Target Backs Its Brands With an Extended Return Policy
Retailers are constantly looking for ways to beat the competition, which is something that Target managed to do when it announced its new liberal return policy at a time when the retail industry is tightening its belt on returns.
Target's new policy allows customers to return select merchandise for up to a year from the date of purchase. Considering that the average return time for similar retailers is 90 days, Target's new policy is a game changer.
See the Best Buy return and exchange policy for info on returning or exchanging laptops, cell phones and other items. Video games, books, video game guides. Apr 05, 2019 How I Get Return, Replacement Or Refund For Video Games From Target. Whenever you buy the game online or offline, get as much info on Returns. For online it is easier because of dedicated tabs, for offline you can check the package of talk in person to store staff. Bring the item and the method of payment used to Guest Services within the return window allowed for that item (visit Target Return Policy). If you purchased an item from Target.com, you can reference the delivery and shipping confirmation emails along with the barcode related to your purchase in the Target app.
This is there return policy on the site: Target Stores Return Policy We will issue a full refund for most items returned within 90 days in new condition, with the original receipt, packaging and accessories. A form of personal identification may be required. Also, please note. Feb 23, 2011 Targets return policy on video game hardware - posted in Deal Requests & Advice: I was just wondering what Target's return policy on their video game hardware was? I bought a PSPgo a little over a month ago, and I haven't played it barely if any since I bought it. Anyways I was wondering if I would still be able to return it?
Why the Change in Policy?
The decision to extend returns to a year was two-fold. First, Target has always tried to present itself as a big-box store that provides boutique-style customer service. However, its policies were more typical of discount department stores.
Second, it was time for Target to take a hard look at what the competition was doing and how it could compete while maintaining its customer service goals. Knowing that some of its direct competition had more appealing return policies, Target decided it was time to change. With the new policy, Target now competes directly with Costco Wholesale, which has a 'no limit' policy on returns for everything but electronics, which have a 90-day return window.
How Target's Return Policy Works
While a one-year return policy sounds impressive, there are a significant amount of exceptions to be aware of. Most importantly, the policy applies solely to Target owned and exclusive brand items, with a few exceptions. Also, not all Target merchandise qualifies for the one-year return policy, so shoppers need to read the policy carefully to make sure it applies to their purchase.
Target Owned and Exclusive Brand Items
The problem with the policy is that there are hundreds of items sold at Target that are 'owned and exclusive brands.' Most shoppers will not know with certainty if the merchandise that they want to return falls under the policy umbrella. Also, Target regularly adds new brands to the list.
Popular Target Brands
Some of the most popular Target brands include Archer Farms; AVA & VIV; Boots & Barkley; C9 Champion; Chefmate; Cherokee; Circo; Durabuilt; Designed/Distributed by Target (Holiday, Easter, Halloween, and seasonal products); Embark; Fieldcrest; Gilligan & O'Malle; Kid Made Modern; Liz Lange; Merona; Mossimo; Mossimo Supply Co.; Nate Berkus; ProSpirit; Pure Energy; Room Essentials; Shaun White; Simply Balanced; Smith & Hawken; Sonia Kashuk; Spritz; Sutton & Dodge; Threshold; up & up; Wine Cube; Xhilaration and Yoobi.
Shoppers can also check the 'Brand' web page on the Target website or contact customer service with questions.
Gift Registry Items Fall Under the One-Year Policy
Target extended the return period for all Gift Registry items from 90 days to one year. The start date is the date of the event that is listed on the registry when the customer completes the registry form. Shoppers can return most new, unopened items at any Target store using a gift receipt or their Gifts Purchased List, which can be printed in the store or accessed online.
Target's General Return Policy
The policies on the remaining merchandise at Target have not undergone any noticeable changes. Most items that are unopened (and in new condition) can be returned within 90 days for a refund or exchange. Refunds are only offered if the merchandise is accompanied by a receipt. Without it, customers can only exchange the merchandise for an exact exchange or the current selling price.
Exceptions to the 90-Day Policy
Target Rock And Play Return
Below is a partial list of exceptions to the 90-day return policy. For all questions regarding Target's return policy, visit the FAQ page at Target.com.
- Electronics and entertainment items are limited to a 30-day return window. Shoppers will receive a refund or exchange. Drones must be returned within 14 days for a refund or exchange.
- Music, movies, video games, and software items that have been opened cannot be returned but may be exchanged for the same title and the same or different gaming platform.
- Open airbeds cannot be returned but may be exchanged for a similar item.
- Open or defective collectibles (e.g., sports cards, special edition Barbie dolls, porcelain dolls, action figures, and die-cast cars) cannot be returned.
- All items purchased with a carrier contract at a Target store must be returned or exchanged within 14 days and may be subject to early termination fees per carrier contract. Contract items and carrier plans must be sold and returned by a Target Mobile rep. Target Mobile rep hours vary by store.
- Holiday items and limited-time-only collections may have modified return policies.
- Purchases made at Optical, Pharmacy, Starbucks and Target Mobile must be returned or exchanged at these areas.
- Target Mobile Gift Cards and Target eGiftCards cannot be returned or redeemed for cash or credit except where the law requires the store to accept them.
- Digital music downloads cannot be returned or refunded.
- Gasoline powered items such as lawnmowers can only be returned to a Target store and must be completely emptied of hazardous substances such as gasoline or oil at the time of return.
The Return Policy When You Pay With REDcard
When customers pay for merchandise using the REDcard, they will receive an extra 30 days to return nearly all items. This does not include returns on mobile purchases, items with a fixed return date, or products specified as non-returnable.
Bottom Line on Target's New Return Policy
Target's new return policy sends a message to customers that the company stands behind its brands. The confusion of not knowing which brands are owned by Target can be confusing but shoppers always have the option of asking an employee.
When it comes to return policies, Target is right up there as one of the best. Generally speaking, you can return almost anything up to 90 days after you purchase it, but when it comes to Target-owned brands, you have up to a year.
As with most stores, Target stipulates that returns should be unopened and unused to receive a full refund. However, in my experience, I've been able to return something I opened or tried out and changed my mind on within a few days, as long as I have proof of purchasing it. And, luckily, Target is able to look up your purchases if you paid with a credit card but forgot your receipt, because everything is stored in its system. So don't fret if you don't have the receipt.
When it comes to items with a stricter return policy, you're looking at electronics, namely. Opened movies, music, and video games can only be exchanged for the same title. For other electronics, you only have 30 days to return them, except during the holidays, when the return window starts the day after Christmas for anything purchased after Nov. 1.
But if there's one huge selling point for shopping at Target, especially with a Target credit card, it's that your return window is extended. Shopping with your Target card gives you 120 days for returns, rather than 90.
Other things to note about Target's return policy:
Target Video Game Controller Return Policy
- If you got a free gift with a purchase, you don't have to return the gift, but the cost of it will come out of your return amount.
- If you want to return a large item, like furniture, you might be able to schedule a pickup so you don't have to get it to the store yourself.
- When returning a gift, you'll get your return as a gift card.
- When returning something without a receipt that the store is unable to look up, you'll get your return in the form of a merchandise return card. The amount also may not be what you paid for it, as the store has no proof of what you paid.
- You can return online purchases to the store with the packing slip or purchase info.
- Additional stipulations can be found on Target's website.