Has anyone else been getting these crazy-good Harbor Freight coupons?
It starts off with a “we’ve missed you” subject line, and when I open it up, there’s a similar message and then a 25% off coupon with “no exclusions” emphasized.
There are some limits – it’s a single-use coupon, good towards any single item, and it can only be used on in-stock items, in-store only. That still seems pretty good to me.
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Are you guys getting them too? This is my third so far. The first came in on September 7th, the second on October 5th, and the most recent one came in on October 19th.
The latest coupon is good from 10/20 thru 10/26/23.
I’m not complaining, it’s just that this seems a bit uncharacteristic. I haven’t made up my mind yet as to whether this is a good strategy for them or not, but I’m definitely happy as a consumer – as long as they don’t start marking things up.
For those of you getting these coupons, are you heading out to the store to buy anything? What’s good these days?
And no, you can’t have mine, sorry.
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Lyle
I hadn’t bought anything for a while (I live in Hawaii and we don’t have Harbor Freight here). I go on a trip and I buy a $179 combination grinder/belt sander and the very next day I get a 25% off coupon. I was traveling that next day and couldn’t return and rebuy using the coupon. I emailed them and they were like too bad. I’m gonna call them and if they won’t help me I’ll be done buying cheap crappy tools from them.
Eric
How dare they not cater to your schedule.
This is 100% from page 1 of the Karen playbook.
Mac
I’m not sure your radar is working, or you might be a middle manager that thinks anyone speaking to you is a karen. This is actually 100% what normal companies will do, unless the coupon was granted as a promotion tied to the first purchase.
Personally, I think 25% off still doesn’t make their stuff worthwhile, unless it’s shop towels or slabs of metal that weird tolerances or poor machining won’t matter.
Justen Grimm
Harbor frieght has come along way as far as quality. The Bauer and hercules line of power tools are great examples. Plus they have a 5 year no questions warranty on brushless tools. It really depends on your use for them. I am not a professional or depend on power tool every day to get paid. I just use mine for projects around the house
mac
I’ve heard such things, and I’ll admit my opinion isn’t current. They marketed their ‘tools’ as ‘quality’ for so long, when all they offered were ‘physical objects roughly the same shape as the tool you’ll buy next’, that I never forgave them.
I’ve kind of followed their progress. Now they are supposed to actually have real tools, but they cost more than the established value brands and I still have a bad taste.
The coupons haven’t tempted me back through in the last couple years. Friends love their automotive stuff. I just hate shopping twice
Lyle
F*ck you Eric.
BigTimeTommy
Used to be a common occurrence until corporations used social media to condition us to think that anyone who expects good customer service is a “Karen”
Paige Norris
I’m so sick of everyone slinging “Karen” around. Now it has taken on a whole new role: when someone calls someone “Karen” these days, what they really mean is “stop disagreeing with the men, opinionated white lady.”
Gary
Sorry you can’t get everything you want on your schedule. Grow up man!
Stuart
They’re allowed to be upset.
You’ve got nothing to contribute to this discussion other than to dogpile them? Who needs to grow up?
Reese
They’re allowed to be upset that they missed a deal. They tried and were denied. It’s not in their policy and they didn’t extend the courtesy. Move on. Growing up includes being accountable. Trying over and over again to get your way threatening to never frequent an establishment is 100% not grown up.
Tldr, there was contribution
Stuart
Lyle’s comment is inline with the post topic. Someone called them a Karen. And then someone else dogpiled on top to tell them to grow up.
Not agreeing with someone isn’t a basis for name-calling or condescending scolding.
I let it stand, not without commenting about the dogpiling doesn’t contribute to the discussion, because it doesn’t.
Lyle’s not soapboxing that everyone should boycott HF, they shared an experience that turned than off from the company. They’re being unfairly chastised.
If someone disagrees with their opinion, a “that sucks, but it’s probably policy – maybe you should give them another chance in the future, but not in situations where you can’t revisit the store to make a return” is a mature comment to make. “Grow up” is not.
In situations like this, what happens is one person makes a comment, then another, and then there are a dozen (or dozens) more attacking the original commentor for daring to share something on the internet. That kind of dogpiling doesn’t contribute to the discussion.
As you said, the mature attitude is to move on.
Jp
Yeah it’s annoying, most companies I deal with do this. Recently, from Duluth trading… but it’s how they seek return patronage after you spend….this isn’t a new concept. I don’t get that bent out of shape over it. Buy small, you will probably get coupons so wait, buy big….
mac
I appreciate the way you engage to moderate, Stuart. Things don’t go ignored, but also don’t disappear. I hope we pay you enough
Stuart
Thanks, I appreciate it!
To be clear, there are times when comments are removed for the betterment of the discussion or community, but I’d rather not have to go there.
Al
Technically the coupon does say not vaild on prior purchases so they do have the right to say no. But you have the 90 days return policy where you can return and just buy it again with the coupon. Unfortunately you cant do it over the phone because of scams harbor freight doesn’t allow it. Maybe give the reciept to someone have them go to harbor freight for you and talk to a manager of honoring the coupon.
Matt
I did something similar. Used a 25% coupon to buy a small air compressor and also bought an air compressor kit with hose and fittings, etc plus an air powered trim nailer/stapler that were marked on sale. Turns out, the sale was for the next weekend’s parking lot sale but we’re already marked with sale price. Cashier wouldn’t budge from “policy” of club member sale tags not honored for everyone…so I said what if I return them and rebuy them at today’s ( it was now Saturday) sale price? She said she couldn’t stop me from doing that and proceeded to do exactly that for me at the register, with just my days-old receipt and handed me cash back! Worth the return drive for $17 more $$ in my pocket.
Victor
So, I completely understand the frustration here because who doesn’t want to save money in todays day with everything already being expensive as it is.
But on the other end, since I work for Harbor Freight, we cannot refund a transaction unless it is in person. Not sure what corporate could do with this though since I simply do not have that knowledge. But at a store level the only thing we could do is, with a receipt in hand, return the product, re ring it and charge the coupon to the transaction and get you the difference back. I do not think corporate can view transactions and do that at their end. But I could be wrong! I wish I had more knowledge to be alittle more helpful!
Till we meet again!
BigTimeTommy
No, I might actually go to harbor freight if I had that coupon. Their prices have been getting ridiculous.
Plain+grainy
Full bank tool chest $599.00! 25% off $450.00!
Stuart
It looks like they only have certain color options in-store.
No purple. Sorry, Robert.
Robert
Ahhh. I had been hoping to combine a Vikings game with a HF visit. The only Harbor Freight E-mails I’ve gotten lately looked like spam, so I didn’t open them and sent them to the spam folder.
Scott
I just used mine a month or so before Christmas, for a series 3 bottom tool chest. It was not in-stock so I had to wait a few weeks to get but it was np using the coupon. Now I want the top but I refuse to buy it without another one of those coupons.
Josh R
I haven’t gotten one of those since June, but I bought a 44” roller cabinet the last time I got one, and a 26 gallon air compressor the time before.
Kind of hoping to get another, I could use a welder.
Sean
If you get the coupon after buying the item you can go back and we will honor the difference. We typically do that with sale price items. If something goes on sale a week after you buy it you can come back and get the difference
Lyle
Sean, yeah customer service at Harbor Freight has always been pretty good actually. This is why I was surprised when I got that kind of a response from them.
Stuart
Hmm. If that’s the response I got from calling customer service, I would have tried calling the store. Maybe they could have done something to help.
Ken
Even though it says specifically not valid on prior purchases? What is your store number? I’m going to have to make your store my new home store lol
TomD
Not valid for prior purchases just means you have to actually take the bother of going in and “returning” the item and buying it again.
They often will just do it with the receipt. That shows up in the system as just a return not a manager approved price adjustment.
fred
I got one with my email this morning. I haven’t been to HF since before the Pandemic started. I usually went to buy nitrile gloves and chip brushes. Saving $3.50 on a single box of gloves is not a compelling reason for me to make a special trip (about 7 miles each way)
Mr cool
Is that 7 seven miles walking or driving?
Rodger
7 miles to HF? How close is your next closest tool store? I was living in the middle of nowhere, where the closest store to buy ANYTHING was 15 miles one way and HF was a 70 mile drive.
I have since moved thankfully.
Scott Gelow
I have been waiting for Black Friday to make a purchase on a tool box. If I had a 25% off coupon I would buy it now.
Donna
There is currently an extended parking lot sale going on right mnow until Sunday. There is a 30 inch 4 drawer tool box going for $159.00. Also if you are an Inside Track Customer there is a 30 inch 5 drawer tool box on sale at $219.99.
John
They tend not to have the tool boxes in stock. They have 1 for display but they usually just don’t have the room to have them in stock. It says in store only purchase because if you go in and buy one they just order it for you. You cannot use the 25% coupon on these as they are not in stock. Believe me, I have tried.
John
I honestly haven’t been to a harbor freight in a couple years. I feel like they lost their price luster and most of what I would buy there I can get elsewhere for a close to equal price.
Charles
agree
Nick
I only go there for a few things now. I used to hobby shop there a lot, but without the coupons, I simply don’t think a lot of what they have is discounted enough to warrant the potential quality risk.
If I had a near-unlimited supply of the 20% off coupons like I used to, I’d honestly go more.
mark
Yeah seems some businesses like to use coupons to turn on/off price adjustments related to inflation & cost of goods sold. I notice this with tortillas (la banderita)I used to buy as a “now get 10 instead of 8!” Pack. It used to be like this as long as I can remember ( I’m 30). And since 2021 the tortillas are just quietly sold in 8 packs at same price. I daydream of if they will ever go back to “used to be 8 now 10!” Again Lol
Chris I
That is some questionable word gymnastics. How do you determine discount relative to quality “risk”?
cj
I have received them in April and June. Same terms. I have actually just been using a “fake phone number” for my last few purchases to see if I get another. i have a bigger $$ item I am eyeing and a 25% off will make it all that much better.
OldDominionDIYer
I got them and definitely used mine I had something in mind I was going to get “the next time I go to HF” and the coupon just motivated me to go and make the purchase, very effective to me.
Jim Felt
Daily! “We missed you”! “Manager’s Special”! I just don’t need any more cheap dolly’s! Criminy.
Stuart
Different brands are handling inventory overflow in different ways?
James
I go to harbor freight at least once a month , sometimes more, can’t complain bout tools and other items I’ve bought, but I’ve never gotten a 25 % coupon before in mail
Daniel V.
I wonder if it has something to do with not shopping there for a year or something, but I don’t know for sure. When’s the last time you were there Stuart?
Stuart
In-store? Around March.
TonyT
I don’t think so, since in my case I’m pretty sure there’s nothing to tie my in-person visits (where I refuse to give my phone #) and my e-mail.
Albert
I have been buying from HF since 2000. My first order was a green horizontal 4×6 bandsaw for $140 including shipping. Never once have I received this coupon.
G Greene
Just bought a 2″ clear water pump through Amazon, where the price as a kit with the needed hoses was better than HF;s. Would have bought the Predator with the 25% coupon – but I’ve never received one.
BMak
Only thing I’ve received from them today was a 30% off any item under $10. Certainly nothing that makes me want to run to HF. If I receive this 25% off any item, I’d definitely use it on a couple of higher dollar items I’ve had my eye on.
Derek
Anytime I try to sign up for their email list on the website I get no emails. Might have to go into the store to buy something cheap and give them different contact info. I’d love one of these 25% off coupons for a 26″ box.
Mario
I used to think I got them due to the email’s subject line, but couldn’t find them in my inbox.
Once I finally dug a little deeper as I wanted to buy a utility trailer I’ve learned that my PiHole ad blocker was filtering out that particular coupon from the email. Kind of funny as the other coupons were displayed with no issue. As soon as I switched WiFi off on my phone it got to see them again and finally got lucky finding a folding trailer in stock close by.
Mike
I don’t visit Harbor Freight regularly, but it’s pretty near me (same distance as closest Lowes), and I drop in when I’m looking for something cheap that I know they carry. I get the regular coupons and emails, and occasionally I get the 20 or 25% off one item coupon. I think it’s a good strategy, because it makes me try to find something that I can use the coupon on, and of course, who goes into HF and comes out with only the one item they were looking for?
I see it says “original card must be surrendered.” How outdated. I just open the email on my phone and they zap the coupon code right there.
Jonah
I had a Redditor gift me a 25% off coupon that I put towards the Icon 73″ box. If you’re in desperate need for one they have a weekly thread you can put in your request and share what you’ll use it for.
frederick
also they can be bought and sold on ebay as opposed to the the charity or chaos posting them on reddirt causes
TonyT
I’m on their e-mail list, and get those 25% “We missed you” coupons about once a month.
Keith
Dang, I get their emails all the time, never sent me a 25% !!!
Lightyear
Same here, I feel disregarded 🥺
Saulac
They did away coupons to improve their quality. And must say they did improve quality a greatly. But now they have to bring back coupons. Why? Personally I am overwhelmed by too many decent options at ok prices. I don’t head to HF when I want “choices “ I head there when I need the best value of something. I think they missed the mark by offering too many SKUs.
Eric
I have two “accounts” under two different emails addresses and have been getting coupons to both every other week consistently since about June. I’ve bought a toolbox, my brother bought two toolboxes, I gave one to someone online who bought a series 3 72″ chest, someone else online got a gantry, and more. I have used my own email addresses several times during this period, so their system is clearly wrong about “missing” me. I’m not complaining.
Chip
My closest (ooh that smell,the smell of death surrounds you) store is 40 miles away.
Even being in the area ,I seldom visit.
I can find most things cheaper on Amazon.
Warehouse deals,returns,and buy from another seller usually are comparable..especially considering driving.
I have spent quite a bit of $ at hf,but never more than 40 on any single purchase.
And yes I have been getting emails regularly,of sidewalk sales,25%,etc.
Chip
Funny just now received parking lot sale extended lol 30% off
Stuart
Yes but only on any items $10 or less.
Craig
I use my 30% coupon and saw that the text on the coupon didn’t match the text in the app. One said it was good for a single item under $10 and another text said good on under $20. I used it yesterday and got 30% off every item I bought, no matter the price.
Stuart
I’ve never heard of that happening before – must have been your lucky day!
The 30% off $20 and under was for Inside Track paid subscribers.
Jbongo
I received one this morning for the first time ever. Though, I’m not sure if I’ll use it as my toolchest set is complete…
kent_skinner
The 44″ roller box for $400 – 25% seems like a pretty decent deal. Online a few of the colors are $299. I wonder if those are in stock and not considered discounted.
Chris I
Good luck finding Series 2 inventory
kent_skinner
I checked and they say “back in stock soon”.
Looks like they have 3 categories – in stock, coming soon and order in store.
Perhaps I’ll get lucky. That would be a solid deal at $300 or $225.
Chris I
They won’t be back in stock at all if the store is out. Series 2 is gone
jayne erin defranco
I’m a fan of hft. But haven’t gone in years. Ever since they stopped sending out coupons in the mail. I consider their upgraded tools to be a joke. Pricewise that is.
Chris I
If they’re not a joke quality-wise (….including their warranty position), why are they a joke price wise?
TomD
My problem is paying near brand name tool prices for tools that are only available at one retailer.
Chris I
what relevance is it that only one retailer sells it? You’re not buying crap at HD and returning it to Lowe’s or Osh or Menard’s.
criketzchirping
Wow sure could use that coupon. They love sending me loads of junk fliers to my email mainly for stuff like high dollar tool boxes and machines and stuff like that. Narry a 25% coupon. Was eyeing a (Chicago Electric) plasma cutter for 360 dollars and would go get it today with that coupon.
Tommy N
You need to write a review on this bandsaw stand if you haven’t yet. https://www.harborfreight.com/universal-portable-band-saw-benchtop-stand-59640.html
Stuart
Hmm – they raised the price from May when it launched at $99. https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/harbor-freight-universal-portable-band-saw-stand/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
Tommy N
Yeah, I got it when it’s $99. They know it will sell. Glad at least they didn’t double the price or something
tomguf
Stuart and other readers here — what are some bigger ticket HF items you’d spring for with this coupon, aside from the US General boxes? Predator engines? Badlands Apex? Curious to know which (if any) of their higher dollar items has a solid reputation (aside from USG).
Stuart
US General tool boxes. Maybe Icon hand tools or sets? Low profile jack? Some of their jacks are well-regarded.
If I didn’t already have a test sample, I’d get the Pittsburgh 2-ton shop crane. Reviewed here – https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/harbor-freight-pittsburgh-2-ton-shop-crane-review/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
Chris I
I’d be in the store tomorrow buying a floor jack and those mammoth 12 ton jack stands.
Jerry
Got several over the last 6 months or so. Used.them to buy big ticket items like a welder and Predator engine both of which I wanted anyway. I’m actually making a list of things to get if they keep sending them to me.
Mopar4wd
I go to HF once or twice a month (mostly small stuff like chip brushes work gloves etc) and have never gotten one.
Chris I
I wish I got those.
Andrew
Built a mini ATV and got a predator 212 @HF . Came out great
Don
My last in store purchase from Harbor Freight was in June and have received at least four 25% off coupons this summer, and most recently 10/20/23. I intend to use it to buy a jack today. Their discounted price on the item I intend to buy is better, comparatively speaking, than anything Amazon currently offers. As to quality, considering the price, I have been satisfied with my prior HF purchases and customer service.
Chris I
How TF are you getting them? Are they transferrable?
Wes
I wish I would get a coupon like that only ones I’ve ever seen that are 25% off are the ones where there are a ton of exclusions…mostly higher priced items.
Shane
I’ve all but quit going there since the ever present 20% coupon went away. Plus, what were they thinking by trying to become a tool truck brand with a storefront? It was a great place to go buy a cheap one off tool for specific projects/needs. Knowing you could probably get 20% off whatever you bought was a good motivator to stop in. Where else did you go to buy an ultrasonic cleaner and a blast cabinet or a watch opening tool for 20% off? Lol. I just don’t have a reason now.
Will
Haven’t gotten one of these in a year. Been hoping for one so I can but a jack.
Ryan
I just checked my email history… I haven’t gotten a single coupon since before Black Friday last year, otherwise it’s just been receipts and emails begging for reviews.
Frank D
No such coupons here. Have shopped at HF in a few places. They send me email receipts. Rarely a coupon. HF used to be an hour away, now they’re in town. Happy they stopped with the spam sale booklets and what not … but the no coupon thing is not helping them, on top of higher prices. The parking lot is quite empty and the store rarely has more than a handful of shoppers.
Rob
I just received one of these coupons after grabbing a couple of sets of Icon impact sockets. I returned the most expensive set and then bought it with the coupon. It felt underhanded but I bought a bunch of other stuff on the second trip too.
It is their way of luring us into the store with their low margin stuff to trick us into buying their high margin crap. I can confirm, it works.
Chip
It’s a very simple process to get anywhere near the radar station of any retailer.
Simply sign up via app or website,including your email address.
Follow up by adding several things to your cart,and then just leave it there.
The algorithm will find your inbox every time,or simply babble on about “ooh that smell,that smell of death surrounds you” store.
Again an innuendo, will turn into become inunduated with email notifications.
Tony Reitz
I was looking online at their 10×17 portable garage. Put it in the cart and walked away. Next day got the “did you forget something” email with a discount attached. Waited about another week or so and the 25% showed up. I think a lot of it is patience. I use a similar idea on most sites now. Find what I want, load in the cart, and wait awhile. I almost always get some kind of an offer. Whether it is 10% off, 15, 20, or free shipping.
Rowdy
Started 2 in June, 2 in July, Aug and Sep. Now, it seems like I am getting it weekly starting October. It feels like I am clearing my list soon lol I am not a professional
I found this thread by searching why I am getting this often 🤣
Scared if I forget to use one, is HF will still keep sending me this coupon?
Stuart
Don’t anger the HF algorithms!
I went to make a purchase this week, and found my inbox devoid of any new HF coupons. I was able to find one on their website, but not for 25% off.
Update: Another one just hit my inbox.
Mrpoop
I got one of those 25% off coupons . I racked my brain trying to figure out what I needed . 2 days after it expired I thought of it a vacume pump 😭
Chris I
There are literally dozens of people on the HF reddit sub that would love to use the coupon, myself included.
Tony Reitz
I bought one of the 10×17 portable garage and passed the savings on to a buddy of mine. If he wasn’t a friend I would have sold it to him for regular price without tax 😀 I had already bought it and decided it wasn’t big enough for my needs.
Joe
You can use it on not in stock pre order items . I used it to order a 72 inch roll cab and got 450 dollars off .