The clearance tag reveals the discount
Wondering just how much of a discount you’re really getting? No need to rely on mental math or pull out a calculator—a small number at the top right corner of the price tag reveals the percentage off. “Most of the time, items will be 30, 50, 70, which means it is 30 percent, 50 percent, 70 percent clearance,” says former Target executive team leader Lynda Peralta, founder of The Pocket Palette. “You rarely see something go on clearance for 90 percent, and that is usually candy from a holiday.” So if you run across a 70, you can be fairly confident that item is as cheap as it will be.
Markdowns are totally predictable
Stores stick to a regular schedule, slashing prices from certain departments on specific days, says Chris O’Neil, former guest services and planogram team leader at Target. For instance, O’Neil’s former Target follows this schedule: Monday is children’s and baby clothes; Tuesday is women’s; Wednesday is shoes, lingerie and domestic items; Thursday is jewelry. Another Target employee shared that different locations follow their own schedules, though. These are the 12 things you should always buy at Target.
You have extra time to return Target brand items
The general return policy at Target requires you to bring items back within 90 days. If the item is from a Target brand (including Threshold, up & up and more), though, you have more wiggle room: You can exchange or return up to a year after purchase. On the flip side, you only get 30 days to return electronics and entertainment items. On the other hand, Costco has a more advantageous return policy.
Never regret missing a sale
Bring in a coupon or show proof of the sale within two weeks of buying the item, and Target will adjust the price to match the cheaper option. “If you are shopping on Saturday night and see the last of something you want, buy it and if it goes on sale the next day, you can go in and ask for a price adjustment,” says Peralta. Keep your eye out for these must-try Archer Farms dinners.
Target guarantees the best price
Thrifty shoppers are constantly skimming fliers to find out what’s on sale at different stores. Instead of hitting the drugstore to stock up on cosmetics before heading to Target for cleaning products, just bring the other store’s flier to Target. “Just show them proof of a lower price within 14 days and they will match the lower price,” says Sara Skirboll, shopping and trends expert at RetailMeNot. This list will tell you which stores are considered competitors. If you’re ordering off Target.com, you can still snag that cheaper price by calling Guest Services.
You can get a rain check for out-of-stock sale items
Rushed to Target stock up on shampoo while it’s on sale, only to find the shelf empty? Just ask an employee to give you a rain check. You’ll get 30 to 45 days to come back for the item, and the store will honor the sale price. Don’t miss these Opal House items you’ll want to pick up on your next Target run.
You can get REDCard benefits without the credit
An employee has probably asked if you want to open a REDCard to save 5 percent off every Target purchase. If you’ve said no because you don’t want to open a new credit card, you can still get the price-reduction benefits without waiting to be approved. “If you’re looking to avoid taking a hit on your credit, the Redcard debit card is a great option,” says O’Neil. Did you know this grocery store doesn’t take Visa?
REDcard holders have longer return policies
Procrastinators, this one’s for you: REDcard members get an extra 30 days to return unwanted goods, meaning you’ll get a full four months to bring back standard items, and electronics get double their usual time limit. The only exceptions are for items with a fixed return date (such as certain holiday items), non-returnable items and anything from Target Mobile. Here are more secret store policies that will save you money.
You don’t need a gift receipt
Feel bad asking your aunt for a gift receipt but know you’ll never use the blender she bought you? No worries—Target will still give you a gift card, even without proof of purchase. The only catch is that merchandise return cards can only be redeemed in person, not online. If you made the purchase but just can’t find the receipt, you’re even luckier. After you show ID and the card you used to pay, Target can try to track down your transaction and give you a refund.
Never pay shipping on Target.com
Target offers free returns on online purchases, so you don’t need to worry about wasting money sending any unwanted items back. As for the delivery fee to get to your house, regular Target.com shoppers might have one more reason to sign up for a REDcard. Target cardholders get free shipping on almost any online purchase, with no minimum. Just note that you can’t use a Target debit card on the mobile online store. This is the most underrated item at Target (and your other favorite stores).
Target will pay you to go green
For every reusable bag you use at Target, the store takes five cents off your purchase to encourage shoppers to reduce waste. “Not only are you saving some money that can really add up—but you are giving back to the environment,” says Skirboll. These cute reusable grocery bags are great options for your next Target run.
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Marissa Laliberte