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

Target. Ah, the land of impulse buys, stylish home goods, and surprisingly decent groceries. But beyond the joy of browsing, there’s a powerful tool in the savvy shopper’s arsenal: Target’s price match policy. Understanding this policy is key to maximizing your savings and ensuring you always get the best possible price on your desired items. So, where exactly does Target price match? The simple answer: Target will price match select online retailers, Target.com, and printed ads from local competitors.

Decoding Target’s Price Match Promise

Let’s break that down further. Target’s price match policy is designed to give customers confidence that they’re getting the lowest price, whether shopping in-store or online. Here’s a closer look at each component:

• Target.com: If you find an item in a Target store, and the same item is listed for a lower price on Target.com, Target will match that lower online price in-store. This is a simple and straightforward way to save if you’re already shopping in the physical store.

• Select Online Retailers: This is where things get interesting. Target doesn’t price match all online retailers. The current list of approved online competitors is carefully curated. It primarily includes major players that consistently offer competitive pricing. As of October 2024, these include:

  • Amazon.com
  • Walmart.com
  • BestBuy.com
  • Costco.com
  • BedBathandBeyond.com
  • Kohl’s.com
  • Macys.com
  • Wayfair.com
  • SamsClub.com

  Important Note: Always check Target’s official website or ask a store associate for the most up-to-date list. This list is subject to change.

• Local Retail Competitors’ Printed Ads: Target will also match prices advertised in printed ads from local retail competitors. The key word here is local. The competitor must have a physical store located in the same market area as the Target store you’re visiting. This doesn’t typically include online-only retailers, even if they ship to your area. You will need to bring the entire printed ad with the valid date to the store.

What Doesn’t Qualify for a Price Match?

While Target’s price match policy is generous, there are exceptions and limitations. It’s vital to understand these to avoid disappointment at the checkout. Target will not price match:

• Clearance, closeout, liquidation sales, or damaged items: These items are already priced aggressively and don’t fall under the standard price match criteria.

• Deals requiring memberships: For example, you cannot price match a Costco.com price that requires a Costco membership to purchase.

• Prices from third-party sellers or marketplace vendors: Target only price matches prices from the retailer themselves, not from third-party sellers on platforms like Amazon Marketplace. Look for “Sold and Shipped by Amazon.com” or similar indicators.

• “Black Friday” or “Cyber Monday” deals: Target generally excludes these special promotional events from their price match policy. They want to remain competitive with their own promotional pricing.

• Prices from auction sites or discounters: Prices from eBay, Craigslist, or other auction/discount sites are not eligible for price matching.

• Typos or pricing errors: If a competitor’s ad contains an obvious error, Target is not obligated to match it.

• Items that are out of stock at either Target or the competitor: The item must be in stock at both locations.

• Gift card offers or promotional codes: You cannot combine a price match with a gift card offer or promotional code from a competitor.

FAQs: Target Price Match Mastery

Here are 12 frequently asked questions to help you become a true Target price match master:

1. How Do I Request a Price Match In-Store?

Present proof of the lower price to a Target team member at checkout. This could be a printed ad, a screenshot of the website, or even a display on your smartphone. Make sure the image or ad clearly shows the item’s price, the retailer, and the date (if applicable). The team member will verify the price and eligibility before applying the match.

2. Can I Price Match After I’ve Already Made a Purchase?

Yes! If you find a lower price within 14 days of your purchase, you can bring your receipt to Target customer service and request a price adjustment. The same rules and limitations apply.

3. What If the Online Retailer Charges for Shipping?

Target’s policy handles this in a specific way. When price matching online retailers, shipping costs are factored in. The final price, including shipping, must be lower than Target’s price for the match to be approved.

4. Does Target Price Match on Quantity Limits?

If the competitor has quantity limits on an item, Target will usually honor those limits. If there are no limits listed, Target may impose its own reasonable quantity limits.

5. Can I Use a Target Circle Offer on Top of a Price Match?

Absolutely! You can combine Target Circle offers and coupons with price matches, which leads to even greater savings. This is one of the most powerful strategies for maximizing value at Target.

6. What If the Item is a Different Color or Size?

The items must be identical for a price match to be valid. This includes the brand, model number, size, color, and any other relevant specifications.

7. Does Target Price Match on Refurbished Items?

No, Target only price matches new, unopened items. Refurbished or used items are not eligible.

8. What Proof Do I Need for a Printed Ad?

Bring the entire original printed ad with the valid date. Photocopies or digital versions may not be accepted.

9. Can I Price Match a “Buy One, Get One” (BOGO) Offer?

This can be tricky. Target may attempt to match the effective price per item. For example, if a competitor offers “Buy One, Get One Free” on an item costing $20, Target might match the effective price of $10 per item if you purchase two.

10. How Does Target Handle Price Matching with Coupon Codes?

When price matching online, coupon codes must be factored into the competitor’s price. Target will only match the final price after the coupon code has been applied. You cannot stack a competitor’s coupon code with a Target price match.

11. What Happens If the Competitor’s Price Changes After I Request a Price Match?

The price match is based on the competitor’s price at the time of the request. If the price changes before the transaction is completed, the team member may need to re-verify the price.

12. Can I Price Match on Mobile Devices?

Yes, you can show the lower price on your mobile device, provided it clearly displays the retailer, the price, and any other relevant information. A clear screenshot is often the best approach.

Conclusion: Become a Target Price Match Pro

Target’s price match policy is a valuable tool for saving money and ensuring you get the best deals. By understanding the policy’s nuances, knowing which retailers are included, and following the steps for requesting a match, you can confidently shop at Target knowing you’re getting the lowest possible price. So, go forth and conquer those aisles, armed with the knowledge to save big!