2024

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Unanswered
      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 the 10th I spent ***** on a master card gift card i was given by my father not sure why but my parents need to give gift cards for christmas! anyway i purchased ***** at harbor tool and gave the cashier the remaining balance. this gift card can be used anywhere! 5 days later my flex shaft in the grinder broke just like my last grinder i purchased here ! the engineers whom designed the tool screwed up and drilled the holder too deep and failed to machine the whole thing to catch the core ! the core broke. when i took it back they wanted to give me a harbor tool gift card !!!!! this was a card good as cash that i used at the store i spent the whole ****** basically i gave the cashier 5.00 remaining on it ! they refused me a refund the store manager and cashier were rude as f*** ! im not accepting a harbor tool gift card when the gift card i used was as good as cash anywhere ! I want my money returned to me why should they keep getting freebiesfor being a*******

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:02/01/2024

      Type:Product Issues
      Status:
      Resolved
      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 Friday January 27, ****, I purchased, in store, a wheeled, folding cart for $37.99+ ** sales tax. After opening the box at home the next day to put it together, there were obvious defects; both primary handles that attach to the ************* were completely rusted internally and externally. I returned the entire product, in the original packaging and was issued a receipt indicating a return for the paid amount. To process this return, the cashier insisted on my producing ID ( I showed her my drivers license). They insisted on a copy of my license for this return to my debit card. To date, no refund has been issued to USAA ******************** for this return. Most all returns I make from any merchant are demonstrated immediately in my bank account. This process is unusual (copy of drivers license) and Id like to know where my refund is..

      Business Response

      Date: 02/12/2024

      Thank you for contacting Harbor Freight Tools. 

      We are sorry to hear that the return was not processed to our customers satisfaction, Proof of purchase is required for all returns and exchanges However, a valid government-issued photo ID and/or other identifying information must be presented at the time of any return, and a copy may be recorded and retained.

      More information on our return policy can be found on our website or by clicking the link below:

      ****************************************************************************
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               In order to assist our customer and ensure that they have received their refund, we need more information. Please provide the return Invoice Number/Retail Sales Ticket Number, date of purchase, and store number.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We value your business and look forward to serving you again soon.

      Customer Answer

      Date: 02/16/2024

       
      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,

      C ******

    Harbor Freight Tools is NOT a BBB Accredited Business.

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