Target’s Price Matching Policy: Your Guide to Scoring the Best Deals

Target, the beloved retailer known for its trendy home goods and curated collections, is also a major player in the price-matching game. Understanding Target’s price match policy can save you serious money.

Decoding Target’s Price Matching Universe: A Comprehensive Overview

So, who actually price matches Target? The answer, while seemingly straightforward, comes with nuances and caveats that savvy shoppers need to know. Target will price match select online retailers and their own Target.com prices, as well as prices found in local competitors’ printed ads. Let’s break that down further.

Online Retailers: The Digital Battlefield

Target actively price matches a specific list of online competitors. As of today, those retailers include:

• Amazon.com: A retail giant, Amazon is a frequent target (pun intended!) for price matching at Target.
• Walmart.com: Target’s biggest brick-and-mortar and online competitor.
• BestBuy.com: A leader in electronics, price matching at Best Buy can bring huge discounts.
• Costco.com: Yes, even Costco.com is on the list! (Note: Membership may be required to view prices).
• Sam’sClub.com: Similar to Costco, Sam’s Club also makes the cut.
• Apple.com: For Apple products, it is often wise to check price match availability.
• Wayfair.com: If you need home goods, compare prices at Wayfair.

It’s crucial to remember that price matching applies only to these pre-approved online retailers. Don’t expect Target to match prices from smaller or less well-known online stores.

Target.com: Beating Their Own Game

Beyond competing retailers, Target will also price match their own website, Target.com. If you find an item cheaper online than in-store, simply show the online price to a team member at checkout. This is a great way to secure the lowest possible price, especially during Target’s online-only sales or promotions.

Local Competitors: Hometown Heroes

Target also extends its price-matching prowess to local brick-and-mortar competitors. This is where things get a bit more localized. The competitor must be within a reasonable distance of the Target store. What constitutes “reasonable” can vary, so it’s always best to confirm with your local Target.

The price being matched must be found in a printed advertisement. The ad must be current (not expired) and clearly display the item and the price. Digital ads shown on a smartphone aren’t typically accepted for local competitor price matching.

Target reserves the right to verify the competitor’s price and availability. They may call the store, check their website (if applicable), or otherwise confirm the legitimacy of the price.

What Doesn’t Qualify? The Fine Print

Understanding what doesn’t qualify for price matching is just as important as knowing what does. Here are some key exclusions:

• Third-Party Sellers: Prices offered by third-party sellers on websites like Amazon or Walmart.com are generally not eligible for price matching. Target focuses on matching prices from the retailers themselves.
• Clearance, Closeout, or Liquidation Sales: These deeply discounted prices are often excluded from price matching.
• “Marketplace” Prices: Similar to third-party sellers, prices from online marketplaces are typically ineligible.
• Deals Requiring Membership: Price matching may not be available for prices dependent on paid memberships, such as Costco or Sam’s Club.
• Typos and Errors: Obvious pricing errors won’t be honored. If a TV is advertised for $5 instead of $500, Target won’t match it.
• Limited Quantity or “While Supplies Last” Offers: If the competitor’s ad states that the item is only available in limited quantities or “while supplies last,” it may not be eligible for price matching.
• Rebates, Mail-in Offers, or Coupons: Price matching applies to the pre-rebate or pre-coupon price. You can’t combine price matching with additional discounts in this manner.
• Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Other Special Events: Price matching policies often change or are suspended during major sales events. Always confirm before assuming a price match will be honored.

Pro-Tips for Successful Price Matching

• Do Your Research: Before heading to Target, thoroughly research prices at eligible competitors. Take screenshots or print out the competitor’s ad to have proof readily available.
• Be Prepared: Have all the necessary information handy, including the item name, price, and competitor’s information.
• Be Polite and Patient: Price matching is ultimately at the discretion of the store manager or team member. Be courteous and understanding.
• Understand Local Policies: Policies can vary slightly from store to store. It’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with your local Target’s specific guidelines.
• Check the Expiration Date: If using a printed ad, make sure it hasn’t expired.

FAQs: Target Price Matching Demystified

Here are 12 frequently asked questions to further clarify Target’s price-matching policy:

1. Does Target price match Amazon Prime prices?

No, Target doesn’t typically price match Amazon Prime-exclusive deals that require a paid Prime membership. They’ll match the standard Amazon.com price, but not prices accessible only to Prime members.

2. Can I price match after I’ve already purchased the item?

Yes! Target offers a 14-day price adjustment policy. If you find a lower price at an eligible retailer within 14 days of your purchase, you can bring your receipt to Target for a refund of the difference.

3. Does Target price match online prices in-store?

Yes, Target will price match Target.com prices in-store. Simply show the team member the online price on your smartphone or tablet.

4. Will Target price match a competitor’s coupon?

No, Target doesn’t price match competitor coupons. However, you can still use Target Circle offers and manufacturer coupons in addition to price matching, where applicable.

5. What if the competitor’s item is out of stock?

Target will only price match items that are currently in stock at the competitor. If the item is unavailable, they won’t honor the price match.

6. Does Target price match refurbished or used items?

No, Target’s price match policy typically applies only to new, identical items. They won’t match prices on refurbished, used, or open-box products.

7. Can I price match multiple items in one transaction?

Yes, you can price match multiple items in a single transaction, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria.

8. Does Target price match prices from eBay?

No, prices from eBay or other auction sites are not eligible for price matching at Target.

9. Does Target price match during Black Friday or Cyber Monday?

Price matching policies are usually suspended or significantly altered during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales events. Always confirm with Target’s customer service or store associates before attempting to price match during these times.

10. What if I don’t have the original receipt for a price adjustment?

If you used a Target RedCard or provided your phone number at checkout, Target may be able to look up your purchase history and process the price adjustment without the physical receipt.

11. Can I stack Target Circle offers with price matching?

Yes! You can usually stack Target Circle offers (Target’s loyalty program) with price matching. This allows you to maximize your savings.

12. If an item qualifies for a gift card deal at Target, can I also price match it?

Generally, yes. You can price match an item and still receive the gift card deal associated with it. However, it’s always best to confirm with a Target team member to ensure the promotion is valid with the price match.

By understanding the nuances of Target’s price matching policy, you can confidently shop and secure the best possible deals on everything from household essentials to electronics and clothing. Happy shopping!