[axiom]

To prepare for the Millet MAX build, I needed to get something to test transistors with. Also, my HP bench DMM doesn't measure AC V or current, so that's a plus too

). I decided to get the HF DMM suggested in the BOM.

Grrr...I placed my order on the 1st, and recieved confirmation on the 6th saying it was processed on the 4th. Good, I should get my DMM in 10-14 business days.

After waiting patiently until today (more than the 14 business days), I called the customer service number. They told me that my order was cancelled because it was not in stock at the time that I ordered, so I was not charged and I would have to reorder.

I don't have a problem with my order being cancelled, but I wish they would have let me known (I told them that).

I was just wondering if this was just a wierd incident or have many other people have had problems with Harbor Freight?

 

[TBomb06]

Quote:

Originally Posted by axiom /img/forum/go_quote.gif To prepare for the Millet MAX build, I needed to get something to test transistors with. Also, my HP bench DMM doesn't measure AC V or current, so that's a plus too ). I decided to get the HF DMM suggested in the BOM. Grrr...I placed my order on the 1st, and recieved confirmation on the 6th saying it was processed on the 4th. Good, I should get my DMM in 10-14 business days. After waiting patiently until today (more than the 14 business days), I called the customer service number. They told me that my order was cancelled because it was not in stock at the time that I ordered, so I was not charged and I would have to reorder. I don't have a problem with my order being cancelled, but I wish they would have let me known (I told them that). I was just wondering if this was just a wierd incident or have many other people have had problems with Harbor Freight?

Sort of the same thing happened to me when I ordered one of those cheap DMMs from them too. I ordered a set of flush cutters to go along with the DMM...when I checked the order status it showed that the cutters had been canceled with no explanation

Their communication isn't very good in my experience.

 

[tomb]

Was it Harbor Freight ITEM 90899-1VGA? They've gone back up to $9.99 for that thing and probably didn't want to sell it to you at the $2.99 price. Either that, or they have trouble keeping up with whatever happens to come in from the fast boat from China. Sometimes I get that impression.

I have never ordered online from Harbor Freight - just personal visits to the store in my area in Atlanta. In person, they're as good as Sears tools about returns - no questions asked about anything - but are not so swift about keeping up with prices. Sometimes the price on the shelf is higher than what's programmed in the register and vice-versa. Then they often note that the website is separate from the store and may not have the same prices.

Regardless, I'm sorry if my recommendation caused you some grief. The intent was to convey that there is nothing magical - or precise - about getting a meter with HFE and voltage measurement sufficient to build the MAX. There are a number of them for sale on e-bay - many for 1 cent, although the shipping is $8.99. I think the only difference between the red ones and yellow ones are that the red ones sometime have an LCD back-lighting button.

YGPM

 

[fortney]

Could this perhaps be what happens when people shop primarily on price??

(I don't know--maybe)

F

 

[cfcubed]

I've ordered from HF a few times... Learned to *always* order by phone. I also had an item or 2 canceled for no apparent reason when I ordered on the website. Actually, as tomb said, they didn't have those items at the ultra low price from the catalog but did have them at the regular price according to their website.

Again, I had no problems when calling order in & referencing the catalog # for those silly low-priced items (like the $3 multimeter, have three, on sale every month or two).... They even do a stock check right when you order so you are somewhat more assured of getting items. BTW, their lowest-priced shipping is also VERY slow (like, at least 10 days or so).

 

[ericj]

I don't order from HF, I walk into the store.

 

[AudioCats]

Sears sells a few low price meters that are pretty good for DIY, especially when on sale.....

 

[TheRobbStory]

I ordered that DMM at the $2.99 price a few months ago. Now that I think about it, it did take about three weeks for delivery. I really can't complain, though. I mean, the thing cost $2.99..

 

[vixr]

I had no problem ordering or anything else, It just seemed like the meter took forever to get to me...I also paid $9.99... its a good tool.

 

[threepointone]

I wish I had a store near me. . .
I just ordered some stuff online for the diy pcb drill press at instructables. Hopefully it goes through--right now the online system won't recognize the order number they sent through the e-mail. Is that normal? Does it take a day or two to show up or something?
I should have ordered by phone!

 

[fatcat28037]

I've stopped dealing with Harbor Freight because of their "hit or miss" service attitude. The last, and it was the last, time I ordered from them we when back and forth on the phone for 2 months about a $10 item I didn't receive. Finally, after returning a post card to them stating I didn't get my order they refunded my money. They are just not worth the hassle. I do however shop at their store in Charlotte.

 

[axiom]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomb /img/forum/go_quote.gif Was it Harbor Freight ITEM 90899-1VGA?

That's the one. It's 2.99 again

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomb /img/forum/go_quote.gif Regardless, I'm sorry if my recommendation caused you some grief. The intent was to convey that there is nothing magical - or precise - about getting a meter with HFE and voltage measurement sufficient to build the MAX.

No grief

. I suppose I could have used their online order checking if I thought about it, I just thought they would let me know if something was amiss.