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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

    • 331 total complaints in the last 3 years.
    • 82 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.

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    Complaint status

    Complaint type

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:06/30/2025

      Type:Sales and Advertising 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 06/19/2025 I contacted Harbor Freight's customer service regarding purchasing a new frame for a canopy I purchased last year at their local store in my town. I promptly received a email back from an associate at their contact center named ****** who seemed very willing to help me. She regretfully informed me that the frame in question was not available for purchase but since I was "a loyal customer and long-time paying member of their ****************** that she would like to offer me a gift card to use toward my next purchase in-store or online. All she needed was for me to confirm some basic information, which I did. The next day came around and I sent a follow-up message to see if she had received the needed info to process the gift card. I got a message back saying they needed me to confirm the same information I had already confirmed the previous day. Again, I did and a few days went by with no reply from them. I've sent them emails for four days and at this point I have reason to believe they are either ignoring me or have blocked me. The reason I think they blocked my email address is because after using a family member's email address to message them, I promptly received a response. This is not acceptable considering I have been a PAYING ***************** member for YEARS and they can't simply respond to a email from a long time loyal customer. I will be cancelling my membership and I have contacted my state attorney general's office regarding this issue.

      Business Response

      Date: 07/08/2025

      I am in receipt of the complaint filed by **** ******. In reviewing the complaint, I show that we responded to the customer on June 28, 2025 and provided the order number associated with the gift card that was offered. I have also reached out directly to the customer to confirm receipt of that email and the gift card in question. We value our customers feedback and are always working to ensure any concerns are addressed thoroughly. I would like to thank you for providing us with the opportunity to respond to **** ******** complaint.

      Customer Answer

      Date: 07/08/2025

       
      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:06/25/2025

      Type:Service or Repair 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 6/9/2025 I purchased a Predator 5000/3900W DF Invertor generator for $799 +tax. After servicing the generator and test running it, it would only run for about 10 seconds and shutoff no matter how many times I tried to get it to run properly. I tried calling their tech service numerous times ,but only got a recording they were closed. I called the store where I purchased it and told them of the running issues and was told I could bring it back for a new one or upgrade to another model. They said they were out on the one I purchased so I wanted a full refund since it was defective. When I returned it on 6/16/2025 and explained everything again and I wanted a full refund, they charged me a restocking fee of $160 on a defective generator even though they said they were going to send it back to the supplier, not restocking it.

      Business Response

      Date: 07/10/2025

      We are in receipt of the complaint and understand the frustration of the generator not working as well as a replacement being unavailable. The re-stocking fee can be waived when an even-exchange or the unit is exchanged for an upgrade or if the box had never been opened. I understand the exact same unit was not available for exchange at the time, we would like to offer a one-time courtesy digital gift card in the amount of $100.00 due to the inconvenience incurred with this experience, the gift card would be sent to the email address on file: ******************* Thank you for the opportunity to address this matter. 

      Customer Answer

      Date: 07/13/2025

       
      Better Business Bureau:

      I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is ok with me, but leaves a bad taste in my mouth for Harbor Freight in general. I spent a lot of time prepping the generator, buying and filling the engine oil, adding fuel with stabilizer and testing its operation only to have to drain out all fuel before returning this defective unit. My time means a lot to me these days, so does where I spend my money! 
      Please make sure to use my correct email address: ****************** not ************** in your response.

      Sincerely,

      *** *****

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:06/18/2025

      Type:Service or Repair 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.
      i purchased a portable garage from harbor freight. * also purchased the extended warranty for two years which expires in july 2025. i contacted harbor freight because the cover for the portable garage is poorly made and fell apart. the frame is fine. i wasnt going to completely disassemble the entire garage to get a new one just for the cover. i contacted harbor freight online and explained the situation. i requested the cover be replaced at no cost, they refused and said i would either have to take the entire garage to a store or i could get a replacement cover at a quoted price they gave me. i am not going to pay anything for the cover, i want it replaced for free and considering i purchased the extended warranty i want the 3 piece cover replaced for free and i will be satisfied. i do all my tool business with harbor freight and would like to continue. its under my email address ********************* PHONE # **********. PORTABLE GARAGE . THANK YOU

      Business Response

      Date: 06/22/2025

      Hello,

      I am in receipt of the complaint filed by ****** ******. In response to the complaint, regarding the replacement cover request of item SKU ***** 10FT X 17FT PORTABLE GARAGE 5/16/25 at store 3280 on ticket ******. I have located the applicable cover requested and have sent communication to customer to verify his shipping address to issue the no cost replacement to the customer as a courtesy based on the purchase of his extended warranty plan to email    *****************************.
      Once I receive the response verifying his shipping details we will go ahead and issue the replacement cover as requested. 
      I would like to thank you for providing us with the opportunity to respond to Mr. ******** complaint.

      Thank you.


      Customer Answer

      Date: 06/23/2025

       
      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:06/16/2025

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      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 a electric snake to clean out drain. But didn't work. I was out_300.00 for a plumber to clean out clogged drain I did as company asked and called the phone number given. I was told I would get refunded in 2 weeks. I have gotten nothing.

      Business Response

      Date: 06/22/2025

      Hello,

      I am in receipt of the complaint filed by Deborah Miller. In response to the complaint, regarding her return request of item SKU 64062 Hand Held Corded Drain Cleaner purchased 5/16/25 at store 69 on ticket 1855344.  Please be advised that I have located the communication provided following up to the submitted claim however it appears an alternate email was provided rather than the one provided on this report.  The email address of "[email protected]" was provided in the warranty claim and the method of return selected was an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) the customer would have received the email link within 2 weeks of the original submission from Bank of America asking to validate and provide the account details to issue the refund.  This link would have been sent to [email protected].  If that email was not responded too within a 5 day window effectively providing the account details and verification the refund will default to a check that would be mailed to the original address the customer has submitted.  Please see the below communication provided 5/30/25 10:49AM pst to [email protected] from our pumps and sprayers team.

      "Hi Deborah, 
      Thank you for shopping at Harbor Freight Tools.
      We received your warranty return form regarding your defective item. I apologize that it is no longer working. You may dispose of the non-working item.
      Please see the following for your warranty form submission details.
      •Date of Purchase : 5/16/25
      •Ticket : 1855344
      •Store : 69
      •Item : 64063
      We are processing an Electronic Funds Transfer in the amount of $108.24. It may take up to 2 weeks before you received a second email from Bank of America. After registering, you will be able to select how you would like to receive your funds.
      Once again, thank you for contacting us. Please let us know if you need further assistance. We truly appreciate your business."

       I would like to thank you for providing us with the opportunity to respond to Deborah's complaint. Thank you.


    • Initial Complaint

      Date:05/19/2025

      Type:Delivery 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.
      Placed order on 23 April 2025. Within the last week I called and requested status. Was told there were shipping issues in *******. They offered to try to cancel and I asked them to cancel my order. A week later, I am told that my request has gone to senior management. I cannot get a status on either the order or my request to cancel.

      Business Response

      Date: 05/20/2025

      I am in receipt of the complaint filed by *** ****. In response to the complaint, we have opened a ticket to cancel order number 126529362. I would like to thank you for providing us with the opportunity to respond to *** ****** complaint. Thank you.

      Customer Answer

      Date: 05/21/2025

       
      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.

      Though they did not cancel my order as requested, they did, quite unexpectedly, fulfill the order today, twenty-seven days after the initial order.  


      Sincerely,

      *** ****

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:05/16/2025

      Type:Service or Repair 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.
      Purchased APACHE 4800 Weatherproof Protective Case, X-Large. The back hinge was broken when I bought it, I shouldve inspected closer. Went to two separate Harbor freight stores for an exchange. One store literally laughed in my face. It was so embarrassing but since I paid cash and dont have an account/receipt/. They refused the exchange. Disappointed to say the least. I threw away a $60 case, at this point it was garbage anyways. no way to use it. I did buy it a few months back as it was gonna be used for a fishing trip and that is when I noticed the damage. I was just looking for a simple exchange, though after being laughed at, there was no way to use the product so I disposed of it. I understand their policies believe me I read it multiple times. I was just hoping they would stand behind the product considering the horrible dealings at two other stores.

      Business Response

      Date: 05/18/2025

      I am in receipt of the complaint filed by *** *******. In response to the complaint, I have emailed to ask for his address from our ****************************************** inbox so we may ship him a new one. ZPOOLE

      Customer Answer

      Date: 05/19/2025

       
      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.

      Please, Better Business Bureau delete my complaint, do not post my complaint. Im totally satisfied with this outcome. Thank you to all parties.

      Sincerely,

      *** *******

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:05/09/2025

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      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 gas powered auger from Harbor Frieght on 06/24. It remained new/unopened until today, 5/6/2025, when I unboxed it and attempted to use it for the first time. It does not work out of the box. I contacted the store and was told there is nothing they can do. I contacted customer support and was told that I have to diagnose it and they will send me parts. I am not a mechanic and this product is new and unused. I tried calling there product tech support several times. No answer, left messages, no return call. I called customer support again and stoke to two different people and was told the same by all of them, that it's basically my issue, and they refuse to provide me with a replacement.

      Business Response

      Date: 05/13/2025

      Hello,

      I am in receipt of the complaint filed by **** *******. In response to the complaint, regarding the performance of item SKU 57341 PREDATOR Gas-Powered Earth Auger.  I have located his original proof of purchase and have reached out to the customer directly via email in order to touch base with the customer and provide additional troubleshooting guidance.  Although this item is outside of the 90 day warranty we will proceed with additional trouble shooting and guidance to determine in the manner in which we are able to proceed.

      I would like to thank you for providing us with the opportunity to respond to Mr. ******************************************* you.

       

       

       

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:04/16/2025

      Type:Service or Repair 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.
      Purchase this light with Harbor Freight. Light did not light up. I received your I got back to the store and they wouldn't take it back because I waited over 30 days. Took me that long to get back to that particular area. Store manager said would not exchange. Absolutely ridiculous. I've been a customer for over 30 years probably longer than that. Please help me get my non-working light exchanged or refunded. Actually I'd rather have it refunded. Very annoyed at the situation. I went over to ********** and I bought something similar. Thank you for helping me get my money back from Harbor Freight

      Business Response

      Date: 04/27/2025

      Hello,

      I am in receipt of the complaint filed by *** ******. In response to the complaint, we have received the photo of the item however I was not able to locate the proof of purchase associated to the customer's account.

      I have contacted the customer directly to inquire if he has his proof of purchase and will offer a gift card for the current price the item is sold at ($49.99) if the proof of purchase cannot be located.

      I would like to thank you for providing us with the opportunity to respond to Mr. ******** complaint. Thank you.

       Warm regards

       

      Customer Answer

      Date: 04/28/2025

       
      Complaint: 23210736

      I am rejecting this response because:
      I have let the business know that I am still searching for the receipt.
      Sincerely,

      *** ******

      Business Response

      Date: 05/04/2025

      I am in receipt of the complaint filed by *** ******. In response to the complaint, regarding the return and in a good faith effort to resolve this complaint, we will send the customer a $75.00 gift card. 

      This has covered the cost of the light as well as additional in light of his experience he has had with us.

      Customer has agreed with offer as resolved.

      I would like to thank you for providing us with the opportunity to respond to Mr. ********************** Warm regards.

       

       

      Customer Answer

      Date: 05/13/2025

       
      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.

      I have not received the gift card to date can you please check on this for me Better Business bureau. Thank you


      Sincerely,

      *** ******

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:04/04/2025

      Type:Product Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      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 May Concern,I am writing to formally complain about my experience at the Harbor Freight store at *************************************************************, last Wednesday.A few days prior, I saw the 9500 Quiet Generator advertised for $1,799 and took a picture of the price tag. When I returned to purchase it after getting paid, I encountered poor service from a supervisor named ********. She informed me that I would need to wait an hour for the assistant manager, who was on lunch, and then refused my request to contact her manager, stating that the manager was off. When I asked to speak with the area manager, she walked away without helping me.After returning to the store an hour and a half later, both ******** and the assistant manager were gone. I then spoke with *****, who accused me of harassing ********, which was unfounded and disrespectful.Due to the lack of resolution, I had to purchase another generator for an upcoming event, leaving me with a product I did not intend to buy. I felt cheated out of the advertised price.I have video evidence of my conversations and the original price tag. I have been a loyal customer until this experience, which has left me feeling undervalued.I request a formal apology for the treatment I received and an exchange for the generator I originally wanted at the advertised price of $1,799.Thank you for your attention to this matter. I hope for a fair resolution.

      Business Response

      Date: 04/27/2025

      Hi there,

      I am in receipt of the complaint filed by ***** *********. In response to the complaint, it appears the customer has reached out to us by phone to our store resolutions and escalated a claim directly with our resolutions team.  I have indicated it has been directly provided to management in the customer support teams for review and forward to store regional management. 

      I would like to thank you for providing us with the opportunity to respond to Mr *********** complaint. Thank you.

       

      Customer Answer

      Date: 04/28/2025

       
      Complaint: 23156353

      I am rejecting this response because:

      I have not been contacted by anybody in this complaint was issued almost a month ago. 

      Sincerely,

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

      Business Response

      Date: 05/05/2025

      I am in receipt of the rejection filed by Mr. ********** Attached to this response is the disputed price of the generator in the amount of $2299.99. The reduced price of $1,799.99 is the offer provided by ************** whom provides the credit line for Harbor Freight. We do not control the promotional offers by this financial institution. The price of $2299.99 is the price all of our guests will pay should they choose not to utilize the offer from the ************** Credit Card. You can confirm the non-promotional price in the top right corner of the attached photo. Thank you for understanding. We appreciate the opportunity to respond to the rejection. 

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:03/14/2025

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      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 generator from Harbor Freight 8/2024. I was told it would be left in the back with a copy of my receipt on it. My partner was suppose to pick it up and never did. Purchased to use for 2025 ice cream season. While doing my taxes, I came across the receipt and went to get it out so I could make sure everything was smoothly running. Found out 3/2025 it was never picked up. After checking my credit card and not seeing a refund I called the store and was told theyd look into it. After a week went by I went to the store having heard nothing. I was given an 800 number and was told they dont hold items. Theyve held a generator previously. I was then transferred to **************. I was told the inventory counts were correct and they couldnt just give me a generator. Considering I paid $800 plus a warranty I wouldnt call it free. I assume one of their workers has a new generator courtesy of my small business. This location is *****, **. I know there will be no resolution, but there should be a record in case something similar happens to someone else.

      Business Response

      Date: 05/07/2025

      Hi there,

      I am in receipt of the complaint filed by ****** *****. In response to the complaint, I will need Ms. ***** to send me a copy of her receipt order number as I was unable to locate this on my end. Once I get a copy of the receipt, I can review the matter further and respond to her concerns.  Once the purchase ticket is recieved we can go ahead and inquire further with the store as well.

      Please note I have contacted the customer by email to inquire on obtaining information in order to move forward with review.

      I would like to thank
      you for providing us with the opportunity to respond to ******** inquiry. Thank you.

       

       

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