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Will Target Match Prices? Decoding Target’s Price Matching Policy

Yes, Target generally matches prices under specific conditions, but it’s crucial to understand the nuances of their policy to avoid disappointment at checkout. Target’s price match policy is designed to be competitive, aiming to attract budget-conscious shoppers. However, knowing exactly what qualifies for a price match and what doesn’t is the key to unlocking potential savings.

Understanding Target’s Price Match Guarantee

Target’s price match policy is more comprehensive than many shoppers realize. It encompasses both matching select online retailers and prices offered by Target itself across different channels. Let’s break down the core components:

Matching Target.com Prices

One of the simplest aspects is matching prices on Target.com. If you find a product in-store that’s being sold for less on Target’s own website, you’re generally entitled to the lower price. This extends to situations where Target.com offers a temporary promotion or clearance price not yet reflected in the store.

Pro Tip: Always check Target.com before heading to the register to see if you can score a lower price!

Matching Competitor Prices

This is where things get a little more involved. Target will match the price of an identical item (same brand, size, color, model number, etc.) offered by select online retailers. Currently, these include:

Amazon.com
Walmart.com
BestBuy.com
Costco.com
BedBathandBeyond.com
Kohl’s.com
Macys.com
Newegg.com
SamsClub.com
Wayfair.com
HomeDepot.com
Lowes.com

However, there are limitations. The item must be:

In stock at both Target and the competitor.
Sold by the primary retailer, not a third-party seller (like on Amazon).
Identical (including color, size, weight, and model number).

Proof is Key

To successfully price match, you’ll need to provide proof of the lower price. This can typically be done by:

Showing the competitor’s website on your smartphone or tablet.
Presenting a printed advertisement from the competitor.

Target team members will then verify the price and eligibility before approving the price match.

Exclusions to the Price Match Policy

Knowing what isn’t covered is just as important as knowing what is. Several exclusions apply to Target’s price match guarantee.

Third-party sellers: As mentioned above, prices from third-party sellers on platforms like Amazon or Walmart Marketplace are generally not eligible.
Clearance, closeout, liquidation sales, and special purchases: Deeply discounted items often fall outside the scope of price matching.
Pricing errors: Obvious pricing errors made by competitors will likely be excluded.
Limited-time promotions: “Lightning deals,” “doorbusters,” and other limited-time or quantity promotions are generally not matched.
Membership-required retailers: While Target matches Costco.com and Sam’s Club.com, the price match applies without needing an active membership to verify the price online.
Services: Price matching doesn’t extend to services like installation, warranties, or subscriptions.
Items sold by Target Plus™ Partners: Items sold by Target Plus™ Partners are excluded from price matching.
Gift card offers: Price matches can’t be combined with gift card offers.

In-Store vs. Online

The process for requesting a price match can vary slightly depending on whether you’re shopping in-store or online.

In-Store: Simply show the lower price to a Target team member at checkout.
Online: Contact Target customer service before placing your order. You can do this via chat or phone.

Target Circle and Price Matching

You can combine Target Circle offers (formerly Cartwheel) with price matching in most cases. This allows you to stack savings, maximizing your discount. However, remember that stacking coupons on top of price matches might be prohibited in certain situations, especially when the end result would be a loss for Target.

FAQs: Decoding Target’s Price Match Policy

Here are 12 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to help you navigate Target’s price match policy with confidence:

Can I price match after I’ve already purchased the item?
Yes, Target typically offers a price adjustment if you find a lower price within 14 days of your purchase. Simply bring your receipt and proof of the lower price to customer service.
Does Target price match Amazon Prime prices?
Generally, yes, Target will match Amazon.com prices, including those available to Prime members. The key is that the item must be sold and fulfilled directly by Amazon, not a third-party seller.
Will Target price match with a coupon?
Yes, Target typically allows you to combine Target Circle offers (coupons) with a price match. However, using manufacturer coupons in addition to a price match might be restricted, depending on the item and the terms of the coupon.
Does Target price match on Black Friday or Cyber Monday?
During major promotional events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Target’s price match policy may be temporarily suspended or have stricter limitations. It’s always best to confirm the policy details with Target customer service during these periods.
What if the competitor’s item is on sale but out of stock?
Target requires the competitor’s item to be in stock at the time of the price match request. Out-of-stock items are not eligible.
Can I price match an item with a percentage-off discount?
Target typically matches the final price after the percentage-off discount is applied by the competitor. Be prepared to show the calculated final price at checkout.
Does Target price match if the competitor offers free shipping?
Target usually considers free shipping when determining the price match. If the competitor’s price plus shipping is lower than Target’s price, Target will match the lower total cost.
What if I don’t have my receipt for a price adjustment?
While having your receipt is ideal, Target may be able to look up your purchase using your Target Circle account or the payment method used for the original transaction. However, having your receipt will expedite the process.
Can I price match a product that is only available online from a competitor?
Yes, if the item is in stock on the competitor’s website and meets all other criteria, Target will price match even if the competitor only sells the item online.
What is the best way to request a price match online?
The best way to request a price match online is to contact Target customer service through their website’s chat function or by calling their customer service line before placing your order. Be prepared to provide details of the lower price you found.
Does Target price match its own previous prices?
Yes, Target will generally offer a price adjustment if an item you purchased goes on sale at Target within 14 days of your purchase.
Does Target price match local stores or only online retailers?
While Target’s primary focus is on matching prices from the select online retailers listed above, you may want to inquire at your local store about matching a local competitor’s advertised price. However, this is usually up to the store manager’s discretion and is not explicitly covered in the official policy.

By understanding these nuances, you can confidently leverage Target’s price match policy to maximize your savings on everyday essentials and bigger-ticket items. Remember to always check the details of the policy, as it can change from time to time. Happy shopping!