Price matching has become a popular way for shoppers to save money while sticking with their favorite stores. It allows customers to get the lowest possible price without having to run around to multiple locations or websites. One of the most common questions that budget-conscious shoppers ask is: “Does Target price match Walmart?”
This article will give you a complete guide on Target’s price-matching policy, whether it includes Walmart, and how you can use it to your advantage. If you’re wondering whether Target will honor Walmart’s prices in 2024, you’re in the right place. Keep reading to find out how to get the best deals without leaving Target!
What is Target’s Price Matching Policy?
Before diving into whether Target matches Walmart’s prices, let’s first understand how Target’s price-matching policy works in general.
Price matching means that if you find a lower price on an identical item at a competitor, Target will match that price. This helps you save money without having to switch stores or buy from somewhere else. In simple terms, if you find a better deal at another store, you can ask Target to give you the same price.
So, what does this mean for Walmart shoppers? Yes, Target does price match Walmart, both in-store and online, but there are some important conditions to keep in mind.
Does Target Price Match Walmart in 2024?
Yes, in 2024, Target continues to price match Walmart, whether you’re shopping at Target stores or Target.com. However, there are certain rules you need to follow for this to work:
- The product must be identical: This means the brand, model number, size, color, and other specifications should match exactly between Target and Walmart.
- Valid price: The price must be current and not expired. You can show the Walmart price through their website, app, or in-store.
By meeting these conditions, you can get the same price at Target that you’d find at Walmart.
How to Request a Price Match at Target
Now that you know Target does price match Walmart, you’re probably wondering how to request this price match. Here’s a simple guide:
In-Store Price Matching Process:
- Find the Walmart price: Before heading to the checkout, pull up the Walmart price either through the Walmart website, app, or a local ad.
- Show it to a Target team member: Head over to Target’s Guest Services or ask an associate at checkout to match the price.
- Confirm the product details: Make sure the item is identical in brand, model, and specifications, as Target only matches exact items.
Online Price Matching Process:
- Check the product on Walmart’s website: Ensure the item is in stock and the price is accurate.
- Contact Target’s Customer Service: For online price matching, you’ll need to reach out to Target’s customer service team with proof of Walmart’s price.
- Receive the adjusted price: Once verified, Target will match the price and adjust your total accordingly.
Target’s Price Matching Policy for Walmart: Terms and Conditions
While it’s great that Target matches Walmart’s prices, there are some important terms and conditions that you need to know before rushing to the store or placing an order online. These rules ensure that the price matching process is fair and straightforward.
- Identical Items Only: The product you’re trying to price match must be the same as the one at Walmart. This means everything must match—brand, size, color, model number, and even packaging. If any detail is different, Target may not approve the price match.
- No Price Matching on Clearance or Special Promotions: Target won’t price match products that are part of special promotions like Black Friday deals, clearance items, closeouts, or doorbuster sales. So if Walmart has a limited-time discount or holiday promotion, that’s typically not something Target will match.
- Price Validity: The price from Walmart must be valid and available at the time you request the match. For example, if Walmart’s price was available last week but has since changed, Target won’t match it retroactively.
- Limitations on Quantities: You can’t request price matching for bulk purchases. Target generally limits price matching to one item per guest for each price match.
- Exclusions for Membership Prices: Prices that require a membership, like those at warehouse clubs such as Sam’s Club (owned by Walmart), are not eligible for price matching. Target also doesn’t price match any third-party marketplace prices (such as items sold by third-party sellers on Walmart.com).
- 14-Day Price Adjustment Window: One great feature of Target’s policy is that if the price of an item drops within 14 days of your purchase, you can still request a price match. So, if Walmart’s price lowers after you’ve already bought the item at Target, you can get a refund for the difference by providing proof of Walmart’s updated price.
By keeping these rules in mind, you’ll ensure a smooth price-matching experience at Target without any surprises.
Price Matching with Other Competitors: Beyond Walmart
It’s not just Walmart that Target price matches with. Target’s price-matching policy includes several other major retailers both online and in-store. This is useful because it gives you more flexibility when shopping around for the best price.
Here’s an updated list of competitors Target will price match in 2024:
- Amazon
- Best Buy
- Costco
- Bed Bath & Beyond
- Kohl’s
- Staples
- Home Depot
- Lowe’s
These competitors are part of Target’s official list, but make sure to check the policy periodically, as it may get updated over time.
Just like Walmart, these price-matching requests must meet the same basic rules: the item has to be identical, and it must be a current, valid price. The exclusions, such as membership-based prices or clearance items, also apply to these stores.
Tips for Maximizing Savings with Target’s Price Matching
Price matching is already a fantastic way to save, but you can maximize your savings with some additional strategies:
- Combine Price Matching with Target’s RedCard: If you have Target’s RedCard, you can still use it to get an extra 5% off even when you price match. This gives you an added discount on top of the lower price.
- Use Target Circle Offers: Always check Target Circle, Target’s loyalty program, for any extra discounts or deals that you can apply to your purchase. These offers often stack with price-matched items, making it an easy way to save even more.
- Check Prices Regularly: Prices can fluctuate, especially online. It’s a good idea to check Walmart, Target, and other major retailers before making a purchase to ensure you’re getting the best price. If you notice a drop after buying, don’t forget about Target’s 14-day price adjustment window.
Does Target Price Match Walmart’s Online Prices?
One common question among shoppers is whether Target matches Walmart’s online prices in addition to in-store prices. The good news is, yes, Target does price match Walmart’s online prices, as long as the item meets the same requirements as those for in-store price matching.
Here’s what you need to know about online price matching between Target and Walmart:
- Exact Match of the Item: Just like in-store price matching, the item’s specifications must be identical between Target and Walmart. This means the product should have the same brand, size, model number, and color. You can’t price match different versions or variations of a product.
- Walmart.com Prices Only: Target will match prices found on Walmart.com but not those listed by third-party sellers on Walmart’s marketplace. This is an important distinction to make since many products on Walmart’s website are sold by third-party vendors, and Target will not honor those prices.
- Easy Price Matching for Online Purchases: For online price matching, you can contact Target’s Customer Service with the details of the Walmart price. After verification, they will adjust the price accordingly. This means you don’t have to visit a physical store to get a price match—everything can be handled digitally.
- No Price Matching for Shipping Costs: Keep in mind that while the price of the item may be matched, Target will not account for differences in shipping fees between Walmart and Target.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
While Target’s price-matching policy is straightforward, there are some common pitfalls that shoppers can encounter. Here are a few things to watch out for to ensure a hassle-free experience:
- Misunderstanding Product Eligibility: One of the most frequent mistakes shoppers make is assuming that similar products will be price matched. Remember, the items must be identical, down to the model number. For example, a 55-inch TV from Walmart and a 55-inch TV from Target may seem the same, but if the model number is different, the price match won’t be honored.
- Not Checking Stock Availability: The product at Walmart must be in stock at the time of the price match. If it’s out of stock, Target will not approve the match, as the price is considered unavailable.
- Forgetting About Price Adjustments: If you purchase something at Target and later find that Walmart has a lower price within 14 days, you can still get a price adjustment. Many shoppers miss this opportunity, thinking price matching only applies at the time of purchase.
- Ignoring Exclusions: Be sure to double-check that the item isn’t part of a promotion or clearance. Items that are marked as “limited time offer,” “clearance,” “closeout,” or “refurbished” are typically not eligible for price matching. Always review the terms to avoid disappointment.
Target vs. Walmart: Which is Better for Price Matching?
When comparing the price-matching policies of Target and Walmart, both retailers have their strengths, but there are differences that may impact your shopping decision. Here’s a quick comparison to help you understand which retailer’s policy might work best for you:
- Flexibility:
- Target: Matches prices from a variety of competitors, including Walmart, Amazon, and other big retailers.
- Walmart: Their price-matching policy is slightly more restricted, focusing mainly on matching prices from Walmart.com. They no longer match prices from other major online or in-store competitors (except in rare cases).
- Ease of Use:
- Target: Price matching is easy both in-store and online. Simply show the competitor’s price and request the match.
- Walmart: For online purchases, you can submit a price match request on Walmart’s website for items sold by Walmart.com (not third-party sellers). However, in-store price matching is limited.
- 14-Day Price Adjustment (Target): One advantage that Target has over Walmart is their 14-day price adjustment window. If you make a purchase and find a lower price at Walmart or another competitor within two weeks, Target will honor the lower price. Walmart does not offer this post-purchase adjustment.
Additional Tips to Save Even More While Shopping at Target
Price matching is just one of the many ways you can save while shopping at Target. Here are some extra tips to help you make the most of your shopping experience:
- Sign Up for Target Circle: Target’s free loyalty program, Target Circle, offers personalized deals, rewards, and exclusive savings on items you purchase regularly. You can earn 1% back on every purchase, which adds up quickly. It also allows you to apply discounts to price-matched items, further enhancing your savings.
- Use the Target RedCard: If you’re a frequent Target shopper, the Target RedCard (both debit and credit versions) gives you an automatic 5% off on almost everything, including items that are price matched. Plus, you get free shipping on most items when shopping online and an extended return period—perfect for smart shopping.
- Check for Clearance and Promotions: Even though clearance items can’t be price matched, you can still find incredible deals by browsing Target’s clearance section, both online and in-store. Look for red clearance tags, which often signal deeper discounts over time.
- Use Price Comparison Apps: Before making a purchase, use price comparison apps like Honey, Rakuten, or CamelCamelCamel to ensure you’re getting the best possible price. These tools can help you track historical prices and set alerts for price drops, including those at Walmart and Target.
- Shop During Major Sale Events: Target offers huge discounts during events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and seasonal sales. While these items won’t be eligible for price matching, combining sales with Target’s loyalty programs and cards can result in significant savings.
Final Thoughts: Shopping Smart with Target’s Price Matching Policy
In conclusion, Target does price match Walmart, both in-store and online, giving you the flexibility to shop where you prefer without missing out on great deals. By taking advantage of Target’s price-matching policy, along with their other saving opportunities like the RedCard and Target Circle, you can make the most out of your shopping experience.
Remember to:
- Ensure the product is identical when price matching with Walmart.
- Be aware of exclusions, such as clearance and promotional items.
- Make use of the 14-day price adjustment window to claim further savings.
In 2024, with a bit of planning and the right approach, you can easily get the best prices available at Target, even if Walmart offers the same product for less. Combine price matching with other discounts and you’ll be well on your way to shopping smarter and saving more!
FAQ Section: Quick Answers to Common Questions
Q1: Does Target match Walmart’s prices during Black Friday?
No, Target doesn’t price match any special promotions, including Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and other limited-time sales events.
Q2: Can I use Target Circle offers with a price-matched item?
Yes, you can use Target Circle offers and earn 1% back even on items that are price matched.
Q3: Can I price match an item from a third-party seller on Walmart.com?
No, Target only matches Walmart.com prices for items sold directly by Walmart, not third-party sellers.
Q4: How many items can I price match at once?
Target typically limits one price match per identical item per guest per day, but this can vary by store.
This concludes the blog post, covering everything you need to know about Target’s price-matching policy with Walmart, along with practical tips to help you save even more. The goal is to empower readers to make smart decisions and take advantage of all the ways to save while shopping at Target.
