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Harbor Freight Tools

Engaged employer

Tremendous profit on the backs of underpaid, overworked employees - Anonymous employee Harbor Freight Tools Employee Review

1.0
7 Dec 2014
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

PTO for part timers. That's it at all levels.

Cons

Work life balance is a joke. Given that full time employees and managers are expected to be available for ANY shift 24/7, and the company OFTEN requires tasking done off hours, there is absolutely no work life balance. It isn't unheard of to open one day, come back the same for a close to 3 AM shift, come back the next day for another over nighter, and then work through the weekend. The company has some high standards and ideals. No one really cares about this or tries to genuinely implement them. Field support from DM above is of the "get it done but don't tell me how" mentality. Supporting and developing employees is encouraged only on paper. One of the company's core values is "Do the right thing." Ironic considering that most managers, DMs, and everyone on up to the very top is shady as all heck. Managers are expected to work their employees to the bone. When I first started I was actually given the advice "schedule them [employees] for all the dirty work. if they don't like it, hire another person." This mentality explains the 60-80% turnover (depending on your area of the US. Last but not least, the pay is terrible. Anyone below a manager is getting just above minimum wage. Managers are paid "decently" but rely so heavily on bonusing that all sorts of dirty, shady practices are used in the name of getting that bonus.

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Harbor Freight Tools Response
11y
Thank you for your input. We appreciate your candor, but we're concerned about some of the points you've made. It's important to Harbor Freight that the work environment is positive and productive for everyone. That being said, we urge you to reach out to your HR representatives so we can have a constructive discussion and address all your concerns. Or, if you'd like to expand and share your thoughts anonymously, please call our HFT Outlet Hotline at 1-800-693-8377. Thank you.

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Pros

Very simplified processes. Step by step.

Cons

No room for creativity. Just run the play

4.0
16 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
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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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