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Harbor Freight Tools

Engaged employer

A lot of good, but more bad about working here. - Anonymous employee Harbor Freight Tools Employee Review

3.0
6 Sept 2016
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Very structured procedurally, close knit employment community with a family/team feeling, flexible scheduling, annual reviews with performance based raises, opportunities for advance for hard workers. Generous 401K matching for full time and paid time off for full and part time. Never a worry about being paid as ADP does payroll with either direct deposit or deposit to Visa debit card and ALWAYS paid on time.

Cons

Ridiculous time demands for full time employees, NO OVERTIME EVER, expectations of working off clock, even when you don't work for free the scheduling makes it feel like a 60 hour a week job with pay for ≤40 hours. Expensive medical. Good luck taking paid time off when you want it. Most part time employees weren't even made aware of paid time off. Inconsistent scheduling/ hours for part time. You will RARELY see someone fired because HFT refuses to support unemployment compensation. If you don't give them just cause, they will force you to quit by minimal scheduling and/or terrible work assignments and/or terrible hours. Depending on the store manager, the family atmosphere can be a clique atmosphere. Yes men are rewarded more often and quickly than free thinkers. WAY TOO MANY CHIEFS and not near enough soldiers. Blame always rolls downhill.

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Harbor Freight Tools Response
8y
Thank you for all you and the team do to make Harbor Freight Tools a great place to work and shop. As you know we are committed to constantly improving our processes and appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback and we will make sure to share it with the appropriate team members. We appreciate your hard work and dedication to helping Harbor Freight Tools deliver value to the hardworking.

Explore other reviews about Harbor Freight Tools

5.0
23 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

love it best place to work

Cons

no cons nothing to complain about

4.0
16 Jun 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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