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Harbor Freight Tools

Engaged employer

A job, not a career. - Retail Sales Associate Harbor Freight Tools Employee Review

3.0
Aug 13, 2017
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

It pays, and it is consistent. They are desperate for employees, so as long as you say "yes, I can do that", or "I don't have a problem with doing that", for every question that they have in the face-to-face interview, you will get the job by default. Job security is there-- they only way you can get fired is if you are incompetent, just flat out refuses to do your job, or just doesn't show up to work on time or at all.

Cons

The pay isn't any better that any other job around. So, if you figured to yourself that this job is better than flipping burgers, just realize that you will be asked to perform less work at a job that requires you to flip burgers. Also, because the pay isn't any better than neighboring businesses, there is no incentive to stay. Thus you get a steady rotation of new hires coming in and out. This is a problem because they can't sustain skilled employees, and only a select are preasured to do the bulk of the work. There is never any shortage of work to do, but there is almost always a shortage of personnel or payroll hours to get the work done. They hire from outside of the company too often, instead of promoting from within-- this you will quickly hit a glass ceiling for higher payed positions and compensation.

Explore other reviews about Harbor Freight Tools

5.0
Jun 26, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great store leader. Great team to work with. The company cares about its employees. The pay is better than most retail places. Open door policy. Good work life balance. Fun place to work.

Cons

Not getting to work overtime often.

4.0
Jun 16, 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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