When did Target start charging a fee for returning an item without a receipt?

[Dr.Girlfriend]

I returned a shirt a week ago to Target (lost my receipt, paid cash for it) and when they gave me my gift card, it was $5 less than what I thought I originally paid for the shirt. I kind of ignored it and didn't think too much about it, and moved on.

Yesterday, I took my son there to exchange three Imaginext toys - his Uncle gave him duplicates of things he had. They wouldn't allow an exchange unless it was the same exact item, so we had to return those items and go buy new ones. When I went back to the toy section, I realized that once again, I was shorted $5 (each toy was worth $7.99 at Target, and they refunded $5 and some change for each one - came out to them keeping $5 total).

I went back to the service desk and said that the toys show that they're $7.99 on the rack. Customer service manager said that now if you return an item without a receipt, you will be charged a $5 fee. There was nothing noted on the signage or receipt in the store.

I know it's only $5 (and generally I keep receipts - and we generally do not exchange gifts), but come on. That's a bit ridiculous. When did they change this?

 

[peainapod]

W/o a receipt they give you the lowest recent selling price

 

[maggiew]

W/o a receipt they give you the lowest recent selling price

This has been my experience as well.

In addition, I think there is a $75 limit per year on returning without receipts.

Maggie

 

[Dr.Girlfriend]

W/o a receipt they give you the lowest recent selling price

That's still strange, considering neither of the items that were returned were ever that low in the past 60 days.

This was the first time in a year that I had to use my license for returns/exchanges there. It was under $75. Bah.

 

[tikistitch]

I just got back from returning several things without a receipt at Target and wasn't charged a thing to do so. If you can find the number, I would call corporate and find out what's going on with that new policy at your store.

 

[ceemys]

Ugh. I hate Target. I think they are way overpriced and the customer service is something left to be desired. I only go there for clearance and I make darn sure I want it before I pay for it.

 

[pixiewings71]

No, they don't charge a fee for a return without a receipt, however the do give the lowest selling price of the item within the last 90 days. So your items were probably on sale for less within the last 90 days and that's the price you got refunded to you. That said, there is no reason they shouldn't have done an exchange for you, that's what I would be complaining about.

 

[TEK224]

The other day on the news they had a report stating that retailers lost billions last year in merchandise returned without a receipt for cash refund. Something like 30% was for after Christmas returns. Turns out the merchandise had been stolen and then returned during the after Christmas rush for cash refunds.

(Note: I'm not saying OP stole anything, just commenting on the news report)

 

[BeachLove]

The other day on the news they had a report stating that retailers lost billions last year in merchandise returned without a receipt for cash refund. Something like 30% was for after Christmas returns. Turns out the merchandise had been stolen and then returned during the after Christmas rush for cash refunds.

(Note: I'm not saying OP stole anything, just commenting on the news report)

I think its fair that if a customer has lost a receipt, and needs to return the item that they are given the lowest price. It doesn't make any sense for a store to give back money that the person might have not even paid. Say buy a Jacket on sale for $13, return it when its at $26. The store can't tell when you bought it and so the lesser price is fair to give back. (Cash purchase) Unfortunately, some people go around and scam the system(Like Kohls cash and returns). Really ruining things for honest people and forcing stores to buckle down. Stores have to protect themselves and the lesson learned is keep the receipt, ask for gift receipts, etc..

 

[shoney]

I don't return things that often, but at Target they always had the receipt look up if you paid by credit card. Do they still do that?

 

[pixiewings71]

I don't return things that often, but at Target they always had the receipt look up if you paid by credit card. Do they still do that?

Yes, they have that, and they can also look it up if you paid by check or debit. If you paid cash they cannot look it up.

 

[sara mom]

I don't return things that often, but at Target they always had the receipt look up if you paid by credit card. Do they still do that?

I know they still do this if you use your Target credit card.

 

[shoney]

thank you to the pp's.

I always pay with a credit card and do not save the receipt because of that. Just wanted to make sure for future purchases.

 

[mrodgers]

The other day on the news they had a report stating that retailers lost billions last year in merchandise returned without a receipt for cash refund. Something like 30% was for after Christmas returns. Turns out the merchandise had been stolen and then returned during the after Christmas rush for cash refunds.

(Note: I'm not saying OP stole anything, just commenting on the news report)

My wife pays out thousands every weekend to people returning stolen merchandise. She knows it's stolen, all the girls knows it's stolen, even management knows the stuff is stolen, but they just keep telling my wife to refund them.

A couple weeks before Christmas, she had someone return $2000 worth of Dewalt batteries. His boss "bought too many" and asked him to return them, but didn't have a receipt. Same person with 4 transactions and 2 changes of clothing all in 15 minutes as well as 2 different driver's license. Manager said, "Just return it and give him the money."

Ridiculous

 

[esavvymom]

I know they still do this if you use your Target credit card.

They have done it for me and I don't own a Target cc. They just scanned my debit card or Drivers License (been awhile- I try to save receipts!!).

But Walmart can be just as bad! I had about $55 in returns to Walmart recently. I had done another return a few days before on the same order, and the customer service guy kept my receipt and I didn't realize it. So my 2nd return was without receipt. She couldn't give me store credit for more than $30 in product. She said if you have shopping, we can do it that way. I did my shopping, and came back. She said it had to be the same amount or MORE than my return. They wouldn't refund or credit me the difference!! I couldn't believe it. Thankfully, my order was $3 over my refund (I didn't think it would be, so was ticked).

In both cases, with all of the data tracking you KNOW they are keeping on you based on your method of payment, it's crazy.

 

[Leajess99]

I know they still do this if you use your Target credit card.

They do it for any credit card used. I think they can look it up on gift cards and debit cards as well.

Just remember that Electronics do not always stay in the system for more than 30 days or so. I have started scanning my receipts into my computer just to be safe on the date things were bought. It also helps with warranties.

 

[Callie]

I don't understand why stores still give cash back for returns without receipts, especially in the battery case. I think if they knew it would be store credit, they would have a lot less theft.

 

[WDWChloe]

I don't return things that often, but at Target they always had the receipt look up if you paid by credit card. Do they still do that?

I know if you use the Red Card (Debit or Credit) they can look up receipts! Rather helpful for me. I always lose the exact receipt I'll need.

 

[Planogirl]

I have a feeling that the stores will get more and more strict when it comes to returns. We will all end up suffering for the crimes of others.

 

[wtrmlnlabs]

I have started scanning my receipts into my computer just to be safe on the date things were bought. It also helps with warranties.

Have you ever returned anything with your scanned receipt? Printed it out to do a return? I've been thinking of doing this because I always misplace my receipts but didn't know if they'd be accepted at the store.

For OP, not that it makes a difference or anything but Imaginext were on sale at Target in December. I bought several things B1G1 half off. Still doesn't make sense for your $5 each time which is weird!