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:04/11/2023

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  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.

  Last month I purchased 2 $40 Geeni cameras with cash. At the time of purchase, I was asked for my phone number. I was not told why I as being asked for my phone number so I declined to provide it . I didn't immediately setup the cameras. Here we are a couple of weeks later, I reviewed the privacy statement associated with using the app. I find the privacy statement unacceptable. Therefore I will not be connecting with the app, rendering the cameras useless. I can't find the receipt, but tried to return the cameras. Upon arriving to the store, the young lady then explained if they had a phone number they could look it up. I told her at the time of purchase, I wasn't told that or I would have given it. She then said they couldn't accept the return without proof of purchase. I then asked for a manager and he says because the cameras are high-dollar items he won't take a return nor issue a store credit without proof of purchase. First of all, these cameras aren't even kept on the floor. We brought a slip to the front and someone went in the back to get them. Receipts get lost! I'm not the first nor the last person to ever lose a receipt. It's not fair to me as a consumer to be punished for losing a receipt and not giving up my phone number! Now I'm supposed to be stuck with merchandise I don't want? At the very least , I should be issued a store credit! This is what's reasonable and any respectable business shouldn't have a problem doing so!

  Business Response

  Date: 04/20/2023

  In response to Ms. ********* current complaint, we are sorry to hear that you are unhappy with our return policy. If for any reason you are not satisfied with an item purchased from Harbor Freight Tools, you may return the product within 90 days for a full refund or replacement, whichever you prefer. The limited warranty term is 90 days beginning on the date of invoice. As part of our return policy, the original receipt must be provided to receive an exchange or refund.  The policy is located on the receipt and on our website. If you have any further questions regarding the policy, it can be viewed here: ******************************************************************************
  
  When you purchase products and services at one of Harbor Freight's Stores, you may do so anonymously when you pay with cash. If you use a credit or debit card for any of your purchases, whether online or in a store,Harbor Freight will collect your credit or debit card information and keep a history of your purchases. Harbor Freight uses this information to process your orders, ensure proper delivery, to better assist you when you visit or call ** as well as improve our product and service offerings.
  
  Concerning Ms. ********* purchase referenced in this complaint, we have contacted the customer directly and addressed their concern. 
  
  Thank you as well for providing this opportunity to respond.
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/28/2023

   
  Complaint: 19917679
  
  I am rejecting this response because: it doesn't address the real issue I had with the behavior of the supervisor and the manager at Harbor Freight.  The response also doesn't address what recourse a customer has should they pay anonimously and lose their receipt I'm sure I'm not the first customer to find themselve in this situation and won't be the last).  I felt the behavior of both the manager and the supervisor that day was totally uncaring and unprofessional.  I was made to feel as though a secured the items through some illegitimate means.  I can understand not giving a refund without a receipt, but why isn't a store credit an option for customers who lose their receipt?  If the manager can reject a refund or exchange (regardless of receipt) for any reason,according to your poliicy, where's the more customer-oriented process?

  At the end of the day, a young lady at Harbor Freight **************** went out of her way to assist me.  She was able to locate my receipt, enabling me to return my items for a full refund without incident.  I also received a phone call to discuss this matter.

  I consider this issue resolved to my satisfaction.  Thank you.

  Sincerely,
  

  
  *****************************

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/10/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  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 4/1/2023, I bought a FORTRESS 27 Gal Air Compressor (SKU *****) at Harbor Freight ************* (Store Number 500). Unfortunately, your product has not performed well, and the customer service was inadequate. I am disappointed because: The Air Compressor did not work properly after ONE use o Failed pressure regulator o Got too hot and did not cool down after use which could have caused a catastrophic accident o Leaked from faulty valves *********** was not performed correctly o No integrity behind their products o ***** (Employee) and ***** (Manager) could not clearly disclose the policy regarding the restocking fee and stated, Its up to managements discretion. Is that legal to charge a restocking fee on defective merchandise? Seems unfair and even deceptive. o Website is misrepresented stating, No Hassle Return Policy and 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed.To resolve the problem, I would appreciate the $94.00 restocking fee refunded.

  Business Response

  Date: 05/09/2023

  We have reviewed the complaint and have directed a request to the customer to view her original receipt and to date we have not heard back. Once the receipt is received we can view it and respond accordingly.

   

  Customer Answer

  Date: 05/09/2023

   
  Complaint: 19910561
  
  I am rejecting this response because: No one has directed a request to me. See the attached receipt and date of purchase was 4/2/23.

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

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/24/2023

  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.

  The form you need to fill out for a return is somewhat of a burden, but its not impossible. Where it becomes an issue is they ask for information that is not clearly available. The box contains one SKU number. The receipt has a different SKU number and the list they forwarded to you has again a different SKU number. Then they keep reporting back to me that Im using the wrong one? I find this purposely mis- guiding the customer. additionally, there, online receipt that you receive doesnt contain all the information required to fill out the form again I feel this is purposely done to create again another hurdle.This isnt a minor dont like the color or decided I dont want it situation, but rather a product that failed to operate and perform the task it was designed to do. When you seek a solution you find out that this is a common complaint listed online by hundreds of people. Plus, the fact that I was in an emergency situation due to heavy rains and requiring the need to pump. Massive amounts of water in the engine fails to run its another issue in itself and Im sure is outside the scope of the Better Business Bureau.

  Business Response

  Date: 03/29/2023

  We regret that our customer had this experience and will reach out directly to them to make sure they have a better experience.
  
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/18/2023

   
  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:03/24/2023

  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.

  On 3/22/23 I went to the local harbor freight to return a heavy duty truck scanner that I had purchased the week before.I was informed at that time there was a restocking fee but wasn't told that it was 20% of purchase price wife called store manager and they informed her that I was told of that amount when I purchased it and I wasn't I was never told 20% I can understand 20 dollars but not $ ***** for restocking called customer service and they on day that I have called store manager to get this fixed

  Business Response

  Date: 04/19/2023

  Thank you for contacting Harbor Freight Tools.
  
  In response to your inquiry, 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 only way a re-stock fee can be waived on a product that has been opened is if it is exchanged for an upgraded product in the same category.
  
  Once again, thank you for taking the time to contact us. Please let us know if you need further assistance.
  
  **** you as well for providing this opportunity to respond.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/22/2023

  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.

  We are a family of four living next to Harbor freight and we have a wooden fence because we have a 14 year old and 16 year old and privacy and safety is very important for us! I called and asked to speak to supervisor/manager many times and finally one time they were willing to listen to us! They hired/ have a lawn care company and our wood fence has been damaged several,several times and keeps getting worse.I shared our concern to the managers store and he told that he did not care and I needed to speak with the lawn/yard company they hire and is up to them! Very disrespectful to me/us my family. We have pictures of damage to our fence since they opened the store ..the cost of the repairs now over $1800.00

  Business Response

  Date: 04/19/2023

  Thank you for contacting Harbor Freight Tools.
  
  In response to ********************** concerns regarding the Calhoun ** Harbor Freight Store, we have submitted the information provided to the ****************** Moving forward, they will be your ************ of contact. If you wish to follow-up on your claim, you may contact the ***************** at ************** or ********************************************* Please note,the ***************** may not be able to respond immediately, so we appreciate your patience.
  

  Once again, thank you for taking the time to contact us.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/21/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  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 bought a winch as a gift and the person that I bought it for didn't want it so I ended up keeping it for me. We hooked it up to my vehicle. It did NOT work. We called the local Harbor Freight in ****** **** (******************* Miracle Mile location) at least a dozen times to be told 'we will have a manager contact you. That never happened. We did the trouble shooting from teh *****#, googled it, took it off and reconnected it. It is garbage. I went to their website for assistance, no one from any of the links contacted us until 3/19 to be told 'there is nothing we can do'. . I bought this with a warranty. Now I am told 'we can't find the warranty' only because they don't want to replace a $300 winch! this is a piece of garbage. I have gone in to be told, 'bring it in' they saw I ****'t lift it out of my vehicle, and was denied assistance by a man that clearly could have used a bath. So I left. Poor service, bad attitude. I paid $300.29 for this thing. That included taxes and all for a ****** ***************.Store ***** Reg: 01 **** : ****** Ticket 01****** $279.99 Subtotal $349.99 (from the amount above to the subtotal -- warranty was there)then taxes and a employee discount total was $300.29 I only want my money back! they can have their piece of metal garbage.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/20/2023

  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.

  I purchased a portable air tank for $79.19. The product did not work straight out of the box (it wouldn't hold air; air came out as fast as it went in). Also, the air gauge was wobbly on the fitting. When I tried to return the product for a refund, I was told there would be 20% restocking fee (roughly $16)--even though it was defective. That is the Harbor Freight policy. The store manager and district manager upheld their policy and would not allow the return. I don't believe that as a consumer, I should pay a restocking fee for non-working product. This policy is legal? The manager and district manager was rude.

  Business Response

  Date: 05/03/2023

  Thank you for contacting Harbor Freight Tools.
  
  In response to your inquiry, some items do carry a 20% restocking fee. The policy is located on your receipt and our website. If you have any further questions regarding the policy, it can be viewed here: ******************************************************************************.
  
  The only way a re-stock fee can be waived on a product that has been opened is if it is exchanged for an upgraded product in the same category.
  
  We forwarded your feedback to the appropriate department to provide visibility. Your feedback is truly appreciated as it helps us to continually improve our products and services.
  
  We appreciate you taking the time to provide us with feedback.

  Once again, thank you for taking the time to contact us. Please let us know if you need further assistance.
  
  Best Regards,

  Customer Answer

  Date: 05/03/2023

   
  Complaint: 19595267
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  Harbor Freight's return policy for non-working items is against the law. State laws of merchantability mandate that, for new, non-working products, the seller MUST accept the return and provide a FUll REFUND, without deduction for restocking.   A store's policy of charging a restocking fee for non-working items cannot be placed above the law, and doing so is a direct violation subject to fines.  Although Harbor Freight (eventually) returned my restocking-charge money, I will continue to press the issue with the State of ****** for the benefit of citizens at large who have been victimized by Harbor Freight's unlawful policy, and for those who will be victimized in the future.  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *************************

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/14/2023

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  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 bought a pressure washer at Harbor Freight in ********, **. I tried to use it but it was defective. It would turn on on its own and at one point wouldn't turn off. Even the hose attachment wasn't staying connected to the hose, it would just pop off. So I decided to return it to Harbor Freight. The manager, ********, was rude and condescending about it, refusing to also reimburse the $14 restock fee. I explained that there is a law prohibiting a restock fee for defective items. It's called the *** Act, which explicitly prohibits this practice. He didn't care. When I said I would cancel the ***************** and never shop at Harbor Freight again, he didn't care about that either. I just want my money back.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/03/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  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 1/25/23 i went into the HEATH **** harbor freight to purchae a welder. Im a frequent harbor frieght shopper i love harbor frieght and the treatment of ME a loyal longtime money spending customer was the most disgusting thing ever. The staff followed and harrased me even after i pulled money out of my pocket to show them im not here to steal they kept going directing me to the on clearence items as if i couldnt afford what i was shopping for even after being asked to leave me alone let me shop in peace they continued to harrass and inturupt my shopping experience once i was prepared to check out an employee asked am i sure if i could afford this one and it pushed me to the limit i told him you guys have harrased me treated me like a thief and i spend THOUSANDS at this place over the years when i was approached by the woman who was following me constantly finding reasons to speak to me and my friend nd continuasly made my shopping experience the worst ever she said im going to have to ask you to leave come to find out shes the manager! Im lost at this point i reiterate i just want to buy a welder you guys made me feel so uncomfortable idk why you guys are targeting me but i never am a issue for HFT she then threatened to call police if i dont leave because shes sick of ppl like me comming in there with thier attitudes and thinking they own the place i said miss thts not going to be needed i will buy the welder and never come bk plz i put my money on the counter and then she picked up the phone and called police!!! I left the store but she Literally never attempted to desculate the situation or nothing then she banned me for life once the police came even after i explained how thier actions made me feel! I have the ******************************************************************* a threatening manner i have proof this is not true so DOES HF To make it worst i have been reaching out to cust.care for help and ***** has called or anything to help me its been a month

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/26/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  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 1/25/23 i went into the HEATH **** harbor freight to purchae a welder. Im a frequent harbor frieght shopper i love harbor frieght and the treatment of ME a loyal longtime money spending customer was the most disgusting thing ever. The staff followed and harrased me even after i pulled money out of my pocket to show them im not here to steal they kept going directing me to the on clearence items as if i couldnt afford what i was shopping for even after being asked to leave me alone let me shop in peace they continued to harrass and inturupt my shopping experience once i was prepared to check out an employee asked am i sure if i could afford this one and it pushed me to the limit i told him you guys have harrased me treated me like a thief and i spend THOUSANDS at this place over the years when i was approached by the woman who was following me constantly finding reasons to speak to me and my friend nd continuasly made my shopping experience the worst ever she said im going to have to ask you to leave come to find out shes the manager! Im lost at this point i reiterate i just want to buy a welder you guys made me feel so uncomfortable idk why you guys are targeting me but i never am a issue for HFT she then threatened to call police if i dont leave because shes sick of ppl like me comming in there with thier attitudes and thinking they own the place i said miss thts not going to be needed i will buy the welder and never come bk plz i put my money on the counter and then she picked up the phone and called police!!! I left the store but she Literally never attempted to desculate the situation or nothing then she banned me for life once the police came even after i explained how thier actions made me feel! I have the ******************************************************************* a threatening manner i have proof this is not true so DOES HF To make it worst i have been reaching out to cust.care for help and ***** has called or anything to help me its been a month