Maximize Your Savings: A Comprehensive Guide to Price Matching at Target
Target, a retail giant known for its trendy merchandise, exclusive collaborations, and convenient services, also offers a fantastic way for shoppers to save money: price matching. Price matching allows you to get the lowest price on an item by comparing Target’s price to that of select competitors. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about price matching at Target, from understanding the policy to executing successful price matches and maximizing your savings.
## Understanding Target’s Price Match Guarantee
Before diving into the specifics, it’s crucial to understand Target’s price match guarantee. This policy ensures that you can purchase an item at Target with the confidence that you’re getting a competitive price. Here’s a breakdown of the key components:
* **What Target Price Matches:** Target will price match select online and local competitors. This includes online retailers like Amazon, Walmart.com, BestBuy.com, and select others, as well as local retail stores. It’s important to note that the item must be identical – same brand, model number, size, color, etc.
* **Time Frame:** Target typically offers a 14-day price match guarantee. This means that if you purchase an item at Target and find it advertised for a lower price at a qualifying competitor within 14 days of your purchase, you can request a price adjustment.
* **Identical Items:** The item you’re price matching must be identical to the one sold at Target. This includes the brand, model number, size, color, and any other relevant specifications. The item must also be in stock at both Target and the competitor.
* **Proof of Price:** You’ll need to provide proof of the lower price. This can be in the form of an online advertisement, a printed advertisement, or a photograph of the competitor’s price tag. Digital proof, like a screenshot from a reputable retailer’s website or app, is generally accepted. It is very helpful to have access to the competitor’s advertisement on your smartphone or tablet.
* **Exclusions:** There are some exclusions to Target’s price match guarantee. These typically include:
* Clearance items
* Damaged or open-box items
* Items sold by third-party sellers on online marketplaces (e.g., Amazon Marketplace, Walmart Marketplace)
* Items sold on auction sites (e.g., eBay)
* Pricing errors
* Items requiring a minimum purchase (e.g., “Buy one, get one free” deals)
* Special daily or hourly sales
* Gift card offers
* Black Friday deals (typically)
* Competitor’s coupons
* Items that are part of a subscription service (e.g. Amazon Subscribe & Save)
* **Target.com vs. In-Store Price Matching:** Target offers price matching both online (on Target.com) and in-store. The process for each is slightly different, which we’ll cover in detail below.
* **Target Circle Offers:** You can usually combine Target Circle offers (Target’s loyalty program discounts) with price matching. This can lead to even greater savings!
## Step-by-Step Guide to Price Matching In-Store
Price matching in a Target store is a relatively straightforward process. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth experience:
1. **Identify a Lower Price:** The first step is to find an identical item being sold for a lower price at a qualifying competitor. Make sure the item meets all the criteria mentioned above, including being the same brand, model number, size, and color. Double-check that the item is in stock at both Target and the competitor.
2. **Gather Proof of Price:** Obtain proof of the lower price. This can be a printed advertisement, a screenshot of the competitor’s website or app on your phone, or even a photograph of the price tag in a local store. Ensure the proof clearly shows the item’s price, the competitor’s name, and the date (if applicable). A clear, readable image or printout is essential.
3. **Locate a Target Team Member:** Once you have your proof of price, find a Target team member. You can typically find them at the checkout lanes, in the aisles, or at the Guest Services desk. Explain that you’d like to price match an item.
4. **Present Your Proof of Price:** Show the team member your proof of the lower price. Be prepared to explain where you found the price and that the item is identical to the one you want to purchase (or have already purchased). Politely and clearly explain the situation. If you are using a digital advertisement, make sure your phone or tablet has sufficient battery.
5. **Team Member Verification:** The Target team member will verify the price and ensure that the item meets the requirements for price matching. They may check the competitor’s website or call the local store to confirm the price and availability. They will also likely check that the competitor is on Target’s approved list of price-match competitors.
6. **Price Adjustment:** If the team member verifies that the item qualifies for a price match, they will adjust the price of the item accordingly. This will be done at the register during checkout. If you’ve already purchased the item, they will issue a refund for the price difference.
7. **Complete Your Purchase:** Once the price is adjusted, complete your purchase as usual. Enjoy the satisfaction of knowing you got the best possible price!
**Example:**
You want to buy a specific brand and model of blender at Target. You find the same blender advertised on Walmart.com for $20 less. You take a screenshot of the Walmart.com product page on your phone, showing the blender’s price and model number. You go to Target, find the same blender, and show the screenshot to a Target team member. The team member verifies the price on Walmart.com and adjusts the price of the blender at Target to match the lower price. You complete your purchase and save $20.
## Step-by-Step Guide to Price Matching Online (Target.com)
Price matching on Target.com is also possible, but the process differs slightly from in-store price matching.
1. **Identify a Lower Price:** As with in-store price matching, the first step is to find an identical item being sold for a lower price at a qualifying online competitor. Ensure the item meets all the requirements: same brand, model number, size, and color. Confirm that the item is in stock on both Target.com and the competitor’s website.
2. **Contact Target.com Customer Service:** Unlike in-store price matching, you can’t directly request a price match during the online checkout process. Instead, you’ll need to contact Target.com customer service. You can usually do this via online chat or by calling their customer service phone number. The contact information can be found on the Target.com website under the “Help” or “Contact Us” section.
3. **Provide Proof of Price:** When you contact customer service, explain that you’d like to price match an item. Be prepared to provide them with the following information:
* The item you want to purchase on Target.com
* The competitor’s website where you found the lower price
* A link to the specific product page on the competitor’s website
* The price of the item on the competitor’s website
4. **Customer Service Verification:** The customer service representative will verify the price and ensure that the item meets the requirements for price matching. They will check the competitor’s website to confirm the price, availability, and that the competitor is on Target’s approved list.
5. **Price Adjustment:** If the customer service representative verifies that the item qualifies for a price match, they will typically provide you with one of two options:
* **A Price Adjustment Code:** They may provide you with a unique code that you can enter during the checkout process to adjust the price of the item.
* **Manual Adjustment:** In some cases, they may manually adjust the price of the item on your order. They will then confirm the updated price with you before you complete your purchase.
6. **Complete Your Purchase:** Once the price is adjusted, complete your purchase on Target.com as usual. Ensure that the discounted price is reflected in your order summary before submitting your order.
**Example:**
You’re browsing Target.com and want to buy a specific brand and model of headphones. You find the same headphones on BestBuy.com for $15 less. You contact Target.com customer service via online chat and provide them with a link to the headphones on BestBuy.com. The customer service representative verifies the price and gives you a code to enter at checkout to receive the $15 discount. You enter the code, complete your purchase, and save $15.
## Tips for Successful Price Matching at Target
To increase your chances of a successful price match at Target and maximize your savings, keep these tips in mind:
* **Do Your Research:** Before heading to Target or browsing Target.com, take the time to research prices at competing retailers. Use online price comparison tools or browse competitors’ websites and apps to find the lowest prices.
* **Check for Exclusions:** Always check for exclusions to Target’s price match guarantee before attempting to price match an item. This will save you time and frustration.
* **Have Proof of Price Ready:** Be prepared with proof of the lower price when you request a price match. This can be a printed advertisement, a screenshot, or a photograph. Ensure the proof is clear, readable, and shows the item’s price, competitor’s name, and the date (if applicable).
* **Be Polite and Patient:** When interacting with Target team members or customer service representatives, be polite and patient. They are more likely to assist you if you are respectful and understanding.
* **Understand the Policy:** Familiarize yourself with Target’s price match policy before you shop. This will help you avoid any misunderstandings and ensure a smooth price-matching experience. Know what competitors they price match and if there is a list.
* **Check for Target Circle Offers:** Before you price match, check for any Target Circle offers that may apply to the item you want to purchase. You can often combine Target Circle offers with price matching for even greater savings.
* **Keep an Eye on Price Changes:** Prices can fluctuate, especially online. If you find a lower price after you’ve purchased an item at Target, remember you have 14 days to request a price adjustment.
* **Document Everything:** Keep records of your purchases and any price match requests you make. This will be helpful if you need to follow up on a price adjustment or resolve any issues.
* **Consider Store Credit:** If you are past the 14 day return window, but notice a price drop, many stores will provide a store credit for the difference, so it does not hurt to ask.
* **Use Price Tracking Apps:** Several apps exist that track prices and will automatically alert you to price drops at various retailers. These can be very helpful in identifying price match opportunities.
* **Don’t Be Afraid to Ask:** If you’re unsure whether an item qualifies for a price match, don’t hesitate to ask a Target team member or customer service representative. They are there to help you.
* **Shop During Sales:** Keep an eye out for sales and promotions at Target’s competitors. These can be great opportunities to price match and save even more money.
## Qualifying Competitors
Target has a list of approved competitors that they will price match. This list can vary slightly over time, so it’s always a good idea to check the current list on Target’s website or by asking a team member. Some of the most common qualifying competitors include:
* Amazon.com (select items)
* Walmart.com
* BestBuy.com
* BedBathandBeyond.com
* BuyBuyBaby.com
* Costco.com (select items)
* SamsClub.com (select items)
* Staples.com
* OfficeDepot.com
* Local Retail Stores (check with your local Target for specific stores)
**Important Note:** Target typically price matches items sold *directly* by these retailers, not items sold by third-party sellers on their marketplaces (e.g., Amazon Marketplace). Be sure to verify that the item is sold by the retailer itself before attempting to price match.
## Common Scenarios and Troubleshooting
Here are some common scenarios you might encounter when price matching at Target, along with troubleshooting tips:
* **Scenario:** The team member says the item doesn’t qualify because it’s not identical.
* **Troubleshooting:** Double-check the item’s brand, model number, size, color, and other specifications. If there are any differences, the item won’t qualify. If you’re sure the items are identical, politely point out the similarities and ask them to double-check.
* **Scenario:** The team member can’t verify the price on the competitor’s website.
* **Troubleshooting:** Ensure you have a strong internet connection and that the competitor’s website is loading properly. If the website is down or the price is not visible, try taking a screenshot of the price from another source or checking the competitor’s price in-store.
* **Scenario:** The item is out of stock at the competitor.
* **Troubleshooting:** Target typically requires the item to be in stock at both Target and the competitor for a price match to be approved. Check the competitor’s website or call their store to confirm availability. If the item is out of stock, you may have to wait until it’s back in stock to price match.
* **Scenario:** You purchased an item online and the price dropped after you received it.
* **Troubleshooting:** Contact Target.com customer service and request a price adjustment. Provide them with your order number and proof of the lower price. If the price drop occurred within 14 days of your purchase, they should be able to issue a refund for the difference.
* **Scenario:** The competitor’s price is a limited-time offer or a clearance price.
* **Troubleshooting:** Target typically excludes clearance items and special daily or hourly sales from their price match guarantee. Check the terms and conditions of the offer to see if it qualifies.
## Maximizing Your Savings Beyond Price Matching
While price matching is a fantastic way to save money at Target, there are other strategies you can use to maximize your savings even further:
* **Use Target Circle:** Target Circle is Target’s loyalty program, and it offers a variety of benefits, including exclusive discounts, personalized offers, and a 1% reward on every purchase. Sign up for Target Circle to start earning rewards and saving money.
* **RedCard:** The Target RedCard offers a 5% discount on nearly all purchases, both in-store and online. It also provides free shipping on most Target.com orders. If you shop at Target frequently, the RedCard can be a worthwhile investment.
* **Coupons:** Check for manufacturer coupons and Target coupons before you shop. You can find coupons in newspapers, online, and in the Target app. Combine coupons with price matching and Target Circle offers for maximum savings.
* **Shop Clearance Sections:** Target’s clearance sections are a great place to find deeply discounted items. Browse the clearance aisles in-store and check the clearance section on Target.com for deals.
* **Use Rebate Apps:** Consider using rebate apps like Ibotta or Fetch Rewards. These apps offer cash back on select purchases. Scan your Target receipts into the apps to earn rebates.
* **Shop During Sales Events:** Target regularly holds sales events throughout the year, such as back-to-school sales, holiday sales, and end-of-season clearance events. Shop during these sales events to take advantage of even greater discounts.
* **Follow Target on Social Media:** Follow Target on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to stay up-to-date on the latest deals, promotions, and events.
## Conclusion
Price matching at Target is a powerful tool for saving money on your everyday purchases. By understanding Target’s price match policy, following the step-by-step guides outlined in this article, and utilizing the tips and strategies provided, you can confidently shop at Target knowing you’re getting the best possible price. Remember to do your research, gather proof of price, be polite and patient, and take advantage of other savings opportunities like Target Circle, the RedCard, and coupons. Happy shopping and happy saving!