Using Harbor Freight 20% Coupon @ Home Depot

CaptainMarvel · Jan 17, 2013

I remember seeing a discussion (in another DIY'er Community (I know, I know .. sacrilege) regarding taking advantage of Home Depot's "match any competitor" policy utilizing a Harbor Freight 20% Discount coupon .... but I cannot for the life of me find that discussion thread.

Anyway, the issue is that there are some who have brought in a Harbor Freight 20% Discount Coupon (which are plentiful) to a Home Depot location and have been SUCCESSFUL in Home Depot honoring the 20% discount against various items. (In the particular case I remember, it was someone who purchased a Rigid Table Saw at Home Depot, with Home Depot granting the 20% discount via the HF coupon).

If anyone is familiar with and/or has tried this strategy, please comment on your own experience - be it successful or otherwise.

The thing I am still a bit perplexed about is that it is my understanding that Home Depot's policy is to match (or beat by 10%) any "advertised price for the same IN STORE/IN STOCK item." As such - and given that there are literally no brand-name tools that Harbor Freight carries that Home Depot carries (especially in terms of power tools) - then HOW is one able to utilize a Harbor Freight discount coupon at Home Depot? :dunno:

So, IF you WERE successful in employing this strategy ... PLEASE SHARE HOW YOU WENT ABOUT IT. In other words, how did you approach/what did you say to the Home Depot people when you presented the HF discount coupon and asked if Home Depot would honor the discount toward purchase of (any given) item ???

THANK YOU for the eagerly anticipated information (and education).

TOM

Fordman7795 · Jan 17, 2013

There are 3 home depots within 15 miles or so from me. 1 for sure takes them the other for sure does not take them (and they are the closest to hf). The other im not sure. The one that does take them i hand them the coupon and they check it over to make sure the item is not excluded or the coupon is expired. Then they punch it in. Really no hassle. The store that does not take them say that it is because the items are not the same. (Tried it on a husky wall cabinet after seeing the hf was a flimsy pos)

RivennHewn · Jan 17, 2013

I went through Homedepot.com, were they met but not beat a Sears advertised special.

All it took was asking. Home Depot didn't charge shipping were Sears did.

I saved the shipping cost, and the discount. It shipped to my house, not the retail store.

CaptainMarvel · Jan 17, 2013

Fordman7795 said:
The one that does take them i hand them the coupon and they check it over to make sure the item is not excluded or the coupon is expired. Then they punch it in. Really no hassle. The store that does not take them say that it is because the items are not the same.

What were you able to get the HF 20% discount on at Home Depot?

Again, seeing that the products would not be the same "brand," what did you say to Home Depot to convince them to give you the 20% discount using the HF coupon?

RKA · Jan 17, 2013

Not quite the same thing but I use lowes 10% coupons at several Home Depots all the time. The usually enter a competitor discount at the register. Haven't pushed my luck with the HF coupons though. I have a feeling they would scrutinize that a little more.

Fordman7795 · Jan 17, 2013

They are a competitor. They sell similar items. I used it on a black friday milwaukee combo kit

sharkytm · Jan 17, 2013

I used one on a Rigid lith-ion combo kit... I was amazed that it worked.

Recoil Rob · Jan 17, 2013

I have 4 HD's, 1 Lowes and a HF all withing 20 miles. I have to say it all depends on who you get and how you approach it. I would say I got the 20% at HD about 75% of the time. Lowes always gives it because they are less than a mile form the HF (and the HD in the same area is closer to HF, they always give it).

I will say I did most of this over the summer, I bought so much stuff then that I haven't really had the need to try it recently.

vw_tdi · Jan 17, 2013

1 HD here. Manager laughed, said, "no way" and then said, "I'll give you 10%".

Fordman7795 · Jan 17, 2013

vw_tdi said:
1 HD here. Manager laughed, said, "no way" and then said, "I'll give you 10%".

It Pretty much comes down to manager discretion. There isnt a secret approach to getting it to work. Either the cashiers are trained to do it or not

GarageEnvy · Jan 17, 2013

I actually just used a 25% off coupon at the Fresno HD on Blackstone Avenue to buy a WD1450 Ridgid vac for $75. I was told by the guy in the tool section the coupons were not accepted. The cashier told me they were accepted and said, "Is it one of the 20% off?" Even though it was 25% she accepted it without any hassle. No manager approval. She had clearly done it before.

srmofo · Jan 17, 2013

My HD will not honor the HF coupons. My local lowes also would not honor the HF coupon UNTIL Menards broke ground and started building their new store. Since then they have gone out of their way to advertise on poster board throughout the store that they accept ALL competitors coupons. The HF coupon says 20% off 1 item and since it doesnt stipulate which brand they accept it as long as a similar item is sold at HF (ie you cant use it refrigerators or carpet, etc)

Davefr · Jan 17, 2013

It's strictly YMMV depending on the store management. There is no universal policy.

Your odds go up with a real coupon, your odds go down with a coupon printed from the internet.

sharkytm · Jan 17, 2013

Your odds are best with a full blown magazine, with coupon intact. Bonus points if the magazine ad has a similar item advertised. For example, the Motor Trend magazine ad that I bought in had a cordless combo kit advertised. That made the whole deal a lot easier. "They sell cordless combo kits, you sell cordless combo kits, can you please accept their coupon?"

rsanter · Jan 18, 2013

i have used the HF coupon at Lowes and Home Depot without trouble

bob

toored · Jan 18, 2013

It's a crapshoot.

Usually three scenarios:

1) Coupon Accepted, 20% deducted from one item
2) Coupon Not accepted. When I inquire why they don't they usually say manager doesn't allow them.
3) Coupon Accepted after I ask to speak to a manager.

Asked the store manager and also attempted to contact corporate. Neither will disclose their official policy. 800-HOMEDEPT said it was up to the management at the store.

The Lowes in my area will not accept HF coupons.

OSH I haven't tried

Koy E · Jan 18, 2013

I've used the 20% off HF twice at two different HD's around my area on clearanced items (tool box set & drill/driver combo). both times I made sure to go to the check out lanes with the youngest looking teen cashier. Both times I small talked with them and they just cut out the coupon,took it and deposited into the register and rang up the discount with out management involvement. Obviously I tried to avoid the seasoned cahiers and customer service desk. Plus it helped that I went on a weekend when it was busy.

Bay_City_Exige · Jan 18, 2013

To answer your question on what I have purchased with the 20% off coupon:
- Ridgid SuperClamp (which was already on clearance)
- 2 Echo Chainsaws
- Vise Grips
- Dewalt DWS780 (when they had the promo for a free stand w/purchase)
- Various other items.

*note* I have used the same coupun at Lowes as well. Many HD around me are starting to not honor the 20% HF coupon, but I have never had a problem at Lowes.

My policy - "It doesn't hurt to try"

dodge610 · Jan 18, 2013

My HD has never had a problem taking the hf 20% coupon even if its not the same item.

RedFordTruck · Jan 18, 2013

Ive never used the HF coupon at Lowes or HD but ill have to try :thumbup:

I use Lowes and HD coupons at the other store though. Just tell the cashier that you have a competitor coupon and they'll take it. Only been denied once at HD when I tried to use a lowes $10 off $10 and the only reason they denied that was because it was a printed coupon not a magazine/flyer.

Took the same printed coupon to another HD the next day and used it successfully

Got a pair o Channellock 440s for $5.** after tax.

Galaxie · Jan 18, 2013

As others said totally luck of the draw, I have successfully used it and been turned down at the same store in the same week with the exact same 20% coupon out of a mag. Used it on a Makita hammer drill no questions asked by the cashier, tried few days later on a Milwaukee band saw and was held up by cashier who went to manager for 25 minutes while they first called Lowes to see if theirs was the same price then called the nearest HF and took all the specs of their Band saw and decided it was not the same saw and would not honor the coupon. I never tried again, I can find any of the tools I want from them on ebay or craigslist new/nearly new for far less.

dodge610 · Jan 18, 2013

Galaxie said:
As others said totally luck of the draw, I have successfully used it and been turned down at the same store in the same week with the exact same 20% coupon out of a mag. Used it on a Makita hammer drill no questions asked by the cashier, tried few days later on a Milwaukee band saw and was held up by cashier who went to manager for 25 minutes while they first called Lowes to see if theirs was the same price then called the nearest HF and took all the specs of their Band saw and decided it was not the same saw and would not honor the coupon. I never tried again, I can find any of the tools I want from them on ebay or craigslist new/nearly new for far less.

My HD hasnt raised a stink yet but the last time I used a coupon they did check a few things but let it go thru. They might be buckling down on these coupons now.

ezriderga · Jan 18, 2013

My local HD wouldn't accept HF 20% coupon. Drive 20 miles to the next one and they take it. Like someone else said, it's a crapshot.

CaptainMarvel · Jan 18, 2013

I'm both enjoying and encouraged by the various experiences - and success stories - being shared by so many as to this topic. Makes me want to give it a shot tomorrow at my local Home Depot.

Unfortunately, I still need to save up for the item I am wanting ... even with a potential 20% discount (which would amount to approximately $100 off, if successful).

Keep the stories comin' .... and PLEASE include what product you were able to purchase at Home Depot with the 20% (Harbor Freight Coupon) discount.

Loudpipes66 · Jan 19, 2013

I used a HF 20% coupon tonight at the Greensburg Pa store on a rigid 18v combo with success. Just like Koy E stated I chose the youngest looking cashier and went on a busy saturday evening 4pm. The cashier said she was not sure if they honored HF coupons and tried to get a supervisor, but they were busy so she went ahead and gave it to me. Thanks to CaptainMarvel for bringing this topic up because this was the first I have heard of HD honoring coupons other than Lowes.

CaptainMarvel · Jan 19, 2013

Glad I was able to help out in some small indirect way. :beer:

I wish Lowes was as "giving" as many Home Depots seem to be. There are a handful of brand items that Lowes carries and Home Depot does not (e.g. Porter Cable) - in store, at least - that I am interested in.

Oh well ... guess I'll just have to go the old fashioned route and actually save-up for the "non-20%-discount" price. :Freak:

TOM

Danglerb · Jan 20, 2013

Doesn't Lowes still have the post office moving kit 10$ coupon?

I have some stuff to mail on Tuesday, so I may ask for a couple packets for my "friend" who just moved.

sharkytm · Jan 20, 2013

Danglerb said:
Doesn't Lowes still have the post office moving kit 10$ coupon?

I have some stuff to mail on Tuesday, so I may ask for a couple packets for my "friend" who just moved.

Nope, too many jack holes gobbling up hundreds of them at major post offices and selling them on eBay. Idiots spoiling a good deal for the rest of us.

KaHuNaZ · Aug 6, 2013

Just used the hf 20% off at HD. They gave me 20% off my entire purchase (ryobi impact wrench + lithium battery). My buddy also used his HF coupon on a Ryobi combo kit. The first girl at the check out didn't want to honor the coupon. She mentioned that the item had to be the same item for sale at Harbor freight. I told her that it wasn't for a specific item, but a competitors coupon for 20% off in general. She said she couldn't do it, so my buddy said lets try customer service and the girl nodded in agreement. We went to the customer service desk and she recognized and took the coupon no problem. You just need to talk to the right person.

DSM21 · Aug 6, 2013

Im curious can you use the coupon on a home depot air compressor?

iroc409 · Aug 6, 2013

I bought a Honda push mower at Home Depot a couple years ago. That was probably pushing it, but I just handed the coupon over and didn't plead or anything--they just took it no question.

Tried to buy a saw at HD (Ridgid brand of one HF sells) recently in another state and they wouldn't take it (said they no longer do). I've used it a couple times at Lowe's for hand tools and the like with no issues.

cheechi · Aug 6, 2013

DSM21 said:
Im curious can you use the coupon on a home depot air compressor?

If they were going to hold the line I can see them doing it on a compressor. The HF coupon says you can't use it on a compressor so this would be logical.

I have found the best success with HF coupons at HD if you buy a house brand (husky, ridgid, ryobi, HDX) and it's an item HF sells. Even better if the manager or cashier doesn't know what HF is.

I've bought a Ridgid table saw with it, and a few milwaukee tools. On the table saw, originally they said they'd give me 10% because that's what they usually match for Lowe's coupons. I said 'the coupon says 20%, why not do 20%? I'm sure you still make money off it' and after telling them I don't need it, i want it but I could put it back on the shelf, they did it. If it's a big purchase like a table saw, they know how much they can stand to lose and also they're more likely to help you spend big than buying one drill or hand tool.

I bought a M12 set that had the hammer drill, impact driver, 'free gift' oscillating tool, and there was a free battery promo going on, all with the 20%. That set was the same price as the one that didn't incluce the free gift. I have a feeling they were trying to get rid of it, they sold it to me minus 20% no q asked. it was after the M12 fuels were announced last winter.

Every once in a while I will attempt it, usually if i buy an item that costs more than 50. I can use printed coupons at HF, I don't have 'real' coupons that often to bring to HD.

Like everyone said, YMMV but I haven't had them say flat out no. The most common thing is for them to try to get you down to 10% instead.

johnymatic · Aug 6, 2013

I use them here in vegas all the time. two weeks ago i bought a Rigid chop saw at home depot. cost $180 in store, I saved almost $50 when it was all said and done.
Happy Happy Boy.

The same day Lowes also gave me 20% off a torque wrench, saved $14 off of $70.
I woulda bought both of these anyways, I needed them. But ****-howdy $64 savings is REAL money to me.
(I save the HF coupons whenever I see um in magazines at work etc, Keep them in my wallet lol)
I even will pass one off to a fella when i see the "Man can I afford this tool I need" look on his/her face.

I got the tip from you guys originally, Thanks guys.

tinkergeek · Aug 7, 2013

Used HF 20% off one item today to purchase a tarp. Not an expensive item, but $5 off doesn't hurt. The checker did cut and keep the coupon.

Another thread mentioned that checkers have discretion up to $50 off.

Thanks for the $5, learned it here.

Bryanthegreat · Aug 7, 2013

I used one as well saved myself about 20.00 on a vise. I brought in the whole page from the ad to show that it was a store that sold similar items. Not sure if that made any difference. The cashier took the 20% off and gave the add back to me. It is worth a shot to ask.

jd_1138 · Aug 7, 2013

A lot of other stores match coupons as well. A local discount chain of grocery stores just opened and sent us some $10 off coupons (off of $30 or more of purchased items). My wife mentioned the coupons to her friend who works for a larger chain of grocery stores, and her friend said that they honor competitor coupons. So we saved $10 on last week's groceries.

RCStocker · Aug 7, 2013

I can't believe and don't believe Lowes or HD will take a HF coupon. Nothing is the same. HF is all junk. I would need to be there and see it to believe it. It is not on like items of the same brand. I don't know anyone who will honor a coupon for a different item.

Markets are really clamping down on coupons. Sam's and Costco will not take MFG coupons. You need to go to a market to take advantage of them.

I get about 4 25% off coupons for HF each year and 20's all the time. I have yet to use one. I find that sooner or later the items I want go on sale for a good price.
I got a table lift, cherry picker and several tools boxes form HF. I have been very happy with what little I have gotten. I even picked off a few of the large service carts. Forget the truck brands. There is not 10% difference.

Sorry guys but I don't believe anyone has cashed in a HF coupon.
I am sorry if you really have and I am wrong. My wife's middle son is the Manager of a Home Depot store and we have talked about it. He says they are not allowed to do it at their store.

Fordman7795 · Aug 7, 2013

RCStocker said:
I can't believe and don't believe Lowes or HD will take a HF coupon. Nothing is the same. HF is all junk. I would need to be there and see it to believe it. It is not on like items of the same brand. I don't know anyone who will honor a coupon for a different item.

Markets are really clamping down on coupons. Sam's and Costco will not take MFG coupons. You need to go to a market to take advantage of them.

I get about 4 25% off coupons for HF each year and 20's all the time. I have yet to use one. I find that sooner or later the items I want go on sale for a good price.
I got a table lift, cherry picker and several tools boxes form HF. I have been very happy with what little I have gotten. I even picked off a few of the large service carts. Forget the truck brands. There is not 10% difference.

Sorry guys but I don't believe anyone has cashed in a HF coupon.
I am sorry if you really have and I am wrong. My wife's middle son is the Manager of a Home Depot store and we have talked about it. He says they are not allowed to do it at their store.

After 50 years of doing everything possible on the face of the planet i am surprised this isnt something you have done.

djcslice · Aug 7, 2013

I have done it 4 times. Since the last time I did, I've heard they changed their policy but I haven't confirmed it.

johnymatic · Aug 7, 2013

Well... They do.

they would rather sell you an item for %20 off, than have you go out the door or to amazon etc.
I agree "Price matching" at some stores has to be a like item yada.yada. They wont give me a Dewalt cordless impact for the price of the Chicago brand HF unit.
But this is simply a discount, tool store to tool store.
Most places accept competitors coupons, albertsons, HD, walmart, whatever.
Just gotta **** it up and ask, Being embarassed may cost you %20 more. No harm in asking, Be polite too.

Using Harbor Freight 20% Coupon @ Home Depot

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