The problem is gimmicks aren't allowed...nor is deceptive advertising. Truthful advertising is required. That's the law in most places I believe. And who is to enforce it? Yes we all pay for frivolous law suits, and yes there are way too many folks with legal degrees just looking to pounce on any opportunity to make money. They eat what they kill and and they want to kill some insurance backed game... if this legal action resulted in HF admitting to illegal acts, unlikely their insurance coverage will cover them, even with a high deductible, because usually fines from illegal acts are excluded. Most of us would agree the big barrel of lawyers has way too many bad apples. Our system of freedoms allows the gypsies of that profession to seemingly run wild. Just remember that when you need a lawyer for something legitimate, like a land purchase or to help settle an estate, or to help get benefits for a forgotten vet, well I hope you find a good honorable one. Because there are plenty of them out there. Apparently one had to be careful looking though. Just like a good car mechanic. Why do I defend lawyers? Well....both parents were lawyers and my older brother still is actively one. None do or have ever done personal injury, none have ever chased anyone No criminal work. Mostly corporate contractual work, international intellectual property rights, and my older brother even successfully represented the nation of the Philippines versus Westinghouse where their nuclear generator didn't work. When big business screws up, they have to pay for their mistakes. Which does not justify first tier law firms charging over a thousand dollars an hour for a senior partner. Now that's an expensive clock, tick tock The real stupidity is in the jury awards. So if you ever get on a jury, make sure justice is done, but not overdone. No bonanza for anyone. Tort reform should be enacted. But have some drunk fool make me into a quadriplegic in a car accident, then the real question is what is that worth, and should one third to one half of the hopefully justified award go to the law firms. Whose partners at the end of the year get amazing bonuses as they share the huge financial kill brought in by all of their legal hunters. But if you want a license to steal, look no further than Wall Street. I really enjoy going into Harbor Freight and have zero expections that everything I find there will really be a "quality tool" as advertised. I think the right word here is hyperbole, basically marketing fluff to make you think you are getting a super good deal, an amazingly good deal actually. When you really aren't. But then much of the same lower tier merchandise is also found in Northern Tools with a different paint job and thirty bucks more. I think the real problem is the overactive marketing dept of Harbor Freight. They should keep it simpler. Just show the final price, not all the razzmatazz. I can only wonder if we will see more restrained advertising in the future. And please don't shoot all the lawyers. Some are really fine people, very bright, and devoted to their client's needs. And they have personal honor and don't cross lines where only greed is involved. I always watch my HF coupons and get the lowest price I can by studying, and think I paid a fair price for lower quality tools. So I don't think I was personally mistreated so will not be claiming anything. I have to wonder though how many people who bought the one ton hydraulic lift for 169 and then next month saw the coupon mailer sent out to Joe Schmoe for 99.99 in the latest Motorhome magazine for example. HF gives some of their best coupons to "strangers" reading boat and rv magazines. I could never figure that out. So maybe they really need to revamp their marketing and keep it simpler. Time to turn the marketing fog machine off and let the value of their products stand on their own.
