Will Target Price Match? Unlocking Savings with Target’s Price Matching Policy
Yes, absolutely! Target does price match, offering a fantastic opportunity to save money on your purchases. Their policy extends to select online retailers and even to Target.com itself, meaning you can confidently shop knowing you’re potentially getting the best deal. This isn’t just about shaving off a few cents; it’s about empowering you to be a savvy shopper.
Understanding Target’s Price Match Guarantee
Navigating price matching can sometimes feel like deciphering ancient scrolls, but Target keeps it surprisingly straightforward. The key is understanding the nuances of their policy, which we’ll break down piece by piece. This ensures you can confidently walk into a store or shop online, ready to snag those extra savings.
Key Components of the Price Match Policy
The core of Target’s price match promise revolves around matching prices from select online retailers and Target.com. This means you can walk into a physical Target store, show them a lower price on an identical item from an approved retailer, and they’ll adjust their price accordingly. Similarly, if you find a lower price on Target.com while shopping in-store, you can request a price match.
However, there are some important stipulations:
- Identical Item: The item must be exactly the same – same brand, model number, size, color, etc. No room for interpretation here!
- In Stock: Both Target and the competitor must have the item in stock at the time of the price match request. A phantom price on a sold-out item doesn’t count.
- Proof of Price: You’ll need to provide proof of the lower price. This usually involves showing the Target employee the website or advertisement on your smartphone or a printed ad.
- Limited Quantity: Target typically limits the number of items eligible for price matching per customer, per day. This prevents bulk buying for resale purposes.
- Exclusions: Some items are excluded from price matching, such as clearance items, closeout deals, damaged goods, subscription services, and items sold by third-party sellers on marketplaces (more on this later).
Approved Online Retailers
Knowing which online retailers Target will price match is crucial. This isn’t a free-for-all; they have a specific list of approved competitors:
- Amazon.com: Excluding third-party sellers.
- Walmart.com: A major competitor, making this a significant advantage for shoppers.
- BestBuy.com: Another popular electronics and appliance retailer.
- Costco.com: (Membership required, price must be available to all members)
- Kohl’s.com: Offering a wide range of apparel and home goods.
- Macy’s.com: For apparel, home goods, and beauty products.
- Nordstrom.com: A higher-end department store.
- Sears.com: Though increasingly rare, still on the list.
This list is subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to double-check the official Target Price Match Policy on their website for the most up-to-date information.
Making the Price Match Request: In-Store vs. Online
The process for requesting a price match varies slightly depending on whether you’re shopping in a physical Target store or online.
In-Store:
- Find the item you want to purchase at Target.
- Locate the same item at a lower price from an approved retailer.
- Show the Target employee the advertisement or website showing the lower price.
- The employee will verify the price and, if everything checks out, adjust the price at the register.
Online (Target.com):
Unfortunately, Target doesn’t currently offer a direct price match option for online purchases. You would need to visit a Target store to request a price match against Target.com or an approved online retailer. However, keep an eye on Target’s website, as policies can change, and online price matching might become available in the future.
Maximizing Your Savings with Target Price Matching
To truly master the art of price matching at Target, consider these strategies:
- Do Your Research: Before you even step into a Target store or browse Target.com, research prices at approved online retailers. Use comparison shopping tools and apps to quickly identify potential price match opportunities.
- Stay Updated: The prices of online retailers can fluctuate frequently. Check prices on the same day you plan to make your purchase to ensure the price difference still exists.
- Read the Fine Print: Familiarize yourself with the complete Target Price Match Policy. Knowing the exclusions and limitations will save you time and frustration.
- Be Polite and Patient: While Target employees are generally helpful, they are also bound by the store’s policies. Be polite and patient when requesting a price match. If you’re denied, ask for clarification and politely inquire if there are any exceptions.
- Combine with Other Offers: Look for opportunities to combine price matching with other Target offers, such as Target Circle deals, manufacturer coupons, and Target RedCard discounts. This can lead to significant savings!
Target’s price match policy is a valuable tool for savvy shoppers. By understanding the rules, knowing which retailers are included, and being prepared with proof of price, you can confidently save money on your purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Target Price Matching
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you further understand Target’s price match policy:
1. Does Target price match Amazon Prime prices?
Yes, Target price matches prices on Amazon.com, excluding third-party sellers. The price must be readily available and not behind a Prime membership paywall.
2. Will Target price match a price I found after I already bought the item?
Yes, Target will generally price match within 14 days of your purchase. Bring your receipt and proof of the lower price to the store.
3. Does Target price match Black Friday or Cyber Monday deals?
The specific policy can vary year to year, but typically, Target does not price match items during the period from Thanksgiving Day through the following Monday (Cyber Monday). Read the fine print on the deal.
4. Can I use a coupon in addition to a price match?
Yes, you can typically combine a manufacturer coupon with a price match. However, you cannot use a Target Circle offer and price match on the same item.
5. Does Target price match clearance items?
No, Target’s price match policy typically excludes clearance, closeout, damaged goods, or refurbished items.
6. What happens if the online retailer requires a shipping fee? Does Target match that?
Target only matches the price of the item itself. They do not factor in shipping costs when considering a price match.
7. Does Target price match items sold by third-party sellers on Amazon or Walmart?
No, Target specifically excludes items sold by third-party sellers on platforms like Amazon Marketplace or Walmart.com Marketplace. The item must be sold and shipped directly by Amazon or Walmart.
8. How many items can I price match at Target?
Target usually limits the number of identical items you can price match per day. This limit can vary, so it’s best to ask a Target employee for the most current information.
9. Can I price match Target.com items if they are out of stock in my local store?
Yes, even if an item is out of stock in your local store, you can usually price match it to the Target.com price if it’s available online and can be shipped to you.
10. Does Target price match other local stores, like a local hardware store?
No, Target’s price match policy is specifically limited to the approved online retailers mentioned earlier, and does not include local brick-and-mortar stores.
11. What if the item is on sale at Target and also available for a lower price at another retailer? Which price do I get?
You will receive the lower price from either Target’s sale or the competitor’s price, whichever is the lowest. You cannot combine the sale price with a price match.
12. What is the best way to ensure my price match request is approved?
The best way to ensure your price match is approved is to come prepared. Have a clear screenshot or printout of the lower price from an approved retailer, verify that the item is identical and in stock at both locations, and be polite and patient with the Target employee.
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