Harbor Freight Membership: How To Determine If It's Worth It For You

Pretty much every store offers memberships now, from your favorite tool shop to where you go and buy groceries. With so many to sort through, it can be hard to decide whether one is actually worth joining, especially if there is a fee involved. For example, Harbor Freight offers a yearly membership that promises steep discounts for members. But you might be wondering if it's actually worth joining. First, you have to understand what the membership gives you. It costs $29.99 a year and is known as the Inside Track Club. With this annual membership, you get discounts — sometimes up to 50 percent — along with member-only deals and early access to sales. It's easily accessible both online and in-store. 

The bigger question is whether or not this membership works for you. If you are someone who likes to shop sales for what they need, or who knows how to keep an eye out for a good discount, the membership is probably worth it. For example, the best times of the year to score deals on Harbor Freight tools are usually around major holidays. With the membership, you get access to standard sales along with extra discounts reserved for members. Additionally, if you find that you often spend several hundred dollars in the store a year, getting the membership can be worth it. For some, not applying to the Inside Track Club is one of the mistakes people make when shopping at Harbor Freight. However, it may not be the best option for everyone.

The Harbor Freight membership likely is not a good fit for people who only shop there once or twice a year. It's unlikely you'll save enough money on what you're purchasing. It does have some great items, such as the Harbor Freight tools every DIYer should know about, but that really only matters if you are going to use them. Harbor Freight does offer many sales and discounts, and it can save you a lot of money. However, if you tend to buy items simply because they are on sale, you may actually save more by skipping the membership altogether.

Since it's easy to sign up, and you can apply the discounts right away, some users of this membership suggest buying your normal items. Then, when you are checking out, see if you would get a discount on what you are purchasing if you bought the membership. If the discount comes close to covering the $30 cost, it is probably worth enrolling. Some people say they've gone years without getting it because they rarely buy anything discounted, while others say that they pretty much pay off the membership in one trip. However, by waiting, you can get a better idea about whether it is beneficial or not.