Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[sixdogs]

I just assumed they are all about the same... cookie cutter model?

I've been to different stores and some are no big deal and some are "wow" stores with more stuff, better layout and more complete inventory. One store is out of stock and the wow store has everything. It makes a big difference.

 

[Pixguy]

Do you think it's any bigger/better than the Manchester store?

I haven't been to the Manchester store having only been to stores in MA and FL. The Littleton store was the same size as the MA store and bigger than the FL store. The Littleton store was clean, bright and full of HF employees. I said Boy, you guys must have a dozen people on. He said yea, we're all restocking after a busy weekend and after the flyers they sent out.
An employee asked me if he could help me find something and I said, I'm not sure what I need, but I need something! :laughing:

 

[IslandTractor]

I haven't been to the Manchester store having only been to stores in MA and FL. The Littleton store was the same size as the MA store and bigger than the FL store. The Littleton store was clean, bright and full of HF employees. I said Boy, you guys must have a dozen people on. He said yea, we're all restocking after a busy weekend and after the flyers they sent out.
An employee asked me if he could help me find something and I said, I'm not sure what I need, but I need something! :laughing:

I have used five different HF stores in MA. The level and quality of sales assistance varies widely in my experience. I'd rank HF about half a step above Costco. Not nearly up to the standards of HD or Lowes or even our local Stop and Shop supermarket. Of course none of those come close to Trader Joes! At TJ, if you ask for directions to an item, the employee will literally drop what they are doing and always walk you to the item. I think it is a company policy and it certainly does foster good customer relations.

 

[newbury]

<snip> At TJ, if you ask for directions to an item, the employee will literally drop what they are doing and always walk you to the item. I think it is a company policy and it certainly does foster good customer relations.

I find that practice annoying at times. Most hardware stores have aisles numbered and as I've aged I prefer to "wander" my way over to XX aisle rather than to attempt to follow a teen age athlete in a speed walking contest.

 

[IslandTractor]

I find that practice annoying at times. Most hardware stores have aisles numbered and as I've aged I prefer to "wander" my way over to XX aisle rather than to attempt to follow a teen age athlete in a speed walking contest.

I agree but you have to admit it shows good management strategy, training and spirit. I'm not sure HF scores points in any of those areas.

 

[Oaktree]

I haven't been to the Manchester store having only been to stores in MA and FL. The Littleton store was the same size as the MA store and bigger than the FL store. The Littleton store was clean, bright and full of HF employees. I said Boy, you guys must have a dozen people on. He said yea, we're all restocking after a busy weekend and after the flyers they sent out.

Other than the Littleton store, the only HF I've ever been in was the one in Nashua. I'd say Littleton is about 2/3 the size of Nashua (though the rest of the building is vacant, so they could presumably expand if the needed/wanted to). Nice to see something in that building...it had been sitting empty for quite a few years and was in rough shape.
Agree that there seems to be a lot of sales help, wonder how long before they cut back. Glad to see the store is doing well...always quite a few cars in the lot when I drive by.

I have used five different HF stores in MA. The level and quality of sales assistance varies widely in my experience. I'd rank HF about half a step above Costco. Not nearly up to the standards of HD or Lowes or even our local Stop and Shop supermarket.

Never been in a Costco but both HD and Lowes vary all over the place. When you need an employee there don't seem to be any around, but if you're just browsing they're everywhere. Only supermarket around here is Shaws, and their customer service leaves a lot to be desired.

 

[IslandTractor]

Never been in a Costco but both HD and Lowes vary all over the place. When you need an employee there don't seem to be any around, but if you're just browsing they're everywhere. Only supermarket around here is Shaws, and their customer service leaves a lot to be desired.

If you've never been in a Costco you missed the reference. Costco has essentially no staff on the floor to answer questions. Just cashiers and stockers. The manager can answer a question if you can find him.

HF isn't that bad but I've never been to an HF that could match even the inconsistent quality of staff at HD or Lowes. Both of those big box stores typically have at least a few people around, typically ex journeymen, who really know what they are talking about. I get the impression from HF staff that they've never worked with tools at all.

 

[PJSprog]

HF isn't that bad but I've never been to an HF that could match even the inconsistent quality of staff at HD or Lowes. Both of those big box stores typically have at least a few people around, typically ex journeymen, who really know what they are talking about. I get the impression from HF staff that they've never worked with tools at all.

Your big box stores are clearly different than ours around here. Nearly all of the employees at our local stores appear to be either teenagers, retirees, or homemakers, none of whom have any clue how tools or materials are used. They just know what isle they're in ... and if they don't, they'll ask someone else.

 

[Pixguy]

My experience is that the HD and Lowes can vary from area to area. The HD's in NH seem to be well staffed where the Lowes are lower skilled and try to snap up the more trained HD associates when they can. HD spends a lot on training their people but of course it depends on the availability of employees in the area. Florida stores are much busier during the winter when I'm there and usually hire what they can get, not always stellar or experienced folks. The closest HD to me in SW Florida opened and had a super group of experienced retirees but about 8 years later, those folks retired "again" and they are like the rest... Meh.

 

[Paul Thornton]

Got to the new HF store in northern NH today and picked up another wood dolly but this one is the smaller one. Sale price was $7.79. I get to the register and the young guy asks, "would you like to add a 1 or 2 yr extended warranty?" I said "seriously? No." Nuts. I should have asked how much but I was flabbergasted that they would offer one.

I think the warranty was $3.00 when I bought my dolly.