employer cover photo
employer logo
employer logo

Harbor Freight Tools

Engaged Employer

Harbor Freight Tools reviews

3.6

65% would recommend to a friend

(3,439 total reviews)
avatar

Eric Smidt

69% approve of CEO

59% positive business outlook

Harbor Freight Tools has an employee rating of 3.6 out of 5 stars, based on 3,439 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have a good working experience there. The Harbor Freight Tools employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Retail & Wholesale industry (3.5 stars).

Reviews by job title

3K reviews
3.0
Mar 21, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Small footprint Small number of employees made more engaged and “bought in” staff

Cons

Did not have up to date processes and technology

2.0
Mar 19, 2026

False Hope

Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Edited review Due to Response The discount is a good percentage Medical Benefits are okay Pay is good at times

Cons

Leadership that claims safety, work life balance, and trust are important but aren't. Your typical "we're a family," its all for show. Leadership that doesn't take accountability, even above a store level. Safety only matters until it effects the bottom line. Incompetent leaders that have their direct reports doing more than they should and taking credit to look good. Whole stores get ruined because district leadership will trust whatever the store leaders say even when there is proof of the contrary. No room to advance unless you are friends with upper management and someone retires or quits. Edited part: Reporting does nothing. When you follow the "right path" and report people you become the next target. 2 people have left for that exact reason. The rest of leadership is being targeted to quit or be fired. The outlet is a sham and so are the people in charge of it. They close ranks and protect the people in the wrong. You send in new management to clean house instead of listening to those that have been here and improving.

avatar
Harbor Freight Tools Response
2mo
First, we thank you for your hard work and for taking the time to share your feedback. Because we value our people, Harbor Freight is committed to providing a workplace that encourages open communication and provides fair, reasonable, and respectful treatment from all our Associates. We recognize there may be situations where Associate are uncomfortable with going to their immediate Supervisor or Manager. In this case, we encourage our Associate to contact their HR Partners or use the HFT Outlet to report any issues. Thank you for your hard work and contributions.
Viewing 28 - 30 of 3,439 Reviews

Glassdoor has 3,486 Harbor Freight Tools reviews submitted anonymously by Harbor Freight Tools employees. Read employee reviews and ratings on Glassdoor to decide if Harbor Freight Tools is right for you.