Using Harbor Freight 20% Coupon @ Home Depot

[shooting4life]

It's the biggest discount the cashier can give without manager's passwords from what I've heard from my friends at HD.

At my HD they can give a discount without a manager up to $50.

 

[IlliniBone]

Dont think thats all true, I think its over $150 that requires manager approval. I've used three 25% off HF Coupons. One for the Milwaukee bandsaw, required the "lead cashier" to input his password but no issues, the others were $99 each and the cashier was able to do it without needing an approval.

Cashier at HD told me once that they dont need approval if the discount is under $50. So you should be able to use a 25% off coupon for anything under $199 without much fuss.

 

[allinon72]

So I used another 25% coupon to buy a prehung door and install accessories, but the cashier happened to be a supervisor and REALLY layed into me about those "Harbor coupons" and scolded me for trying to use it on a non-tool item. Then, a strange thing happened. She applied the discount. I scurried out of there happy

 

[rharman]

So I used another 25% coupon to buy a prehung door and install accessories, but the cashier happened to be a supervisor and REALLY layed into me about those "Harbor coupons" and scolded me for trying to use it on a non-tool item. Then, a strange thing happened. She applied the discount. I scurried out of there happy

Not to sound harsh but....

Why would you even attempt to use it on a non-tool item? I couldn't bring myself to do that - it's just wrong.

 

[editedforsafety]

I used a 20% coupon a few days ago on a Milwaukee m18 high torque 1/2" impact. Cashier went and asked a manager, but no real fuss. It kind of shocked me, I fully expected to have to sweet talk my way into it.

 

[allinon72]

Not to sound harsh but....

Why would you even attempt to use it on a non-tool item? I couldn't bring myself to do that - it's just wrong.

I did not push the issue, I simply asked if I could use the coupon. I would have been perfectly fine if they declined.

 

[pfhWJ]

I have a Farm and Fleet and Menards in my town have people had any issue with either of these stores.... I could really screw them on some power tools.

 

[k1rodeoboater]

Not to sound harsh but....

Why would you even attempt to use it on a non-tool item? I couldn't bring myself to do that - it's just wrong.

The HF coupon doesn't flat out state tools only. I see it as a grey area since they accept competitors coupons and the coupon doesn't specify.

My wife tried to use one on our freezer and she was told they couldn't do it or anything other than tools. However another store 5mi down the road will accept them on anything I've found out, but they won't stack discounts (i.e. 10% mil and 25% HF) like that store.

 

[cagullett1]

They both sell the exact same items quite frequently that are not considered "tools". I have gotten Gorilla Glue as well as Super Lube grease. I bought the exact same Kidde fire extinguisher for $10 less at HF. HF isn't convenient for me to frequent, so it took me bringing in the HF receipt as proof that they sell the EXACT same item.

 

[Cedge]

Local HD honored the 25% coupon on a $250.00 single item purchase. The whole floor management team got into the idea and were happy to do it. I had to have the actual original in date coupon. They wont take computer printed or phone photo.

Steve

 

[jfish]

So I used another 25% coupon to buy a prehung door and install accessories, but the cashier happened to be a supervisor and REALLY layed into me about those "Harbor coupons" and scolded me for trying to use it on a non-tool item. Then, a strange thing happened. She applied the discount. I scurried out of there happy

I used the 25% today at the Puyallup WA HD to buy the Klein 7 piece nut driver set. I asked CS, they called a manager and approved it "just this once". CS handed me over to a cashier and told her "mike gave the OK on this Harbor Freight coupon". The cashier lectured me about it! After the customer service lady told her she had approval. I almost just picked up the nut drivers and walked back over to CS and paid there.

Saved $13 off the nut drivers I keep a stack of coupons in my glove box and will keep using them at HD untill they post their refusal in print at the door!

 

[tadwolfe]

Saved $13 off the nut drivers I keep a stack of coupons in my glove box and will keep using them at HD untill they post their refusal in print at the door!

When going to Lowes or Home Depot, I always go "Armed" with a 25% HF coupon

 

[wittycow]

I tried twice to have Home Depot match a price. I went in one morning and was told no. Later the same day, I went in and took a 10" miter Saw to checkout, the cashier and manager she called to do the price match never batted an eye! It was actually quite impressive and really made me want to be a little more loyal to them in a sense.

HD matched harbor freights price on a 10" Sliding Miter against their Ridgid 10" Sliding Miter, a difference of $199.00!!!!

The head cashier in the morning was very flippant, but the afternoon shift was like "no big deal"

 

[cagullett1]

I've never seen someone actually try to price match a name brand item with the coupon for HF's version. I can't see how you could even morally justify that, seeing that they are clearly not even close to being similar. I've got no problem using the 20-25% off because that isn't tied to any particular item or brand. I'm suprised a manager let that go through. My brother in law is the store manager at the local Lowe's and he laughs at the idea of using even the 20% off. His employees let me do it, but if anyone asks him, no way.

 

[Kin Creed]

Wow, you took it to another level!

This looks like the saw you got them to match...

I think for matching purposes they should be identical products. While the HF saw looks ok, it's probably not in the same league as the Ridgid.

The 20% coupon is bending the rules if it's not an exact match, but the store can do it from a customer satisfaction standpoint and still make money because they have enough margin built in to their pricing.

Here you basically got 50% off which is probably a loss situation for the store. So the cashier basically messed up.

I wouldn't worry too much about morality here, the cashier should be trained so the store made a mistake. But I wouldn't plan on this working consistently in future unless you keep getting floozy cashiers!

 

[AndrewV]

Used it today on rustoleum paint. Save around $10.

 

[BeaverPuncher]

Successfully used a 20% at the franklin, tn store (cool springs one). I used it on a ridgid table saw R4512 model that I received as a birthday gift. The buyer did not know of the competitor coupon offering so I went back in and they refunded and re - rang the ticket . So the 530 dollar table saw came to roughly 110 less. I'm very happy and so is the person that purchased it.

 

[appeltjacks]

I guess morally it's about the same as the people who buy tools with the sole intention of using it and returning it when they're done using it. They know it's not the way it's suppose to work but if you can get away with it then why not?

 

[cadavjo]

Wanted to chime in, as a previous Home Depot employee. It really depends on the associate's discretion on whether to push the deal or not. There are obvious limits an associate faces without managerial approval, but coupon matching is not one of them.

We matched HF coupons all the time. Obviously there is a margin in quality, but if it was comparable it was persuadable. If the customer was friendly and serious about taking his purchase else where, I would usually push it. I certainly was not trying to hurt HD, but I figured if we only made a dollar, it was still a dollar. That was the general consensus among the hardware team I worked with and our store manager as well.

I loved giving deals, making sales and helping a guy out. And there were associate's who didn't give a .... If I saw fit, all I would have to do is ****** the customer to the register state the discount we had agreed to and thank the customer. The teller would take appropriate action and the customer would leave happy.

There were many things I allowed to do to make the customer happy, things that made me a HD customer for life.

 

[cadavjo]

At my HD they can give a discount without a manager up to $50.

This is true. Associates with code can go beyond.

 

[Muffduster]

Not to sound harsh but....

Why would you even attempt to use it on a non-tool item? I couldn't bring myself to do that - it's just wrong.

 

[cagullett1]

Harbor freight sells things that I would not consider to be a "tool" such as paint, glue, tape, fluids, etc. And those items are all name brand too.

 

[Kin Creed]

Wanted to chime in, as a previous Home Depot employee. It really depends on the associate's discretion on whether to push the deal or not. There are obvious limits an associate faces without managerial approval, but coupon matching is not one of them.

We matched HF coupons all the time. Obviously there is a margin in quality, but if it was comparable it was persuadable. If the customer was friendly and serious about taking his purchase else where, I would usually push it. I certainly was not trying to hurt HD, but I figured if we only made a dollar, it was still a dollar. That was the general consensus among the hardware team I worked with and our store manager as well.

I loved giving deals, making sales and helping a guy out. And there were associate's who didn't give a .... If I saw fit, all I would have to do is ****** the customer to the register state the discount we had agreed to and thank the customer. The teller would take appropriate action and the customer would leave happy.

There were many things I allowed to do to make the customer happy, things that made me a HD customer for life.

Phew!

Thanks for a refreshing blast of common sense cadavjo!

Coupon matching is a discretionary deal and I think it's good deal for both parties. If someone takes the time to find and present a coupon they are probably a higher volume consumer and a discount might not be such a bad idea.

There are plenty of comparable items, I agree it does stretch things a bit when you get into expensive power tools. But then again there's probably a little more margin on those items also.

 

[Makapuu]

Does anyone else consider this practice to be outrageous? Home Depot should either accept them or not nationwide and have a reason why that is clearly supported by their company policy. Period. The inconsistent discretionary acceptance or refusal of the same coupons on a store by store, manager by manager, employee by employee and worse - customer by customer basis - is unacceptable. And in consumer oriented states like California probably illegal.

I think GJ members should show this forum to the stores when they refuse the coupon and demand that they honor the discount. If they honor it anywhere for anyone then they honor it for everyone. They cannot pick and choose.

 

[cadavjo]

Does anyone else consider this practice to be outrageous? Home Depot should either accept them or not nationwide and have a reason why that is clearly supported by their company policy. Period. The inconsistent discretionary acceptance or refusal of the same coupons on a store by store, manager by manager, employee by employee and worse - customer by customer basis - is unacceptable. And in consumer oriented states like California probably illegal.

I think GJ members should show this forum to the stores when they refuse the coupon and demand that they honor the discount. If they honor it anywhere for anyone then they honor it for everyone. They cannot pick and choose.

The policy is circumstantial. One employee may see a factor another may overlook. There is no black and white on what is equivalent and what is not. Two judges may not try a case identically, based on their interpretations. Different people have different scopes.

I just suggest you be friendly, understanding and cooperative. Home Depot is not a municipal business. They are entitled to refuse to do business with anyone at anytime, for any reason. Showing this thread is a real good way to get this brought up at morning meetings. They have them daily.

Imagine you show this to a new employee that then feels the need to dig too deep. That employee brings this up at a morning meeting trying gain clarity, they are daily, remember, so it stays fresh in their mind.

Management feels obligated to overt other questionable situations and amends policy, and these amendments **** on every one's parade. I know, it ***** that you may not get what you want every time, and I'm not being a ****, but so is life. If you are that upset, go to Harbor Freight and buy an item that is not only equivalent, but the exact same item. Nothing hurts a business more than lost profit, wrecking this opportunity hurts us and them.

Usually, associates are trained the way their supervisors and managers expect them to conduct business. If they are reluctant, you may face the same resistance from their superiors. It never hurts to ask, but be friendly, understanding and cooperative.

This policy had helped many, but it is a privilege, not a right. Go try it at Lowe's and see where it gets you.

Again, I'm not being a ****, I just hate to see this endangered.

 

[appeltjacks]

^^^ Perfect ^^^
<- Current 10 yr employee

 

[blue flame]

Anyone know if Canadian HD will take HF coupons? I'm guessing not but I'd love to be proven wrong!

 

[cadavjo]

^^^ Perfect ^^^
<- Current 10 yr employee

10 years? Damn... I made it 3 and went back home to help farm. I never thought retail would be my cup-o-tea, but I really enjoyed it. Got lucky enough to be in hardware. I miss it, to be honest.

 

[cadavjo]

Anyone know if Canadian HD will take HF coupons? I'm guessing not but I'd love to be proven wrong!

Won't even speculate, but it's worth a try. You could always call in and talk to hardware and simply ask. Just state you are interested in a particular item and were curious as to whether they could match or come close to a coupon price at Harbor Freight.

The only reason I suggest calling, is so that if it humorous in the associate's eye, he won't have a face to match that humor to.

 

[Cedge]

I recently used a 25% HF coupon at Home Depot. We purchased a $260.00 under sink instant hot water heater at HD. The manager happened to be nearby when we were checking out and wandered over to ask if we found everything we were needing. During the conversation, I asked her about the HF coupons, and how I'd read that HD would honor them.

Without hesitation, she said they did indeed honor them.. I mentioned that I often got my hands on 20 and 25% coupons and asked if those were also valid. She assured me it was a common practice, as long as I had the real coupon in hand. Then she asked what we had purchased and I told her. She asked if I had a coupon with me and I told her it was at home. She told me to bring the coupon back the next day and she would still honor it. I did... and she did.

We have 3 HD's in the local area but only one will honor the coupon. One manager got a little snooty when I asked him about the policy.

 

[cadavjo]

I recently used a 25% HF coupon at Home Depot. We purchased a $260.00 under sink instant hot water heater at HD. The manager happened to be nearby when we were checking out and wandered over to ask if we found everything we were needing. During the conversation, I asked her about the HF coupons, and how I'd read that HD would honor them.

Without hesitation, she said they did indeed honor them.. I mentioned that I often got my hands on 20 and 25% coupons and asked if those were also valid. She assured me it was a common practice, as long as I had the real coupon in hand. Then she asked what we had purchased and I told her. She asked if I had a coupon with me and I told her it was at home. She told me to bring the coupon back the next day and she would still honor it. I did... and she did.

We have 3 HD's in the local area but only one will honor the coupon. One manager got a little snooty when I asked him about the policy.

That's awesome, my store was the only one in the area so I know you aren't talking about mine. However, I honestly feel my manager would have done the same. It is totally hit and miss.

I see the Lowe's and Home Depot clearance threads and go to the store to reap my rewards and i left with some chincy, Kobalt pliers that I took back. Stores are all completely different.

 

[Twiggss]

Not to sound harsh but....

Why would you even attempt to use it on a non-tool item? I couldn't bring myself to do that - it's just wrong.

this post is months old but you wanna know what is screwed up.

I was able to use a HF coupon on some miniblinds but when I went back to the same store at a later date wanting to use it on tools they told me no.

 

[JBradley500]

I used the 20% coupon on an estwing hammer. One lady working had been very friendly to me before, so I went through her line to try the coupon. No problem.

I've never been a HD fan for various reasons, but Lowes seems to be cheapening everything in the store to the point where its useless to go there.

 

[blue flame]

Won't even speculate, but it's worth a try. You could always call in and talk to hardware and simply ask. Just state you are interested in a particular item and were curious as to whether they could match or come close to a coupon price at Harbor Freight.

The only reason I suggest calling, is so that if it humorous in the associate's eye, he won't have a face to match that humor to.

Good idea, I'll try that. Thanks.

 

[cadavjo]

Good idea, I'll try that. Thanks.

Let us know how you come out

 

[ALLOUTOFBUBBLEGUM]

Is it possible to use the coupon with online orders?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[rice rocket]

No..

 

[blue flame]

Let us know how you come out

Will do

 

[openminds]

Hi, new to the community. I had a 20% off coupon as I was heading to HF. We stopped by Home Depot and eyed the Milwaukee Lithium driver kit. I knew for sure that HF would not have anything the same quality and the item was on sale at the Depot. Told the wife that I wasn't going to bother with the trip to HF. When in checkout, my wife blurted out that we had a 20% off coupon for HF and we were still going to go check the price there so would the Milwaukee be returnable if unopened. Gal stated back "Don't bother, I will take the HF coupon right here." Wow, now THAT was adeal. The Depot has become my go to tool supplier.

 

[Up And Down]

Where is everyone getting these 25% off HF coupons? I found one online and pulled it up on my phone today trying to buy a Porter Cable combo kit at Lowes and got shot down. I think my chances would be better if I had an actual coupon. Thanks for the help.