91bronc300
Well-known member
- Joined
- Oct 19, 2009
- Messages
- 2,559
Anybody know how often Harbor Freight puts out those 20% off a $100 order coupons? Or when we might be due for one?
Harbor Freight Coupon Thread
- Thread starter RbrtAWhyt
- Start date
wildbill23c
Well-known member
How do they figure someone will give them an original coupon when they have printable coupons on their website, or in email, etc. Not everyone has a phone capable of internet, or email so I don't see how they could start changing things up. I'd ask them what an original coupon looks like because some of us have to actually print them off to use them.
wildbill23c
Well-known member
Might work in the store but it doesn't work online. I wouldn't get your hopes up of it working in the store either unless you get a cashier that isn't paying attention, or just doesn't care about their job LOL.
06 DIESEL
Well-known member
At the end of 2014 I called their order line to place three separate orders for three different items in one phone call, each with a different 25% off coupon. The lady was happy to do each order and did not question me at all.
leftyz
Well-known member
I think you'd have better luck in asking in person, in line with a bunch of items ready to ring up than calling in and asking (better to ask forgiveness than permission type of situation). Just my honest opinion..
it'll be just like walmart. low prices until you drive most of the competition away, and then back to normal and people don't even notice they are still paying full price for stuff
BLACK DEATH
Well-known member
Any coupons for 1/2" impacts sockets short style, not long?
wildbill23c
Well-known member
If you watch the prices all the time, then watch the "sales" you'll see that it isn't a sale its the regular price more often than not. The price they have crossed off in the flyers are the suggested retail price...the item is never sold for that price to begin with. So they make it look like the item is on sale by crossing out the retail price and printing in bold red numerals their "sale" price which in fact is just the regular every day shelf price LOL. They've done that several times actually.
mechanicalmoron
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 28, 2014
- Messages
- 178
Reading this thread, especially the last few pages, I get the strong impression that nobody understands their business model, even a bit.
Their "sale" price, which is already below the alleged MSRP, is still not the real price. Their price that they figure everything with is after a 20% or 25% coupon - anyone who doesn't have one is a sucker (or gravy, from their point of view), paying over the figured price on total junk - anyone who does have one is just making the company a modest profit.
They don't just not know how people are using coupons, it's a system that's designed to make you feel like you're getting away with something, so you don't notice how you're still actually paying money for ****.
Of course their coupons are for a limited time only, and totally going to be cracked down on, and all that... otherwise, you wouldn't hurry up and buy their ****.
Their "sale" price, which is already below the alleged MSRP, is still not the real price. Their price that they figure everything with is after a 20% or 25% coupon - anyone who doesn't have one is a sucker (or gravy, from their point of view), paying over the figured price on total junk - anyone who does have one is just making the company a modest profit.
They don't just not know how people are using coupons, it's a system that's designed to make you feel like you're getting away with something, so you don't notice how you're still actually paying money for ****.
Of course their coupons are for a limited time only, and totally going to be cracked down on, and all that... otherwise, you wouldn't hurry up and buy their ****.
Black death:
Just picked up the set of short impact sockets yesterday, price was 25 bucks, with 20% off its 20.. Which is good because the coupon for them when it comes out is normally $19.99.. I used the coupon for the deep sockets and the 20% off for the short sockets, paid the same price for both.
BTW.. Bought the 1/2" earthquake impact gun, holy effing s**t.. I'd compare it to my buddies high dollar snap on, had an axle nut stuck on my trick and almost broke my breaker bar trying to get it lose.. That thing broke it loose and zipped it off in about literally 2 seconds.
Just picked up the set of short impact sockets yesterday, price was 25 bucks, with 20% off its 20.. Which is good because the coupon for them when it comes out is normally $19.99.. I used the coupon for the deep sockets and the 20% off for the short sockets, paid the same price for both.
BTW.. Bought the 1/2" earthquake impact gun, holy effing s**t.. I'd compare it to my buddies high dollar snap on, had an axle nut stuck on my trick and almost broke my breaker bar trying to get it lose.. That thing broke it loose and zipped it off in about literally 2 seconds.
wildbill23c
Well-known member
Nothing new at all, HF isn't the only company that does this, every business out there does it. You can't sell anything for cost, you have to make a profit or the business won't be in business.
The problem is these companies pretending that their sales are sales when in fact they're not. However, given the sheep in today's world they have no clue they just follow along and think that the sale flyer is saving them tons of money...this is exactly the store's plan, catch the people who don't have a clue lure them into the store knowing that many will end up buying other stuff not just what's in the flyer.
There are just certain tools you don't buy at a discount tool store LOL.
TheEquineFencer
Well-known member
I just got back from Harbor Freight, 6 in. Belt and 9 in. Disc Combination Sander, $179.75 w/tax. I used a "20% any item" off from the HF thread. $209.99 regular price, $42.00 off with coupon = 167.98 wo/tax.Thanks for posting the thread!
wildbill23c
Well-known member
Decided to venture over to the new HF store in another town close to me this morning. IDK, but just didn't seem right. The location is horrible to get into, and the parking lot is setup really stupid its also in the same building shared with a Dollar Store so the parking is pretty limited as it is, and the lot layout just makes it really dumb. I doubt I'll go back to that one, I'll stick with the Boise store I think.
Anyhow, they mentioned a parking lot sale in March I believe, supposed to be the biggest one ever LOL. At this point I don't need anything so doubt I'll be going, however they had a 20% off coupon in the flyer they were handing out, however its only good from Feb 13-16.
Anyhow, they mentioned a parking lot sale in March I believe, supposed to be the biggest one ever LOL. At this point I don't need anything so doubt I'll be going, however they had a 20% off coupon in the flyer they were handing out, however its only good from Feb 13-16.
I really doubt very much that a company like HF has not heard of GJ.
I'm almost sure that they have somebody or a few somebodies check
up on this site. Maybe they're even members; just don't want it known
Might get hit with more complaints than compliments.
That's funny you say that because I actually herd about this site through Harbor Freights Facebook... They had a post about Steveo's bench
archirelic
Well-known member
The coupon I had for the 4x36 belt sander expired today...has anyone by chance have another one with obviously a later expiration date? The coupon listing price is 59.**.
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
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leftyz
Well-known member
Yes there are more good coupons for that item, once I get to a pc I can upload a new one (or use the coupon search on my site if you need it before Monday )
archirelic
Well-known member
paramud
Well-known member
I really doubt very much that a company like HF has not heard of GJ.
I'm almost sure that they have somebody or a few somebodies check
up on this site. Maybe they're even members; just don't want it known
Might get hit with more complaints than compliments.
They have posted to here a couple times from their facebook page
BLACK DEATH
Well-known member
Thanks sh, ill have to do that also
XxToolAholicxX
Well-known member
I have Harbor Freight on my way home from work and I go there very often like 5 days a week. Lol You are 100% correct they don't have sales like many fellow GJ members say they do. They mark the price up and bring it down to MSRP by using 20% coupon. The inside track is the biggest BS you can think of.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am a ToolAhoilc,Sometimes I regret it,Especialy when the Toolman wont give me no credit
+1. The wife asked me if it was worth the cost, I said yes... But since then, the 20% coupon has been a better deal for almost every purchase I've made that had an inside track coupon.
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oldeerslayer
Active member
MY local HF, 35 miles, has started asking for my phone number when I present a coupon. (Last couple times I picked up a free NPR item because I was just passing by).
Are they checking to see if I'm an Inside Track member, which I'm not. Or are they now keeping records of who purchases what and who just takes the freebies?
Interesting side note this HF is pretty close to a crappy neighborhood and there was a shooting in the parking lot last week in the middle of the day. When ever I go there I park where I can see my truck from inside because there are always shady looking people on bicycles watching as you enter and leave. Don't think I'd ever stop there with my Corvette.
Are they checking to see if I'm an Inside Track member, which I'm not. Or are they now keeping records of who purchases what and who just takes the freebies?
Interesting side note this HF is pretty close to a crappy neighborhood and there was a shooting in the parking lot last week in the middle of the day. When ever I go there I park where I can see my truck from inside because there are always shady looking people on bicycles watching as you enter and leave. Don't think I'd ever stop there with my Corvette.
leftyz
Well-known member
They have asked for mine too, I just tell them no thanks.
twohawks
Well-known member
Did you ask them why? Whenever I get asked I ask back. I encourage everyone to do the same.
::rant on::
I was making a return at Kmart, set it up online, brought the paperwork to the store, and they wanted some personal information. I asked them back ...why? After a few 'empty' responses, I told the clerk that ...well lets keep this short... after challenging them (meaning the manager showed up, etc) it came down to that they did not really require the information, and I did not give it to them either, and we conducted the return without anyone being insulted or abused, and my information remaining safe with me only -- as it should be.
Just saying, I recommend folks don't go blindly along with being pressed for their personal information. It happens a lot now, and often times store employees AND managers don't realize that although they are being asked (more and more) to gather personal information, the customers aren't necessarily required to give it.
If you do not stand up and ask questions and simply blindly follow, you are empowering corporations to take more and more advantage of us. I don't want our kids thinking they have to go along with all the sh-t coming at us from these corporations. You don't have to be angry, upset, or impolite... you simply need to "show up" / "be present" ...and question.
Sorry... an aspect of my business is in security, and I don't like seeing my family, kids, neighbors, community members etc simply going along with b.s. like this. The pressure is "constantly on" these days. And everytime they see someone "simply going along", they are getting it in their heads that "that's the way it is and they simply have to follow suit". And that's the b.s. I'm talkin' about.
::rant off::
#############ON ANOTHER (positive) NOTE... I was recently contacted by a Harbor Freight representative concerning reviews I left that reported on the process they followed for shipping alternative items to what I ordered (on over 7 occasions)... items having very different specifications to what I ordered. It seems HF takes consumer reflections seriously and is interested in making things right. I am going to be posting followup details in a different thread where I posted about how HF handles online vending and consumer experience.
THIS IS GOOD NEWS FOR US HF CUSTOMERS...
1) If the corporate cares what the customer's experience is, and customers can prompt the corporation toward more appropriate care, then the local franchiser's will be subject to this prompting as well (i.e., it follows that it will trickle down if consumers bring these experiences to the Corp attention).
I read a lot of varying experiences here regarding futile attempts to use coupons at HF stores. Seems wrong to me...
2) If I can use a coupon online, and then I hear about someone going into a store with the same coupon and being questioned/pressed for, say, coupon pictures or snips... this makes no sense. Why can I use a simple code online without any "paper proof", but if I go into the local store I am subject to challenge (I am obviously not talking about certain coupons that explicitly state you have to show them).
...I say, petition HF Corporate about this incongruity. Since they obviously care about their consumers' experience (who knew), it logically follows ...you should see results if you bring these concerns to them.
Of course, I would not bother "threatening" my local franchise with "going to the corp" ("I'm telling daddy!" [sic]). You'll just end up with bad relationship, and wondering if there's spit in your sandwich. Simply call/write HF corp about the experience. Post your experiences in the comments section for some of the products you're purchasing -- like I did. If customers start doing this I bet it will make a difference.
HF is sending me some replacement tools because I simply spoke up (in the HF comments section for those tools). I received a freaking phone call from a corporate representative about my comments, concerned about my experience! And they want to make it right. Shocking really - never expected that. Its so cool to see a large corporate like this take consumer feedback seriously. They had pretty much lost most of my future business until this happened.
I'll be updating my other thread within a couple days with more details (relevant to what I posted about there).
::rant on::
I was making a return at Kmart, set it up online, brought the paperwork to the store, and they wanted some personal information. I asked them back ...why? After a few 'empty' responses, I told the clerk that ...well lets keep this short... after challenging them (meaning the manager showed up, etc) it came down to that they did not really require the information, and I did not give it to them either, and we conducted the return without anyone being insulted or abused, and my information remaining safe with me only -- as it should be.
Just saying, I recommend folks don't go blindly along with being pressed for their personal information. It happens a lot now, and often times store employees AND managers don't realize that although they are being asked (more and more) to gather personal information, the customers aren't necessarily required to give it.
If you do not stand up and ask questions and simply blindly follow, you are empowering corporations to take more and more advantage of us. I don't want our kids thinking they have to go along with all the sh-t coming at us from these corporations. You don't have to be angry, upset, or impolite... you simply need to "show up" / "be present" ...and question.
Sorry... an aspect of my business is in security, and I don't like seeing my family, kids, neighbors, community members etc simply going along with b.s. like this. The pressure is "constantly on" these days. And everytime they see someone "simply going along", they are getting it in their heads that "that's the way it is and they simply have to follow suit". And that's the b.s. I'm talkin' about.
::rant off::
#############ON ANOTHER (positive) NOTE... I was recently contacted by a Harbor Freight representative concerning reviews I left that reported on the process they followed for shipping alternative items to what I ordered (on over 7 occasions)... items having very different specifications to what I ordered. It seems HF takes consumer reflections seriously and is interested in making things right. I am going to be posting followup details in a different thread where I posted about how HF handles online vending and consumer experience.
THIS IS GOOD NEWS FOR US HF CUSTOMERS...
1) If the corporate cares what the customer's experience is, and customers can prompt the corporation toward more appropriate care, then the local franchiser's will be subject to this prompting as well (i.e., it follows that it will trickle down if consumers bring these experiences to the Corp attention).
I read a lot of varying experiences here regarding futile attempts to use coupons at HF stores. Seems wrong to me...
2) If I can use a coupon online, and then I hear about someone going into a store with the same coupon and being questioned/pressed for, say, coupon pictures or snips... this makes no sense. Why can I use a simple code online without any "paper proof", but if I go into the local store I am subject to challenge (I am obviously not talking about certain coupons that explicitly state you have to show them).
...I say, petition HF Corporate about this incongruity. Since they obviously care about their consumers' experience (who knew), it logically follows ...you should see results if you bring these concerns to them.
Of course, I would not bother "threatening" my local franchise with "going to the corp" ("I'm telling daddy!" [sic]). You'll just end up with bad relationship, and wondering if there's spit in your sandwich. Simply call/write HF corp about the experience. Post your experiences in the comments section for some of the products you're purchasing -- like I did. If customers start doing this I bet it will make a difference.
HF is sending me some replacement tools because I simply spoke up (in the HF comments section for those tools). I received a freaking phone call from a corporate representative about my comments, concerned about my experience! And they want to make it right. Shocking really - never expected that. Its so cool to see a large corporate like this take consumer feedback seriously. They had pretty much lost most of my future business until this happened.
I'll be updating my other thread within a couple days with more details (relevant to what I posted about there).
Last edited:
twohawks
Well-known member
Sorry that's a bit long. Just hope its helpful.
Several weeks ago I posted about HF setting prices with the assumption customer will have a 20% coupon. I felt it was ok to use photocopy or image on your phone. I got one post comment about how I had an ethics problem.... Glad to see someone else understands the modern world !
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Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
lonesouth
Well-known member
FWIW, I use a google voice number for all public facing interactions. If anyone decides to spam me, it is easy to block their number. I only give out my actual cell number to people I personally know.
lonesouth
Well-known member
anyone actually seen a 44" tool cabinet selling for more than $400? or the 56" for more than a grand?
gabeancounter
Well-known member
Can somebody tell me the best deal on the top chest for the 56" cabinet?
http://www.harborfreight.com/tool-s...lossy-red-roller-cabinet-top-chest-61370.html
http://www.harborfreight.com/tool-s...lossy-red-roller-cabinet-top-chest-61370.html
I do the same thing! GV also has a do-not-disturb feature that's fairly easy to turn on and off if you don't want to totally block someone.
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wildbill23c
Well-known member
My 44" cabinet was $360 I believe, can't remember I didn't buy it, a family member bought it for me while I was deployed. It definitely wasn't more than $400 though. I have sense added the top chest, and plan on adding the side cabinets eventually. I know they caught it on sale at some point as it was like $360 or something close to that. They're $390 now.
56" chests $800. The 72" however is $1200 I believe. Can't beat them for the price. Mine sits outside all the time, only downfall I've seen are the drawers are sticky when I try and open them for the first time after it has sat all winter unused.
I think if you go to Snap On or Mac, or one of those companies they'll sell you a 44" chest for a grand LOL.
ybnormal70
Well-known member
Here is the value I see in being an ITC member.
I live about 30 minutes from Harbor Freight. My wife and I almost always go together and use 1 20/25% coupon each. With the ITC membership I can use the ITC coupons on other items and the 20/25% on my most expensive qualifying item.
Yes, usually the 20/25% off is better than the ITC coupon but you can use multiple coupons with several items being purchased. Just the other day I purchased the HF Welding Cabinet for $150 using the ITC coupon and the HF Port-a-Band saw with a 20%. That right there save me $20 on the welding cabinet since the 20/25% coupons do not work on them.
I paid $45 for my 2 year membership. Then I was to get a $20 gift card but they offered to give me a grinder pedestal that had been returned during a sidewalk sale and I jumped on that offer. We had already settled on a $20 price for the pedestal so basically I paid $25 for my 2 year membership. I have already saved more than that with buying 1 welding blanket and the welding cabinet with ITC coupons.
I'm happy with mine but I guess if I lived a block a way from HF and could stop by everyday and buy 1 item with a 20/25% off at a time I could technically save a couple more $$$ sometimes, but it that really worth it???
Kevin
I live about 30 minutes from Harbor Freight. My wife and I almost always go together and use 1 20/25% coupon each. With the ITC membership I can use the ITC coupons on other items and the 20/25% on my most expensive qualifying item.
Yes, usually the 20/25% off is better than the ITC coupon but you can use multiple coupons with several items being purchased. Just the other day I purchased the HF Welding Cabinet for $150 using the ITC coupon and the HF Port-a-Band saw with a 20%. That right there save me $20 on the welding cabinet since the 20/25% coupons do not work on them.
I paid $45 for my 2 year membership. Then I was to get a $20 gift card but they offered to give me a grinder pedestal that had been returned during a sidewalk sale and I jumped on that offer. We had already settled on a $20 price for the pedestal so basically I paid $25 for my 2 year membership. I have already saved more than that with buying 1 welding blanket and the welding cabinet with ITC coupons.
I'm happy with mine but I guess if I lived a block a way from HF and could stop by everyday and buy 1 item with a 20/25% off at a time I could technically save a couple more $$$ sometimes, but it that really worth it???
Kevin
leftyz
Well-known member
Kevin there is a regular coupon for that welding cabinet for $150... just stirring the pot a little
schmitty8225
Active member
The phone number is used to track purchases. i've had them search by phone number when I needed to return something.
wildbill23c
Well-known member
Yep, it is also how they look up your warranty info if you need something warranty related.
oldeerslayer
Active member
When they enter your phone number, ITC membership and extended warranties must be the first things to show up. I suppose it provides the clerk with some idea of your value as a regular customer.
I returned a framing nailer because it jammed on the shorter 2-1/2" nails. Every 5-6th nail, every time. I returned it for a new one under the extended warranty (one replacement). But I didn't pay for the extended warranty on the replacement.
It did exactly the same thing, so I took that one back and asked for a refund. BOY did that confuse them as they had no record of the purchase. Seems once the extended warranty is used it automatically disappears from their server. The manager could see (he showed me) the list of items I still had under warranty, but had no way of figuring out what I paid originally. The receipt from the previous day had the list price only on the exchange.
He finally created a sale on my account, then refunded me the list price, since I was a "good" customer. I honestly don't remember what I paid 9mos. earlier. (probably -25%)
Took the money and bought a Porter Cable through Amazon. Had it in 2 days for about $25 more. It has worked flawlessly since.
So much so that I finally threw out all my $18 HF cordless drills and bought a Porter Cable that runs for days of continual use, has a spare battery always ready and recharges in 15 minutes. Sure it was $80 more, but after 10 years of waiting 8 hours to recharge the HF cordless and then needing a recharge in an hour or 2 of regular use, the PC has been a God send.
Guess I drifted off my own topic there, but I've learned some tools are worth spending a bit more on. Still use the cheap HF nails in the good gun.
I returned a framing nailer because it jammed on the shorter 2-1/2" nails. Every 5-6th nail, every time. I returned it for a new one under the extended warranty (one replacement). But I didn't pay for the extended warranty on the replacement.
It did exactly the same thing, so I took that one back and asked for a refund. BOY did that confuse them as they had no record of the purchase. Seems once the extended warranty is used it automatically disappears from their server. The manager could see (he showed me) the list of items I still had under warranty, but had no way of figuring out what I paid originally. The receipt from the previous day had the list price only on the exchange.
He finally created a sale on my account, then refunded me the list price, since I was a "good" customer. I honestly don't remember what I paid 9mos. earlier. (probably -25%)
Took the money and bought a Porter Cable through Amazon. Had it in 2 days for about $25 more. It has worked flawlessly since.
So much so that I finally threw out all my $18 HF cordless drills and bought a Porter Cable that runs for days of continual use, has a spare battery always ready and recharges in 15 minutes. Sure it was $80 more, but after 10 years of waiting 8 hours to recharge the HF cordless and then needing a recharge in an hour or 2 of regular use, the PC has been a God send.
Guess I drifted off my own topic there, but I've learned some tools are worth spending a bit more on. Still use the cheap HF nails in the good gun.