Whenever you are shopping at Target or any retails store, it is important that you know and understand their return policy, this will help you to make an informed purchase decisions.
Every retail chain in the world have their own return policy, and Target isn’t an exception. Target policies include specific rules, exceptions and even restriction you that any one shopping at Target should know.
This is exactly what this article is about. We have carefully put down everything you need to know about Target return policy, this includes Target return timeframes, eligibility requirements, receipt policies, refunds, and tips for a smooth return experience. Every information you will need with regards Target’s return policy is here.
Understanding Target’s Standard Return Policy
Target’s general return policy is actually customer-friendly and fair, however it is also made to prevent return abuse. People can be dishonest and cunny sometime. Below are some of the key points of the Target return policy:
1. The Standard Return Window: Majority of item purchased at Target can be returned within 90 days .
2. Refund Method: Whatever method you use to make purchase, is the same method that refund will be made. So you purchase an item with a credit card, refund will be made to the same credit card.
3. Receipt Requirement: In most cases, Target will prefer a receipt, but they can still track purchases made with a credit or debit card.
4. Exchange Option: In the situation that you lost your receipt or you don’t have it, they may decide to give you an exchange or a merchandise return card.
It’s important to note that this policies doesn’t apply to all kinds of item, there are some certain categories that actually have a different return periods and conditions and we’ll be discussing them extensively in this article.
Extended Return Policy for Target-Owned Brands
If you purchase a target owned brand items, Target gives you a one-year return window. Like i said, this is just for its exclusive brands.
So if you purchase from any of these brand that I’ll be listing below, and for some reason you are not satisfied with the item, you can return it within 365 days for a refund or exchange. Below are some of the well known Target-owned brands that qualify, they include:
- Cat & Jack (kids’ clothing)
- Good & Gather (groceries)
- Threshold (home décor)
- Up & Up (household essentials)
The good thing about this policy is, the rule still applies even if the item have been used. This is no doubt one of the best return policies among major retailers
Return Policy for Specific Product Categories
The normal return timeframe for Target is 90-day for majority of items, but because of the nature of some other items, they may have shorter or even longer return window, it all depends on the product that was purchased.
In this section, we will explain Target return policies for different category of items, this will include electronics, clothing, beauty products, furniture, groceries, and more
1. Electronics and Entertainment Items
The return time for electronic and entertainment items is 30 days. So if you bought an electronics or even entertainment Items, you have until 30 days to make a return. Below are some of the items that fit in this category:
- Laptops, tablets, and computers
- TVs and home entertainment systems
- Smartwatches and fitness trackers
- Cameras and camcorders
- Gaming consoles and accessories
Condition Requirement: There is however a condition requirements when a customer is returning any of the items listed above. It must be in a like-new condition. What this means is that it must still look new or be in a condition that will suggest it is new. It must also come with it’s original accessories, packaging, and receipts.
It doesn’t really matter if the item is opened, you can still return an opened item. However, in some cases, restocking fee may apply.
Exceptions: There are however exceptions to some certain items under this category. For Apple products ( This is excluding Apple watches), you would have to return it on or before 14 days.
Also with regards cellphones, there’s a different return policy. Well be discussing about that below.
2. Cell Phones and Wearables
Cell Phone return window is 14 days. So if you are planning on making a return, it should be within the 14 days timeframe. Some brands that fits into this category:
- iPhones
- Samsung Galaxy phones
- Google Pixel phones
- Motorola
- OnePlus
- Nokia
- LG
Carrier Fees
You need to bear in mind that if you bought any phone on a carrier contract (AT&T, Verizon, etc.), you will be asked to pay an additional cancellation fee.
In the cases of Wearable tech( e.g. smartwatches and fitness bands), the general 30-day return window will apply, unless it was stated otherwise by the manufacturer.
3. Air Mattresses
For customer that have bought air mattresses, the return window is 90 days. But this rule will only apply if the air mattress is unopened.
In the case where the air mattress is opened, there will be no refund, but exchange. Target will exchange the air mattress you bought, with another same item.
4. Clothing, Shoes, and Accessories
For that of clothing , shoes and accessories, the return window is 90 Days. But make sure the item is still new, with the tag attached to it.
If what you purchased is from Cat & Jack, A New Day, Goodfellow & Co, Wild Fable, or other Target-owned brands, then the return window is different, you have 365-day to make a return.
In the case where you brought an item, you wore it and it doesn’t fit, Target may still accept the return, especially if it is for kid clothing like Cat & Jack
If it is a Swimwear and Undergarments, you can return it if the original tags and protective liners is still in place.
5. Beauty, Personal Care, and Health Products
The return timeframe for Beauty, Personal Care, and Health Products is within 90 days, and this applies even when the item is opened, but keep in mind that it has to be lightly used, you must also have a receipt to show that you truly made a purchase.
If it’s a perfume and fragrance, the item must be unused before customer can return it, this is due to safety regulations.
For items like Toothbrushes, razors, and hair tools, the item also has to be unused for it to be accepted by Target.
6. Groceries and Perishable Items
For Groceries and Perishable Items, the return window is 90 days to make a return and get a refund. in the case of Fresh groceries, frozen food, and perishable items, customer has to make a return within 90 days, but this is only if the item got spoiled or expired before the expiring date or if the customer received the wrong item or maybe the item was damaged and the customer didn’t know.
In the case of Non-perishable pantry items, this would include items like canned food, cereal, and snacks, the normal 90 day return window will apply.
If it’s an Alcoholic Beverages, the return window could differ. Some states in the United States do not allow the return of alcohol. Also, the alcohol must be sealed and unopened at all it is allowed to be returned.
For baby formulas, customer may return item even if it’s opened, provided there was a problem with the item at the point of purchase.
7. Furniture and Home Décor
The return item for Furniture and Home Décor is 90 days. So if you bought any furniture, this incudes chairs, tables, shelves, etc and any home decor items, you have 90 days to make a return and get a refund, as long as the item isn’t damaged and it in their original packaging
If it’s an assembled furniture and you have already assembled them, but want to return it, Target could refuse to accept it, in some cases they could decide to give you a store credit
8. Gift Cards, Prepaid Cards, and Event Tickets
As for Gift Cards, Prepaid Cards, and Event Tickets, the policy is different. You cannot get a refund for this. However, in the some states, the law allows the refund of unused gift cards. This only applies to gift card with balance under $10
Also in a situation where a Target Gift Cards is unused, and there is a proof that you actually purchased it, you may be able to exchange it.
How to Return Without a Receipt at Target
I understand that there could be a situation when you buy an item from target, you misplace the receipt, but you want to make a return. If you’re in this situation, then follow the step below:
1. Use Your Payment Method for Lookup: If for instance you made a purchase at Target using a credit card, debit card, Target Red Card, or mobile payment (Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, etc.), Target might be able to recover your receipt from their system. They will need the card you use for purchase or the account used to get this done.
2. Check Your Target Account: For those that have a Target Circle or Target.com account, all you need to do is to log into the account and find your order history. Using your order can be a proof for purchase and it will make the process easy and faster.
3. Get a Merchandise Return Card: In a situation that your purchase cannot be verified, you could still be eligible for a refund, but in the form of a merchandise return card (store credit)
4. Meet the $150 Annual Limit: When you are using a store credit, Target will only allow you make a receipt-less returns up to $150 for year. Target will need a receipt or purchase verification if you exceed this limit.
5. Items Not Eligible for Receipt-Less Returns: There are actually some items that don’t need a receipt in other to make a return. Some of those items are electronics, Apple products, and collectibles,
Step-by-Step Guide to In-Store Returns at Target
Below are guide to In-Store Returns at Target:
1. Gather Your Items for Return: Make sure you arranged the item you want to return. You don’t want them all scattered. Put them in the their original packaging, this is important. If the item has an accessory, tags or manuals, don’t forget to include them.
2. Locate Your Receipt or Proof of Purchase: Make sure you have your receipt or any proof of payment when you come. If you don’t have a receipt, you can always check your Target app, that is a good option. Or better still, email confirmation, or payment method.
3. Visit the Guest Services Desk at Any Target Store: The next step is to go the Guest Services counter. You can find them near the entrance of the store. Tell them you want to make a return.
4. Provide Your Receipt or Payment Method for Verification: They will ask for your receipt or any proof of payment. Give it to them so they can verify your purchase;
5. Choose Your Preferred Refund or Exchange Option: When they have verified your return, you will have option for full payment to your your original payment method. So if you paid with PayPal, the money will refunded to your PayPal account. If you don’t have a receipt, you could be given a merchandise return card or it be a case of exchange, what this mean is that the item could be exchanged for another one.
Step-by-Step Guide to Mail Returns at Target
Below are the steps for returns via mail at Target:
1. Check Target’s Return Policy for Your Item: The first thing you need to do is know if the item in question is eligible for return. Remember we talked about items that are not eligible for return. Also you need to consider the return window, some are 3o days, 90 days and some 14 days, you need to consider that.
2. Log in to Your Target Account: The next step is to login to your Target account. You can either use their official website (Target.com or open the Target app). When you do that, head over to “orders” . Choose the item you’d want to return.
3. Print Your Return Label: Target will give you a return label. Print it out and attach it to the package you want to return.
4. Pack Your Item Securely: Do not change the original package of the item, and do not forget to include all accessories, tags, and manuals. You can use a sturdy box to protect the item during shipping if the packaging is damaged.
5. Drop Off the Package at an Authorized Carrier Location: The next step is to take the item to UPS or FedEx drop-off location. The return label will contain the list of carrier to use, it might not only be restricted to UPS or FedEx drop.
Refund Processing Time and Methods
The refund process time actually differ and we’ll below how works in a table below:
| Payment Method | Refund Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Credit/Debit Card | 1–5 business days |
| Target RedCard | 1–2 business days |
| PayPal | 1–5 business days |
| Merchandise Return Card | Instant upon receipt |
| Cash | Instant if returned in-store |
Items That Are Not Returnable
Target return policy are really good and flexible, however there are some item that cannot be returned. Some of these items are:
1. Opened software, DVDs, and video games (exchange only)
2. Personalized and customized items
3. Opened breast pumps (due to health regulations)
4. Clearance items marked final sale
Target’s Exchange Policy
If you purchase an item at Target and you wish to return it, Target gives you within 90 days to do so if the item is unused, in original packaging, and with a receipt. But this doesn’t apply to all items. There are items that have shorter exchange windows, for example:
- Electronics & Apple products – 14 to 30 days
- Cellphones – 14 days
- Target-owned brands – Up to 1 year
If Target are out of stock and not exchange the item, you can ask for refund instead. if a movie, is opened, it only be exchanged for the same title. In the case of Personalized, digital, and perishable items, they cannot be exchanged.
RESOURCE LINK
- https://africa.businessinsider.com/retail/target-offers-1-year-to-return-items-from-store-brands-like-cat-and-jack-kids-clothes/lj6tnjw
- https://nypost.com/2024/09/27/lifestyle/target-quietly-changes-store-returns-policy-to-battle-customer-abuse
- https://www.the-sun.com/money/13563074/target-apologizes-canceled-order-no-refund
- https://www.returnpolicy.com/target
- https://targethours.org/target-return-policy/