Harbor Freight — Local services in Portsmouth

Easily the worst retail experience I've had in a very very long time, if not the absolute worst.

Today (12/5/20204) I made my way to the Portsmouth location to return a Predator 4375 generator and wheel kit purchased on 11/29/24 that would not run after many failed attempts over days of weeding out potential problems. My wife took advantage of a Black Friday deal as it was more than half off the new price. As with any refurbished item, we expected scratches, dings, and possibly a rebuilt carburetor etc. What I did not expect was to open the air filter and find it soaking in dark oil, which is something I figured would be checked and mentioned. After finding this out, I spoke to someone (unnamed) over the phone on the 5th day of the return, as I personally was unable to come in that day due to an extremely important medical appointment. "No problem. Come in tomorrow and ask for me directly. Just bring it down and I'll take care of it." I thanked this person for being helpful and understanding. Fast forward to this afternoon, I load the item into my vehicle and drive the half hour in the snow to do just that.

"I can't take it with gas in it" is the first thing said to me by the same individual after greeting them and noticing the name tag. Should I have known that? Maybe, but "just bring it down and ask for me" is what I was going off of. After mentioning this, the representative said "I did say that, my bad" and proceeds to tell me he can't take it back either way. Now I understand that my personal medical issues are not the problem of Harbor Freight or it's employees, but I mentioned this before coming in, once for the day before I arrived, and once for a separate appointment the day of. I was made to feel that it would all be just fine. A quick return and I'd be on my way to an extremely important and time sensitive meeting. I left lots of time in between, fearing that something like this may come up.

After telling me "too bad" essentially, I was told I could purchase more items (a bucket and hand pump) to remove the gas before bringing it inside. Now I'm outside in the rain/snow pumping gasoline out of an item that was purchased and did not work in the first place, using items I had to buy in order to return said broken item. My very visible discomfort and disappointment was obvious, yet no "sorry" or anything like it was even touched on. I understand retail, and the woes of customer reviews and behavior having worked in retail for many many years myself, and I promise that this was not an irrational customer seeking attention. I am shocked, and honestly, disgusted with how everything happened. Great discount tools is what I expect and have always gotten, not discount customer service and discount attention to detail. This has been a massive and unnecessary...

So I decided to go tiny house. Got an old RV due to the age of the generator. Kohler probably to push sales decided to get rid of my carburetor model with no replacement. Period with winter coming. I had to think out of the box. I managed to find a very knowledgeable manager And he helped me set up solar very easily. Literally seem to take 10 minutes to get everything put together lol mining the time getting up and down off my roof around tree branches currently have it charging my system. He had some very good advice, and didn’t try to upsell me, but tried to fit my need, or just plain good customer service the need of the customer. I will definitely be zipping back. His recommendation would be to set up two units due to cost and due to what they supply I do hope in the future they look. For 200 W solar systems Each panel. But I’m happy with my purchase, and it seems to be working right out of the box. So I’ve had these panels for a few months after this post. Getting into winter I find that they charge the batteries OK but they’re not a lot of power. If I had more funds available, I would get a double set. So 800 W total have to take them up and down, don’t want to mount them to the old camper roof yet. Other than that you’re gonna want a number of batteries deep cycle. Make sure that they are. Other than that had to buy a predator generator. I find that a 2000 W works decent only run some small stuff very quiet but under a load it gets louder but still quiet enough. Not too upset people too much it runs my batteries back up deep cycle, and also keeps my lights and heater working. I would definitely say to Harbor freight thank you I would wish that they get 200 watt solar panels for future would be nice. I did find getting a gas can from them. Works quite well affordable water, easy to carry and I can easily fill my onboard water tank in spring. Also lock up your generator they have cable locks. That are high-quality have had them on and off for the...

Aug 2: Still no sign of my order. 🙁

July 9: Honestly, my review has nothing to do with the people at this location. They are all great. My -5 stars goes toward Harbor Freight fulfillment- sucks. And their sales order date of delivery to the store is not credible or even close to accurate. Most items are China made, so, if your something that is not physically in the store and you get a date of delivery, add 6 weeks for the transpacific delivery. I don’t think they have a distribution center in the US or if they do, they need a new forecast team.

That said, the people are patient and we aware of the delivery issues.With a good attitude, they deal disappointment well. I have not gotten so annoyed or angry enough to cancel my order and go to that other big box store for my tool chest.

I will still shop here but I will only buy what...