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Harbor Freight Tools

Engaged Employer

Management is very aware of what the company is - a cheap, low quality hardware store - Sales Associate Harbor Freight Tools Employee Review

3.0
Sep 23, 2017
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

In both the sales associate and warehouse position, managers were lenient and simply encouraged employees to provide good customer service and meet deadlines. Laid back atmosphere but also good training on products provided by store managers.

Cons

Customers have a high potential to be rude, upset people. Those that shop at HF are only looking for inexpensive, "one time use" tools. They are usually cheap and low class, so if you aren't used to interacting with such people then it will take some time to adjust. Lots of theft from customers, but employees cannot engage themselves with a shoplifter. This results in employees being punished for store shrinkage, without the absolute list to do anything about it. (Personal experience) - Managers, even regional managers, are non college-educated, difficult to speak to, and give off a vibe of general sleazyness. Lots of swearing and poor grammar in their memos. It just reeks of poor management and a lack of caring of who is promoted to what position.

Explore other reviews about Harbor Freight Tools

5.0
Jun 26, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great store leader. Great team to work with. The company cares about its employees. The pay is better than most retail places. Open door policy. Good work life balance. Fun place to work.

Cons

Not getting to work overtime often.

1
4.0
Jun 16, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great benefits, fast paced environment, good teamwork. I liked the hours, you get an education about tools, whether from your coworkers or the customers. And speaking of the customers, they were on the better side for retail. Most are down to earth and easy to converse with.

Cons

Supply chain issues, many parts would never be replenished, despite being featured, advertised, and on display. That would often lead to tensions with customers. Aggressive time constraints on tasks. Sidewalk sales, holidays, and also coincidentally inclement weather days, can be quite busy and therefore stressful. Especially if there's call outs, but if you have a good management team, you'll have good staff that will want to work for them.

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