Target’s New Price Matching Policy

As many of you know, Target introduced a new price matching policy during the busy holiday shopping season – which the mega-store just announced this week that it will be extended year-round!

Here is the exact language:

If you buy a qualifying item at a Target store then find the identical item for less in the following week’s Target weekly ad or within seven days at Target.com, Amazon.com, Walmart.com, BestBuy.com, ToysRUs.com, BabiesRUs.com or in a competitor’s local printed ad, we’ll match the price. Price match may be requested at Guest Services prior to your purchase with proof of current lower price or by bringing in your original Target store receipt and proof of the current lower price.

I see this policy being most useful for when you are IN the store, ready to buy. If you have a smartphone, be sure to install the Amazon Price Check app for Android or iPhone.  That way, you can check prices before checking out.

As far as seeing a great deal on Amazon and rushing to Target to match it – personally, I don’t think that will be worth it. For two reasons:

1. Amazon’s prices can change FAST – as we all know. And Target’s customer service reps always checking online at the time of sale. It won’t do you any good to say, “But 30 minutes ago it was $8 less!”

2. The vast majority of the Amazon deals that I post ship for free with Prime or Super Saver Shipping. By the time you get in the car and pay $3/gallon (or more) for gas to drive to Target, it’s definitely not worth a special trip – when Amazon will have the item on your doorstep two days later for free.

If you are in the store, though, and about to buy a new BBQ grill or a bottle of laundry detergent, a quick check of the  Amazon Price Check app could definitely save you some change.

Likewise, you can use the RedLaser app (available for iPhone, Android or Windows Phone) to scan bar codes and compare prices at other big retailers (excluding Amazon).

Read all the details of Target’s new price matching policy HERE – and pay special attention to the exclusions.

Thanks to Kim, Vicki, and Ilana for reminding me to post about this.

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