In today’s shopping landscape, price comparison is more important than ever. With online giants like Amazon offering competitive prices, many shoppers wonder if they can get the same deals at their favorite local stores. One common question that arises is: Does Target price match Amazon?
The answer is yes, but with a few important conditions. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Target’s price matching policy, how it works for Amazon, and how you can make sure you get the best deal possible when shopping at Target.
Does Target Price Match Amazon?
Yes, Target does price match Amazon, but it’s essential to understand that this isn’t a blanket policy for all items or sellers on Amazon. To qualify for a price match, certain conditions must be met.
- The Item Must Be Identical: Target will only match prices for items that are exactly the same as those sold on Amazon. This includes factors like brand, model, size, and even color. If there’s any difference between the item on Amazon and the one at Target, the price match won’t apply.
- Amazon Must Be the Seller: The product must be sold and shipped by Amazon, not a third-party seller. If the item is listed under Amazon Marketplace and sold by an independent seller, Target will not honor the price match.
- The Product Must Be In Stock: Both Target and Amazon must have the item in stock at the time of the price match request. If it’s out of stock on either platform, you won’t be able to request a price match.
By understanding these rules, you’ll be better prepared to take advantage of Target’s price matching policy when shopping for items that might be cheaper on Amazon.
How Does Target’s Price Matching Policy Work?
Target has made its price matching process relatively simple. Whether you’re shopping in-store or online, you can request a price match in just a few steps.
In-Store Price Matching
If you’re shopping at a Target store, you can request a price match for an Amazon item at the checkout. Here’s what you need to do:
- Show Proof of the Lower Price: When you reach the register, show the cashier the lower price on Amazon using your phone or a printout. Make sure the listing includes all the necessary details like brand and model to prove it’s the same item.
- Check the Item’s Availability: The cashier will confirm whether the item is still available at that price on Amazon and if it’s in stock. Once verified, they’ll adjust the price for you.
Online Price Matching
If you prefer to shop online at Target.com, you can still request a price match. Here’s how:
- Contact Guest Services: After adding the item to your cart, reach out to Target’s Guest Services team by phone or chat. Provide them with the Amazon link or screenshot of the product at the lower price.
- Wait for Confirmation: The customer service representative will verify the price and make the adjustment for you.
In both cases, having the exact product details and proof of the lower Amazon price is key to a smooth price matching experience.
Key Exclusions and Limitations to Target’s Price Match with Amazon
While Target does offer price matching for Amazon, there are some exclusions and limitations you need to be aware of. Understanding these will help you avoid any surprises at checkout.
Third-Party Sellers on Amazon
Target will only price match items sold and shipped by Amazon directly. This means if the item you’re looking at is sold by a third-party seller through Amazon’s marketplace, Target won’t match that price. You can easily identify whether Amazon is the seller by checking the “Sold by” and “Ships from” sections on the product page.
Price Matching During Special Events
Certain shopping events, like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Prime Day, are excluded from Target’s price match policy. During these promotional periods, Target may suspend price matching to prevent confusion or exploitation of deep discounts offered by competitors.
Clearance and Out-of-Stock Items
Items that are marked as clearance, closeout, damaged, open-box, or out of stock on Amazon will not qualify for price matching. This rule ensures that Target only matches prices for products that are in normal, new condition and readily available for purchase on both platforms.
Other Exclusions
Some additional exclusions include:
- Digital products, like eBooks or online subscriptions, are not eligible.
- Membership or subscription pricing (e.g., Amazon Prime-exclusive discounts) won’t be matched.
- Coupons or rebates cannot be combined with price matching.
Understanding these limitations can help ensure a smoother shopping experience, especially when planning to take advantage of price matching at Target.
Benefits of Using Target’s Price Match Policy
Target’s price matching policy offers several advantages that make it worth considering when comparing prices between Target and Amazon.
Convenience of Shopping In-Store
One of the main benefits of Target’s price matching policy is the convenience of being able to shop in-store. You can physically see and handle the products, avoid waiting for shipping, and still pay the same lower price you would on Amazon. For many shoppers, this immediate gratification is a big plus, especially if the item is urgently needed.
Combine Savings with Target’s Deals
Another significant advantage is the ability to stack savings. When you price match at Target, you can still use other discounts and benefits, such as Target Circle offers or REDcard discounts, which can give you an additional 5% off. This means you’re not only matching Amazon’s price but potentially getting an even better deal when combining offers.
Avoiding Shipping Costs
While Amazon often offers free shipping through Amazon Prime, not everyone is a Prime member. For non-members, the added cost of shipping can make a deal less attractive. By using Target’s price match, you can avoid those shipping fees entirely by picking up the item in-store or through Target’s free store pickup option.
Expert Tips for Maximizing Your Savings
If you want to make the most out of Target’s price matching policy, here are a few expert tips to help you save even more:
1. Compare Prices Before You Shop
Before heading to Target or adding items to your online cart, it’s a good idea to compare prices between Target and Amazon. You can easily do this by browsing the websites or using price comparison tools like Google Shopping or Honey. This way, you’ll know upfront if Amazon has a better price, and you can be ready to request a price match when you shop at Target.
2. Use Price Tracking Tools
Amazon’s prices fluctuate frequently, and you might miss out on a deal if you’re not tracking prices over time. Tools like CamelCamelCamel or Keepa allow you to track the price history of products on Amazon. This can help you determine the best time to ask for a price match, especially if you notice a product’s price is dropping.
3. Request Post-Purchase Price Adjustments
If you’ve already purchased an item at Target, don’t worry if the price drops later on Amazon. Target allows you to request a price adjustment within 14 days of your purchase. Just bring your receipt or order details, along with proof of the lower price on Amazon, and Target will adjust the price accordingly. This ensures you still get the best deal, even after you’ve made the purchase.
4. Take Advantage of Target Sales
Target frequently runs sales and promotions, which means you may not need to price match at all if the store is already offering a great deal. However, by staying aware of Amazon’s pricing, you can still request a match if Amazon’s price happens to be lower during Target’s sales events.
Frequently Asked Questions About Target’s Price Match Policy
There are a few common questions that many shoppers have when it comes to Target’s price matching policy, especially with Amazon. Here’s a quick look at some of the most frequently asked questions:
1. Does Target Price Match Amazon Prime Deals?
No, Target does not price match deals or discounts that are exclusive to Amazon Prime members. This includes special offers that require an Amazon Prime subscription. Target’s price match policy applies only to regular pricing for items sold and shipped by Amazon, not member-exclusive discounts.
2. Can I Price Match After I’ve Bought Something at Target?
Yes, Target allows for post-purchase price matching. If you bought an item at Target and later found it at a lower price on Amazon, you have up to 14 days to request a price adjustment. Simply provide your receipt and proof of the lower price, and Target will honor the price match.
3. Does Target Price Match During Black Friday or Cyber Monday?
No, Target does not typically price match during special shopping events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or other similar promotions. These are usually considered exceptions to the price matching policy due to the extreme discounts offered during these events.
How to Initiate a Price Match Request
Whether you’re shopping at a physical Target store or online, the process for requesting a price match is fairly simple. Let’s break it down step by step for both in-store and online purchases.
In-Store Price Match Request
- Step 1: Find the Lower Price: Before heading to checkout, make sure you have found the lower price on Amazon and that Amazon is the seller. Open the product page on your phone or bring a printout if needed.
- Step 2: Show Proof: When you’re at the register, show the Target associate the Amazon listing with the lower price. The associate will confirm that the item qualifies for a price match (it must be identical and in stock on both Target and Amazon).
- Step 3: Adjust the Price: Once confirmed, the cashier will adjust the price of the item to match Amazon’s price.
Online Price Match Request
- Step 1: Add the Item to Your Cart: If you’re shopping on Target.com, add the item you want to purchase to your cart.
- Step 2: Contact Target Guest Services: After that, reach out to Target’s Guest Services through phone or live chat. Provide them with the link or screenshot of the Amazon product with the lower price.
- Step 3: Wait for Verification: The representative will verify the price, ensure it meets all the criteria (e.g., identical product, sold by Amazon), and adjust the price accordingly before you complete your purchase.
In both cases, being prepared with proof of the lower Amazon price is key to getting a smooth and quick price match.
Final Thoughts – Is Target’s Price Matching Worth It?
Target’s price matching policy with Amazon can be a fantastic way to save money, especially if you prefer the convenience of shopping at Target. Whether you’re shopping in-store or online, the policy allows you to take advantage of Amazon’s competitive pricing while still enjoying the benefits of shopping locally at Target.
However, it’s important to be aware of the limitations, such as restrictions on third-party sellers, special events like Black Friday, and clearance items. By understanding these rules and combining Target’s price matching with their own sales and promotions, you can make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.
At the end of the day, price matching at Target is definitely worth it for those who are price-conscious and looking to maximize their savings. With the ability to stack other Target deals and avoid Amazon’s potential shipping fees, you can get the best of both worlds.
