ComplaintsforHarbor Freight Tools
Hardware and Tools
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Complaint Details
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Initial Complaint
10/24/2024
- Complaint Type:
- Product Issues
- Status:
- Unanswered
Purchased battery charger 10/23/2024 from Harbor Freight. Got back home and charger would not work. Took charger back to store for a refund but they would not give me one because I wouldn't give them my phone number. The price of the charger was ***** total. I attempted to send you the receipt Im not sure it went through. All I want is a refund.Thank you ******* ******Initial Complaint
10/07/2024
- Complaint Type:
- Product Issues
- Status:
- Answered
Leaks, I made them aware of problems but they said I could not return it to the store. I would have to go online and proceed with their instructions which could take 7 days or longer. This is water for my house. Sorry company ***.Business response
10/10/2024
I'm in receipt of the complaint filed by Mr.Guess. For safety reasons certain pumps, sprayers and drain cleaners cannot be returned to the store if opened. This information is included on the receipt at time of purchase and also available on HarborFreight.com. Customer has completed the form and refund has been processed.Initial Complaint
09/27/2024
- Complaint Type:
- Service or Repair Issues
- Status:
- Unanswered
I purchased a Predator ***** watt generator. After filling the engine with oil, connecting the battery and filling it with gas I pushed the button twice according to the directions to start it. To my extreme disappointment the generator did not start, I eventually was able to start the generator after pressing the starter button more then nine times. With having to press the button more then nine times this causes the battery wires to heat up to the point of getting hot enough to melt. After contacting support and going through the trouble shooting steps it was determined that I have a faulty generator. After this I was transferred to an agent to try and get a replacement. I was instructed to return the generator to the store that I bought it from but unfortunately they are out of stock. I told the agent that I would like the generator replaced or fixed, because I am disabled I cannot drive around to other stores to play the return and exchange game. I even purchased the extended warranty on this two week old generator. For this problem to be resolved I would like Harbor Freight to pick up and deliver a replacement for the $1600 I paid for it.Initial Complaint
09/23/2024
- Complaint Type:
- Service or Repair Issues
- Status:
- Resolved
Just visited the store in ****** to buy a few STOREHOUSE 20-Bin Medium Portable Parts Storage Case as I noticed they are on sale online at 6.99. In the store they are 9.99, I asked the clerk if I would get them at the discounted online price... I got a mixed answer. When I checked out they came up as 9.99. I should the clerk that the flyer on the counter actual said $5.99 and online 6.99. I got a snappy that sale has not started yet. This is not a big deal but principle. You lost a sale today due to having 3 prices on a low cost item and clerk not being helpful. I am not able to find anything on the $5.99 sale online. I really dont want to deal with the store again, could you possible agree to ship me a few whenever your 5.99 sale is active without shipping charge?Business response
10/02/2024
I am in receipt of the complaint filed by Mr. ****** Upon review, the customer contacted us via social media and placed an online order on 9/22/24 for the sales price of $6.99. The shipping charge including tax has been refunded and customer has received the item and thanked us for helping him out.Customer response
10/02/2024
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,
**** *****Initial Complaint
09/16/2024
- Complaint Type:
- Service or Repair Issues
- Status:
- Unanswered
we purchases a predator 5000 generator item number *****, for approx $1000.00. in may 2024, September 14th 2024 it did not work any longer, it would not start and would just say "overload". It has very little hours on it, we used approx 1x a week since purchase for approx 6 hours on those days. We contacted the store and spoke with ***** who answered the phone, she said after 90 days they cannot do anything and to call coorpoate. We called corporate who told us the store manger has the leniency to accept it for return or not given its approx 10 days out of warrenty. We then called the store again, and spoke with ****, who stated **** the manager was working with another store. He said he would speak to him and call us back. I called to check on the status and **** stated that **** said he will not return it, since we did not purchses the additional warrenty. I mentioned there was a 2 year warrenty on the emissions, which they said for us to call another number to get it diagnosed over the phone************) and when asked about finding a mechanic since this is a harbor frieght product that finding a mechanic was "somthing we had to figure out". when attempting to get the produce diagnosed over the phone we have been on the phone on hold for hours at a time with no answers. We just want a replacement generator. This very well could be an emissions issue, but we feel the store who sells and makes this item should look at for us. **** the manager would never get on the phone with me.Initial Complaint
09/16/2024
- Complaint Type:
- Product Issues
- Status:
- Unanswered
Canceled debit transaction and no refund givenInitial Complaint
09/12/2024
- Complaint Type:
- Billing Issues
- Status:
- Answered
Harbor Freight Tools imposes a restocking fee. This is disclosed on the back of the receipt in the terms and conditions, but also states the fee will be waived if the item is unopened and in new condition. Despite this, we were still charged a restocking fee for an unopened package.Business response
09/18/2024
We have received Ms. ********** complaint and would like to review it further. To proceed, could Ms. ********* please provide us with a copy of her sales receipt and a photo of the unopened item.
We will be happy to review this further and address her concerns once we receive the necessary information.
Thank you as well for providing this opportunity to respond.
Initial Complaint
09/10/2024
- Complaint Type:
- Service or Repair Issues
- Status:
- Answered
I purchased an air dryer online (sku *****) on 6/13/24. Ive had it hooked up for 1 month now and its leaking from the inline filter. Ive tried to reseat the o-ring but it doesnt work. I paid a lot of money for this and cannot seem to get help. Ive submitted an inquiry through your website and also sat on hold for over 2.5 hours and still never got anyone to speak with. This is ridiculous that I cannot get any service. I just want a replacement so I can continue to use it.Business response
09/23/2024
I am in receipt of the complaint filed by Mr. ******** Upon review, the customer is receiving assistance by our product support team.Initial Complaint
09/09/2024
- Complaint Type:
- Service or Repair Issues
- Status:
- Answered
On 9/5/2024 I purchased a predator 3500 super quiet inverter, brought home and tried to start it and did not work ,brought it back with in one hour to be told they were charging me ****** for restocking it , I was not told this when I purchased it ,I was told I had 90 days to return it if there was a problem never was told their would be a restocking fee it was not till I went to return it that I was told this and it is on the receipt which you do not get till after you buy it ,I think this is wrong that they do not inform customers before they purchase somethingBusiness response
09/23/2024
Thank you for contacting Harbor Freight.
In response to ******** 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.Initial Complaint
08/28/2024
- Complaint Type:
- Sales and Advertising Issues
- Status:
- Unanswered
I am a contractor who purchased a gantry crane today and was unable to use it because it was too small to fit around my boat and therefore couldn't lift a motor out or in. We took pictures of the size inadequacy and promptly disassembled the gantry crane and brought it back to the store in the original packaging, unused and with the receipt and same credit card used for the purchase only a short period of time earlier in the day. I was denied the return of approximately $1,000 after taxes simply because I had purchased other items in the past and returned them UNUSED and with the original receipt. This is very poor business practice from Harbor Freight and as a veteran-owned small business, I expect better local customer service. I expect that if I purchase an item that doesn't work for my needs and is unused I should be able to return the item. Again, I'm a contractor and we don't always end up using an item that we purchase to potentially use but we need to make said purchase for the intent of use... we shouldn't be prevented from returning that unused item as a punishment for having had to return other unused items in the past. Harbor Freight is using a 3rd party to tell me that I'm stuck with a several-hundred pound item that I can't even use.
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Customer Complaints Summary
350 total complaints in the last 3 years.
122 complaints closed in the last 12 months.