Very Upset With Harbor Freight....

[freudianfloyd]

Im not giving up on this, I was really undecided on getting that box and my wife doesnt think I need another one, but both of us agreed I should get it and make them load it out of principle. And hopefully at a large discount.

 

[redsand187]

I've been working at Harbor Freight part time for fun.

I can tell you a few things. The company is horribly run, from the top down. Their is no training, no accountability. They are more concerned about opening more stores than they are about stocking, staffing and training. What you ran into shouldn't have happened, but it's not a big shock to me either. It's also very possible/almost certain that neither of them were trained to operate the forklift.

They try to run stores on as little labor as possible, they hire just about anyone. The store I work at has multiple felons and at least one guy I'm fairly certain is homeless. The managers aren't micromanagers like they need to be with that level of worker. Low wages, no standards, no training, no oversight, it makes for a horrible customer experience.

Mark my words, Harbor Freight will be sold off in no more than 5 years. They are pumping the company to build as many stores as possible with no regard to actually being able to operate the stores. They are going to dump the business on some investment company, who hopefully will have experience is running retail and will build out the infrastructure and make the business actually run smoothy. Right now the upper management is about on par with what you'd find at a buy here, pay here used car dealership. They could do a lot better with no more effort, they'd just rather be crooked and not give a damn. (The original owner sued his son for taking over the company and pillaging it. The son has a f'ing gulfstream V, tens-hundreds of millions in art, a 65 million dollar home in Bel Air, plus another beach front Malibu mansion a half hour away and likes to make big political contributions)

Calling the store manager may or may not do anything. Calling to district manager will probably get you better results.

Take the offensive with the district manager, don't be a jerk. But just simply state:
You drove from an hour away because this is the closest store.
You were willing to buy a tool box, full price - no coupon. (I don't care if that's true or not, if you really want to go over the top, tell them you were interested in a replacement plan for the box too)
The store was not staffed properly and the ones there were not willing to go above and beyond to pick up the slack
They have a surplus of the items, but they are not even easily accessible for the employees
Why is their stock room so packed with stuff that they can't reach one of multiple huge items?
You were willing to spend 10 times what the average customer spends in the store, and they talked you out of it

Getting them to give you 20% off the box shouldn't be too difficult. Getting them to ship you one and them to pick up freight is possible, but is likely more work than the DM will want to do. If the DM is willing to go above and beyond, 20% off and free shipping to your door might be possiblity.

 

[ScottsGT]

Getting them to give you 20% off the box shouldn't be too difficult. Getting them to ship you one and them to pick up freight is possible, but is likely more work than the DM will want to do. If the DM is willing to go above and beyond, 20% off and free shipping to your door might be possiblity.

Only problem I can foresee with this is if it arrives damaged, which there is a good chance of since mine had minor damage just being shipped to the store, he would still have to go back to the store to exchange it, or play the shipping roulette game.

 

[RobSmith]

you have it all wrong....straight away tell the checkout chick you want to talk to the manager. Then if the manager isn't there ...start to go ballistic... Tell the other staff to GET THE BOX NOW... you will either get the box or get thrown out ! ha ha ha

Remember you are dealing with people with no responsibility.

 

[TAMPAGT07]

Hey freudianfloyd, can't you see what was going on here? The hottie cashier obviously wanted you (And only you, not w/family) to come back the following day alone.. She would then have then escorted you to the back of the store, removed her clothing, and laid out on top of the toolbox... After proving to you how much abuse the toolbox would endure, she would have put her clothes back on, and rung up the box... So basically, you would have gotten more box then you had initially anticipated..... Sometimes I really don't know how you guys make it through life, without the words of wisdom from the T-man..

 

[CadillacJack]

if you pay peanuts, you get monkeys...

Umm...elephants eat peanuts. Monkeys eat bananas...

Playing Devil's advocate...if I had to work @ Harbor Freight and deal with some of the schlubs I see there, I'd be a surly employee, too.

 

[cdseven95]

"Equal pay". "Wait for male employees"

Couple weeks back I was at the grocery store.
Carts all over the parking lot. Someone car gets hit.
Person is complaining about the damage. The lady said they messed up with the work schedule and did not have any men working to push carts all day.

 

[DekeT]

tl;dr

 

[willbrown82]

I'm guessing neither worker knew how to drive the fork lift. When I bought my toolbox from Harbor Freight I had to come back later that day to pick it up because no one was available to drive the fork lift at that time.

 

[stikman56]

IT would have been in the back of my rig when I left if I had to go get on the forklift and load it myself. Not joking, I would do that in this situation. When the police show up they can help load it, since the idiots are too lazy to do their damn job. Bunch of ******** and as a paying customer I fail to accept that from any store. I'd also be all over anything on the internet that would get the word out what turds these people were.
I did just that a couple months back over a gift card that my parent's got us for food. It was hand written and expired something like 6 months after they bought it. I told them I'll pay the bill and I won't be back and that's Bad business" on your part. I paid the bill. After posting this all over their facebook page I got an apology and explanation from the management that it was wrong on their part and now they have actual gift cards that don't expire in 6 months,and the next meal is free. I'll never go there, don't care for spit in my food, but they admitted that wasn't right. Bottom line, don't accept that garbage.

 

[My Old Tools]

My harbor freight is pretty good. I have had both women and men fork load 44" boxes for me. First time they put two 44" bottoms and one top in my short bed pickup. Second time they put three 44" bottoms on my trailer. No drama either time. Both times with the discount.

 

[Bluedodge]

Our city's HF is in a sketchy part of town. I wouldn't blame the help if they wouldn't go out to the loading dock area at the back of the building after dark. Hell, I sure wouldn't go back there.

 

[Casey69]

same thing happened to me a few years back. fortunately, my HF is ~2 miles away though. went to pick up a box, they said they didn't have enough staff to get it & i would have to come back tomorrow. i was a bit flustered, but nothing to get into a huge twist over, since it's a 5 minute drive for me.

if i drove an hour, it'd be a completely different story.

i don't know if i'd want a box shipped to me. i've heard too many stories of people buying those boxes at the store & they're pre-dented/damaged from shipping to the store.

 

[Movover]

So basically, you would have gotten more box then you had initially anticipated.....

Sometimes the side box doesn't have a good locking mechanism and any key fits it .. not a quality piece.

 

[Schurkey]

you upset with harbor freight, its harbor freight, you knew that before you left the house, how can you be upset with the stupid if you knew they was stupid before you left

The problem is that the OP had actual expectations from a Harbor Freight store.

Think about it.

When I go to Harbor Freight I have absolutely no illusions. I expect a nightmare

You go to Harbor Fright, you get what you deserve.

Don't go there, you'll have very few problems with them. The only problem I have with HF is that I have to look at their damned advertising in some of the magazines I buy.

I've complained to the magazines that HF ads decrease the believability of the editorial content--if they're willing to pander to the Communists, I can't really trust anything else they tell me--but so far it's had no effect.

 

[RedVise]

. The only problem I have with HF is that I have to look at their damned advertising in some of the magazines I buy.

I've complained to the magazines that HF ads decrease the believability of the editorial content--if they're willing to pander to the Communists, I can't really trust anything else they tell me--but so far it's had no effect.

And what brand of tin foil do you use for your hat ?


Brian

 

[zendriver]

You go to Harbor Fright, you get what you deserve.

I have been to several, probably 100+ times, with very few problems. Most employees are quite helpful.

Usually, the only one's that are really snotty and full of themselves, are women, that are only about half way attractive. They think they are special, since they are hit on 100 times a day, by *****, ugly or old, cheapskates.

If those here, who think HF has a monopoly on, on shoddy products, non-caring low paid employees, bad management, etc. must never shop at lowes, Home Depot, Menards, Auto parts stores, restaurants and a thousand other businesses.

Just like any business, I deserve good service from Harbor Freight. One way or another, I will get it, but as stated, i have not really had a problem.

 

[Spdstr280Z]

Employees at my local store helped me uncrate my 44" bottom and put it in the back of my 4Runner. Not my favorite place to shop, but I like some items. If I wasn't willing to spend thousands on an American box, the HF semed to be the way to go.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

 

[Zeke]

Just becausea store sells a majority of **** tools doesnt mean that they dont have a few worth buying. The toolbox gets nothing but good reviews. The fact they wouldnt pull one for me is the sad part. They flat out refused to sell it just so they didnt have to work.

Aw, just let him rant while we who know what works enjoy the good prices for tools that you don't need for professional use. I have 4" grinders that are 10 years old and have been used for 4 car restorations. Same with the 3/8ths rev drill. Easiest tool to use out of my others that include Bosch, Milwaukee and Makita.

Not everyone understands that they are buying the same imported tools that HF imports from others like TS, NT, Sears, HD, Menards and Lowes and paying a lot more. Case in point, hydraulic jacks. You'll know if you're buying a US made jack when you are up in the $400+ bracket.

 

[gregtwojeeps]

you have it all wrong....straight away tell the checkout chick you want to talk to the manager. Then if the manager isn't there ...start to go ballistic... Tell the other staff to GET THE BOX NOW... you will either get the box or get thrown out ! ha ha ha

Remember you are dealing with people with no responsibility.

It must be like the Wild West in Australia land.

Here in the USA if a male gets real loud with a female employee most likely she will just dial 911 and the police will be there shortly. Doesn't matter if you leave the store fruitless, they will pick you up later. Too many violent people now out here to not take someone acting badass...serious. jmo

 

[Falcon67]

I think this is less about HF and just more about poor retail management practice. Could just as easily be Radio Shack, Walmart, etc.

 

[nadogail]

Note to the OP, "YOU CATCH A LOT MORE FLIES WITH HONEY THAN YOU DO WITH VINEGAR"

When you speak softly, your audience listens more attentively.

Quietly insist that they call the Manager or Supervisor On Duty.

When all else looks like it fails, calmly and quietly ask the employee how they spell their name so you can correctly identify hem in your correspondence to the company.

Also, When somebody does a good job and makes an effort to be accommodating, take the time to send a note to their manager praising them for their efforts. that kind of stuff pay off well the next time you come in.

There are three HF Stores within 20 miles of my house. I do spend money at the closest one.

 

[Jinks]

If you had told her there was a dozen "Little Debbie" snack cakes in the toolbox you wanted she would have moved the entire store to get to it for you if you promised to share........

 

[Zeke]

It must be like the Wild West in Australia land.

Here in the USA if a male gets real loud with a female employee most likely she will just dial 911 and the police will be there shortly. Doesn't matter if you leave the store fruitless, they will pick you up later. Too many violent people now out here to not take someone acting badass...serious. jmo

You're right.

 

[west_perf]

Not everyone understands that they are buying the same imported tools that HF imports from others like TS, NT, Sears, HD, Menards and Lowes and paying a lot more. Case in point, hydraulic jacks. You'll know if you're buying a US made jack when you are up in the $400+ bracket.

HF exemplifies everything that is wrong with our import policy - cheap products at prices that put all the American quality tool manufacturers out of business, all in the guise of saving a few bucks. The sad part is, the question comes down to paying $40 for a cheap grinder at HF, or $80 for the same grinder with a different label at HD.

 

[dogdog]

Hey freudianfloyd, can't you see what was going on here? The hottie cashier obviously wanted you (And only you, not w/family) to come back the following day alone.. She would then have then escorted you to the back of the store, removed her clothing, and laid out on top of the toolbox... After proving to you how much abuse the toolbox would endure, she would have put her clothes back on, and rung up the box... So basically, you would have gotten more box then you had initially anticipated..... Sometimes I really don't know how you guys make it through life, without the words of wisdom from the T-man..

^^^^
LMFAO.......now we know how you buy your HF tools.... didn't you own a 48" crowbar from them?

for the rest... McCarthyism ............

The guy ranted about services at HF not even about tools.... and some of you try to turned this into a commie, cumyou thread.

 

[freudianfloyd]

Hey freudianfloyd, can't you see what was going on here? The hottie cashier obviously wanted you (And only you, not w/family) to come back the following day alone.. She would then have then escorted you to the back of the store, removed her clothing, and laid out on top of the toolbox... After proving to you how much abuse the toolbox would endure, she would have put her clothes back on, and rung up the box... So basically, you would have gotten more box then you had initially anticipated..... Sometimes I really don't know how you guys make it through life, without the words of wisdom from the T-man..

After looking at the cashier, I wouldnt have taken all the toolboxes in the store for free if that was involved.

 

[freudianfloyd]

Well a little update....

I just got home and when I walked in my wife was talking on the phone to the District Manager. He seemed as mad as she was. He said he had the same issue with the same store the day before. He said he would have one pulled and ready to go with my name in it plus a $50 gift card and the $20 off they said they would take off my shipping cost even though I am picking it up. So hopefully Monday when we get back from our weekend trip I can get this thing.

By the way, does anybody know the actual dimensions of the box or crated box would be better. Any chance of it fitting in a Jeep Commander I don't want to have to bring a truck down there again if I dont have to.

 

[justanengineer]

Hahaha, you're seriously upset about customer service at HF? They scrape the bottom of society's barrel, preferring to hire cons and crackheads than local teenagers, folks who have their choice between Walmart or there and MIGHT work their way up to store manager's lofty $45k salary.

 

[Spdstr280Z]

Well a little update....

I just got home and when I walked in my wife was talking on the phone to the District Manager. He seemed as mad as she was. He said he had the same issue with the same store the day before. He said he would have one pulled and ready to go with my name in it plus a $50 gift card and the $20 off they said they would take off my shipping cost even though I am picking it up. So hopefully Monday when we get back from our weekend trip I can get this thing.

By the way, does anybody know the actual dimensions of the box or crated box would be better. Any chance of it fitting in a Jeep Commander I don't want to have to bring a truck down there again if I dont have to.

Mine went in a 3rd gen 4Runner once off the pallet, so I think you would be fine.

Jason

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

 

[slip knot]

Sounds to me like no one at the store knew how to run the forktruck. They need a man for that. or he may have taken the forktruck to the store for chips and ****, you know lunch.

 

[dsimatt]

Hahaha, you're seriously upset about customer service at HF? They scrape the bottom of society's barrel, preferring to hire cons and crackheads than local teenagers, folks who have their choice between Walmart or there and MIGHT work their way up to store manager's lofty $45k salary.

The one by me thou I very rarely go to it always has 1 or 2 cute girls working there but yes it's a dead end job.

 

[jd_1138]

The one by me thou I very rarely go to it always has 1 or 2 cute girls working there but yes it's a dead end job.

Yeah the one near here has a couple of cute young women working there. They have a slight edge to them, as in if you were shacked up or married to them, they'd probably not put up with much. They'd kick your ***.

They should train ALL their employees to run the forklifts. I wonder what their liability/procedures are for loading toolboxes into customer's vehicles? A truck with out a topper would be easy. Just sit it in the back. But a van or SUV, would be more of a hassle unless the forklift operator is super careful.

 

[brownbagg]

you should of said, you was going to sue them for discrimnation because it was a wedding present for your same *** marriage partner

 

[dadsEH]

Doesnt anyone ever think of taking a 6x4 trailer with them to pick up their ****?.no hassles here.
Havent got one? Turn in your man card and stop whining!

 

[freudianfloyd]

Doesnt anyone ever think of taking a 6x4 trailer with them to pick up their ****?.no hassles here.
Havent got one? Turn in your man card and stop whining!

If you call a 6'x4' box a trailer you should turn in your man card. I have an 18' but I dont really want to haul it to work first and then haul it to Harbor Freight on my way home to pick up the box. Im not driving all the way home and then an hour back to pick it up. As stated in my original post, I had a vehicle large enough to haul it yesterday.

 

[dadsEH]

You only got one trailer? There's yer problem.

 

[jd_1138]

What size box are you looking to buy?

 

[freudianfloyd]

What size box are you looking to buy?

44" 13 drawer.

 

[shortykorte]

Yes, customer service is very rare today.

You should have pulled the sexism/ethic/color card.

On a serious note, when I got my forklift, I learned that nowadays you have to be trained and certified to operate a forklift. I'm sure insurance, unions and our favorite OSHA had something to do with that.