JustinVoelker.com

Today, a coworker pointed out that Harbor Freight had bicycle lifts on sale for $6.99 down from $14.99. I have wanted to snag one for a while but was not interested in paying $25 (price at other stores in the past). Imagine my excitement when I saw that such a lift could be had for only $7! Since I was heading there for my purchase, I offered to purchase a few extras for some coworkers–9 bike lifts in total.

Upon arriving at Harbor Freight, I saw the sticker for $14.99. I took one bicycle lift to the register, asked for a price check–not on sale. At the time I couldn’t remember if the website indicated $6.99 or $7.99 so I asked if they could check which it was for me. The cashier has someone check on their “Internet computer” in the back. While he was gone I remembered that I had a fancy new phone with a data plan and I brought up the Harbor Freight website–$6.99. At that same time the clerk checking the price walked back and said “Go ahead and give him the $7.99 price.” Really??? I’m not one to be a prick for $9 but… wait, yes I am. “Excuse me, miss, I can see right here on the website that they are $6.99.” “Oh. I guess I’ll give you that price then.” Damn straight! Did this guy fail to find the item on the website and just give me a discount out of the goodness of his heart or was he knowingly trying to screw me because I couldn’t remember the exact price? Call me a cynic, but I think he was trying to screw the customer on purpose.

Moral of this story–Harbor Freight is full of crooks that will screw you any chance they get. OK, not really, but you should definitely have your facts prepared when doing battle with a business; some business’ employee’s may lie to the customer just to make a few bucks. Was it worth it Mr. Harbor Freight Employee? Calculate the total of lost lifetime purchases from this customer. (Yes, I’m overreacting but it makes for a better blog post.)