Left HF empty handed today ...

[Danglerb]

I walked out of Harbor Freight with zip today, they were even out of flashlights.

Cordless impacts.
Nothing on the shelf but the kinda cheesy 1/4 drive model, and manager told me they no longer carry any of the 3/8 or 1/2 units shown on the website as "in store only".

Prices.
Could be my memory going, but seemed like MANY items were showing MUCH higher list prices. 1/2" torque wrench was marked something like $34.95, and I am pretty sure I bought mine on sale for $9.95 a year or so ago.

Battery chargers.
They had maybe 8 different models, with at least two appearing to be new designs, and again the two cheapest seemed to have list price bumped like 30%. The bottom trickle charger, 800 ma max, I'm pretty sure used to be $9.95 list and $3.99 on sale, is now $12.95 list, on sale for $7.99 (but maybe $4 again on a better sale).

Radiator tester.
On sale for $60, which is $48 after 20% coupon, I was seriously thinking about buying it. Quality seemed low, but acceptable for limited use. I didn't like the quick coupler system, since testing a radiator is not tolerant of even very small leaks, and it looked to clunky to me. I checked later online and apparently it ONLY has adapters for non US cars. I can't really justify the cost of any of the decent new units, so I'm going to keep looking for a used Stant.

 

[catfish]

probably due to weaker USD

 

[haggis]

I was in there two days ago to get a couple of cheap grinders.

I noticed that the popular US General roller cab has gone up to $599.

The girl at the checkout told me that they will no longer be allowing the use of multiple 20% coupons on the same day by the same person. Anyone else come across this?

 

[Mike B26]

Prices.
Could be my memory going, but seemed like MANY items were showing MUCH higher list prices. 1/2" torque wrench was marked something like $34.95, and I am pretty sure I bought mine on sale for $9.95 a year or so ago.

Pretty sure you need a coupon to get that price. I just bought one yesterday for $9.99 with a coupon (from Autoweek, I believe.)
I'm still waiting for the 25" breaker bar to go back on sale but no dice.

 

[Crash913]

Pretty sure you need a coupon to get that price. I just bought one yesterday for $9.99 with a coupon (from Autoweek, I believe.)
I'm still waiting for the 25" breaker bar to go back on sale but no dice.

I got a coupon via email for $10.99

http://widgets.harborfreight.com/wswidgets/common/displayCoupon.do?week=4410&campaign=a_retail&page=coupon20.html&single=true&cust=78068801104&keycode=0000

Hope that works!

 

[Boost Creep]

usually if they're out of flashlights under the counter they just go open a pack off the shelf

 

[tool whore]

I have also noticed the prices creeping back up. I also noticed they are using blue tags for sale priced items and it looked like just about everything had a blue tag the other day. Pretty soon I would expect to see the blues go away and only the higher list prices sticking around in anticipation of the holiday.

I have also noticed the torque wrenches rising. My store has not had the inch=pound ones in months. The more they sell of a particular item, the higher it goes apparently. Just dont buy anything at the high prices and it should come back around before long. The roller cabinets have gotten out of hand. The new red ones sure are nice though.

I did score a 4 drawer black roller (the 580# model) for $100 with a R&T coupon from the dentists' office. He wasnt going to use it.

 

[jon619]

I got a coupon via email for $10.99

http://widgets.harborfreight.com/wswidgets/common/displayCoupon.do?week=4410&campaign=a_retail&page=coupon20.html&single=true&cust=78068801104&keycode=0000

Hope that works!

I picked one up yesterday for $10.99 w/ coupon. Hopefully, it doesn't break breaking some axle nuts loose. One of the mechanics I go to broke his Snap On breaker bar on one of my front axle nuts.

 

[Denee007]

It bothers me that while we're saving a great deal of money at HF, we're supporting "other" nations! I'm guilty too, but I wish USA could do something to combat this problem! My '67 Mustang, an american muscle car is now mostly restored with Taiwan replacement parts!
I've never researched HF or Lowes, or HOme depot, but how much of HF is foreign?
dne'

 

[robertgreen79]

I've never researched HF or Lowes, or HOme depot, but how much of HF is foreign?

As far as I've heard, all of it.

 

[gtivr4]

Seems like you are comparing sale prices to day to day prices. $599 for example is the price of the rolling cabinet without a sale. I guess thats part of the problem with HF, they always seem to have everything on sale, so when its not, prices seem high.

 

[Theloniousmonk]

It bothers me that while we're saving a great deal of money at HF, we're supporting "other" nations! I'm guilty too, but I wish USA could do something to combat this problem! My '67 Mustang, an american muscle car is now mostly restored with Taiwan replacement parts!
I've never researched HF or Lowes, or HOme depot, but how much of HF is foreign?
dne'

Some US made good here and there at HF/Lowes/HD etc... It's not like this happened yesterday either. There have been cheap import car parts and tools for a very long time, it has become more prolific in the past 10-15 years though. HF was nearly all import from day 1, that is their business model. It is also walmarts business model from day 1... cheap w/ a lesser markup that undercuts other retailers selling essentially the same goods at a premium. Their profits come from volume sales.

 

[Daddy_Rabbit]

Wrong. It was NOT Wal-Mart's business model from day 1.

It only became the business model after the founder, Sam Walton, passed away and his greedy-*** children took over the business.

 

[NWphotog]

Wrong. It was NOT Wal-Mart's business model from day 1.

True. They use to trumpet their made in the USA products. Those days are long past. They saw the future and have ridden it to huge to success. Do you realize Wal-mart, K-Mart and Target were founded in the same area at nearly the same time?! Which would you prefer to have 50% of?

 

[Theloniousmonk]

Uh...no, sam walton created walmart to sell really cheap socks and trinkets, their quality steadily increased over the years as more & more suppliers became desperate and were strong armed into meeting Wallyworld's price points. The whole "sell US made good" is an urban legend. Marketing and in-store experience improved as management shifted. Sam's business model was to buy thing by the ton and sell them cheaper than anybody else, he took the 5-in-dime idea and expanded it...

it doesn't matter where the product was made, it was his business model... from day one, cheaper acquisition of store stock through mass buying, then selling the items at a lesser margin, but making up for it in volume sales... I too remember Walmart from "yesterday", dirty haphazard stores full of cheap china plastic toys and really cheap clothes from haiti/china/venezuela... the US made goods like mowers and rubbermaid containers became imports when the suppliers could no longer meet the Walmart price points, and couldn't afford to loose the walmart volume sales account. everything walmart does today was dreamed up and implemented when sam walton was in charge, it has been streamlined and perfected, but the model has never changed.

Marketing (US made goods) doesn't have to tell the whole truth, it only has to get the customer in the door, usually by capitalizing on emotions (buy USA)... do you "live better" today?

 

[Denee007]

I guess it gets a little complicated in what's made in the USA! the parts may come from another location on Earth, but assembled here! lol I didn't mean to take over this thread, just saw opportunity to express a concern, especially since the votes are in! I want to be more AMERICAN from now on! ; ) It's just that we inherently look for the best deal! an angle grinder at HF is 9.99 on sale! darn!! I don't even know what or who even makes a USA made grinder(or any other tool for that matter!!) Like on Back to the Future~ Marty talking to Doc, "Gee Doc, all the best stuff is made in Japan!" We're doomed! lol

 

[NWphotog]

Uh...no, sam walton created walmart to sell really cheap socks and trinkets, their quality steadily increased over the years as more & more suppliers became desperate and were strong armed into meeting Wallyworld's price points. The whole "sell US made good" is an urban legend. Marketing and in-store experience improved as management shifted. Sam's business model was to buy thing by the ton and sell them cheaper than anybody else, he took the 5-in-dime idea and expanded it...

it doesn't matter where the product was made, it was his business model... from day one, cheaper acquisition of store stock through mass buying, then selling the items at a lesser margin, but making up for it in volume sales... I too remember Walmart from "yesterday", dirty haphazard stores full of cheap china plastic toys and really cheap clothes from haiti/china/venezuela... the US made goods like mowers and rubbermaid containers became imports when the suppliers could no longer meet the Walmart price points, and couldn't afford to loose the walmart volume sales account. everything walmart does today was dreamed up and implemented when sam walton was in charge, it has been streamlined and perfected, but the model has never changed.

I know they use to trumpet the made in the USA stuff. Beyond that I don't disagree at all.

 

[Theloniousmonk]

I didn't mean to jack the thread either... sorry guys.

 

[Boiler]

I guess it gets a little complicated in what's made in the USA! the parts may come from another location on Earth, but assembled here! lol I didn't mean to take over this thread, just saw opportunity to express a concern, especially since the votes are in! I want to be more AMERICAN from now on! ; ) It's just that we inherently look for the best deal! an angle grinder at HF is 9.99 on sale! darn!! I don't even know what or who even makes a USA made grinder(or any other tool for that matter!!) Like on Back to the Future~ Marty talking to Doc, "Gee Doc, all the best stuff is made in Japan!" We're doomed! lol

but here we're not talking about the best stuff. And we all don't look for what you call the best deal. What I call the best deal is a good price on a high quality tool. I never buy lower quality stuff just because it is cheaper. When the autoparts stores say their brand is the same as xyz brand, etc, I just roll my eyes and buy the one I wanted.

Now maybe all electronics (or most) are made somewhere else, but there is a difference between an HF angle grinder and a Makita, Dewalt, or Milwaukee. Now that difference seems to be shrinking as the name brands seem to be cheapening their lines. And they can, the supercheap china goods have lowered everyone's expectations.

 

[bobadame]

I bought their $29 electric chain saw. The plan is to duct tape it to a fiberglass x-country ski or 2, climb up on the roof and trim some branches. I'll wire in a trigger so I can control it from below. This is the kind of project that Red Green would be proud of I think.

 

[bindernut]

can you still use the tickets printed off from the computer? I have a couple I printed off & if they are useless, i'd like to know before i walk into the store & look like an idiot.

 

[tonydanzah]

can you still use the tickets printed off from the computer? I have a couple I printed off & if they are useless, i'd like to know before i walk into the store & look like an idiot.

I used one last week.

 

[SM Racing]

I was in last week and bought a pair of car dollies, my old ones were holding up engines and I needed to move a car around. WOW, they have raised the price and dropped the quality. I have a set I bought probably 8 years ago and they are much better, much more sturdy. This new set is pretty junky, I was not impressed. Kinda disappointing to see HF move back to chintzy products.

 

[boomerangg22]

I use the ones that print off 5 on a page. Don't even print them in color, and the only thing they ask me to do is fill out the coupon.

 

[JerryTX]

I bought their $29 electric chain saw. The plan is to duct tape it to a fiberglass x-country ski or 2, climb up on the roof and trim some branches. I'll wire in a trigger so I can control it from below. This is the kind of project that Red Green would be proud of I think.

If the women don't find ya handsome; they'll at least find ya handy.

 

[JerryTX]

Prices.
Could be my memory going, but seemed like MANY items were showing MUCH higher list prices. 1/2" torque wrench was marked something like $34.95, and I am pretty sure I bought mine on sale for $9.95 a year or so ago.

I've noticed stuff like this too. I think I paid $10 or $15 for my torque wrench. I picked up a 1/4" torque a few weeks ago for around there with a coupon.

I pretty much only buy what is on sale or I have a coupon for because the regular prices (and even some of the non-coupon prices) are silly!

I'm sure part of it is like the airlines if you plan ahead you pay less but if you need something now you take it on the chin. For $35 you'd be hard pressed to find another torque wrench. I looked quickly online at Lowes and HD ... they wanted $80 for a torque wrench and Sears was about the same last time I looked.

 

[Boost Creep]

As far as I've heard, all of it.

you've heard wrong. theres usa made stuff there

 

[Indy_500]

you've heard wrong. theres usa made stuff there

not much, just certain lubes, cleaners, etc. and MAYBE a few small tools

 

[dkroth]

Do you realize Wal-mart, K-Mart and Target were founded in the same area at nearly the same time?!

Meh, not really.

[collected from Wikipedia]:

Target Corporation is an American retailing company that was founded in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1902 as the Dayton Dry Goods Company. In 1962, the company opened its first Target store in nearby Roseville, MN.

Kmart was founded in 1899 as the S. S. Kresge Company in Detroit, Michigan. Kresge opened the first Kmart store on March 1, 1962.

Walmart was founded by Sam Walton in 1962, first store Rogers, Arkansas.

Sure, they were all "started" in 1962, but Target and Kmart were ventures of existing, large, old companies. Walmart was brand new.

I don't consider Arkansas, Michigan and Minnesota as the same area.

 

[Danglerb]

Some stuff is going to be made in other places, get over it.

**************
You have no idea how bad a buffet has to be for me not to like it, Chinese or otherwise.

 

[dkroth]

Some random "Made in USA" items at Harbor Freight:

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-4-hp-agricultural-motor.html
http://www.harborfreight.com/original-key-bakr-key-reel.html
http://www.harborfreight.com/93-inch-x-1-2-half-inch-bandsaw-blade-14-tpi-9025.html
http://www.harborfreight.com/50-ft-x-3-8-eighth-inch-heavy-duty-black-rubber-air-hose-2167.html

And something that looks "American" but clearly isn't:
http://www.harborfreight.com/reusable-refillable-aerosol-spray-can-1102.html

 

[RbrtAWhyt]

Those Goodyear rubbers hoses appear to be a good deal on a decent hose. I was looking at them in the store a couple of months ago but didn't have enough cash. I need to pick up 100 feet of it...

 

[american lockpicker]

Glad to see high prices will solve the HF problem.

 

[kc-steve]

Yeah, I would guess the U.S. Dollar might have a LOT to do with it and it shouldn't be a surprise to anyone. It was just a few weeks ago when Chinese diplomats stated in the international press to the U.S. ". . . do not dishonor the Chinese people," referring to a possible devaluation of the Dollar that would also help eliminate the debt we have with the Chinese. That statement is serious stuff in China.

Steve

 

[larry_g]

I walked out of Harbor Freight with zip today, .

I can say that I have been in a HF store a few times and have never left with less money than I went in with.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[american lockpicker]

Along these lines has anyone noticed Euro made goods are getting cheaper. Not complaining but it does not compute.

 

[Danglerb]

I've seen a few deals, but no general trend, $ vs Euro still *****.

 

[kc-steve]

Well at the risk of sounding like a nutcase, Glenn Beck is the ONLY ONE I know of talking about the Dollar's valuation and it's world-wide consequences of devaluations. . . just in case anyone is REALLY interested. What he says is true though. I know because I have a Bachelor's degree in economics.

Steve

 

[Danglerb]

Well at the risk of sounding like a nutcase, Glenn Beck is the ONLY ONE I know of talking about the Dollar's valuation and it's world-wide consequences of devaluations. . . just in case anyone is REALLY interested. What he says is true though. I know because I have a Bachelor's degree in economics.

Steve

Doesn't listening to Glen Beck negate any type of degree?