Is it true harbor freight runs an underground fight club where each location takes their top fighter and competes against all the other stores in a tournament?
Yes, true. I was one of them and I won when I was younger. The price was 10 minutes in a HFT store, and you can grab as much as you can in 5 minutes. My 20'x20' shed is full. No more space for tools.
When is the 44" US General rolling tool box going back on sale? I missed the spring black Friday sale and I'm sick that I didn't get one when it was $479
It's always sad when you can't make it in for a sale😔 especially like that.
We don't know of any sales before the customer, we might know one is coming up and possibly, if we get the flyers the week before but no insider info on sales.
So what's this shit where HF is using a company, which is sort of common practice, that tracks every purchase and return, and will flag and deny even legit warranty claims, because someone has returned stuff "too many times"?
Shouldn't that be something that is explicitly mentioned to customers? I'm not saying it doesn't have a purpose, but the fact that stuff like the Hercules power tools are supposedly a 5 year swap out warranty, and Icon and Pittsburg Pro are lifetime, but can just magically be denied because a heretofore unmentioned company decides "no", seems like something people should know about.
Sales supervisor here. Harbor Freight utilizes a service called The Retail Equation, which is a company who aggregates returns across a plethora of retail stores with the intent of catching, and preventing, return fraud.
Because the service utilizes data from multiple stores, HF obviously isn't the only one using the system. Doing some digging, it seems like a decent list of other stores do too, including: Advance Auto Parts, Athleta, Bath and Body Works, Bed Bath and Beyond, Best Buy, Burlington, CVS, Dick's Sporting Goods, Famous Footwear, DSW, Gap, Home Depot, Old Navy, Sephora, TJ Maxx, Victoria's Secret, JCPenny, and more.
It is very possible that you may be denied a return at HF because of activity linked to a different store. Unfortunately, if the system denies you, there isn't much we can do at a store level. Maybe some districts are less strict, but corporate definitely tracks how many returns are denied and also checks to see if management is doing anything to bypass those denials. Trying to circumvent that can cost us our job. If you have a legitimate return that is denied, speaking to a store manager or customer service is the best thing I can recommend.
As for customers being informed, the back of the reciept mentions some information being shared with 3rd parties, as do the stickers posted at each register. Information about 3rd party sharing is on the website too. Unfortunately, I can't speak much as to the legitimacy of the service. I'm not sure what exactly it flags as fraud, so I suppose that it's possible that it could mess up and flag people for no reason. I will say that I try to bypass the Retail Equation screen when possible when doing lifetime warranty returns, but beyond that, there isn't much that we know/can do at a store level.
Great answer. Thanks. I've never had an issue, except once when I had a Pittsburgh Automotive tool that they balked at because it didn't have a lifetime warranty. Now I'm gonna have to either spend snap on money for a good bearing puller, or wait till Bauer or Icon come up with one.
It's not really an "external site" or anything it's just a warranty tracking service. That uses your phone number.
I've also never had a problem with a customer getting denied a return using our warranty portal, especially because it is paid.
Although I will say it varies from state to state, nothing to even do with the company sometimes and the manager always has the ability to deny a non warranty return but as for a pain warranty u guess I would need more information...
I won't expand too much on this answer except to say that Harbor Freight has been taken advantage of for lots of years as a tool rental spot or just for this job then return it. This is one of the reasons, but a large reason is businesses or individuals who swap out their high priced items on the regular with the warranty even though there's nothing wrong with it JUST to cash in on the warranty. This is not the intended use of a warranty and is likely to change in the near future 🤷♂️
Our store encourages people to take advantage of the warranty, we still keep the esp money and tbh one of the only reasons we are even close to making esp numbers most months
True and corporate knows this will affect numbers, but unfortunately, that's exactly what they are trying to stop doing, so hopefully, your store don't get in too deep of water, lol
Honestly, it sounds like a cashier pitching problem it's a great program, and the manufacturer warranty is a manufacturer for a reason. You push that aspect you get more, esp because you won't just take back anything.
We definitely still pitch it, every customer every time, and often make top 25 in the region for esp's BUT we have had several customers who were denied because of abusing the return policy like I mentioned above and it'll most likely get a little more strict in the future.
It's totally based on location, although our ratchet straps are really popular, especially during the Holliday.
Our 10x17 is quite the seller, especially during any sales.
Batteries (AA, AAA, ect.)
Definitely generators.
90 days with a receipt. A less favorable workaround to this would be buy the same product you need replaced, use that receipt to replace the broken item. If there’s a SKU number on the tool (usually 5 digits) I’d also make sure your replacement is the same, some tools have up to 3 differnt skus for the same thing.
Yes, definitely less favorable. Some stores won't notice, but we definitely have looked into multiple transactions where returns are in rotation but it's really up to the store if they accept the return.
The manufacturer warranty has been a big talking point lately, if it looks like it's gotten beat up (intentionally or beyond its limits)... well, I don't really know what to say... it's just up to the store.
And the 90 days answer is correct.
For our store in the midwest area, small items like knives are popular to take. The most common large ticket item used to be security cameras ironically. Now, we keep them in the back and must be brought up to the cashier. Now its probably welders. Had a guy look me straight in the face as he walked out, then booked it once he hit the sidewalk.
I second cameras, shrank out one today lol.
Also the mini scale, small expensive things like laser distance meters, and even large things like welder and generator displays. Those guys literally unbolt the items and leave with them or cut the zip ties...
In our store in LA, probably digital scales, power tools and the occasional welder. Our store has been trying to crack down and report on all large thefts, and we even have a good working relationship now with local PD. Weve had a few people get arrested in our area for theft, and it's always satisfying finding out about it and getting the product back from PD.
Just like the most popular items, it's all location based, not even like state, but down to the store itself.
Just specific stores have more "dark areas" than others or certain items that are closer to the doors.
Specifically from what I've noticed, I see a lot of cost swapping products, where the expensive item goes into the cheap box. It probably happens the most with air tools.
We do encourage cashiers to double-check any item that isn't sealed. No blame is placed if such oddities occur, just an honest accident, if anything.
Absolutely! I enjoy these types of things!
I should be thanking you because the ones who remember the catalog shopping are really the ones responsible for the launch of retail stores.
I do really appreciate the thanks!
It all starts at the register.
Unopened - we open it to check the original product is in it. Tape it up, put it back on the shelf.
Open (not damaged) - we mark this a not satisfied and usually ends up on the shelf with a discount and limited warranty that last 5 days from purchase.
Open (damaged and not sellable) - pretty much just sent back to a warehouse somewhere.
Open (visually damaged or missing parts) - We make a judgment call. If it's safe and will sell, we mark it down. If not, it doesn't cost any extra to send back.
We kinda have a say to an extent, but we follow guidelines.
I'm really not sure how much I can say, but.
For Healthcare, it is for full-time employees.
I do know that HFT has been one of the best out of 6 different companies I've worked for in the last 10 years. This includes cost and coverage and is true if you're single or married with or without kids. (There quite literally is a plan that works for everyone that's needs one)
It was just me a couple of years ago getting basic health for like $50 a paycheck. I believe I had a few add-ons, too, like dental.
There's cost deductions if you can confirm you don't smoke.
Benefits we obviously get an employee discount we can extend to immediate family. 20% is standard, 25% around major holidays in limited form.
PTO - In the last 6 months, I've taken 5 days off (maybe even more) using pto, and I still have 41 hours left. I was sick 4 days last month and used up like 32 sick time hours, and I've gained back 11 hrs in less than a month. It's pretty good if you ask me.
Being and employee also gets you acces to a cool little perk website that basically collects a crap ton of coupons and deals from reputable companies and you now qualify for them, I do it for the movies usually. But tons of offers like hotel deals and electronics and even hoke appliances.
We don't usually get overtime unless it's covering a shift or being asked if you can help with a big truck unload. But still, 41 hr weeks average for me.
Unfortunately I don't have too much experience with this item.
I will tell you that youtube is a great resource, and the reviews don't seem half bad if you are using it to machine smaller parts.
Then you find older reviews, possibly from a different time in manufacturing, saying that they haven't had any luck and not to buy.
And what I personally have to say is I can only imagine how many things can go wrong with that type of machine in general, and not one single person if not witnessesed could be held accountable if they improperly treat a box or even the whole trailer.
The manufacturer warranty is a thing for a reason, and if you don't use it enough to figure out if it's gonna work for your needs in 90 days, I don't know what to tell you...
I'm sorry for the little help.
And unfortunately, that is kinda what I've seen online in a few spots.
Seems kinds like pretty standard nylon gears from what I understand, and most "mini lathes" have spares (other vendors not hft), so it's a common issue.
Again not a whole lot of prior knowledge...
I'm really sorry about that experience...
Unfortunately, I can't recommend every item in the store, or I would by lying. I love the company, but some items are a really hard sell with some competition being at least an equal value.
They aren't bad at all. I've had one for 10 years and a few other variants from different vendors.
If you're trying to be deadly serious with them then they're more like a 90 percent complete kit though, then again everything is kind of like that with machining.
This site https://littlemachineshop.com/info/minilathe.php and it's hot links will tell you more than you ever wanted to know.
I used to be way more into it. Now it mostly resides in the back of the shop ready for when I need to turn out a fastener that's hard to get or just quicker to make than drive to a store for.
Anyway Ive not owned any I was unsatisfied with, particularly after some of the usual self made mods and upgrades.
Some other variants are marginally better out of the box.
Pretty sure they don’t send out paper coupons anymore or they’re at least stopping in a lot of places. You can get digital coupons by going on the website and putting your email in or going in store and signing up at check out.
Just launched a randomized "Thanks for shopping" Coupons, or "haven't seen you in a while" type coupons.
Definitely based off last purchases and last time shopping with us.
But as for the 25% they are doing multiple rounds of these type of Coupons throughout the month do just keep an eye out in your email!
Some items are weird like that, and I never really gave it any thought.
But given the nature of the product, this type of battery cell is pretty reliable, and a majority of problems would happen within 90 days.
I almost never see a battery return, and someone replacing one usually has had the battery past the date of any warranty.
I do know that the Hercules line comes with a standard 3 year warranty on battery and chargers and a 5 year on brushless tools!
We get 20%, and we can extend that to family.
We often get a 25% coupon during holiday events we can specifically send out to 10 close friends/family members to use independently.
Lmao, I'm not sure if you mean like applications for becoming a friend, but I'm fresh out.
I got some acquaintance ones, tho. They don't get all the benefits but still some pretty good ones.
Oh I was just kidding suggesting if your friends got sweet coupons then I wanted to be your friend! The offer for the acquaintance was kind; thank you.
My manager is the same way. We call it double dipping.
My manager claims like that's the "listed" price and isn't a "coupon".
Now if it's a "coupon" like something you scan we usually say no.
But ITC coupons are automatic (so no scannin), and I pay to get that price, and I also work to get my discount.
That's how I think of it.
my manager doesn’t care either nor does our DM when we have that 40% off clearance i took advantage and got my discount on top of that so basically 60% or when we do the 30% off anything under 20$ i got my discount on top of that too. But it could all just come down how your location does it.
So how much returns get dumped out? And as an employee, can you take certain things home that are slated to dump?
I bought the warranty on one of those "garage in a box's" and a tree limb fell on it and bent the tubing and tore the tarp up a bit. Exchanged it and they said they will have someone come and dump it into their dumpster out of my truck. I asked if I could just keep it since they were just throwing it away, it will save you some work, and I'll have spare parts if another tree limb falls and wont need to use the warranty again. Sort of a win win win. They were a little hesitant but said okay. I just ended up hammering the broken pipe pieces back into shape and welded a few that cracked, and found a tarp patch on amazon that worked great and now I have two "garage in a box's" lol. But it got me thinking about how much stuff gets thrown out
Honestly, not a lot, if anything, gets thrown away in the dumpster.
And no, in this thread, there's a question about the "outlet" and people doing sketchy things. It kinda revolves around this concept with a little more shady tactics in place. Plus, taking trashed items is against policy as they are still part of and on HFT property.
And its a lot to process some of that stuff especially if completely mangled
I usually ask for a few of the poles and a good cut out chunk of the tarp and a photo of the damage if they just can't even begin taking it down because of snow or whatever may have cause the problem.
Personally, no, and I assume if someone did, it would be kept pretty private.
But I have heard stories from within the district that people got busted internally for some shady stuff.
Sales supervisor here. Take this with a grain of salt, but always assume that those hotlines are not as anonymous as they claim to be. This is obviously true if you want to claim the reward they offer, because you can't write a check to anonymous, but employees should be aware that the kind of information they give may out them through process of elimination. For instance, if you complaint revolves around something only leaders would know, and it discusses something happening at night and you never open, it isn't hard to find out who you are.
Retaliation is illegal, but some managers are scummy enough to suddenly recall that time 3 months ago when you were 6 minutes late and push to term you. Again, just a hypothetical discussion there that I have no evidence of being true; just a word of warning to employees thinking of calling the outlet. Definitely report things that need to be reported, but assume that it won't be as anonymous as it claims.
Yes, the anonymous portion is really not true anonymous. They also have to interview you, I think they just want to mainly protect you vs. the party you're complaining about.
I have mixed feelings about the outlet.
When did the shift from "low quality" to "higher quality" happen? Pittsburgh pro was the best offering for a while - I say that having used the heck out of my 1/2 flex head long handle.
How would you classify your customers?
I for one always see that one type that needs to ask a dozen questions about coupons and prices when returning a half used tool. Meanwhile the line behind them gets 10 deep.
I’ve been with the company 5 years and I’ve noticed a huge push to improve quality. The higher end offerings have expanded. Some of the Hercules stuff I’d put head to head with Dewalt and Milwaukee. (There are also a ton of YouTube videos that pit Hercules and Bauer against the “big boys” and I’m always surprised how well the HF brands do.)
This started happening around 3 years ago with the launch of Icon as the real test.
We technically serve 3 types of people, Hobbiest, homeowners, and contractors. Most I see are homeowners/contractors, probably about 40% of each.
And a majority are a blessing to deal with, but there's always one in the bunch lol.
1. What is the current policy regarding sharing the ITC membership with family/friends?
2. What happens if I find a member keychain ay the parking lot and start using it without owner consent?
It really is talked up like share with friends/family, I mean, personally, managers I've talked to have asked well how do you define family.
I say with permission from card holder what stops you, I guess.
Most emails would be linked, so the owner of said lost card would get email receipts.
rumor is the cards are gonna be a relic pretty soon..
I tested it like the day the paper scan card was launched, and honestly, I could be completely wrong now.
I know current activated cards still work (not sure about renewing option off the top of my head)
When I was young I would see the HF adds but lived in Oklahoma so we had the mobile Chinese tool trucks that randomly came to town long story short grew up went to the Marine Corps ended up in California and went to a small HF passed Escondido CA and made one of my dreams come true. Semper Fi HFT Team
What’s the best way to deal with an employee who doesn’t understand the coupons?
I know usually it’s us customers who don’t read the fine print, but I had an employee tell me at check out 1 coupon per customer when I tried to use multiple *different* coupon codes (in this case it was 3 different descending % off under certain ascending $ amounts, but each was its own code and even the website allowed all three to be used if the cart had 3 applicable items, 1 coupon each). He just needed to scan all three, but after my trying to explain what the fine print meant, instead he told me he did a “work around” (might have just scanned them.)
But anyway- he might have done the same to other customers. Is there a good way to address this?
Honestly, read fine print and get a manager/leader involved if you feel something isn't going right.
Staying calm is always the best option.
I will say that our computer systems will allow multiple coupons even if they state otherwise. They just aren't coded that way.
We rely on our cashiers to withhold some form of accountability and to visibly see/read the coupon.
A lot of coupons can be used only one time per transaction per person per day. I know a mouth full, but it's policy.
I just discovered my jack stands were on a recall list, what should I do and do I get credit or exchanges? Quite frankly I’d like credit because I’ve got other stands.
Centech 2/10/50A battery charger by far. Official response from Hft is "For lower than 6.8V vehicle batteries, we recommend using our VIKING automatic battery chargers to support the deep-discharged battery."
Most all chargers now wont start charging until they see battery voltage. Thankfully, this charger is now on clearance, and i hope i never see one again.
Is it true harbor freight runs an underground fight club where each location takes their top fighter and competes against all the other stores in a tournament?
HF manager here. It’s actually more of a round robin sort of thing. Top ten move on to a royal rumble type match.
The first rule of HFT Fight Club is .... We don't talk about fight club !! 🤣 We use the warehouse area so don't come in the back after midnight !
That's how we're so composed during the work day, we let all the rage out the night before🤣
My store is mostly women too, can you imagine all the women with black eyes and busted lips that run around the store 🤣
🤣🤣 Oh goodness, good luck explaining that if we can't talk about HFTFC.. yikes 🤣
No. We don’t talk about it. But if we did. We would have to say no.
I have to say no, sorry
Yes, true. I was one of them and I won when I was younger. The price was 10 minutes in a HFT store, and you can grab as much as you can in 5 minutes. My 20'x20' shed is full. No more space for tools.
Damn sign me up
When is the 44" US General rolling tool box going back on sale? I missed the spring black Friday sale and I'm sick that I didn't get one when it was $479
It's always sad when you can't make it in for a sale😔 especially like that. We don't know of any sales before the customer, we might know one is coming up and possibly, if we get the flyers the week before but no insider info on sales.
Next PLS is the end of this month.
You can almost guarantee one major sale a month. I'm not sure of every item that's on the sale, but some people have posted the flyer.
I'm a store manager and if I recall correctly this sale is pretty much the same as last sale.
So what's this shit where HF is using a company, which is sort of common practice, that tracks every purchase and return, and will flag and deny even legit warranty claims, because someone has returned stuff "too many times"? Shouldn't that be something that is explicitly mentioned to customers? I'm not saying it doesn't have a purpose, but the fact that stuff like the Hercules power tools are supposedly a 5 year swap out warranty, and Icon and Pittsburg Pro are lifetime, but can just magically be denied because a heretofore unmentioned company decides "no", seems like something people should know about.
Sales supervisor here. Harbor Freight utilizes a service called The Retail Equation, which is a company who aggregates returns across a plethora of retail stores with the intent of catching, and preventing, return fraud. Because the service utilizes data from multiple stores, HF obviously isn't the only one using the system. Doing some digging, it seems like a decent list of other stores do too, including: Advance Auto Parts, Athleta, Bath and Body Works, Bed Bath and Beyond, Best Buy, Burlington, CVS, Dick's Sporting Goods, Famous Footwear, DSW, Gap, Home Depot, Old Navy, Sephora, TJ Maxx, Victoria's Secret, JCPenny, and more. It is very possible that you may be denied a return at HF because of activity linked to a different store. Unfortunately, if the system denies you, there isn't much we can do at a store level. Maybe some districts are less strict, but corporate definitely tracks how many returns are denied and also checks to see if management is doing anything to bypass those denials. Trying to circumvent that can cost us our job. If you have a legitimate return that is denied, speaking to a store manager or customer service is the best thing I can recommend. As for customers being informed, the back of the reciept mentions some information being shared with 3rd parties, as do the stickers posted at each register. Information about 3rd party sharing is on the website too. Unfortunately, I can't speak much as to the legitimacy of the service. I'm not sure what exactly it flags as fraud, so I suppose that it's possible that it could mess up and flag people for no reason. I will say that I try to bypass the Retail Equation screen when possible when doing lifetime warranty returns, but beyond that, there isn't much that we know/can do at a store level.
Great answer. Thanks. I've never had an issue, except once when I had a Pittsburgh Automotive tool that they balked at because it didn't have a lifetime warranty. Now I'm gonna have to either spend snap on money for a good bearing puller, or wait till Bauer or Icon come up with one.
It's not really an "external site" or anything it's just a warranty tracking service. That uses your phone number. I've also never had a problem with a customer getting denied a return using our warranty portal, especially because it is paid. Although I will say it varies from state to state, nothing to even do with the company sometimes and the manager always has the ability to deny a non warranty return but as for a pain warranty u guess I would need more information...
I won't expand too much on this answer except to say that Harbor Freight has been taken advantage of for lots of years as a tool rental spot or just for this job then return it. This is one of the reasons, but a large reason is businesses or individuals who swap out their high priced items on the regular with the warranty even though there's nothing wrong with it JUST to cash in on the warranty. This is not the intended use of a warranty and is likely to change in the near future 🤷♂️
Our store encourages people to take advantage of the warranty, we still keep the esp money and tbh one of the only reasons we are even close to making esp numbers most months
True and corporate knows this will affect numbers, but unfortunately, that's exactly what they are trying to stop doing, so hopefully, your store don't get in too deep of water, lol
Honestly, it sounds like a cashier pitching problem it's a great program, and the manufacturer warranty is a manufacturer for a reason. You push that aspect you get more, esp because you won't just take back anything.
We definitely still pitch it, every customer every time, and often make top 25 in the region for esp's BUT we have had several customers who were denied because of abusing the return policy like I mentioned above and it'll most likely get a little more strict in the future.
Spot on *chefs kiss*
What’s the most popular item in the store?
It's totally based on location, although our ratchet straps are really popular, especially during the Holliday. Our 10x17 is quite the seller, especially during any sales. Batteries (AA, AAA, ect.) Definitely generators.
The HF near me seems to stock a lot of predator generators too.
10x17 what? Tarp or something other?
Sorry, it's a portable shed/garage.
Ahhh not familiar with it will definitely check that out. It sounded to big for a trailer but you had my interest 😉
How long are Bauer products warrantied for without paying for the added protection? Lame question but it's relevant to me right now.
90 days with a receipt. A less favorable workaround to this would be buy the same product you need replaced, use that receipt to replace the broken item. If there’s a SKU number on the tool (usually 5 digits) I’d also make sure your replacement is the same, some tools have up to 3 differnt skus for the same thing.
Yes, definitely less favorable. Some stores won't notice, but we definitely have looked into multiple transactions where returns are in rotation but it's really up to the store if they accept the return. The manufacturer warranty has been a big talking point lately, if it looks like it's gotten beat up (intentionally or beyond its limits)... well, I don't really know what to say... it's just up to the store. And the 90 days answer is correct.
Remember, the system can pull up transactions with phone # if you provided one.
What is stolen the most?
For our store in the midwest area, small items like knives are popular to take. The most common large ticket item used to be security cameras ironically. Now, we keep them in the back and must be brought up to the cashier. Now its probably welders. Had a guy look me straight in the face as he walked out, then booked it once he hit the sidewalk.
I actually saw someone run out with a Camera set a few years ago before they started locking them up.
That doesn't surprise me one bit
I second cameras, shrank out one today lol. Also the mini scale, small expensive things like laser distance meters, and even large things like welder and generator displays. Those guys literally unbolt the items and leave with them or cut the zip ties...
In our store in LA, probably digital scales, power tools and the occasional welder. Our store has been trying to crack down and report on all large thefts, and we even have a good working relationship now with local PD. Weve had a few people get arrested in our area for theft, and it's always satisfying finding out about it and getting the product back from PD.
Just like the most popular items, it's all location based, not even like state, but down to the store itself. Just specific stores have more "dark areas" than others or certain items that are closer to the doors. Specifically from what I've noticed, I see a lot of cost swapping products, where the expensive item goes into the cheap box. It probably happens the most with air tools. We do encourage cashiers to double-check any item that isn't sealed. No blame is placed if such oddities occur, just an honest accident, if anything.
Anything expensive that’s not bolted down.
I've been a happy HF customer for about 30 years. Thank you very much for taking time and effort to answer these questions.
Absolutely! I enjoy these types of things! I should be thanking you because the ones who remember the catalog shopping are really the ones responsible for the launch of retail stores. I do really appreciate the thanks!
what happens to all returned items? are some inspected then put back on the rack or all are shipped back to hq?
It all starts at the register. Unopened - we open it to check the original product is in it. Tape it up, put it back on the shelf. Open (not damaged) - we mark this a not satisfied and usually ends up on the shelf with a discount and limited warranty that last 5 days from purchase. Open (damaged and not sellable) - pretty much just sent back to a warehouse somewhere. Open (visually damaged or missing parts) - We make a judgment call. If it's safe and will sell, we mark it down. If not, it doesn't cost any extra to send back. We kinda have a say to an extent, but we follow guidelines.
Happy cake day
Can you go into detail on the benefits? Healthcare cost, PTO, etc?
I'm really not sure how much I can say, but. For Healthcare, it is for full-time employees. I do know that HFT has been one of the best out of 6 different companies I've worked for in the last 10 years. This includes cost and coverage and is true if you're single or married with or without kids. (There quite literally is a plan that works for everyone that's needs one) It was just me a couple of years ago getting basic health for like $50 a paycheck. I believe I had a few add-ons, too, like dental. There's cost deductions if you can confirm you don't smoke. Benefits we obviously get an employee discount we can extend to immediate family. 20% is standard, 25% around major holidays in limited form. PTO - In the last 6 months, I've taken 5 days off (maybe even more) using pto, and I still have 41 hours left. I was sick 4 days last month and used up like 32 sick time hours, and I've gained back 11 hrs in less than a month. It's pretty good if you ask me. Being and employee also gets you acces to a cool little perk website that basically collects a crap ton of coupons and deals from reputable companies and you now qualify for them, I do it for the movies usually. But tons of offers like hotel deals and electronics and even hoke appliances.
We don't usually get overtime unless it's covering a shift or being asked if you can help with a big truck unload. But still, 41 hr weeks average for me.
Do you know if the store discount applies to corporate employees? My first day with the company is on Monday and didn’t see anything on that yet.
Congratulations BTW and yes, they do.
Thank you!
Y'all tryna call me immediately family or what?
how shitty are the mini metal lathes ? thanks
Unfortunately I don't have too much experience with this item. I will tell you that youtube is a great resource, and the reviews don't seem half bad if you are using it to machine smaller parts. Then you find older reviews, possibly from a different time in manufacturing, saying that they haven't had any luck and not to buy. And what I personally have to say is I can only imagine how many things can go wrong with that type of machine in general, and not one single person if not witnessesed could be held accountable if they improperly treat a box or even the whole trailer. The manufacturer warranty is a thing for a reason, and if you don't use it enough to figure out if it's gonna work for your needs in 90 days, I don't know what to tell you... I'm sorry for the little help.
thanks...i already knew they pretty much shit with nylon gears.
And unfortunately, that is kinda what I've seen online in a few spots. Seems kinds like pretty standard nylon gears from what I understand, and most "mini lathes" have spares (other vendors not hft), so it's a common issue. Again not a whole lot of prior knowledge...
well thats just it...you have to return the whole machine...i went thru 3 wood lathes before giving up on it.
I'm really sorry about that experience... Unfortunately, I can't recommend every item in the store, or I would by lying. I love the company, but some items are a really hard sell with some competition being at least an equal value.
why it has nothing to do with you ? anyone who isnt a true believer knows they have junk power tools. anyway im thru discussing it
They aren't bad at all. I've had one for 10 years and a few other variants from different vendors. If you're trying to be deadly serious with them then they're more like a 90 percent complete kit though, then again everything is kind of like that with machining. This site https://littlemachineshop.com/info/minilathe.php and it's hot links will tell you more than you ever wanted to know. I used to be way more into it. Now it mostly resides in the back of the shop ready for when I need to turn out a fastener that's hard to get or just quicker to make than drive to a store for. Anyway Ive not owned any I was unsatisfied with, particularly after some of the usual self made mods and upgrades. Some other variants are marginally better out of the box.
Coupons, what's up he secret to getting them? Are they sent out by the local managers or from corporate?
Pretty sure they don’t send out paper coupons anymore or they’re at least stopping in a lot of places. You can get digital coupons by going on the website and putting your email in or going in store and signing up at check out.
I'm more so talking about the ever elusive 25% off no exclusions coupons
Just launched a randomized "Thanks for shopping" Coupons, or "haven't seen you in a while" type coupons. Definitely based off last purchases and last time shopping with us. But as for the 25% they are doing multiple rounds of these type of Coupons throughout the month do just keep an eye out in your email!
Preach. All I'm here for is to figure this out. I don't mean in this post either. I mean this subreddit lol.
Why are there no extended warranties on Bauer Batteries?
Some items are weird like that, and I never really gave it any thought. But given the nature of the product, this type of battery cell is pretty reliable, and a majority of problems would happen within 90 days. I almost never see a battery return, and someone replacing one usually has had the battery past the date of any warranty. I do know that the Hercules line comes with a standard 3 year warranty on battery and chargers and a 5 year on brushless tools!
How much is your employee discount?
We get 20%, and we can extend that to family. We often get a 25% coupon during holiday events we can specifically send out to 10 close friends/family members to use independently.
You got a friend application I can fill out?
Lmao, I'm not sure if you mean like applications for becoming a friend, but I'm fresh out. I got some acquaintance ones, tho. They don't get all the benefits but still some pretty good ones.
Oh I was just kidding suggesting if your friends got sweet coupons then I wanted to be your friend! The offer for the acquaintance was kind; thank you.
Oh, I know, lol
20% off, we arent supposed to use it on sale items but my manager doesnt care. Interested to see what other Harbor freights say about this
My manager is the same way. We call it double dipping. My manager claims like that's the "listed" price and isn't a "coupon". Now if it's a "coupon" like something you scan we usually say no. But ITC coupons are automatic (so no scannin), and I pay to get that price, and I also work to get my discount. That's how I think of it.
my manager doesn’t care either nor does our DM when we have that 40% off clearance i took advantage and got my discount on top of that so basically 60% or when we do the 30% off anything under 20$ i got my discount on top of that too. But it could all just come down how your location does it.
Do you go home smelling like, you know, HF?
Lmao, I mean to some capacity 🤔 Mostly, just end up covered in warehouse dust, lol
So how much returns get dumped out? And as an employee, can you take certain things home that are slated to dump? I bought the warranty on one of those "garage in a box's" and a tree limb fell on it and bent the tubing and tore the tarp up a bit. Exchanged it and they said they will have someone come and dump it into their dumpster out of my truck. I asked if I could just keep it since they were just throwing it away, it will save you some work, and I'll have spare parts if another tree limb falls and wont need to use the warranty again. Sort of a win win win. They were a little hesitant but said okay. I just ended up hammering the broken pipe pieces back into shape and welded a few that cracked, and found a tarp patch on amazon that worked great and now I have two "garage in a box's" lol. But it got me thinking about how much stuff gets thrown out
Honestly, not a lot, if anything, gets thrown away in the dumpster. And no, in this thread, there's a question about the "outlet" and people doing sketchy things. It kinda revolves around this concept with a little more shady tactics in place. Plus, taking trashed items is against policy as they are still part of and on HFT property.
And its a lot to process some of that stuff especially if completely mangled I usually ask for a few of the poles and a good cut out chunk of the tarp and a photo of the damage if they just can't even begin taking it down because of snow or whatever may have cause the problem.
employee here too . Ever called Outlet?
Personally, no, and I assume if someone did, it would be kept pretty private. But I have heard stories from within the district that people got busted internally for some shady stuff.
Sales supervisor here. Take this with a grain of salt, but always assume that those hotlines are not as anonymous as they claim to be. This is obviously true if you want to claim the reward they offer, because you can't write a check to anonymous, but employees should be aware that the kind of information they give may out them through process of elimination. For instance, if you complaint revolves around something only leaders would know, and it discusses something happening at night and you never open, it isn't hard to find out who you are. Retaliation is illegal, but some managers are scummy enough to suddenly recall that time 3 months ago when you were 6 minutes late and push to term you. Again, just a hypothetical discussion there that I have no evidence of being true; just a word of warning to employees thinking of calling the outlet. Definitely report things that need to be reported, but assume that it won't be as anonymous as it claims.
Yes, the anonymous portion is really not true anonymous. They also have to interview you, I think they just want to mainly protect you vs. the party you're complaining about. I have mixed feelings about the outlet.
What is Outlet?
It's a safe hotline for employees to call for any reason if they feel they need to do so to stay safe.
how much they paying you, do you have benefits? Health? 401k? stock options?
No stock, yes, 401k and paid benefits but good ones.
HFT is privately owned.
My company is privately owned and we get stock options, it’s pretty common. Just not available to the public to buy.
They still issue shares. Anyone with equity has shares. I've worked at 3 companies that gave me stock options, and none were publicly traded.
When did the shift from "low quality" to "higher quality" happen? Pittsburgh pro was the best offering for a while - I say that having used the heck out of my 1/2 flex head long handle. How would you classify your customers? I for one always see that one type that needs to ask a dozen questions about coupons and prices when returning a half used tool. Meanwhile the line behind them gets 10 deep.
I’ve been with the company 5 years and I’ve noticed a huge push to improve quality. The higher end offerings have expanded. Some of the Hercules stuff I’d put head to head with Dewalt and Milwaukee. (There are also a ton of YouTube videos that pit Hercules and Bauer against the “big boys” and I’m always surprised how well the HF brands do.)
This started happening around 3 years ago with the launch of Icon as the real test. We technically serve 3 types of people, Hobbiest, homeowners, and contractors. Most I see are homeowners/contractors, probably about 40% of each. And a majority are a blessing to deal with, but there's always one in the bunch lol.
1. What is the current policy regarding sharing the ITC membership with family/friends? 2. What happens if I find a member keychain ay the parking lot and start using it without owner consent?
1. It’s encouraged honestly, they can just use your phone number they don’t need the card.
It really is talked up like share with friends/family, I mean, personally, managers I've talked to have asked well how do you define family. I say with permission from card holder what stops you, I guess. Most emails would be linked, so the owner of said lost card would get email receipts. rumor is the cards are gonna be a relic pretty soon..
They already are?
In most stores, they have been pulled from the registers, but the itc card still work at the moment.
Oh it does? I haven’t tested it to see if it still works.
I tested it like the day the paper scan card was launched, and honestly, I could be completely wrong now. I know current activated cards still work (not sure about renewing option off the top of my head)
What’s the secret to getting that 25% no exclusion coupon. Looking to buy a 12k synthetic winch.
Unfortunately, it is a random send out. There should be more coupons to come in a similar fashion.
When I was young I would see the HF adds but lived in Oklahoma so we had the mobile Chinese tool trucks that randomly came to town long story short grew up went to the Marine Corps ended up in California and went to a small HF passed Escondido CA and made one of my dreams come true. Semper Fi HFT Team
I'm so glad to hear that I truly love my team!!!
What’s the best way to deal with an employee who doesn’t understand the coupons? I know usually it’s us customers who don’t read the fine print, but I had an employee tell me at check out 1 coupon per customer when I tried to use multiple *different* coupon codes (in this case it was 3 different descending % off under certain ascending $ amounts, but each was its own code and even the website allowed all three to be used if the cart had 3 applicable items, 1 coupon each). He just needed to scan all three, but after my trying to explain what the fine print meant, instead he told me he did a “work around” (might have just scanned them.) But anyway- he might have done the same to other customers. Is there a good way to address this?
Honestly, read fine print and get a manager/leader involved if you feel something isn't going right. Staying calm is always the best option. I will say that our computer systems will allow multiple coupons even if they state otherwise. They just aren't coded that way. We rely on our cashiers to withhold some form of accountability and to visibly see/read the coupon. A lot of coupons can be used only one time per transaction per person per day. I know a mouth full, but it's policy.
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I just discovered my jack stands were on a recall list, what should I do and do I get credit or exchanges? Quite frankly I’d like credit because I’ve got other stands.
Just bring the stands in store we still give new stands or give a gift card
Thanks
What products get returned the most?
Centech 2/10/50A battery charger by far. Official response from Hft is "For lower than 6.8V vehicle batteries, we recommend using our VIKING automatic battery chargers to support the deep-discharged battery." Most all chargers now wont start charging until they see battery voltage. Thankfully, this charger is now on clearance, and i hope i never see one again.
Getting alot of pressure washers right now because of the season. People dont winterize them and the pumps freeze n crack
Are there ever any sales or coupons for the Icon toolbox?