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Harbor Freight Tools

Engaged Employer

One Hand Gives, The Other Takes Away - Anonymous employee Harbor Freight Tools Employee Review

2.0
Nov 5, 2010
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The benefits package is good and much better than many smaller employers are able to offer. Health benefits are quite good, vacation policy is acceptable, 401k package is good but employer matching could be better.

Cons

An article on the Evil Mad Scientist website once called Harbor Freight Tools a "bastion of barely acceptable manufacturing standards." The same Devil-may-care attitude that goes into product quality also goes into day to day management. Consider the plan to move the corporate headquarters to a new facility in Calabasas. Presumably this move is to accommodate growth and expansion, and to get key departments under the same roof. The catch is that there are 180 parking spaces for 400+ employees. Yes, there is a van pool program but employees who I've spoken with are reluctant to sign up for the program because they fear it could jeopardize their jobs - they would not be available to work extra hours as needed. Managers who were originally promised offices are now being told that the space is needed for new executive staff - in other words, the plan to occupy the new corporate headquarters hasn't been fully implemented and it is already obsolete. This kind of short-sighted approach to management permeates every program and initiative within the company. Vital transition programs are suddenly put on hold because the budget has mysteriously run dry - threatening our ability to carry inventory in the very near term. The list just goes on and on.

Explore other reviews about Harbor Freight Tools

5.0
Apr 20, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Amazing company to work for they do care about your feedback!

Cons

Hitting the goals they have set for you can be challenging most of the time!

3.0
Jun 7, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Salary, $18.28/hr, benefits, enjoy working with customers

Cons

Management has changed. Store is in chaos. I've been there nearly 4 years and I'm very unhappy with some management.

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