Target Price Match Policy

[DVCBELLE]

I went to Target for a price match to the Best Buy ad for Tinker Bell today. The first store had 1 copy and did the PM no problem.

Store #2 would not honor the Target coupon with the PM (I have since learned the 2nd store was following Target's not very well explained coupond and price matching policy)- so I went to a 3rd store hoping they would honor both coupons and was shocked by what happened.

I was told PMs could only be done by Guest Services so I headed over there (1st store did it at the register) and the girl at GS did not know how to do a price match. So a manager (as I learned later) walked up and she asked her how to do a PM. The manager looks at my Best Buy ad and says - we don't price match limited time ads. (The Best Buy ad was for 3 days)

I pointed to the sign about PM right there and said "Your sign says "We'll match the price found in any competitor's printed ad for an identical product"

She replied - I know that's what it says but that isn't what we do We do not match sales that are only for a limited time. (I wish at that point I had my wits about me to say - aren't all sales ads for a limited amount of time?)

I showed her my receipt from the other store where they had PMed and she said - "Then you should go back to that store." I explained that they were out of the movie.

I then read the small print to her (Applies to current, local print ads for in-store products. Does not apply to Target.com.) and stressed again that the sign says ANY competitors ad. She must have known where my next train of thought was going b/c she looked me square in the eyes and said "That's not what we do and I am the manager so that is what we do."

I was dumbfounded and said I guess I would have to take this up with corporate then. To which she looked right in my eyes and said "You do that."

I have never encountered such horrible customer service. I will not go back to Target to finish any more Christmas shopping. I get that she is probably dealing with a million headaches right now but her attitude was downright snippy and truthfully I probably wouldn't have been so mad if she had been in ANY way apologetic for the situation. But telling me to go back to the other store and then basically daring me to contact corporate was unbelievable to me!

I know Target just instituted this new policy but they really need to work on training for this since 3 different stores gave me 3 different policies!!

 

[IDoDis]

Wow! Make sure to contact corporate via email and then follow up over the phone. Did you get her name and store number?

I think I would have called corporate right there on my cell phone. I'd have asked for the number and called them from the store. Good luck with this. I hope corporate makes it right for you.

 

[stitchlovestink]

I went to Target for a price match to the Best Buy ad for Tinker Bell today. The first store had 1 copy and did the PM no problem.

Store #2 would not honor the Target coupon with the PM (I have since learned the 2nd store was following Target's not very well explained coupond and price matching policy)- so I went to a 3rd store hoping they would honor both coupons and was shocked by what happened.

I was told PMs could only be done by Guest Services so I headed over there (1st store did it at the register) and the girl at GS did not know how to do a price match. So a manager (as I learned later) walked up and she asked her how to do a PM. The manager looks at my Best Buy ad and says - we don't price match limited time ads. (The Best Buy ad was for 3 days)

I pointed to the sign about PM right there and said "Your sign says "We'll match the price found in any competitor's printed ad for an identical product"

She replied - I know that's what it says but that isn't what we do We do not match sales that are only for a limited time. (I wish at that point I had my wits about me to say - aren't all sales ads for a limited amount of time?)

I showed her my receipt from the other store where they had PMed and she said - "Then you should go back to that store." I explained that they were out of the movie.

I then read the small print to her (Applies to current, local print ads for in-store products. Does not apply to Target.com.) and stressed again that the sign says ANY competitors ad. She must have known where my next train of thought was going b/c she looked me square in the eyes and said "That's not what we do and I am the manager so that is what we do."

I was dumbfounded and said I guess I would have to take this up with corporate then. To which she looked right in my eyes and said "You do that."

I have never encountered such horrible customer service. I will not go back to Target to finish any more Christmas shopping. I get that she is probably dealing with a million headaches right now but her attitude was downright snippy and truthfully I probably wouldn't have been so mad if she had been in ANY way apologetic for the situation. But telling me to go back to the other store and then basically daring me to contact corporate was unbelievable to me!

I know Target just instituted this new policy but they really need to work on training for this since 3 different stores gave me 3 different policies!!

While I know you are frustrated and rightly so, I'm pretty sure I know why she said for you to go ahead and contact corporate based on a past experience of my own. It seems (unless it has recently changed) that corporate for Target will NOT override a store manager's decision. They have a policy of site based management (I 'believe' that is what it is called). Basically, the allow each mgr to manage 'their' store the way they see fit. I had one issue where it was in direct violation of Target's 'written policy'. but to no avail, they would NOT override that mgr's decision. they did call and talk to them and 'encourage' them to rethink their decision, but they would not really do anything to 'fix' the problem. They did send me a $10 GC for my 'inconvenience', oh boy! I understand your frustration, and I would still call and complain if I were you. But I wouldn't get my hopes up too much that corporate will really do anything about it. IMO that is probably why you got the attitude because they 'know' corp won't really do anything to them.
Good Luck w/ your call though. Let us know how it goes.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I'm confused - why not just go to Best Buy and get the sale items, either as many as the OP wanted or whatever their limit is?

If there's no convenient Best Buy, or if there were 'minimum X per store, no rainchecks', it does make sense that another store wouldn't price match.

No, I really do understand price matching.

 

[IDoDis]

While I know you are frustrated and rightly so, I'm pretty sure I know why she said for you to go ahead and contact corporate based on a past experience of my own. It seems (unless it has recently changed) that corporate for Target will NOT override a store manager's decision. They have a policy of site based management (I 'believe' that is what it is called). Basically, the allow each mgr to manage 'their' store the way they see fit. I had one issue where it was in direct violation of Target's 'written policy'. but to no avail, they would NOT override that mgr's decision. they did call and talk to them and 'encourage' them to rethink their decision, but they would not really do anything to 'fix' the problem. They did send me a $10 GC for my 'inconvenience', oh boy! I understand your frustration, and I would still call and complain if I were you. But I wouldn't get my hopes up too much that corporate will really do anything about it. IMO that is probably why you got the attitude because they 'know' corp won't really do anything to them.
Good Luck w/ your call though. Let us know how it goes.

That's not entirely true. Why have a policy in writing if stores can wiggle around it? That sets Target up for lawsuits. There have been posters here who have called Target's corporate to get things accomplished. The most recent that comes to mind was when people pre-shopped the Black Friday ads and then went in on BF for price adjustments. I remember a couple of posters saying the store didn't want to do the PA so the customer had them call corporate and corporate told them to do the PA.

 

[DVCBELLE]

I'm confused - why not just go to Best Buy and get the sale items, either as many as the OP wanted or whatever their limit is?

If there's no convenient Best Buy, or if there were 'minimum X per store, no rainchecks', it does make sense that another store wouldn't price match.

No, I really do understand price matching.

Because Target had a coupon out for the item that many people have been using to get the item for less. In addition - the Best Buy line - which I ended up waiting in was 1/2 hour long and I had other items I had wanted to pick up at Target as well.

It makes sense for stores to Price match - if I can go in with the ads and get everything for one price at Target instead of going to 4 different stores - I would rather do that - Target gets all my business and odds are that I will end up picking up other items while I am in there as well. Stores price match b/c they don't want me spending my dollars elsewhere.

 

[kaytieeldr]

That's not entirely true. Why have a policy in writing if stores can wiggle around it? That sets Target up for lawsuits

Really? A lawsuit for refusing to price-match an item from some other store? Anybody think this country is maybe just a little sue-happy?

 

[kaytieeldr]

It makes sense for stores to Price match - if I can go in with the ads and get everything for one price at Target instead of going to 4 different stores - I would rather do that - Target gets all my business and odds are that I will end up picking up other items while I am in there as well. Stores price match b/c they don't want me spending my dollars elsewhere.

But you couldn't. Well, technically you could - apparently you only went to three (not four) different Target stores to save some money?

Price matching is a courtesy. If the store opts out and it has the okay from corporate headquarters to do so, well, then, the store opts out. Sell too many items below cost and, well, you don't stay in business - and by combining their own coupon with another store's advertised price, it's entirely likely that would have been the situation. Or maybe the manager just wanted enough stock to satisfy the coupon customers?

Doesn't Best Buy price match? Since it was their sale, wouldn't it make more sense to take the Target coupon there?

 

[kaytieeldr]

She replied - I know that's what it says but that isn't what we do We do not match sales that are only for a limited time. (I wish at that point I had my wits about me to say - aren't all sales ads for a limited amount of time?)

Most sales/sale ads are for seven days; three days does sound like a limited sale.

 

[DVCBELLE]

But you couldn't. Well, technically you could - apparently you only went to three (not four) different Target stores to save some money?

Price matching is a courtesy. If the store opts out and it has the okay from corporate headquarters to do so, well, then, the store opts out. Sell too many items below cost and, well, you don't stay in business - and by combining their own coupon with another store's advertised price, it's entirely likely that would have been the situation. Or maybe the manager just wanted enough stock to satisfy the coupon customers?

Doesn't Best Buy price match? Since it was their sale, wouldn't it make more sense to take the Target coupon there?

Best Buy would not take a competitor's coupon.

I was out shopping yesterday and there are 5 Target's within 15 minutes of my house. So it was not a big deal to run in and do it. Had the 1st Target properly followed the policy - I would not have believed that what I was trying to do was okay. But there was no question of what I did at that store. I know I got lucky there - but that stores failure to follow the policy (even though it was in my favor) causes problems with consistency across the board.

From my original post you will see my gripe is with Target as a whole having inconsistent policies.

I know Target just instituted this new policy but they really need to work on training for this since 3 different stores gave me 3 different policies!!

They do clearly state the policies on their website. But in this instance - 3 different stores instituted the policy in 3 different ways.

I guess it comes down to that I don't understand why it is so hard to properly train employees and why it would have been so hard for that manager to not be a total witch. (and yes I have worked retail and in the restaurant business and have had to keep my game face on even with the rudest customers)

 

[couponclary]

This is their official (most up to date, recently changed) policy online on price matching. I keep a copy of this & their coupon policy in my coupon notebook when I shop there because I too have found that many stores make up their own rules & policies. The policy does exclude "limited time" ads, but does not specifically indicate what limited means.



How does price matching work?

If you find an item in a competitor's printed ad that is priced lower than it is at your Target store, we will match the price. The competitor's ad must be local and current, and the product must be the identical item, brand name, quantity and model number. Target.com is excluded from our price matching policy. Competitor catalogs can also be ad matched as long as the catalog displays a valid date and meets all other qualifications.
What if I've already made the purchase at Target?

No problem. Within seven days of purchase, bring your Target receipt and the competitor 's current printed ad. We will reimburse the savings to you.
What qualifies as proof of a competitor's advertisement?

Please show us the entire printed advertisement. Photos, photocopies, or mobile phone versions of the ad cannot be accepted as verification of competitive pricing.
What does 'identical store item' mean?

The program covers items with the identical brand name, size, weight, quantity and model number of the item at Target stores. We reserve the right to verify a competitor's advertised price and the availability of the product.
Can I use coupons when price matching?

A guest can use coupons when price matching per Target's normal coupon policy. When the guests presents a coupon(s), these steps will be followed:

Manufacturer Coupons:
Manufacturer coupons will be applied after the price match is made.

Target Coupons:
Target coupons will be applied before the price match is made. If the competitor price is still lower than the price after the Target coupon has been deducted, the ad match can be adjusted to match the competitor's price.

Combining both a Target and Manufacturer Coupons:
The Target coupon will be applied before the price match is made. If the competitor price is still lower than the price after the Target coupon has been deducted, the ad match can be adjusted to match the competitor's price. Once the price match is made the manufacturer coupon will be applied.

Reminder: We accept one manufacturer coupon and one Target coupon for the same item unless either coupon prohibits it.

Target does not ad match a competitors coupon-required offers.

What do you mean by local retail competitors?

This refers to retail stores located within the same market area as a particular Target store. Examples of a market area can be a city, a metropolitan area or a specific rural region.
What about online price matching?

All online pricing, including Target.com, is excluded from our price matching policy, as well as online retail promotions or products advertised on another company's web or mobile sites.
Other price matching exclusions include:

* Online prices, including Target.com
* Promotions or products advertised on another company's web or mobile sites, even those advertising in-store prices.
* Timed events (e.g., early bird, door busters)
* Items advertised as limited time/limited supply/limited quantity
* Membership club or loyalty programs (e.g. prices that require a club or loyalty card)
* Coupon-required or giftcard offers
* Prices advertised only as a percent off or $ off
* Competitor's free product, buy one, get one, bundled offers, or special purchases
* Mobile coupons
* Sales tax promotions
* Damaged product or opened packaging
* Clearance or closeout items
* Mail in offers or instant rebates
* Product services (warranties, assembly, etc.)
* Going-out-of-business liquidations
* Special financing
* Used or previously owned items
* Display merchandise
* Pricing or typographical errors
* Owned brands (i.e., Home, Merona, Circo, Market Pantry and Archer Farms)
* Non-branded items (e.g. produce not marketed under a specific brand name)
* Target Portrait Studio, Optical, and Clinic offers
* Expired Ads

 

[kaytieeldr]

Items advertised as limited time/limited supply/limited quantity

Okay, well, based on what the OP said the third-store manager said - this restriction apparently came into play. A three-day sale when the normal sale period is seven days is limited-time.

It looks more like the first store made a mistake in honoring the request.

 

[alyssa810]

You ran around to 3 Targets during the busiest shopping time of the year? To save how much?

I love sales and bargains as much as the next guy, but time is money too. I love Target too, but I'm not a fan of their price matching (or lack of) or the strict return policies.

I will also say that I had heard something about a G Force target coupon that I was unable to find, but that I did get the $10 off blue ray one which I did get at Target for a final price of $12.99!

 

[SILLYANDI]

You should buy it full price at the 3rd store, return it at the 1st store and buy it again with the nice clerk at the register who didn't give you a hassle. Done.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Not a bad suggestion, SILLYANDI - except that most likely the sale ended yesterday? Or, if not, the coupon expired yesterday?

 

[momxx5]

Concerning price matching, from all my years experience.....it all comes down to the employee, their knowledge(as they see it), their mood, and their bosses.

I've had everything from:

1. A cashier push a button to give a discount (either as price match or damaged item 10-25%off) just because the cashier wanted to keep things easy for her & myself. The cashier either had common sense to just do it or was flat out to lazy/inexperienced to care.

2. A cashier or department head refuse to do any type of transaction that was not a simple purchase. Again, because of laziness or inexperience.

3. A customer service rep be kind, helpful and understanding. Again used common sense and do what was right by both the customer and the company.

4. Manager who are on some sort of power trip and believe they are solely in charge of keeping the stores profits at their highest. Can you imagine how the employees


How hard is it to try to keep the "customer" happy? Maybe we've all been spoiled via Disney's approach to customer service.

Honestly the whole idea of customer service.......maintaining and keeping up customer relations and remembering without the customer there would be no busines.....has sadly gone downhill.

The whole point.....no matter what the actual policies are 99% of the time it depends on who is handling the situation and the mood they are in.

 

[momxx5]

Silly - that was exactly my first thoughts.

Buy the item when you see it, then go to the store you know is going to honor the coupon/price adjustment and have the matter fixed there.

 

[Dizneydaz]

I didn't price match but I did get new Tink Blue Ray/DVD Combo this a.m. at Target for $4.99. Used $10 off coupon from Disney Movie Rewards site. Also used $5 off any BR coupon from Target. Tink is on sale for $19.99 less $10, less $5, final cost $4.99. I don't need the BR (yet) but at 4.99 for both you can't beat it.

How much is BB selling it for?

 

[maxiesmom]

How hard is it to try to keep the "customer" happy? Maybe we've all been spoiled via Disney's approach to customer service.

You would be suprised at how hard it is sometimes to make the customer happy. Case in point; We had a customer in our store with a coupon. The coupon wasn't valid until the next day, but to keep her happy we took it. The same customer came in the next day and was livid, because we now had a different sale, and she had already used her coupon!

Some customers are impossible to please. I'm not saying the OP was one, but in not matching the ad, Target was following their policy to the letter. The OP should be happy the first store was nice and let it slide, not mad because another store wouldn't.

 

[Mad4Mickey]

I live kinda close to Target and I can tell you that since they started the price matching thing I take all the ads and do my shopping there . I do not ever have trouble with them and they do it at the register. Of course this is the same store that offered to hold a bench for me that I found during the summer clearance . It is just a really nice store and they do have the best staff . No matter what they are doing they all stop to say Hi and ask if you need help with anything .
I will try to do the TInkerbelle thing on Monday and let you know how it worked out : )