Hardware and Tools
Harbor Freight ToolsHeadquarters
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Complaints
This profile includes complaints for Harbor Freight Tools's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see
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 ComplaintThe 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:04/27/2023
Type:Sales and Advertising IssuesStatus: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 4-10-23 bought a ********** 3 ton **** @ ********,**** store #***. Was told price was $99.00 with INSIDE TRACK SUBSCRIPTION, Why was I not told wait 4 days and anyones price is $99.00 ?? You had 50 of them in stock before and after ! Went back on 4-17-23 talked to mng . Worthless wouldnt help at all even with receipt in hand .. SCAM RETURN MY $29.00. Looks like **** attorneys generals office has complaints about this SCAM ..Business Response
Date: 05/08/2023
We regret that our customer had this experience and will reach out directly to them to make sure they have a better experience and understanding of on-going promotions.Initial Complaint
Date:04/25/2023
Type:Product IssuesStatus:UnansweredMore 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 am an Inside Track Member. A paid service that offers discounts to IST members. I joined for the extra savings.About April 10th I attempted to purchase Gas Powered Earth Auger, SKU's *****, *****. The item was being sod for $199.99 for IST members. Every time I added it to my cart and tried to checkout it was reverted back to the $239.99 price. After several attempts I send a message using their contact ** link on the Harbor Freight site. I never received a reply, still to this day, no reply. On the 13th of April when the sale ended. I called and attempted to place my order via phone. They then have long wait times and ask if I would like a call back instead of remaining on hold. I agreed. No call back was made. I was sadly unable to take advantage of my IST membership for the advertised sale.Initial Complaint
Date:04/25/2023
Type:Delivery IssuesStatus:UnresolvedMore 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 april 3rd i placed a order <117334520.> for <**** Watt SUPER QUIET Inverter Generator> for ****** for which i received a confirmation email regarding my order. On april 7th , i received another email informing me about the delay in shipment saying < out of stock and on backorder, and the delivery date has been delayed.> I contacted habor frieght via ******* asking about the update and they informed me that the product is OOS and will be shipped soon on availability. On April 12th, i received another email saying its cancelled with reason. I contacted the harbor frieght again and informed them that the same product is available in store near to me and also its available for shipping as well. They told me its not the same product. I compared the specs of both the product and its identical. Also they did not come with any new version with **** Watt SUPER QUIET Inverter Generator. This is a big lie from such a big company so as to not honor my order. Also im not getting any response from the customer agent when i shared my same concern. I really request BBB to help me fight this case and help me get my order for same price. cancelling the order with such a big lie just so that they dont honor the price is not acceptable Business Response
Date: 04/26/2023
In response to Mr. ***************** current complaint, unfortunately, the item(s) listed below have been canceled,as the item(s) have been discontinued and are no longer available. We were experiencing an issue with obsolete items showing as available on our website.I apologize for the confusion.
In regards to item ***** although similar they are 2 different items. We no longer have inventory on item ***** which is why your order has been canceled.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. Thank you as well for providing this opportunity to respond.Customer Answer
Date: 05/03/2023
Complaint: 19941179
I am rejecting this response because:There is no difference in the item description or specifications too. I don't understand why harbor frieght doesn't want to honor the price and ship the product out. I don't even want to compensate for the wrong cancelation.
Sincerely,
*******************Initial Complaint
Date:04/24/2023
Type:Service or Repair IssuesStatus: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.
Bought the Avanti Airless Paint Sprayer - paint would no come out correctly. Spoke with harbor freight customer support/technical and they couldnt trouble shoot it and advised I return the product to get a replacement-faulty sprayer. At this point Im jaded about getting the same product so I asked manager if I can return without restocking fee (customer support said only manager could approve no restocking fee). Manager said only corporate can allow the restocking fee to be dismissed - he gave me the same number that I called this morning - which didnt actually go to anyone that says corporate. Im still waiting on a call back from them 3 hours later-honestly at this point I highly doubt they will call me back if its been that long!!I would like some resolution as the paint sprayer not working was not my fault and Id still have to pay restocking fee? This is absurd!!!!Business Response
Date: 05/08/2023
Thank you for contacting Harbor Freight Tools.
In response to our customer *************************** 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 ** 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:04/20/2023
Type:Customer Service IssuesStatus: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.
Not sure if this is the right business, but I was applying for a harbor freight credit card through their website, I go through the whole application and the site takes me to a promotional page with no information about my application after doing a hard inquiry on my transunion report. I also have not received any information through email/phone. I have sent an email to their support and am awaiting a response.Initial Complaint
Date:04/20/2023
Type:Service or Repair IssuesStatus:UnansweredMore 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 April 2, 2023 I was sent a deal for a HF Predator **** generator that I couldnt pass on. I purchased two of the generators (one for myself and one for my parents), and living in South ******* at the beginning of hurricane season, was getting my plans together for an active season. After receipt of the transaction and an order number etc etc, I was told that the item was on back order and would be shipped as soon as probable. No problem! I am a religious HF customer and have spent many dollars there. So, again not a problem. After thinking about a time frame of delivery, I logged in today to see an approx delivery date only to find that my order was cancelled. No email, no customer contact, just an cancelled order without my knowledge. Curious, I called customer support only to find the I wasnt alone in this situation. I was told that it was a glitch on HF end. Now, my basic complaint is the lack of information sent to me, the customer. I wouldnt have figured it out had I not called and reached out on my own. Am I to be upset at the lack of communication, the falsely advertised deal, and what is the resolution that HF intends to make. I feel its bad business to sell a product, cancel the sale afterwards, and call it a glitch!Initial Complaint
Date:04/20/2023
Type:Product IssuesStatus:UnresolvedMore 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 tool company sent me a recall notice on part #***** for insufficient tubing and possible stress cracks leading to failure of this motorcycle lift possibly resulting in injury or property damage. they do not have a fix for the lift , therefore they are instructing me to disassemble the pump from the lift and discard the remains. they then want me to bring the the pump to the store for a partial refund for the pump in the form of a harbor freight gift card. i refuse to do any work to the lift , that's not my job and further more giving me me a partial refund ,in the form of a harbor freight gift card non the less and throwing my remaing money away is ridiculous, i do not need anything from harbor freight especially for over $300 dollars. therefore they can pick up their lift if they wish as is or not, since the lift can not be used for safety reasons i request a full refund in the form of a check by mail. NHTSA campaign # **E-016 www.nhtsa.com *********************************Business Response
Date: 05/08/2023
Thank you for contacting Harbor Freight Tools.
In response to ******************** concerns regarding the Motorcycle Lift Recall, we have submitted the information provided to the ****************** Moving forward, they will be your direct point of contact. If you wish to follow-up on your concerns, you may contact the ** at *********************************.
Once again, thank you for taking the time to contact **.Customer Answer
Date: 05/08/2023
Complaint: 19925463
I am rejecting this response because:
Harbor freight has contacted me and again instructed me to disassemble lift and drive on my gas and my time 45 minutes away to return the hydraulic pump part of the lift the lift as a whole is deemed defective just as I purchased it ,as a whole!
Sincerely,
*************************Initial Complaint
Date:04/20/2023
Type:Service or Repair IssuesStatus:UnansweredMore 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 have got 11 charge controllers off them 1st four worked fine after that i have had nothing but problems with them. there all 500 watt 30 amp chargers i only put 4/ 100 watt panels on them to keep it under 30 amps they sent me a email saying there only good for 360 ***** that is not what i payed for the item no. ***** the other problem it these things are burning out and they may cause a fire when they overheat they make the hole system shout down. i have payed ***** plus tax for each one of them. i did not get what i was paying for so i am asking for 11 new 500 watt 30 amp chargers or all the money back for them these thing should all be replaced for safety reasons mainly and because i didn't get what i payed for they can look it all up i am just tired of getting no where with themInitial Complaint
Date:04/19/2023
Type:Product IssuesStatus:UnansweredMore 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 a Zurich ZR15s automotive code reader from Harbor Freight to assist in performing a transmission service on my 2021 ****** 4Runner. The transmission must be at a certain temperature to properly refill, so I needed a scan tool that could provide that data. On the Harbor Freight website, I entered the info for my 2021 ****** 4Runner and the ZR15s was listed as capable of providing transmission temp readings. The back of the printed product packaging also says it is capable of providing that data. Turns out it is not capable of providing that data. The ZR15s will not show transmission temperature even though the website specifically says it does for my vehicle. In spite of the incorrect information, Harbor Freight will not allow me to return this non-working device without a 20% restocking fee. This scan tool is the highest model they carry, and it cost $339. I called the customer service number, and the woman I spoke with agreed that the website DOES say it works with my vehicle, and I was advised that in spite of the clearly incorrect information provided to me they absolutely will not return this product without a restocking fee. Needless to say, this is completely unacceptable. I was completely floored; speechless, when the woman acknowledged everything I was saying was accurate and yet they refuse to refund the full amount. So I've lost not only the fraudulent restocking fee (which in my mind basically amounts to theft; "we lied, and we know we lied, but we're still not giving your money back") but also my go-to store for tools. This is meant to be a warning to anyone else who may be considering purchasing something from Harbor Freight: You cannot trust their website or the product packaging to accurately represent the features and capabilities of any product at Harbor Freight. Harbor Freight is a dishonest company that will misrepresent and lie about their products to steal your money. BUYER BEWARE.Initial Complaint
Date:04/18/2023
Type:Service or Repair IssuesStatus: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.
I was sold a defective generator at this store, I returned it within a few hours and showed them the video of it not working properly. They refunded my purchase but charged me a $235 restocking fee and refuse to refund me that money. They state it is their policy to charge a restocking fee on all generator returns. I explained it was defective and I didn't return it because I didn't want it or no longer needed it. I also purchased 3 extension cords totaling ~ $175 which I kept because they worked. I also just bought a generator from *********** so I have ample proof of my return being legitimate. They still refuse to refund me. I find their policy to be theft. Additionally they are going to restock a broken generator?Business Response
Date: 04/26/2023
Thank you for contacting Harbor Freight Tools.
In response to **************************** 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 ** know if you have any additional questions. Thanks again for contacting Harbor Freight Tools.
Thank you as well for providing this opportunity to respond.
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