Argh. The 20% off coupon can't be used for Disney Giftcards afterall. :(

[Here4mydisneyfix]

I've never seen an ad about a coupon detailing the coupon restrictions. That's information found on the coupon itself.

One option in that case would have been to have the cashier void the sale, or head right to the Service Desk and return it all.

I was thinking the same thing.

 

[Here4mydisneyfix]

...Or you're wrong. Don't forget that. Maybe some of these managers see the truth. Overrides are there for a reason.

I'm still of the hope that Corporate sees their mistake and corrects it tomorrow. They may have to allow one week of this coupon allowing Disney cards. Their BF ad was so bad, this is their payment for their mistake

But there is NO override for this coupon. That is the point. These managers are going around the system to make it work by entering in pretend discounts like "damaged item," etc. to make the cards discounted. And when corporate sees that one of their managers gave someone $2000 off for a "damaged item" there WILL be issues! If people can't see why they will get in trouble for that, then sheesh, I don't know what to say.

 

[FrostedSteph]

Did anyone accuse you specifically of doing anything wrong? Why are you getting so worked up? I don't think anyone is upset about the couple of people who have reported to have gone in, asked if they could use it or asked why the discount did not apply and then received it after a manager override. There is nothing wrong with that. But everyone has a point where things turn from an innocent question to one of ethics. Hearing about people teaming up and pressing the issue for an hour or more with a manager is certainly one incident that is taking it up a notch. Hitting up store after store after store until one finds a willing manager to give them a $2,000 discount is more than a little concerning. Those are the incidents that have people talking here. Also, for every story of polite requests that have been approved or declined, you know there are ones where people were rude and demanding, however I doubt you will ever find someone who will admit to such behavior.

For me, once you need to get a manager to override the computer system, the chance of it being something you were not intended to get is pretty high. Not always, but usually. Look at the guy who went to five stores. His words, "All I do know is that I feel lucky that due to their mistake..." He feels "lucky" and acknowledges it was "their mistake". That is not the reaction of someone who honestly thought they had a right to that discount. That is the reaction of someone who knows they got away with something. That is a far cry from your scenario or that of anyone else who has posted their experience so far.

The thing that I keep seeing that is bothering me (for some reason) is that a lot of people think Target is going to all of the sudden realize that they have been giving the 5 and 10% off and will end that because of this discount/coupon mess. We've established that they already allow it (as several of you have pointed out in the terms) so it's just confusing to me when people keep blaming others who received this discount and assuming they are going to take away part of the current program because of it. They know when you spend that much and use your red card and they know what you bought with it.

And FWIW, I don't agree with going to numerous stores until you could find someone to do it. It's not something I would personally do, but I also wouldn't do a lot of things that people choose to do. I agree with you - there are probably tons of people out there who did throw fits and argued and made it into a big deal. To be honest, I sent my husband because I knew I would be emotional about it. I can't help it but I didn't want to do that. That is my Target and I shop there practically every day! It didn't even come close to that but still. I agree with you that people are going to extremes and I don't care for that too much either.

 

[kaytieeldr]

If the ad had said, "Disney cards excluded" it would have been better. Since they were included in the promo last year with the $10 off $50 coupon, some may have assumed it would work the same way this year.

Because we were told last year that, since it was an 'entertainment card', it would work. And lots of people got the discount on these 'entertainment' cards.

And no one was saying, 'you can't do that, it is really a gift card!' on these boards, back then.

$X off $Y purchase is different from X% discount. It's only reasonable there would be different restrictions.

 

[djmeredith]

Here you go..... Edited to add: It was on page 19.

Thank you! I do remember seeing that now. I guess I just didn't interpret this person's actions the same way as those who have flamed this person. The customer simply asked for what they thought they were entitled to. The fact they got what they asked for eventually, by simply asking and not demanding, shows that it never hurts to ask.

Depending on which side of this debate your on, 1 out of 5 or 4 out of 5 Target managers were confused about the terms of the deal. Lol! In all seriousness, I'm glad this person saved a significant amount money!

 

[KathyTX]

It's interesting that everyone is assuming that Target is losing tons of money because of these Disney gift cards. In reality, it is possible that Target pays less than retail value for those cards, just like they do with all the manufactured products on their shelves. They sell products at a marked up price to make a profit. The most I've seen anyone claim they saved on the Disney cards was around $1,000 total. Even if that total amount was a loss to Target, that is a drop in the bucket to a multi-billion dollar corporation like Target.

Again, these cards are not merchandise, and Target does not own or buy or pay for the Disney gift cards.

Target DOES transfer money to Disney when they activate a Disney gift card, for face value of the card less whatever the agreed-upon commission/fee is (typically a very small amount, 2 or 3% of card value.)

This could potentially add up to a sizable loss for Target if it was widespread. Maybe not enough to impact stock price and overall profitability, but enough for people to lose jobs over.

 

[TheLanes]

I think we've forgotten to blame the guy that made the Black Friday ad. He will be the one to get blamed in the end. Him and the legal team that let it go.

The store managers are not to blame, they understand the customers confusion between the BF ad, the 20% coupon, and the Red Card inclusions.

Still hoping their legal team decides today to allow the 20% on the Disney Cards for the week, knowing they have opened themselves up for a lawsuit (winnable or not).

Don't think the Red Card Disney Card will be excluded in the future, but guaranteed that any coupons like the 20% one will include Disney from now on.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Because TARGET said that they were different from "Gift Cards" in the past without letting the public know they were changing the category.
Now other stores say there is no difference and have them as gift cards. I wouldn't dream of asking that they discount them if it states in their ad that they are not allowed. So Target has no one to blame but themselves for the confusion.
Nancy

No, Target has said (all) the other gift cards they merchandise are different from Target gift cards. That's all. No change in categorization.

 

[Eastern]

$X off $Y purchase is different from X% discount. It's only reasonable there would be different restrictions.

I am supposed to know that? I figured there was a chance it would work because they have allowed discounts on the Disney cards in the past.

No one here knew either way until people started getting rejected. Even then, some managers were interpreting it to mean the Disney cards were covered. Surely Target store managers and corporate Guest Services should be able to interpret a Target coupon correctly? Especially one that involves so many $$$

At best, the whole issue is confusing.

I think that if the Disney cards had been accepted by all stores, everyone would now be posting, "that's because they are entertainment cards!" Because last year, that is what everyone was posting when the $10 coupon was being accepted.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I would be curious if stating a 20% coupon (without listing any restrictions in the ad) falls under the bait and switch laws in most states?

The legality that the coupon is not valid for gift cards is ok. The problem is that they did not state the 20% coupon would have any restrictions in newspapers millions received.

No, there's no bait -and-switch here whatsoever.

Where is there anything, anywhere, that indicates or implies "20% off everything in the store"?

They don't have to indicate restrictions in the newspaper ad or flyer. That's information a reasonable person would expect to find on the coupon.

When a company advertises 'see (product) coupon in most Sunday papers', they don't put the coupon restrictions in the original ad; that information is found on the coupon. Target isn't any different.

 

[mom2AidanAndEli]

Thank you! I do remember seeing that now. I guess I just didn't interpret this person's actions the same way as those who have flamed this person. The customer simply asked for what they thought they were entitled to. The fact they got what they asked for eventually, by simply asking and not demanding, shows that it never hurts to ask.

Depending on which side of this debate your on, 1 out of 5 or 4 out of 5 Target managers were confused about the terms of the deal. Lol! In all seriousness, I'm glad this person saved a significant amount money!

If the customer asked and accepted no as the answer, I'd agree with you. But they didn't. They didn't like being told no, so kept going until they weren't. And they admitted they got this by "Target's mistake". So they knew VERY WELL they weren't entitled to that discount. They were trying to find someone to go around the system for them...and finally did.

Well, they saved it at the risk of the manager getting in a major amount of trouble by giving away $2,000 they shouldn't have. But anyone who would go to five stores and then clear the shelves probably isn't worried about anyone else anyway.

 

[djmeredith]

I think we've forgotten to blame the guy that made the Black Friday ad. He will be the one to get blamed in the end. Him and the legal team that let it go.

The store managers are not to blame, they understand the customers confusion between the BF ad, the 20% coupon, and the Red Card inclusions.

That's exactly what I said a few pages ago. Many people participating in this debate seem not to realize that there are several levels of higher management and executives that created and approved this coupon promotion. This whole mess could've and should've been avoided by the corporate marketing executives and/or legal team! They are the ones who should be held responsible for the lack of clarity because they are the only ones in the position of knowing EXACTLY what Target intended to include and exclude.

 

[Eastern]

This is what someone posted last year about using the $10 off $50:

"Ok from experience (my husband works for Target and is a Team Leader) GiftCards means their branded gift cards & Visa Gift Cards (i.e. you can't buy a $50 Target GiftCard or Visa Gift Card and get the free $10 GiftCard) so the coupon should work for the restarutant/Disney/iTunes Entertainment Cards. Your best bet is to give it a shot (don't ask a team member they usually are misinformed lol)...the worst that can happen is the cash register will beep and wont accept the coupon, just say no thanks if the coupon doesn't work."

People were purchasing thousands of dollars worth of Disney gift cards.

 

[sweetdana]

Again, these cards are not merchandise, and Target does not own or buy or pay for the Disney gift cards.

Target DOES transfer money to Disney when they activate a Disney gift card, for face value of the card less whatever the agreed-upon commission/fee is (typically a very small amount, 2 or 3% of card value.)

This could potentially add up to a sizable loss for Target if it was widespread. Maybe not enough to impact stock price and overall profitability, but enough for people to lose jobs over.

I think the loss on dis is a huge % of the scale of the real loss. IE everyday Joes, who don't plan every detail of there Disney trips.. prolly didn't think OHH I could get 20% off Disney gift cards (or other for that matter.) They were busy thinking ohh I can buy a 60 inch TV, or 3 weeks of groceries, or 10 packs of diapers (all which i did as well.)

There are a ton of peeps in the real target market, that think that way, but as a % to the whole target shopping % the dis board, and gift card wanters, we are very very very very very small. Over all the sale may very well have been a HUGE success.. and although they will certinaly fix this for next yr, I wouldnt think there is even a chance of profitability being changed even 1/100th of a % from the whole bottom line. Lets assume 1 store took 10K in gift cards, and even if they loss 2K on it, and the store took in 100K in sales due tot he ad ... it worked.

I bet at best 1 in 3 stores sold them, and the amount was significantly lower than 10K a store, worth of cards. The amount is really really low compared to actul sales.

 

[DarthMole]

That's exactly what I said a few pages ago. Many people participating in this debate seem not to realize that there are several levels of higher management and executives that created and approved this coupon promotion. This whole mess could've and should've been avoided by the corporate marketing executives and/or legal team! They are the ones who should be held responsible for the lack of clarity because they are the only ones in the position of knowing EXACTLY what Target intended to include and exclude.

The fact that this coupon and ones like it recently have NOT been allowed to pass through the register makes it pretty clear what Target intended to include and exclude. Where they failed is not making these intentions perfectly clear to store managers so they would be properly prepared to handle customer inquiries. That's all. Claiming the customer has a right to this discount because of semantics or past coupons being allowed is simply inaccurate.

 

[Eastern]

The fact that this coupon and ones like it recently have NOT been allowed to pass through the register makes it pretty clear what Target intended to include and exclude. Where they failed is not making these intentions perfectly clear to store managers so they would be properly prepared to handle customer inquiries. That's all. Claiming the customer has a right to this discount because of semantics or past coupons being allowed is simply inaccurate.

And I would argue that 'what Target intended' is not an appropriate answer, either. The way they word their ad is absolutely important. They have to convey clear meaning. That's why you see name brands of things specifically excluded on coupons.

And not only did they fail in 'not making these intentions perfectly clear to store managers', they failed in not making these intentions perfectly clear to consumers.

We were all speculating on using the coupon for the Disney cards. If it was clear cut, it wouldn't have even been a topic of discussion.

 

[DarthMole]

This is what someone posted last year about using the $10 off $50:

"Ok from experience (my husband works for Target and is a Team Leader) GiftCards means their branded gift cards & Visa Gift Cards (i.e. you can't buy a $50 Target GiftCard or Visa Gift Card and get the free $10 GiftCard) so the coupon should work for the restarutant/Disney/iTunes Entertainment Cards. Your best bet is to give it a shot (don't ask a team member they usually are misinformed lol)...the worst that can happen is the cash register will beep and wont accept the coupon, just say no thanks if the coupon doesn't work."

People were purchasing thousands of dollars worth of Disney gift cards.

A different promotion from 12 months ago is the basis for all this confusion? Target stopped allowing $ off and % off coupons on Disney Gift Cards months ago. Now all of the sudden it's being brought up as if the exclusion on the 20% off BF coupon is brand new.

 

[djmeredith]

If the customer asked and accepted no as the answer, I'd agree with you. But they didn't. They didn't like being told no, so kept going until they weren't. And they admitted they got this by "Target's mistake". So they knew VERY WELL they weren't entitled to that discount. They were trying to find someone to go around the system for them...and finally did.

Well, they saved it at the risk of the manager getting in a major amount of trouble by giving away $2,000 they shouldn't have. But anyone who would go to five stores and then clear the shelves probably isn't worried about anyone else anyway.

Target's "mistake" was not clarifying the coupon restrictions. That was the "mistake" the original poster was referring to, not the fact that a manager honored the discount. It absolutely was not a mistake for a manager to grant the requested discount yesterday before Target issued a clarification policy to its store managers; and that poster did not put the manager at any risk. The mere fact that the corporate offices had to issue such a clarification to managers proves that there were LOTS of managers confused about what was included in the coupon. What's Target going to do, terminate the hundreds or maybe thousands of managers who honored a discount they honestly thought the cusotmer was supposed to receive? Not going to happen because that would open up a whole new legal can of worms for Target.

Now that Target HAS issued an official policy to its managers, I personally believe it would be ethically wrong to try to convince a manager to override it knowing that they could be reprimanded or terminated. However, at the time the poster received the discount yesterday from a willing manager, that manager's job was not at stake (if it was, they wouldn't have granted the discount).

 

[Eastern]

A different promotion from 12 months ago is the basis for all this confusion? Target stopped allowing $ off and % off coupons on Disney Gift Cards months ago. Now all of the sudden it's being brought up as if the exclusion on the 20% off BF coupon is brand new.

I'm making the point that people were making the gift card vs entertainment card distinction back then, too. Now, that distinction is being called preposterous by many posters.

And btw I didn't know they had stopped allowing other forms of coupons on Disney cards 'months ago'. I don't shop at Target that much. Even so, it has nothing to do with the way a current offer was presented.

ie 'Save 20% off a single shopping trip' or however they worded it on the front page.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I think we've forgotten to blame the guy that made the Black Friday ad. He will be the one to get blamed in the end. Him and the legal team that let it go.

There's nothing wrong with the ad. There's no reason the coupon conditions would/should have been in the sd unless the coupon was there.

The store managers are not to blame, they understand the customers confusion between the BF ad, the 20% coupon, and the Red Card inclusions.

Still hoping their legal team decides today to allow the 20% on the Disney Cards for the week, knowing they have opened themselves up for a lawsuit (winnable or not).

Most Target Managers knew the coupon doesn't apply to ANY type of gift card. Most who called for assistance learned that. Ideally only a few caved to customer demand or misunderstood the conditions themselves. No lawsuit.

Don't think the Red Card Disney Card will be excluded in the future, but guaranteed that any coupons like the 20% one will include Disney from now on.

Guaranteed NO %-off coupons will be valid on any type of gift/entertainment card in the future.

I know this is a Disney-dedicated board, but why do people think Disney gift cards are any different from any other gift card?