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
- 331 total complaints in the last 3 years.
- 82 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:09/29/2022
Type:Product 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.
Upon arriving at Harbor Freight I walked the store, got what I needed. Went to the check out, where the teller charged me, and I paid with my debit card. After debit was complete, the teller proceeded to tell me that he charged me the wrong amount and wanted to credit my card back, I told him no, it was his error, and I was not going to give him my card to give me a credit which would take approx 5 to 7 business day to get my money. Then he wanted to recharge me. I told him no, I didn't want the merchandise, and to reverse the charges. He would not reverse the charges. I left the merchandise on the counter and left the store. I have telephoned them and have tried to get them to refund the money or reverse the charges, which they have not done or will do. On 9/27/2022 I recieved a letter claiming that they have denied my claim with my bank. I want the money back in the amount of $42.73, as I did not receive the merchandise. A check to be issued in the amount of $42.73 to be sent to ***************************************************** phone ************ Thank you ****************************Business Response
Date: 10/31/2022
Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2022/10/05) */
I am in receipt of the complaint filed by Mr. ***********. In response to the complaint, I will need Mr. *********** to send me a copy of his receipt 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 his concerns.
We look forward to assisting Mr. *********** once we have this information.
I would like to thank you for providing us with the opportunity to respond to Mr. *********** complaint. Thank you.
Consumer Response /* (3000, 7, 2022/10/11) */
(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
Merchandise was never received. Merchandise was left on the counter at the store at **************, *****************. I was charged for this merchandise, I paid for it. Then the Harbor Freight cashier claimed he charged me incorrectly and wanted to credit my card which would take 7 to 10 business days to get my money back. Then he wanted to re-charge me the amount he claims was wrong. I told him no, he didnt need my card again. I told him to credit it back to my account. I left all the products on the counter and left the store. I want my money credited back to my account in the amount of 42.73 or a check sent to my address. at *********************************
Business Response /* (4000, 9, 2022/10/18) */
I am in receipt of the complaint filed by Mr. ***********. In response to the complaint, we have been in contact with Ms. ***********, we requested additional information. Once we receive this information, we will address his concerns.
We look forward to assisting Mr. *********** once we have this information.
I would like to thank you for providing us with the opportunity to respond to Mr. *********** complaint. Thank you.Initial Complaint
Date:09/25/2022
Type:Product 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.
9/25/2022 -
***************************************************************************************
Today's transaction did not process correctly. After punching in my debit card pin 2 times it was telling **** the cashier a denied transaction. When I logged into my bank on my phone I could see that a Harbor Freight withdrawal for the same amount coming out of my checking account. Asking for the manager a female manager(no name tag) and a male manager(*******) came to the register and were incredibly insensitive and completely reluctant to be helpful in any way.
These 2 could do nothing except tell me it was not a valid transaction and I was just going to have to trust that $164.95 was going to "roll off" (as ******* put it) with no time frame or documentation of this transaction taking place at all. I asked several times for documentation indicating this transaction did not process however I was denied repeatedly. It wasn't until my husband requested to void the transaction and walk him through a transaction history that I was finally provided with some kind of documentation of what was happening. ******* still did not want or know how to provide the information I was requesting and expected me to walk out of his store with a charge to my account and no merchandise or documentation. I had to leave the store with a charge to our account and no merchandise. Even though this charge will fall off in a day or two this is an incredible inconvenience. In the event you are unaware of how checking accounts work, once a pending charge is swiped through a business system, my available funds decrease until the charge either clears or falls off. You're a professional company. I am a mother of 3 girls and your unprofessional error has severely hindered my family for who knows how long. Please reply with how you intend to rectify this situation and urgently relieve me of the worry Harbor Freight mistake has created.Business Response
Date: 10/19/2022
Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2022/09/29) */
Thank you for contacting Harbor Freight Tools.
I apologize for the inconvenience ********** has experienced with us. What she described is not what we want for our customers. Our goal is to provide friendly and helpful service every day.
With respect to **********'s concerns referenced in this complaint, we forwarded this information to the appropriate District Manager for Store #*** and have contacted the customer directly.
We appreciate you taking the time to provide us feedback, and again, I apologize for the poor experience. If you need further assistance, please let us know.Initial Complaint
Date:09/25/2022
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.
Date September 25th 2022. Received clearance ad popup from Harbor Freight for a TV wall mount I've looked at on their website multiple times.
Our local Harbor Freight #**** has only had SKU ***** of a tv wall mount in stock since they opened in town a little earlier this year. I've looked at this wall mount online & tested the display models in store multiple times.
Like some other producs I've looked at online more than once - I received a email coupon for this product. $18.97! Excellent value! - I thought.
Went to the store to purchase it and some other tools for the project. I'm expecting to to spend around $70 for everything before tax.
Except my store does not have the now mysteriously namless SKUs that are on sale & they want $50 for the same mount. However the sale page shows a ******* video for the same ********* wall mount I am trying to purchase.
Harbor Freight has a ******* video from ************* that shows at 31 seconds in; ***** got SKU ***** - the same product I hold for $29.99 - $31.79 after tax. Where as store #3285 wants $49.99 plus tax ($52.63). His receipt is sitting next to the****** SKU on the front of the box.
The Leader on Duty / Logistics Manager ****** of store #**** was condecending about it being a completely different product on sale & refused to honor the sale price of $18.97. Even though it's made by Harbor Freight & All product specifications, product photos, dimensions, ect match.
The mysterious SKUs that are on sale of this Maybe *********, Maybe Not product is not avaliable within 150 miles of my home, nor is it avaliable for shipping. Neither would they order it to the store for me. "In store only coupon"
Alleged non ********* SKUs on sale: *************
************* video from page:
****************************Business Response
Date: 10/25/2022
Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2022/09/29) */
I am in receipt of the complaint filed by Mr. ********. In response to the complaint, I will need Mr. ******** to send me a copy of his coupon as I was unable to locate this on my end. Once I get a copy of the coupon, I can review the matter further and respond to his concerns.
I would like to thank you for providing us with the opportunity to respond to Mr. ********'s complaint. Thank you.
Consumer Response /* (3000, 7, 2022/10/05) */
(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
The original webpage for this sale item has been removed. *********************************************************************************
I have included the original screenshots of the Harbor Freight webpage from the day of my complaint. You can see in the screenshots on the Harbor Freight webpage they have a ******* video for the exact product sku I was trying to buy on the sale page. It is the only sku of this product that harbor freight has carrier in *************** since it opened earlier this year. The video shows that it was 29.99 at one point not 49.99. During the sale my store would not honor the sites sale page. Nor order the product that was on sale in for me. It wasnt available within driving distence.Initial Complaint
Date:09/23/2022
Type:Product 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 June 3rd, 2022, I purchased a UNION SAFE COMPANY 24 Gun Fire Resistant Combination Safe from Harbor Freight online for $666.93. Order #: *********. It arrived damaged from shipping to the lock keypad. The box was punctured. I made contact with the company and their initial course of replacement was to send a keypad replacement rather than the entire safe. On 6/27/22, I received an email saying the keypad replacement had been ordered (nearly a month later). Order number ********** I have had MULTIPLE phone calls and attempted contact emails with the company and STILL have yet to receive the replacement keypad. It has been nearly 3 months. I was delivered a damage good with no apparent care on their side that it was damaged or making much effort to replace it or make it right. I am extremely disappointed and had chosen to purchase from them in the first place because of their good reputation.Business Response
Date: 12/09/2022
Business Response /* (1000, 14, 2022/10/24) */
In response to************* current complaint, all of us at Harbor Freight Tools would like to extend our apologies for the delays in receiving the parts that were ordered.
Concerning************* order referenced in this complaint, we have attempted to contact the customer but were unable to speak with her. Once we are in contact with ********** we will make every effort to correct the situation for her.
Thank you as well for providing this opportunity to respond.Initial Complaint
Date:09/20/2022
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.
In June 2022 I order a portable sawmill online, they called me and said it was backordered and they would call me when ready to ship to make sure I still wanted it and they did not call or email me. They shipped the mill and charged my debit card $2122.53. I called them and they told me to just refuse the item when it arrived and that they would refund my money. I refused the shipment and I'm still fighting for the refund.Business Response
Date: 10/07/2022
Business Response /* (1000, 7, 2022/09/24) */
In response to********** current complaint, we would like to extend our apologies for the delays in receiving his refund for the merchandise that was ordered and returned
Concerning********** order referenced in this complaint, we have been in contact with the customer and have ensured that his refund has been processed for his specific order. We truly apologize for any delays and appreciate his patience with us.
We hope we will have another chance and are confident the next experience with Harbor Freight Tools will be a much better one.
Thank you as well for providing this opportunity to respond.
Consumer Response /* (2000, 8, 2022/09/22) */
Hello, harbor freight finally sent my refund back to my bank account today. Thank you very much.
********Initial Complaint
Date:09/05/2022
Type:Product 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 July 15, 2021, I purchased a faulty ladder from Harbor Freight. Due to special circumstances, company sent me a FedEx return label for the item to be sent back to the company. Fedex on Friday, August 6th. Tracking # **************. Since ladder was picked-up, I've tried to contact Harbor Freight unsuccessfully via customer service emails to check status of refund. Last attempt was 32 days ago. At this point, I am asking for help in getting the $172.79 credited back to the original payment method.
Attached is the original receipt and email chains with company.
Thank you.Business Response
Date: 10/12/2022
Business Response /* (1000, 8, 2022/09/26) */
In response to ************* current complaint, we would like to extend our apologies for the delay in response. this is not the experience we want our customers to have while shopping at Harbor Freight Tools.
Concerning ************* order referenced in this complaint, we have attempted to contact *********** and left a message as we need additional information to properly address her concerns. Once we can speak to her we will gladly address her concerns.
We hope we will have another chance and are confident the next experience with Harbor Freight Tools will be a much better one.
Thank you as well for providing this opportunity to respond.Initial Complaint
Date:08/31/2022
Type:Product 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.
On August 24, 2022, I purchased a Jackery 200 watt power station for $279.00 from the Central Harbor Freight located in Albuquerque New Mexico.
When the attendant helping me make the purchase said to just get the entry model since it advertised up to 8 to 10 hours of usage. That if that was not enough, just return it and get another model that fits my needs. The Jackery power station only provided 4 to 6 hours of usage for my CPAP machine, so I returned the item (3) days later.
I was told that I would be charged a $56.00 re-stocking fee for the return. I questioned the fact that the item worked, but not for the hours in which i needed it to work. I was still declined.
At that point, not to start a confrontation in front of a line of customers, I told them to just refund my money and I would contact their management office on-line to file a complaint.
Manager, ***** from the Albuquerque called me back and informed me that there was nothing that could be done about the refund of the stocking fee.Business Response
Date: 09/22/2022
Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2022/09/12) */
Thank you for contacting Harbor Freight Tools.
In response to **. ********'s current complaint, I apologize for the inconvenience he has experienced with us. What you described is not the experience that we want for our customers. Our goal is to provide friendly and helpful service every day.
I forwarded this information to the appropriate District Manager for Store #***. They will review the information and make every effort to correct the situation for you.
We appreciate **. ******** taking the time to provide us feedback, and again, I apologize for the poor experience. We hope we will have another chance and are confident the next experience with Harbor Freight Tools will be a much better one.
Thank you as well for providing this opportunity to respond.
Consumer Response /* (2000, 7, 2022/09/19) */
(The consumer indicated he/she ACCEPTED the response from the business.)
Quick response by District Manager, ************** has corrected the situation to great satisfaction.Initial Complaint
Date:08/26/2022
Type:Customer Service 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 started receiving email receipts from Harbor Freight that were not for purchases I made. They came from store ***********************. At first I blew it off but when I saw it was not a random error, and they sent me an email where I was pre-approved for a credit card in May 2022, and another receipt on June 27, 2022, I reached out to Harbor Freight Customer Service explaining the problem and stating my concerns about fraud on June 1 and July 19. They responded on July 4 assuring me it would be fixed. It did not stop and they have not responded to my July 19 email. Today, I received another receipt from the same store in ********. I live in **********. I am concerned about the potential for fraud involving my email, ********************* that a Harbor Freight customer is using and the lack of action by Harbor Freight to help me with the issue. Who is using my email at Harbor Freight. If it's an innocent mistake, why are they not curious about NEVER receiving their receipts? And why is Harbor Freight not correcting this matter I have brought to their attention twice.?Business Response
Date: 09/19/2022
Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2022/09/02) */
In response to************* current complaint, I apologize for any concern or inconvenience this receipt may have caused.
Concerning************* concerns referenced in this complaint, we contacted the customer directly and were to speak with him. We verified the email address noted is no longer on our database. However, it may take up to 7-10 business days for the update to take effect. He may have received emails during this time frame.
Should ********** continue to receive any further communication we ask that he please reply with the customer ID number located on the receipt so I may locate the account with your information. Once received, we will remove your information that was incorrectly linked to this account.
Thank you for bringing this to our attention. I truly apologize for any delays in getting your issue resolved.Initial Complaint
Date:08/25/2022
Type:Delivery 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.
Dear HFTs Corporate Office,
I am filing this complaint in regards to my order number *********. I purchased 3 utility trailers from HFTs back in May of 2022 to help my friend to move (purchase receipts attached). After assembling the trailers i realized one of the tires of one of the trailers leaking air and to be defective. On June 12, 2022, I contacted the HFTs Parts Department and spoke with a Customer Service Representative. She agreed to honor the warranty and replace the defective tire with a new tire/rim.
She created an "order" and a zero invoice and stated I would receive the replacement tire/rim within few days. Weeks went by and I did not receive the replacement part. After several follow up telephone calls and an email I requested the matter to be escalated to the management attention so that my order gets fulfilled.
As of today i have not received a reply from any HFTs supervisor nor have I received my replacement part.
This has been a frustrating experience for me as a long time and loyal HFTs customer! Please help fulfilling my order without any additional delay. Thank you for your attention.Business Response
Date: 09/13/2022
Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2022/09/12) */
In response to************* current complaint, all of us at Harbor Freight Tools would like to extend our apologies for the shipping delays in receiving the merchandise that was ordered. We understand the disappointment and frustration that*********** experienced with the wait to receive his orders and we appreciate the opportunity to both apologize and explain what happened. This is not the level of service we strive to provide for our customers, not the level of service they usually receive, and not the level they deserve when they shop at Harbor Freight.
Concerning***********'s order referenced in this complaint, we have contacted the customer directly and taken care of their specific order. We hope that they, as well as our other customers, can accept this apology, as well as our appreciation for their continued patience. This crisis has thrown lots of curve balls our way, but our commitment to all of our customers now and in the future is to meet and exceed their expectations. We hope we will have another chance and are confident the next experience with Harbor Freight Tools will be a much better one.
Thank you as well for providing this opportunity to respond.
Consumer Response /* (2000, 7, 2022/09/13) */
(The consumer indicated he/she ACCEPTED the response from the business.)
Many Thanks to ***** of HFTs Customer Service Department. She is awesome and quickly shipped the item to me. 5 Stars!! Thank you!Initial Complaint
Date:08/22/2022
Type:Product 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.
Purchased nailer on 5/23/2022 returned in unopened box 6/6/2022 at Harbor Freight Washington, Mo. We were charged a restocking fee of $20. Per the store policy no restocking fee should be charged on an unopened box. When we brought this to the attention of the manager we were told "How do I know the box wasn't opened?" He then disregarded our concerns.
I have contacted customer 3 times, starting on 6/6/2022 each time with the promise of a call from the district manager. I still have not been contacted.
I would like the $20 restocking fee to be refunded.Business Response
Date: 09/21/2022
Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2022/09/06) */
Thank you for contacting Harbor Freight Tools.
I apologize for the inconvenience ***************** has experienced with us. What he described is not what we want for our customers. Our goal is to provide friendly and helpful service every day.
I forwarded *****************'s information to the appropriate District Manager for Store #****. They will review the information and make every effort to correct the situation for him.
We appreciate ****************** taking the time to provide us feedback, and again, I apologize for the poor experience. If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Consumer Response /* (2000, 8, 2022/09/09) */
(The consumer indicated he/she ACCEPTED the response from the business.)
This is acceptable but I was promised 3 times by customer service that I would hear from the district manager and never did,
Hopefully this time I can get this resolved.
Business Response /* (4000, 12, 2022/09/08) */
We have attempted to contact the customer numerous times at the number provided and left a message. However, we have not been able to speak with *****************.
Consumer Response /* (4200, 14, 2022/09/13) */
(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
I have never received any calls from the company nor did I receive any messages. If I did this would be resolved.
Contact number ************
Business Response /* (4000, 16, 2022/09/16) */
Thank you for contacting Harbor Freight Tools.
I apologize for the delay in response to ****************** we have contacted the customer directly and taken care of their specific concerns. We hope that she can accept this apology, as well as our appreciation for their continued patience. We hope we will have another chance and are confident the next experience with Harbor Freight Tools will be a much better one.
Thank you as well for providing this opportunity to respond.
Consumer Response /* (2000, 18, 2022/09/20) */
(The consumer indicated he/she ACCEPTED the response from the business.)
I spoke with the district manager and he is going to make this right. He was very apologetic. I am happy withthe solution.
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