We use cookies to give users the best content and online experience. By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to allow us to use all cookies. Visit our Privacy Policy to learn more.

Manage Cookies
Resources for Businesses My BBB
Share
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

Find a Location

Harbor Freight Tools has 273 locations, listed below.

*This company may be headquartered in or have additional locations in another country. Please click on the country abbreviation in the search box below to change to a different country location.

    Please enter a valid location.

    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.

    Sort by

    Complaint status

    Complaint type

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:05/30/2024

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Unanswered
      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 spend 200$ dollars an a spot welding wish was really bad product I try this tools but o see maybe was a defective product I decided to returned I package everything was inside plastic an everything like brand new then i try when I get to the catchier she told me for return a defective product they will charge me 36$ wish o feel is very unfair I told the lady *** make a bbb complaint but she didnt care I dont need the 36$ but o dont like when business try to steal money from Me please give me my money back thanks

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:05/30/2024

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Unanswered
      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.
      My husband bought a jackhammer from Harbor Freight on Friday, May 24th. Once he returned to the jobsite, he discovered it was defective out of the box. It started with no problem, however stopped working after only a few minutes. My husband returned it to the store today, May 29th in hopes of a refund, but was charged a 20% "restock" fee of $118.56 for a piece of equipment that the store manager, **** confirms will not be restocked for resale. At best, this is unethical and in my opinion a form of theft. There are many ****** reviews that echo our experience about this company as well.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:05/29/2024

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Unanswered
      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 5/25/2024 I purchased a Predator 4550/3650W Open Frame Inverter Generator at Harbor Freight for about $600. I spent the next day trying to get the unit working reliably but it would not turn on. On 5/27/2024 I brought it back to the store however they did not have a replacement unit available. They charged me a $108.80 restocking fee even though the generator was defective and they could not swap it for a new unit. I spoke to the store manager and the ***** customer service line. It was not my fault the unit was defective and they had no replacement available so why should I have to pay the restocking fee? This was the store's responsibility and out of my control. I asked both the store manager and the phone customer support rep to waive the restocking fee but they refused.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:05/29/2024

      Type:Billing Issues
      Status:
      Unanswered
      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 credit card is for Harbor Freight and it is issued by *************** They have charged me with fraudulent charges that they have created. I discovered that I had lost my original credit card Oct. 2023 and reported it to them. They closed that card and issued me a new card. On Nov. 10, 2023 I discovered the fraudulent charges that had been made on the replacement card that was never received. The new replacement card ending in 4006 was stolen during the mailing process. There were eight charges made on the stolen card from spanning from Nov. 1, 2023 through Nov. 10, 2023, totaling $990.34. There could not have been any other charges on the card after Nov. 10, 2023 as the card was cancelled. When they sent me a new replacement card for the stolen card they carried the total balance forward of $990.34 and then they carried forward 6 of the 8 individual charges that made up the original amount of $990.34. They double billed me for six of the eight fraudulent charges. From there, their accounting department has made so many mistakes, that are very clearly showing on the bill statements, that my bill grew from $990.34 to $1720.05 after the card was cancelled. The fraud claim was approved and they are now billing me for charges that they created due to their own accounting errors, otherwise looked at by me, as fraudulent charges that they, *************** have created on my account. They have admitted to the mistakes, and they tell me each time I call that they will get it corrected. This has been going on since Jan. 2024 and they still do not have it corrected. I have documents stating that the fraud claim for the $990.34 was approved, yet they continue to bill me for their own fraudulent charges that they have created with their accounting mistakes. My bill is now $748.53, and it should be $0.00. I had a second card ending in 7967 that was stolen before I received that card also. The fraud claim on that card was approved and credited back to my account.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:05/29/2024

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Unanswered
      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.
      Have purchased several items over many years at Harbor Freight and have been satisfied. Harbor Freight sent us a 25% Single Item Coupon underlining "NO EXCLUSIONS" because they "Missed" us. The fine print noted "In store". Went "in store" to purchase HF's CENTRAL MACHINERY Saw Mill with 301cc Gas Engine. (See attached item). Salesperson said they could not order it, that we had to do it ONLINE. Attempted to Order item ONLINE. (See attached). Entered CODE Number for the 25% COUPON in response to Harbor Freight's prompt. Harbor Freight Online Order states "Sorry, the coupon code ***************** does not apply to the item(s) in your cart." We entered the number again to ensure we put the number in correctly.. The response said: "Please use only letters or numbers. No spaces or special characters." As you can see, we entered the correct information twice. Harbor Freight's advertisement of their COUPON is predatory and seems to constitute false and misleading advertising to potential customers. We ask that ********************** HONOR the 25% Coupon and to be applied to the $2499.00 advertised price for Central Machinery's Saw Mill, which we attempted to purchase. The predatory nature of Harbor Freight's action should be addressed.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:05/29/2024

      Type:Delivery Issues
      Status:
      Unanswered
      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.
      Some of Email to Harbor Freight on 5/20:********************* Phone: ************ Number: *********** re: PREDATOR 4400 PSI, 4.2 GPM, 13 HP (420cc) Commercial-Duty Pressure Washer EPA I purchased the above item the first week of May at your Cinnaminson Store (which is roughly 25 minutes from my home).Yesterday (5/19) was the first day I used it for a job I had scheduled and needed to complete. I followed all instructions for set up and for the first 30 minutes the washer worked fine. After 30 minutes, the engine seized and nothing happened.My mom took it to the store today to return it for me. As the cashier was doing the return he called over another worker and asked them to bypass the $180 restocking fee (which would make sense since the item was defective - you can't resell it - there wasn't a better washer we would purchase since this was the best one and we didn't want to chance the same thing happening on an identical model).We would like you to reconsider and refund the restocking fee. There was no other option for us to purchase another and the item was defective. Response from Harbor Freight 5/22:We appreciate your feedback as it helps us improve our service to you. We understand that you are disappointed that the restocking fee was applied during your return. Please note that we are only able to waive the restocking fee under certain circumstances, and not able to make exceptions as it is store policy: 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.We regret that we are unable to waive the restocking fee in this situation.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:05/28/2024

      Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
      Status:
      Unanswered
      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.
      Visited Harbor Freight at ********************************************************************** on Sunday 19 May 2024. To use the email coupon as advertised. Get 1 of 3 Free gifts with any purchase. When I reached the counter to check out the sales person informed me I did not qualify as I was not a member. However, I am a member of everyone. I expect Harbor Freight to honor the free gifts they advertised.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:05/28/2024

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Unanswered
      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 an item that didn't work properly. I returned it for a refund within a couple of days of purchase. At that time I was told I would have to PAY a $40 RESTOCKING fee. This was NOT mentioned to me at the time of purchase. There was no sign about this or any mention of this PRIOR to me purchasing. I am now out of the item and $40. I want my money back that you stole.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:05/28/2024

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Unanswered
      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 Vulcan Omnipro multi process welder from Harbor freight on July 14 2023 for approx. $1100. When the welder was less than 6 months old it quit working . This is the best welder that the sell in their stores . I attempted to order parts to fix the welder and found out that they do not offer parts for the welder . The same welder model is still on the shelves at their stores . I am not looking to get something for nothing . all I am trying to do is purchase the parts to fix the welder . I have sent to emails to them multiple times explaining my issue and they can't even acknowledge my problem. The only response that I get is a return email saying they will forward my email to the appropriate department . i didn't by the least expensive welder they carry. I purchased the best one that they sell

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:05/24/2024

      Type:Product Issues
      Status:
      Unanswered
      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 BBB Team, I am writing to file a formal complaint against Harbor Freight Tools regarding a particularly unpleasant experience I had at one of their stores. The incident occurred at the Harbor Freight location 65 NJ-**********************************************************, and involved a supervisor named Junior. Below, I provide a comprehensive overview of the issue.Summary of the Complaint On 04/26/2024, I purchased a cement mixer from Harbor Freight. The equipment was new, unused, and still in its original packaging. Due to unforeseen circumstances, I needed to return the item. I attempted to return it on 05/10/2024, within almost 2 weeks of purchase, and I had my receipt with me. Upon arriving at the store, I approached the customer service desk and explained my situation to the staff, presenting the unopened equipment and the original receipt. The staff was very rude and dismissive and insisted on charging me a restocking fee even though the item was in the original box unopened. The supervisor, ******, intervened. He was extremely rude and refused completely to discuss or accept the item back according to their policy. ****** immediately dismissed my request for a return without providing any valid reason. Despite the item being new and the return is well within the store's return policy timeframe, he was adamant about not processing the return. He was unprofessional and rude, speaking to me in a condescending manner and refusing to listen to my explanation or review the receipt properly.****** did not offer any legitimate reason for refusing the return. When I asked for an explanation or a copy of the return policy, he simply stated that the return could not be processed, without further elaboration.The encounter left me feeling frustrated and disrespected. It was evident that ****** was not interested in resolving the issue or adhering to the company's return policies. His behavior and attitude were unacceptable and contrary to the customer service standards

    Harbor Freight Tools is NOT a BBB Accredited Business.

    To become accredited, a business must agree to BBB Standards for Trust and pass BBB's vetting process.

    Why choose a BBB Accredited Business?

    BBB Business Profiles may not be reproduced for sales or promotional purposes.

    BBB Business Profiles are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. BBB asks third parties who publish complaints, reviews and/or responses on this website to affirm that the information provided is accurate. However, BBB does not verify the accuracy of information provided by third parties, and does not guarantee the accuracy of any information in Business Profiles.

    When considering complaint information, please take into account the company's size and volume of transactions, and understand that the nature of complaints and a firm's responses to them are often more important than the number of complaints.

    BBB Business Profiles generally cover a three-year reporting period, except for customer reviews. Customer reviews posted prior to July 5, 2024, will no longer be published when they reach three years from their submission date. Customer reviews posted on/after July 5, 2024, will be published indefinitely unless otherwise voluntarily retracted by the user who submitted the content, or BBB no longer believes the review is authentic. BBB Business Profiles are subject to change at any time. If you choose to do business with this company, please let them know that you checked their record with BBB.

    As a matter of policy, BBB does not endorse any product, service or business. Businesses are under no obligation to seek BBB accreditation, and some businesses are not accredited because they have not sought BBB accreditation. BBB charges a fee for BBB Accreditation. This fee supports BBB's efforts to fulfill its mission of advancing marketplace trust.