Harbor Freight — Local services in Brooksville

I've been a loyal customer of Harbor Freight for about a decade now. Can't beat their prices. Unfortunately I won't be giving this location my business any longer. I bought an auger to put up a fence this month while in town not sure if my buddy was going to let me borrow his. Turns out my friend came through and I didn't need the auger. In fact, I didn't even open it.

I went to return the auger and to my surprise I was told I was not able to return it without paying a $40 restocking fee. I was shocked and explained that this was not explained to me on purchase and I've never heard of Harbor Freight doing that. I hoped they would give a loyal customer a break, since this wasn't communicated. The employee was rude and insisted I was not only told this when I made my purchase but my receipt would have been highlighted where this was written.(I was returning it with my digital receipt and didn't have the paper one with me) I explained that I had not gotten the communication verbally or a highlight on my receipt. I asked if I brought the receipt in and showed the missing highlight would they reimburse me the restocking fee. He coldly just said, "No, do you want to continue with the return or not?"

I hope they can make this right so I can adjust my review and go back to being a loyal customer but I am firm in my decision if not. The receipt does in fact state there is a restocking fee asterick with no other details but this was nowhere else in the store and my receipt was not highlighted. Most online stores don't charge a restocking fee and I am not aware of any in person stores that charge such a fee so this restocking fee should be clearly presented where customers can see it before making a purchase. I...

Don't fret at Harbor Freight! I like the variety of items found in this store, plus things I might not find at other stores.

Recently I joined their Inside Track Club so I could get extra discounts, promotions and other VIP benefits. Unfortunately in the beginning there was some sort of glitch in the system that would not allow me to log in as a new member. I made multiple phone calls to various 800 numbers, to no avail. I made several trips to the store, ending up talking with Diana, then mostly with Shauna.

It became one of those 'could-be-frustrating' that turned into 'well-ain't-this-kinda-funny' situations! Each time I would see Shauna I know she felt sorry for me but determined to win this one for the team! Shauna sent emails and would get back hopeful replies. I know how computer information systems can be. Sometimes a bug like this can bite like a horsefly on a rainy, sweltering August day in 'Sunny' Florida!

I am happy to announce that Team Shauna crossed the finish line and WE WON! All of our hard work paid off....well, sort of. NOW that I am a member of the Inside Track Club I find that I LOVE the extra discount coupons I'm getting. Yesterday, those coupons MADE me buy 4 items!...

VERY disappointed with this Harbor Freight location.

On one occasion, they refused to exchange an air compressor because I had no receipt, even though the item was returned in its original packaging and obviously in brand new condition. The issue with the compressor was the gauge did not work... But sadly, I was sent away with a defective air compressor and a bitter attitude toward Harbor Freight.

Another issue I have with Harbor Freight is, they have a large number of items on their website that are "Purchase In Store Only" but of course, no stores locally have the items in stock...

On a separate visit, one staff member who refused to scan a 25% off coupon, telling me the coupon I had was for "sidewalk sale" items only when in fact, the coupon made no such mention.

I called and spoke to a manager about the issue, and he confirmed my coupon should have been applied to my purchase.

When I returned to the store to get my due refund, the staff member who refused to scan and apply my coupon gave me attitude, and even claimed she scanned the coupon but it was declined.

Liar or clueless? Either way, I'll be taking my business elsewhere when I...