I was here with a buddy last Sunday, and the computer system that ran the cash registers went down. We asked one of the staff members if the other locations had the same issue or was it just a single store problem. The kid couldn't care less and gave an answer, reflecting that. I called the nearest location to ask them, so that I didn't waste a drive over there. The lady, Emily, said she would call the store. I was at to teach them how to resolve it. In about 10 minutes, everything was restored, but their own manager didn't have the common sense to call for help. They told everyone to pay cash only. I don't know how this store can operate with a lack of logic and lack of leadership. read more

I have been going to this store for minimum tooling needs for the past 5 years (it's a harbor freight, you know what you pay for...). Never ever had any issue, friendly and very helpful staff, easy returns, discount even when I forget my coupons... Super easy to access the store, it's not far from downtown and there is always plenty of parking spaces. I will keep on going there. read more

See all

Horrible customer service. Economy is tough right now, people have options, take care of your few customers. Is customer service not your thing? What makes you think that screaming at customers is okay? Especially when the customer is being respectful to you? You think is normal for your employees to act like cave men? I guess basic communication and customer skills are not required to work in this location. Hire people with a little more education with BASIC customer skills. read more

I came in looking for something specifically. With the help of an employee to search for my merchandise and also offering tips and options I felt my visit was more than I expected. Customer service was excellent and the place remains to keep clean and organized. I find that when I shop here the shelves are well stocked and occasionally employees are checking if your finding everything you need. My husband will stop here for tools to other things to fix things at home. I come here mostly for things that I could use on my camping trips. They have great deals and coupons often. A word of caution, it's like being at the grocery store with your kids... they have goodies at the register. But this time it's not your kids wanting that 'candy' it's you! Cool things, you think you need. Don't miss out on their parking lot deals too! I'll be back, again, and again. read more

The lady with the glasses who works there is always so nice and so helpful! She is an asset to the store and knows where to find everything. She also gives very useful tips if you have any questions about anything. I bought some straps to transport my paddle board on top of my suv, and she gave me some very important suggestions I probably never would have thought about, had she not let me know. Very thankful she did or I would've not been prepared. Thank you! read more

Pain in the ass to do anything People don't Know what they're doing takes like 20 minutes to do a simple return I do not recommend this place Home depot or lowes is better read more

If you want attitude and "find it yourself" service; ask Daniel for assistance. Floored at the lack of customer service...i honestly should've left but wasn't going to spend the same amount of time at another store piecing items together again. read more

Every time I shop here, the customer service is excellent! I often have questions about tools and equipment according to various project needs. Learning to make and repair things for my home and business is a new adventure for me and the staff here make it so much easier, every time. The cashiers are consistently really nice and never seen to rush customers. Always appear to give their time to everyone. A few days ago I purchased a 10 gallon air compressor and components. Before purchasing, Curtis (I hope it was Curtis, maybe David? Please correct, my sincere apologies...), took his time explaining compressor choices to me, collected the various bits and pieces I needed for set up for mural painting. He even explained to me how to wrap tape around the threads of attachments. Wow. Off I went home, excited to set up shop. Trouble befell me. Between the enclosed manuals and U-tube attempts, I was overwhelmed and unsuccessful figuring out how to get my compressor running. In my distress I thought, "Hey maybe there's someone at Harbor Freight that can show me how to set this up." I called, explained my desire for help, and was invited to come on in with my things anytime and someone will help me. This morning I did just that. I wheeled the compressor in without an appointment, rolled it into the corner and right away, help arrived. Managers Chris and Joseph worked together figuring things out. They were both so genuinely pleasant and helpful. In no time my machine and confidence were intact, thanks to this great team. This store is most definitely my first "go-to" business anytime I need supplies large or small. It seems this store hires people that show their knowledge of products and care of people. Thank you for being a great place Harbor Freight Tools of Vista!!! read more

Harbor Freight Tools - Odessa the awesome cashier. - Hardware Stores Near Me - Vista, California

See all

All the employees were very helpful and love the fact that there were a lot of women employees working there that were very kind and helpful, my new go to store read more

They have basic tools and construction supplies. They are cheap and lower quality, but if you need something affordable to get the job done, this is the place to go. You can buy a warranty and then exchange the tool before the warranty time is up. This location is a bit smaller than other Harbor Freight stores in San Diego, but carries all the essentials. Great customer service every time I've been here. Parking lot sucks and is filled with rude drivers, alot of homeless and tweakers hanging out and garbage too. If you park directly in front entrance of the store, it's difficult to back out safely. Near the crappy Vons on South Santa Fe Ave and Civic Center Dr. Normally they close at 8:00 but now due to Covid they close at 7:00. read more

I want to give a huge shout out to Emily for being so amazing and helpful! I literally followed her around the store and she found every single item on my husband's list for me. She had excellent customer service and literally made my day!! Thank you, thank you, thank you, Emily! You deserve to be promoted to manager if you aren't one already! read more

First time customer: I pick out a few things on sale for members. I ask if I can sign up now and get that pricing. Cashier said yes. I gave him all my info, all the people behind me could hear it clearly unfortunately for scammers. So I tolerate it to save a few dollars. Come to find out from the district manager Lauren C. that her employee failed to enter the override code. She instructed me to return for a refund. I told her I'm almost 20 miles each way from the store, can we do it over the phone? Because it wasn't my error in the first place. Why should I pay $4 a gallon times 3 gallons to get $6 back in "savings"? Obviously that's ridiculous. I told her I would be honest in a Yelp review and Lauren C could care less. I'm concerned she's a Racist and judged me by my "urban" accent. I'll be contacting corporate and update this review. I attached my receipt for Absolute proof. I didn't realize Harbor Freight was at the Kmart level. I honestly thought it was a more upscale place. I'll end up losing this money as I'll never pay $12 in gas to return for $7. I think there should be an investigation and listen to the tapes of my convo with Lauren C read more

Harbor Freight Tools - Receipt of purchases. No "member" pricing although I signed up on the spot - Hardware Stores Near Me - Vista, California

Like their prices. Have things that Home Depot and Lowe's has but I think they're usually cheaper. Close to home and in vons shopping center for convenience read more

This review is concerning the oceanside location since they obviously don't have a yelp for a reason. I went in 2 days ago to get a pump so I could drain a small pond and once I got it home I noticed it had already been used and repackaged but I tried it anyways and it had no spark so I had to pack it up and drive 20 miles to return it. The staff there was very rude and acted like they were doing me a favor when the pump had gas in it before I opened the box which is very dangerous and against company policy. So Tim went in back and came out with another pump in the ORIGIONALpackaging which made me wonder why they originally gave me the broken one but I took the new one home and guess what it started but was a piece of crap and wouldn't prime. So once again back to the store and I was over it by then so I told them I just wanted to return it. All of a sudden they, including the fat, long haired homeless jerk they called a manager told me they couldn't return it because it had maybe I 1 oz. Of gas in it so he told me I had to take it out of the store and get the gas out of it before I could get a refund! So I used a towel i had and complied. Then the other rude manager called Timothy tells me I have to take it back and return it online! What a bunch of bullshit I always knew there products were sub standard but at least thier staff was always friendly but in oceanside that is not the case...these people were a disgrace to all humans and I'd say fat boy owes me some gas money big time but I doubt he has any I would be surprised If they even paid him minimum wage! Long story short don't go there for anything but sandpaper unless u like being ripped off!! read more

File Harbor Freight stores under that category called "you get what you pay for." You really can't complain much when the free coupon stuff is useless, like when the complimentary multimeter goes snap/crackle/pop/smoke when exposed to household current. It's a little worse when the cheap pneumatic fitting kit hisses air from every connection. Or when the $25 shop vac sucks, because it, well, doesn't very well. That said, I've had some great finds there, like typical wrenches, hammers, screwdrivers, etc. A cheap appliance dolly there has served me well. This store is easy to find things in and the staff is nice, the the point of pointing out coupons on the ubiquitous Harbor Freight mailers that I might have skipped. But if I was a serious mechanic, building contractor, etc., or if my life depended on the proper function of a tool, I'd buy elsewhere. read more

The supervisor working 1/17/20 at roughly 7pm resolved a problem I had regarding an online order (not even with this particular store location). He was very nice and I'm fully satisfied with the resolution. read more

I always like Harbor Freight for tools that I don't need to be of highest quality. If you're wanting a tool that you can use over and over for a lifetime, this may not be your best choice, since much of their stuff is made in China and you get what you pay for. Still, they have a lot of tools that will get the job done and WAYYY cheaper prices! For DIY projects they are awesome because it doesn't make any sense to spend a ton on a tool you only plan to use occasionally. As new home owners with a limited budget we went there all the time. Good selection, friendly staff, 20% off coupons, lots of sales, and sometimes even FREE items, it's nice to have them around! read more

Harbor Freight Tools - Lots of stuff - Hardware Stores Near Me - Vista, California

Not good is the first time I came need it a disc sander machine bad service been waiting for a while n then on there system shows one but in the back they can't find it wtf what kind of service is this just wasted of time they should hire some one that knows about tools n inventory it sucks read more

Harbor Freight Tools - Hardware Stores Near Me - Vista, California

I went into the store to return a check engine light reader that was defective to get my money back. I had spent $180 on this products and they were going to charge me a $30 restocking fee even though the product that they sold me did not work. The cashier that was helping me was extremely understanding and polite however she needed a manager override for the restocking fee. The manager on the other hand was extremely rude and refused two cancel the restocking fee because she said it was store policy and began making accusations against me saying that I was just buying to use it one time and then return it. (Essentially renting it for free) which makes no sense because they give Check Engine Light Reader's out for free at your local AutoZone to use. I will certainly never go back to the store ever again because of the management. read more

Cheap tool heaven! I love this place! The employees aren't very helpful so they lose a star, and a lot of items out of stock or not carried even though they put a coupon out for it, oh well, still love the place! read more

The people here answered my questions about drills and where polite in asking me if I found everything okay and more. With the great prices of harbor freight, there's not much more I could ask for. read more

All Harbor Freight's are great because of the selection and price. The quality can vary but I'm not looking for a Snap On product. What is special about the Vista location is the staff. They are always helpful and have a good attitude. I can't say enough about the managers especially David. Working with the public is not easy and David always has a smile and an answer. You can tell he takes his job seriously by the way he handles the customers and how he performs his duties. read more

Always friendly staff especially Paul really funny guy and amazing customer service he deserves a raise. And Rodney is an A+ employee always kind always funny and extremely helpful keep up the good work guys read more

They have guys that have attitudes at the check out I asked if they had extra coupon

Recently we have been frequenting this HF location due to it being so close to home. This location has a ton of items in stock. I am pretty sure that they carry more of a selection and variety of items than the Oceanside HF store. The facility is very clean and well organized. My main reason for giving a five star rating is because of our awesome experience last night! I came into Harbor Freight 3/13/19 around 7:40 p.m. I was with my boyfriend and we had to grab a few quick items: air compressor, jack stands, tank with sprayer and a few tools. A young gentleman named Joseph was sooo polite, friendly and helpful! He's got such a great sense of humor! Also too, there was a young gal that was helping him and us out too at the same time. Super friendly and helpful as well! (Unfortunately I didn't catch her name). I was so pleased with our visit last night and just had to pass a good message along to you guys! Finding great customer service and awesome people like them two is rare. Turned the end of our day into a great one! So thank you guys again! :) read more

Always a deal always find something you could spend hours in the store- something for the home something for your car great gift ideas for this holiday season - a must if you're in Vista. read more

Wow way to go Harbor Freight, you have an ad with s 20% coupon and then don't let people use it. I came in to buy a utility cart, I had the coupon and thought it would be a good deal. I get to the counter and am told by the cashier that the coupon can't used a n carts. Meanwhile two registers down a gentleman is also trying to use the coupon and also bring told his merchandise doesn't qualify. Who can read the tiny script they use, it should be in bold type of certain products don't apply. But ended well, I went across the parking lot to Auto Zone bought a cart and was given a discount I didn't even know about. Thank you Auto Zone and good by Harbor Freight! read more

What a waste of space!! They double charge my card after cashier couldn't figure out what she did. Wrong. I spoke with the manger Carl who is extremely rude,a dn kept hushing me when I spoke, saying he post voided the transaction.just check my amount this morning and they withdrawal the money. Super mad about the hoop I have to go through to get 42 dollars back. Update: spoke with a female manager and she made it super easy to get my money back But won't get returning to that shore read more

Always a deal to be had here. The staff was both pleasant and helpful finding a specialty screw driver kit. The store's upkeep was great, and I left a very happy customer with the item I needed. read more

I was in Harbor Freight today and the ladies there know what they are doing. They are knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. The store looked great and things were easy to find. Both ladies were helping customers non stop and were polite, professional and friendly the entire time. I'll definitely be back. read more

A) please tell the corporate office to enlargen the expiration date on coupons, ya can't see them! I just got lectured by a young mgr here about my outdated coupons...which I only brought today bcs I have a ton of coupons! B) cashiers asking for personal contact info OUT LOUD in a place of business, in PUBLICLY is a serious 'no go'. More discretion than repeating our phone # & full address to where the next line can hear it needs to br implemented immediately: privacy vs. identify theft?! C) I said we ALREADY RECEIVE COUPONS, why do you need my info again anyway?!! It could be under my husband's name, yet if I've got coupons in my hand, clearly I'm receiving 'heaps' of mail outs. D) I showed up, certainly a while back (but I get busy too), intending to use the coupon for free scissors. You were out of them. I had no less then three associates (one a mgr) tell me I could come back & pick them up when they received some in. They did take my coupon. They initialed some receipt that I didn't have on me...bcs by now, who knows where that is. Today, the same mgr who lectured me on my lapsed coupons says that they haven't been out of scissors since April. Really bad business to imply that to a customer. Wow. We intermittently visit Harbor Freight, trust me when I say plenty of purchases have been made over the years. Leaving not thrilled even though I had to press for scissors, since heck, I 'showed UP'. read more

very nice store! Tay was a great and knowledgable help. I happen to buy my nitrile and vinyl gloves here - some assorted painting supplies and roam the isles to see what else. Of course it isn't snap on tools. But, did ya just fall off the apple cart? Wouldn't go anywhere else for my gloves. read more

I want to give a shout out to Bianca!! She was the cashier that helped me. She was very professional , courteous, happy to help. Definitely recommend this location for what you need!! read more

This store has Good service, my husband and I could spend hours just looking at the great deals that they have. I get there emails,ad in the mail, text coupons. They sure come in handy, always. Try to use coupons deals. read more

Four stars is fine with me for Harbor Freight! This is my local store and its always one to have in your mind for a variety of projects. We recently were looking for a battery charger but we didn't like the brand enough for $50. We ended up getting a carpenter square, some paint brushes and the free digital multimeter. You can't complain with the 20% off coupons and free items that you can get with any purchase. There are definitely certain items you get at harbor freight and certain items that you may want to get a bit better quality. I have been very happy with my low profile 3 ton jack so far! I questioned buying one from Harbor Freight but there aren't many options out there and the reviews and price were great. If you are going to use tools heavily and need quality you may not want to buy from Harbor but certain items that you won't use often I recommend Harbor. Harbor Freight is great for what it is as It should always be an option in the back of your mind but won't always be the best place. read more

Very neat, clean, and orderly store. Attentive, knowledgeable, and polite customer service. I was helped by the store manager, Carl over the weekend. He was polite, courteous, and very helpful. He helped me find everything I needed promptly and even suggested a few things I hadn't thought of. Love the freebies they offer too! You can find it in their ads, got the kids some cool flashlights and free batteries too! read more

The Customer Service in this store is Great. Natalie greeted us as we walked in and asked us if we needed help. You can tell she loves what she does which is engaging with people. Now a days people need to know and understand the difference between transaction vs interaction. The way u get treated determines if you will be a returning customer. Keep doing what you do Natalie with the engaging. Positive all the way read more

I came into Harbor Freight store in Vista because I had a couple questions about how to order from a specific catalog. I attempted by calling to order, with no response leaving a message. Their website did not display any of the items I needed. Hoping it would be possible to ship it to the store, I went to see if there was anything they could do. Unfortunately, I had the worst customer service thanks to the middle aged manager. He belittled me as a customer and you could tell he was agitated by the thought of helping me. I pray that this man was just having a bad day, although this is no excuse to treat a customer in such a detestable way. In no way am I saying it's a bad store but they definitely need to learn how to treat customers. read more

As a former employee for this store the managers are highly rude and very two faced. They have no care in the world to screw you over. Inventory is poorly kept and many employees have no idea how to do there jobs. They constantly bring new people on board who end up getting fired or quitting. The only thing I can say for this store is its much better than the other stores. I love the customers that come in here. There are some really nice employees but all need to be this way. read more