Complaint Review: Harbor Freight Tools

Just how much of a deal is that trailer kit from Harbor Tools (HT)? Well, that depends. Did you want to actually drive it on public roads or just park it on your front lawn to admire? If you need to register yours so that you can tow it behind a vehicle on public streets, plan to allow at least several months to get everything your state may require.

This is not my first Harbor Tools trailer experience. And while the last sale and registration was not without its own issues, at least I was able to finally get it registered.

I needed a trailer for my business but was unwilling to part with the convenience of my utility trailer. Because I needed it asap, I worked with HT's order department to identify the ONE model they did have in stock. Just as with the earlier trailer, once it arrived at the freight depot, the agent called to wine that the "ship to" address was a residence. even though it was being shipped to my welder's shop. Regardless, the reason why I had paid HT more than $60 in freight charges was because it was an item whose large size and weight warranted FREIGHT shipment.

My first issue with HT is why do they continue to use Yellow Freight when their depots want no part of residential delivery? After a lengthy discussion (on my dime) with their Customer Service line and much insistence, I was able to complain to HT's Traffic Manager who confirmed that more than 90% of their business is sent to residences. So why should I pay my welder $75 an hour to deliver for Yellow Freight? Yes, that was Yellow Freight's solution.

My other issue with HT is their inability to supply all the paperwork necessary to register a trailer built from their kits. A Bill of Sale and Certificate of Origin are essential and this kit had neither. Even though I pointed this out to them several weeks ago and they assured me that I would receive it in 7-10 days, I learned today (2 weeks later) that it'll be at least another 5 days before they even mail it.

Without the paperwork I cannot register the trailer. Without a registered trailer I cannot work. They could care less. They remain insensitive and refuse to even expedite (express) the paperwork.

Meanwhile, the welder has completed his task. It's a vision. And, that's about all it is - a lawn ornament - a very expensive lawn ornament.

My advice is that if you're looking for a lawn ornament your can do better. And, if you think that a trailer from Harbor Tools is a cheap solution, nothing could be further from the truth. Your choice to buy a Harbor Tools trailer may cost you nore than you could ever imagine. It did me.

Paula
Grafton, Massachusetts
U.S.A.