Have you guys noticed recently that prices have been creeping up lately at harbor freight... and coupon use is getting stricter.... Whats going on....Is it that people are starting to buy more HF tools and they think they have enough market share to start increasing prices...enough so to compete with craftsman, husky and others...
just like KIA and Hyundai cars....they are almost same as quality Japanese cars...???
I believe HF is in a conundrum, a while ago they started aggressive promotions to generate more walk ins and it really worked (too well); now they have the same problem as JC Penny who also did the same thing: HF and coupons are seen as the defacto.
HF has more than succeeded in promotions and they would love to cut it down drastically to increase profits but the problem is they can't. Everyone now identifies HF and discount coupons as the norm.
JC Penny tried to eliminate there coupon program and almost went bankrupt while doing so because everyone stop going. I'm sure HF is very aware of this and seeing what they can get rid of and what discounting they have to continue or bring back to keep their core customers to keep returning. It's all about about keeping up the volume.
Plus, how many people are willing to pay more for HF quality? They are some HF gems but I think we all have experienced product failures and inferior items which are offset by deep discounts.