I know that Harbor Freight always has 5-10 different sales going on at the same time, but not knowing when this 97964 2.5 hp engine would next be on sale was killing me. I decided to make some phone calls and see what I could learn. So I called Harbor Freight's 800# and they said that although the 97964 2.5 HP engine isn't currently on sale, it has sold in the past for $89 and they would honor that price for me if I wanted to order it today. Add $11 for shipping and I'll have it in 5-7 days.
Um, no thanks, I'd rather just pick it up from the store so I can have it right now, but do it for the $89 sale price. Can't they just arrange that? No, they can't. They don't have anything to do with the retail stores and don't know when it will next go on sale.
Great. I got nothin'. I called one of the two Harbor Freight stores on State St. in SLC, UT. This one is on my way home, but isn't that great of a store. Junky appearance, the help isn't helpful, and their inventory is mostly depleted - they don't seem to have the items in stock that I'm looking for. I told them that the rep at the 800# agreed to sell me a 2.5 hp engine for $89, and would they do the same? Dead air on the phone while the clerk mentally processed what must have been a very complicated question. When the clerk finally figures out what I'm asking, she responds that the 6.5 hp engine is currently on sale for $99 and she can do that.
Hmmm, this isn't going to work, not with this clerk. I thank her for her time and hang up. I call the other Harbor Freight store on Redwood Rd. in SLC, UT. This was much better. This clerk knew my request would require approval from another person higher up. Her name is CJ, the manager, whom she promptly gets on the phone with me. I gave CJ the background of my phone call with the rep at the 800# and she said she'd match that deal and to see her when I come in. I'm impressed! This HF store knows how to get and keep customers!
I went in and bought the engine, and had the 20% off coupon which they honored as well (thanks to "Wheres my dog"!), so I was out the door for $76.92 incl. tax. I even got a free flashlight with another coupon. Nice! I'll be back to this store!
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If you need a tool and don't buy it, you'll eventually find you've paid for it, but don't have it. -Unkown