Just last week, my sister got a baby formula from Target and was a bit skeptical if Target would accept it back because she had mistakenly lost the receipt. After going back and forth with Target, she was able to return the item and get a refund.
If you are in a similar situation and you don’t know how to go about it, then you’re in the right place. This article provides you with all the information you need to know about this topic.
Can You Return Unopened Formula Without a Receipt?
The answer is Yes, Customer are able to return unopened baby formula to Target, even if they don’t have a receipt. But there are some conditions though. Normally, Target will request for receipt in other to validate purchase, but when a customer does not have a receipt, Target will resort to checking your purchase history. So if you made payment with credit card, debit card, Target RedCard, or Target app, they will check their system and find your purchase.
But if after all of the above mentioned and Target still can’t find proof of purchase, you could still get a store credit instead of a refund
If the formula is opened or expired, Target will not accept the item even if you have a receipt. The reason for this is to ensure safety.
Steps to Return Unopened Formula to Target
to return unopened Formula to Target, follow the steps below:
1. Check the Condition of the Formula
This is the first steps to returning the item to Target. Ensure that the formula is unopened, and in it’s original package.
Remember what i said before, Target will not accept baby formula that has been opened or used, this is for safety purpose. Also, make sure you check the expiration date also.
2. Gather Your Proof of Purchase
Get your receipt ready when coming to Target for return. Having your receipt will make the whole process easy.
If for some reason you don’t have your receipt, Target may be able to look up your purchase using your method of payment (Credit card, debit card, or Target RedCard). Also if you used the Target App while making purchase, proof of purchase can also be validated as your purchase may be stored digitally.
3. Visit the Target Store
The next step is to head to a Target store close to you. Go with the unopened formula and your proof of purchase. When you get to Target, go to the customer service or returns desk.
If you’re unsure where to locate the customer service or returns desk, ask a staff member or anybody around. When you locate them, explain everything to them and provide the necessary details.
4. Follow the Instructions for Online Returns (If Applicable)
If you made purchase through online, then you need to log to your Target account, locate the “Orders” section and click on it.
When you’ve clicked on the “Orders” section, the list of items you’ve purchased will appear, select the item you want to return and follow the instructions.
Make sure you pack the unopened formula well, include the return label and drop off the package at a designated shipping carrier or schedule a pickup.
5. Understand Your Refund Options
If you have your receipt with you, Target will make refunds to your original payment method. What this means is that whatever method you use when making payment, is where the money will be refunded to.
If for instance you made payment with a card, Target will refund the money there, if it was through PayPal, the money will be refunded to your PayPal.
If for any reason you can’t find your receipt, and Target Can’t validate purchase using your payment method, then Target may decide to give you a store credit or they may decide to deny the return.
Exceptions and Special Circumstances
There are instances where customer may not be able to return unopened Formula to Target. Here’s what you need to know:
Can You Return Formula Purchased With WIC?
The answer is No, Target does not allow return for Formula Purchased with WIC(Women, Infants, and Children program). The reason why this is so is because WIC is a government assistance program, and WIC have their rules that prevents Target and most stores from accepting returns on WIC-covered items.
If for some reason you got the wrong formula, or maybe there is an issue with the one you got, I’ll advice you contact your local WIC office for help. They have helped people get an exchange, so they may be able to help you.
If you were given a damaged formula, you can return it yourself to the manufacturer and maybe get another one. It’s advisable to always check with WIC or the store before trying to return WIC-purchased formula.
What If the Formula Was a Gift?
Having a receipt is important when returning Formula you got as a gift. If you have a gift receipt and you make a return, Target could give you a refund in the form of a Target gift card.
But in the case that you don’t have a receipt, Target may still allow you to make a return, but in this case, you will only get a store credit based on the lowest sale price, plus you may be asked to provide a valid ID.
Returning Expired Formula: Is It Possible?
It a straight No! You cannot return an expired formula to Target even if you have a receipt or if the item is unopened . The reason for this is for babies health.
Alternative Ways to Handle Unwanted Baby Formula
If Target refuses to accept the return, there are other way you can go about it and some of them are :
1. Donating to Food Banks or Shelters
Since you might not be able to use the Baby Formula, you can donate it. There are people out there that can’t afford it, donating it will help them a great deal.
Also, Food banks, shelters, or local charities will accept opened or even expired formula. These organizations help parents who need support.
2. Reselling or Giving to Someone in Need
The second option is to resell it and get your money back. You can use platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or parenting groups to resell it. Make sure that the formula is sealed and not expired before selling it.
Also if you know someone that needs it, you can decide to give it to them. It could be a neighbor or someone close to you.