Will Target Match Online Prices? Your Ultimate Guide to Saving Money

Yes, Target generally matches the online prices of select retailers and Target.com. But hold on a minute, this isn’t a blank check for endless discounts. There are specific policies, nuances, and potential pitfalls you need to understand to successfully leverage Target’s price match guarantee. Consider this your complete guide to maximizing your savings.

Understanding Target’s Price Match Policy: The Nitty-Gritty

Target’s price match policy is designed to keep them competitive in the cutthroat retail landscape. It encourages shoppers to choose Target over other retailers, even if a product is advertised cheaper elsewhere. However, understanding the specifics is crucial to avoid disappointment at the checkout.

Who Does Target Match?

The key word here is “select retailers.” Target doesn’t match just any online price. The list includes major players like:

• Amazon.com
• Walmart.com
• BestBuy.com
• Costco.com
• Kroger.com
• Macys.com
• HomeDepot.com
• Lowes.com

This list can be subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to verify the list on Target’s website before heading to the store or placing an online order.

What Products Qualify?

Not every product is eligible for a price match. The item must be:

• Identical: Same brand, size, color, model number, and condition (new).
• In Stock: Both at Target and the competitor. If the competitor’s website shows “out of stock,” the price match is a no-go.
• Not Excluded: Certain items are specifically excluded from price matching.

Exclusions to Watch Out For

This is where many price match attempts stumble. Be aware of these common exclusions:

• Clearance, closeout, liquidation sales, refurbished items, or damaged items: Price matching is for new, regularly priced merchandise.
• Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and other special promotional events: These major sales events usually have their own heavily discounted pricing, making them ineligible.
• Third-party sellers on marketplaces: Target typically only matches prices from retailers selling directly, not third-party sellers on platforms like Amazon.
• Price errors: If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Target won’t match prices that are clearly mistakes.
• Subscription services and memberships: Price matching typically doesn’t apply to these, as they have different value propositions.
• Limited quantity or “while supplies last” deals: If a retailer advertises a limited-time offer with limited stock, Target won’t match.

How to Request a Price Match

There are two primary ways to request a price match:

• In-Store: Present the qualifying competitor’s online price to a Target team member at the checkout. You can show them the price on your phone or a printed copy.
• Online: Contact Target.com Guest Services before placing your order. You’ll need to provide them with the link to the competitor’s product page. Unfortunately, Target doesn’t offer price matching after you’ve placed an online order.

Price Matching After Purchase? A Limited Option

While Target doesn’t typically offer price matching after an online purchase, they do have a 14-day price adjustment policy for items purchased at Target. This means that if Target lowers its own price within 14 days of your purchase, you can request a refund for the difference. This does not apply to competitor pricing, only to changes in Target’s own prices.

Stacking Coupons and Discounts

Can you use a coupon on top of a price match? In many cases, yes! Target allows you to combine manufacturer coupons, Target Circle offers, and Target coupons with price matches for even greater savings. This is a fantastic way to maximize your deals. However, be aware of any specific exclusions listed on the coupon itself.

Target’s Price Match: A Strategy for Smart Shoppers

Navigating Target’s price match policy effectively requires preparation, attention to detail, and a clear understanding of the rules. Before you shop, take the time to research prices from Target’s approved competitors, gather your evidence (screenshots or links), and be polite and patient with the Target team members assisting you. By doing so, you can unlock significant savings and become a true bargain-hunting pro.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Target’s Price Match Policy

Here are answers to some of the most common questions regarding Target’s price matching policy:

1. Does Target price match Amazon Prime prices?

   • Generally, yes, Target will price match Amazon.com prices. However, it needs to be a price available to all Amazon customers, not a special price exclusive to Prime members.

2. Will Target match prices on Black Friday or Cyber Monday?

   • No, Target specifically excludes price matching during Black Friday and Cyber Monday events. These promotional periods have their own aggressive pricing strategies.

3. What if the competitor’s website includes shipping costs?

   • Target’s policy may vary. Generally, they will consider the total price, including shipping, when determining if a price match is applicable. It’s best to ask a Target team member for clarification.

4. Can I price match an item that’s on sale at Target?

   • You can always ask, but it’s unlikely. The intention of price matching is to beat a competitor’s price, not to lower an already discounted price at Target.

5. What if the competitor has a limited-time offer?

   • Target may not match limited-time offers, especially those with “while supplies last” disclaimers. They focus on matching regularly available prices.

6. Does Target match prices from eBay or other auction sites?

   • No, Target typically does not match prices from auction sites or third-party sellers on marketplaces like eBay. They focus on matching established retailers.

7. What if the item is slightly different but seems the same?

   • The items must be identical in every way (brand, model number, color, size, etc.). Even slight variations will disqualify the price match.

8. Can I use a Target gift card to pay for a price-matched item?

   • Yes, you can use Target gift cards, Target Circle earnings, and other forms of payment to purchase a price-matched item.

9. What if a Target team member refuses to price match?

   • Politely ask to speak to a manager. The manager has the final say in price match approvals. Ensure you have all the necessary documentation (proof of the lower price) and clearly understand the policy.

10. Is there a limit to how many items I can price match?

    • Target doesn’t generally specify a hard limit, but they may refuse to price match large quantities of the same item. The purpose is for personal use, not reselling.

11. Can I price match online and pick up in store?

    • Yes, you can request a price match when placing an order for pickup. However, you need to contact Target.com Guest Services before placing the order, as they need to adjust the price before you complete your purchase.

12. Where can I find the most up-to-date version of Target’s price match policy?

    • The most reliable source is the official Target website, typically found under their “Help” or “Customer Service” sections. Search for “price match policy” or “price guarantee.”

By understanding the intricacies of Target’s price match policy, you can become a savvy shopper and save money on your purchases. Remember to do your research, be prepared, and always be polite. Happy shopping!