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Harbor Freight Tools

Engaged Employer

Overworked, short handed and underpaid. - Anonymous employee Harbor Freight Tools Employee Review

2.0
Apr 11, 2015
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Learn basics of retail and inventory as well as sales. Small incentives for selling store-offered products and services. Paid vacation and sick time.

Cons

Always short handed and understaffed. Management is understaffed. Compensation is insufficient for work expected. Expect to work late nearly every shift due to a high turnover rate. Blackout days cannot be asked off (all parking-lot sale days). Promotion from within requires relocation thus limiting advancement, sales of company products are pushed almost too hard.

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Harbor Freight Tools Response
11y
Hello. Thank you for sharing your input, especially the constructive ideas you had regarding the customer experience. We are gratified that you recognize the valuable experience you gain in retail and are happy you enjoy the perks and benefits that come with your position. We also appreciate your "cons" and want you to know we're continuing to strive to make the workplace a more productive environment for our staff. We'd like to hear more from you. We encourage you to reach out to your HR representative or, if you'd prefer to remain anonymous, please call our HFT Outlet Hotline at 1-800-693-8377. Thanks again for your thoughtful feedback.

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.

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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