Harborfreight 2 item numbers same item

[mayday0017]

I have always noticed that often harborfreight will have 2 of the exact same items with different item numbers. Does anyone know why this is? I have always just assumed that it is maybe two different suppliers making the same part. This gives them some traceability if one suppliers stuff gets constantly returned and the other never seems to have problems.

Is this correct?

 

[sz0k30]

2 of the exact same items with different item numbers.

While the items may do the same job, they are not even close to being exactly the same. The one item I have experience with is the 20 ton shop press. The 2 are very different.

 

[gungatim]

they dual source some items. Two suppliers, same item, need to be able to keep track of orders. many companies do this, it is easier in the procurement system to use seperate part numbers for each supplier than to dual source a single item number...

 

[mayday0017]

While the items may do the same job, they are not even close to being exactly the same. The one item I have experience with is the 20 ton shop press. The 2 are very different.

um... no.... The items are the EXACT same harborfreight has 100's of items that have multiple item numbers...

Prime example becasue I am looking at vacuum pumps right now

ITEM 60805 & 61176

they dual source some items. Two suppliers, same item, need to be able to keep track of orders. many companies do this, it is easier in the procurement system to use seperate part numbers for each supplier than to dual source a single item number...

Yeah that's what I was thinking too, which also explains why sometimes one item number will have good reviews and another have crappy reviews.... Just wanted to try and confirm this if possible....

 

[RCStocker]

When HF gets an order form the factories they have lot numbers. Some times I have seen the same item from 4 different lots. Very common with the. They do it so see how much money they make on each order. Cost and shipping can vary and it gives them perfect price control. The computer does all the book work and inventory. Saves tons of human hours.

 

[fitz11]

Two reasons.
1. Two similar but different items. (Ex. 20 ton shop press or crinkle vs. smooth finish toolboxes.) this mostly happens when they stop carrying one version and start carrying the other.
2. The same item coming from different factories or manufacturers. (Ex. The vacuum pump listed above or the 3 gallon pancake compressor) this mostly happens when they switch suppliers for the same item or when one facility can't meet the quantity HF needs.

 

[fatboyf150]

it's only done to confuse customers. Eric likes to play jokes sometimes.

 

[dlcwent]

I have noticed in thier flyers that they sell the same product with the same number for two different prices. Bad editing what price are you gonna pay?

 

[fitz11]

I have noticed in thier flyers that they sell the same product with the same number for two different prices. Bad editing what price are you gonna pay?

Are you sure that it's not a sale price and a coupon for a lower price?

 

[188slo50]

Sometimes it's new stock and old stock, It helps them know quantity of the old ones.