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I'm Done With Harbor Freight

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M635_Guy

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Since we're resurrecting threads...
That has little to do with quality and more with the fact that they want to push extended warranties.

They probably "make" more money by not having to accrue warranty expenses on their books beyond 90 days (for most stuff) than they do on selling the extended warranties (though there's definitely profit for them there). It's also a way to reduce their prices - the longer the warranty the more the "Service Cost Estimate" (that's the terminology used in my company) is built-in as cost. Keeping the quality higher than the estimate is a good way to recover some of that cost and profitability, but your books wind up pretty dirty with accruals to cover warranty costs.

The people who want longer warranties can opt-in and buy one :dunno:
 

Dh3256

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dam still not done ?

And still no post of any part of the alleged "nasty" email. Given the ensuing discussion, I suspect I am not the only one questioning whether it was the email that was "nasty".
 

dogdog

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And still no post of any part of the alleged "nasty" email. Given the ensuing discussion, I suspect I am not the only one questioning whether it was the email that was "nasty".

I don't think the OP is coming back with that nasty email.. since you "people" did not lynch mob blindly with him for no good reason.. a while back. It's a good thing GJer grew out of that prehistoric mind set/phase.

But I am done with HF for a while ":) no new projects and value for the $$$ on their tools have diminished with the price increased... and last warranty / return service for a spray pump that was defective on first use was jumping through hoops. I did get my $$$ back...
 

Lassen Forge

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HF is happy that some customers wont be returning.

... because HF has so many fish on their line, the few who decide they want something better won't make a dent in the "Buy it cheap, use it today, when it breaks, buy another" crowd.

There was a company by the name of Lash Tamaron. Chinese toy maker, and a wholly owned subsidiary of Toys R us... they would mass produce stuff so cheap for their parent company, they were considered pure profit - make for .3 cents (as in 3/10ths of a cent), sell for $19.99...

It's no different than HF. They make stuff for fractional cents on the dollar in their wholly owned overseas factories, and sell it to you for what you think is a bargain basement price, all the while they're laughing their way to the bank, because what you got as a bargain for $89.95 cost them 89¢ to make, another <1¢ to ship by the containerful (on their own ships)... They maybe have $2.00 invested in that "bargain with a coupon $89.95 tool"...

I'm not saying the products are trash (hell, ask the Chinese Barbies), but the reality is they're a 10¢ tool you paid $10 for. Will they do the job? probably yes, maybe no, and if it breaks, you (rich American) will go out and spend $10 in gas and time to get it exchanged, or more likely, just buy a new one because you're in a hurry to get the job done...

I'm not saying stuff like Snap-on won't break, but part of that horrific high price is a bet that it will last longer, and not cost you time to go to the store to exchange it.

It's like going to Monte Carlo (or buying life insurance)... you put your bet down, take your chances. The more you pay, the better your chances, but even then, like life insurance, there's no guarantee. And that cheap term insurance when you're 30? When you hit the "term", your insurance is over, all the money you spent over the past 45 years belongs to the company, and you get... zilch.

But that's thread drift. :D
 

zendriver

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It’s one of the ultimate ironies is, that the people that ***** most about Harbor freight don’t shop there.

They are positive they know something, the others don’t.


It’s a hoot every time. How will we survive without their wisdom?

These days, it would not be surprising if some Harbor freight‘s products are made the same Chinese factory as Milwaukee brand tools.

Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app
 
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BD1

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Harbor freight has a recall on their 3 and 6 ton Jack stands.
Mine weren't on the recall list but they are giving store credit or a lesser cash refund.
Mine were the old orange shade.
No problem with return.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
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dogdog

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... because HF has so many fish on their line, the few who decide they want something better won't make a dent in the "Buy it cheap, use it today, when it breaks, buy another" crowd.

......................

But that's thread drift. :D


I Think you might have missed the original post / Memo...

For SNAP-ON brand meters, power tools, and electronic diagnostic products, the warranty period is for ONE YEAR from the date of the original purchase. ... A consumable product is warranted, at the time of sale, only against defects in workmanship or materials that prevent its use.

lets say they "snap-on" do make an electric pole saw... The OP tried to claim warranty after 5 years later... and claims nasty email response from HF, which he/she have no proof of. If it is a chat log, it might be not able to be save as proof ( as verizon/optimum/amazon are smart about this, you can't save chat logs), but emails ?... OP was probably not happy that we are not lynch mobbing HF for that ordeal he have been through...


Try making that claims with Snap-on on electrical stuff.. I am pretty sure you are "special" and the truck stop by your house to exchange it for you even after 5 years.

Just saying.. I don't think you are comparing things right or left..
 

Lookin4'67Galaxieconv

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lets say they "snap-on" do make an electric pole saw... The OP tried to claim warranty after 5 years later... and claims nasty email response from HF, which he/she have no proof of. If it is a chat log, it might be not able to be save as proof ( as verizon/optimum/amazon are smart about this, you can't save chat logs),

Ever hear of screenshots? :lol:
 

brianh

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I have stuff from the 90's from harbor freight some of its **** some works.

I do not really have a allegiance to any toolmaker anymore since they all outsource I was strictly Porter Cable until they got bought out for power tools.

Bought a HF SDS roto hammer for my shop foundation bolts 50 bucks that was ten years ago and many more projects it paid for itself on the first job.

Same with the drills and electric die grinders most are over ten years old and get used daily for weeks at a time when I am busy. Maybe people breaking stuff in ten minutes don't know how to use a tool in the first place.
 

Tonyuk

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There's always some entitled a-hole who thinks there the centre of the universe claiming they've been mistreated by a shop or business.

Work with the public for long enough and you'll see plenty.
 

brianh

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There's always some entitled a-hole who thinks there the centre of the universe claiming they've been mistreated by a shop or business.

Work with the public for long enough and you'll see plenty.

Nailed it, I do art shows in normal years, I get people shoving 70 percent of my price on a piece in cash telling me I am going to lose a sale like cash is 30 percent more valuable than a credit card.
 
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