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  • Report:  #20137

Complaint Review: Target Stores - woodstock Georgia

Reported By:
-
Submitted:
Updated:

Target Stores
Woodstock, Ga. woodstock, Georgia, U.S.A.
Phone:
800-3030308
Web:
N/A
Tell us has your experience with this business or person been good? What's this?
I received a gift of an inexpensive Braun D9525 Electric Toothbrush. I had little use for the item and took it back to the store, unused/opened and they agreed to take it back, BUT, they gave me a chit for $44 which they said I MUST use only in the same department and it must be all used then for the exact amount.

This of course was total nonsense and I asked to see a 'manager', Stephanie Asim arrived and gave me the same idiotic story.

While I had no problem with a credit I had absolutely NO use for one where I had to spent it all in the SAME DEPARTMENT.

I REFUSED their credit and I left the toothbrush with them as I have no use for it. I attempted to phone their supposed 'Guest Relations' number (800 303 0308) and that is only a recording, no person there to complain to.

Target stores is a total waste of time and anyone who considers shopping there for any gifts for friends/relatives should be aware that if they wish to return it they will get:

1) lowest sales price it ever sold at,

2) a chit they have to use all at once &

3) in the same department

This rip off company now has their toothbrush back and I have nothing, but they are the looser in the end as I went to the Wal Mart store in Woodstock, Ga., one mile away and spent $160 for items that would have been purchased at Target.

Target has a major attitude problem. As far as they are concerned the customer should never return anything. Just buy something and go away and not bother them anymore.

I hope this firm goes the way of Woolco, Service Mdse and K mart, we don't need such greedy and grasping chains as this, the sooner they go under the better.

C Harris

C

woodstock, Georgia

Click here to read other Rip Off Reports on TARGET


132 Updates & Rebuttals

Brandy

Jonesboro,
Georgia,
U.S.A.
Everyone stop with the name calling and childish behavior!

#2Consumer Comment

Fri, December 22, 2006

I am speechless as to how many people throw name calling on this specific report. There are too many adults acting like chidren here and it is ridiculous and there should not be such chilish behavior. First of all any department store should have a policy that allows a return of an item at all times with the time limit if un-opened. I don't know about Target because I don't have a Target located within ten miles of my home but if you have the reciept they should refund you for cash. I have had absolutely NO problems with Walmart and I usually never have to return items. When I moved into my new home I bought hundreds of items and had to return maybe two or three items and had NO problems at all. There is enough of the blame game between consumers and the customers. My best friend is a manager of a store and he has delt with a lot of customers trying to return items like vacuum cleaners, etc that was several years old and it is so ridiculous how someone would try to do something like that, but it is totally unfair to blame every customer!! I have bought a lot of items from Walmart that I have took home and the item fell apart. For instance I bought a large plastic box fan for twelve bucks and it stopped working after two days and I didn't have the box anymore so I didn't know if they would return it or not. I didn't want to mess with it and so I did not return it and I basically lost twelve bucks. Is it my fault as the customer that the fan stopped working?! I also bought a wireless keyboard and mouse that stopped working after two weeks and I paid fourty dollars for. I kept the box for a week and didn't have the room for it and so I through it out and now I am out of money because I can't return it or I don't want to go through the hassle of dealing with rude Customer Service reps. I am a very nice person and I have even delt with rude people and I don't think it is fair that if I am nice that someone should be rude to me but some people just have a bad dispostion. I agree that I have probably lost hundreds of dollars from Walmart but I still show there though! One time I had a light problem trying to return something with the receipt and that was because the customer service rep was illeterate and didn't know there return policy as well as I, the customer and this was a jewelry issue which they are much more strict then then other departments. I am a veery soft and nice spoken person, I never scream or get loud with anyone and I usuall always get the same respect but you have to admit that there are Customer service reps that just dont give a dang and are very rude! There is absolutely no meaning in calling people liars and thiefs on here from people that you don't know. There is way too much name calling on this rebittual, espessially from the consumer leaving comments. I am very upset that these consumers are accusing all customers of trying to pull one over on Target, Walmart or any store for that matter. I have purchased thousands of items from department stores and usually never have to return anything but everyone has a time where they will need to return something in there life and we don't need complications in doing so. For those that always try to get something free in life, well that is a different story and it is ridiculous but not all of the customers need to suffer from others mis fits.


Brandy

Jonesboro,
Georgia,
U.S.A.
Everyone stop with the name calling and childish behavior!

#3Consumer Comment

Fri, December 22, 2006

I am speechless as to how many people throw name calling on this specific report. There are too many adults acting like chidren here and it is ridiculous and there should not be such chilish behavior. First of all any department store should have a policy that allows a return of an item at all times with the time limit if un-opened. I don't know about Target because I don't have a Target located within ten miles of my home but if you have the reciept they should refund you for cash. I have had absolutely NO problems with Walmart and I usually never have to return items. When I moved into my new home I bought hundreds of items and had to return maybe two or three items and had NO problems at all. There is enough of the blame game between consumers and the customers. My best friend is a manager of a store and he has delt with a lot of customers trying to return items like vacuum cleaners, etc that was several years old and it is so ridiculous how someone would try to do something like that, but it is totally unfair to blame every customer!! I have bought a lot of items from Walmart that I have took home and the item fell apart. For instance I bought a large plastic box fan for twelve bucks and it stopped working after two days and I didn't have the box anymore so I didn't know if they would return it or not. I didn't want to mess with it and so I did not return it and I basically lost twelve bucks. Is it my fault as the customer that the fan stopped working?! I also bought a wireless keyboard and mouse that stopped working after two weeks and I paid fourty dollars for. I kept the box for a week and didn't have the room for it and so I through it out and now I am out of money because I can't return it or I don't want to go through the hassle of dealing with rude Customer Service reps. I am a very nice person and I have even delt with rude people and I don't think it is fair that if I am nice that someone should be rude to me but some people just have a bad dispostion. I agree that I have probably lost hundreds of dollars from Walmart but I still show there though! One time I had a light problem trying to return something with the receipt and that was because the customer service rep was illeterate and didn't know there return policy as well as I, the customer and this was a jewelry issue which they are much more strict then then other departments. I am a veery soft and nice spoken person, I never scream or get loud with anyone and I usuall always get the same respect but you have to admit that there are Customer service reps that just dont give a dang and are very rude! There is absolutely no meaning in calling people liars and thiefs on here from people that you don't know. There is way too much name calling on this rebittual, espessially from the consumer leaving comments. I am very upset that these consumers are accusing all customers of trying to pull one over on Target, Walmart or any store for that matter. I have purchased thousands of items from department stores and usually never have to return anything but everyone has a time where they will need to return something in there life and we don't need complications in doing so. For those that always try to get something free in life, well that is a different story and it is ridiculous but not all of the customers need to suffer from others mis fits.


Brandy

Jonesboro,
Georgia,
U.S.A.
Everyone stop with the name calling and childish behavior!

#4Consumer Comment

Fri, December 22, 2006

I am speechless as to how many people throw name calling on this specific report. There are too many adults acting like chidren here and it is ridiculous and there should not be such chilish behavior. First of all any department store should have a policy that allows a return of an item at all times with the time limit if un-opened. I don't know about Target because I don't have a Target located within ten miles of my home but if you have the reciept they should refund you for cash. I have had absolutely NO problems with Walmart and I usually never have to return items. When I moved into my new home I bought hundreds of items and had to return maybe two or three items and had NO problems at all. There is enough of the blame game between consumers and the customers. My best friend is a manager of a store and he has delt with a lot of customers trying to return items like vacuum cleaners, etc that was several years old and it is so ridiculous how someone would try to do something like that, but it is totally unfair to blame every customer!! I have bought a lot of items from Walmart that I have took home and the item fell apart. For instance I bought a large plastic box fan for twelve bucks and it stopped working after two days and I didn't have the box anymore so I didn't know if they would return it or not. I didn't want to mess with it and so I did not return it and I basically lost twelve bucks. Is it my fault as the customer that the fan stopped working?! I also bought a wireless keyboard and mouse that stopped working after two weeks and I paid fourty dollars for. I kept the box for a week and didn't have the room for it and so I through it out and now I am out of money because I can't return it or I don't want to go through the hassle of dealing with rude Customer Service reps. I am a very nice person and I have even delt with rude people and I don't think it is fair that if I am nice that someone should be rude to me but some people just have a bad dispostion. I agree that I have probably lost hundreds of dollars from Walmart but I still show there though! One time I had a light problem trying to return something with the receipt and that was because the customer service rep was illeterate and didn't know there return policy as well as I, the customer and this was a jewelry issue which they are much more strict then then other departments. I am a veery soft and nice spoken person, I never scream or get loud with anyone and I usuall always get the same respect but you have to admit that there are Customer service reps that just dont give a dang and are very rude! There is absolutely no meaning in calling people liars and thiefs on here from people that you don't know. There is way too much name calling on this rebittual, espessially from the consumer leaving comments. I am very upset that these consumers are accusing all customers of trying to pull one over on Target, Walmart or any store for that matter. I have purchased thousands of items from department stores and usually never have to return anything but everyone has a time where they will need to return something in there life and we don't need complications in doing so. For those that always try to get something free in life, well that is a different story and it is ridiculous but not all of the customers need to suffer from others mis fits.


Brandy

Jonesboro,
Georgia,
U.S.A.
Everyone stop with the name calling and childish behavior!

#5Consumer Comment

Fri, December 22, 2006

I am speechless as to how many people throw name calling on this specific report. There are too many adults acting like chidren here and it is ridiculous and there should not be such chilish behavior. First of all any department store should have a policy that allows a return of an item at all times with the time limit if un-opened. I don't know about Target because I don't have a Target located within ten miles of my home but if you have the reciept they should refund you for cash. I have had absolutely NO problems with Walmart and I usually never have to return items. When I moved into my new home I bought hundreds of items and had to return maybe two or three items and had NO problems at all. There is enough of the blame game between consumers and the customers. My best friend is a manager of a store and he has delt with a lot of customers trying to return items like vacuum cleaners, etc that was several years old and it is so ridiculous how someone would try to do something like that, but it is totally unfair to blame every customer!! I have bought a lot of items from Walmart that I have took home and the item fell apart. For instance I bought a large plastic box fan for twelve bucks and it stopped working after two days and I didn't have the box anymore so I didn't know if they would return it or not. I didn't want to mess with it and so I did not return it and I basically lost twelve bucks. Is it my fault as the customer that the fan stopped working?! I also bought a wireless keyboard and mouse that stopped working after two weeks and I paid fourty dollars for. I kept the box for a week and didn't have the room for it and so I through it out and now I am out of money because I can't return it or I don't want to go through the hassle of dealing with rude Customer Service reps. I am a very nice person and I have even delt with rude people and I don't think it is fair that if I am nice that someone should be rude to me but some people just have a bad dispostion. I agree that I have probably lost hundreds of dollars from Walmart but I still show there though! One time I had a light problem trying to return something with the receipt and that was because the customer service rep was illeterate and didn't know there return policy as well as I, the customer and this was a jewelry issue which they are much more strict then then other departments. I am a veery soft and nice spoken person, I never scream or get loud with anyone and I usuall always get the same respect but you have to admit that there are Customer service reps that just dont give a dang and are very rude! There is absolutely no meaning in calling people liars and thiefs on here from people that you don't know. There is way too much name calling on this rebittual, espessially from the consumer leaving comments. I am very upset that these consumers are accusing all customers of trying to pull one over on Target, Walmart or any store for that matter. I have purchased thousands of items from department stores and usually never have to return anything but everyone has a time where they will need to return something in there life and we don't need complications in doing so. For those that always try to get something free in life, well that is a different story and it is ridiculous but not all of the customers need to suffer from others mis fits.


T

North Fla,
Florida,
U.S.A.
Unused/opened

#6Consumer Comment

Tue, December 12, 2006

To clear up one minor point from my post of over 4 yrs ago that was picked up on by the below poster: "Another thing I am very familiar with is a little policy we at Target like to call the "SAME ITEM ONLY IF OPENED" policy. This policy is stated on all receipts under any electronic devices purchased. Hint Hint: the whole reason we are having this discussion is over this policy. If you had no use for the toothbrush, why did you open it? You stated that it was UNUSED but OPENED." When I wrote Unused/opened it meant that it was both unused and unopened, the shortcut with the / seemed clear to me at the time but maybe not to others looking to poke holes at the original post. And in any event if you know anything about these items and how they are packaged they are enclosed in plastic inside a cardboard box and if the electric toothbrush had actually been taken out of the plastic packaging it would surely NOT be taken back due to health regulations. Target continues to have this pig headed return policy where shoppers with no receipt are treated as theives. If you know of any other store doing this I would like to know the name of the chain. No other store in the USA has had such a restrictive policy with the one exception of Kmart when it was in bankruptcy. Over the years since the OP there have been loads of Target apologists who come on here and whine and moan about how people should keep their receipts or be able to tell the customer non service what credit card or checking account paid for the item. I can only assume that the reading skills of those people are at a less than HS grad level as the post said it was a 'gift' and there was 'no receipt'. Do most of you ungrateful Target people ask those giving you a gift if you can also have a receipt for it? I doubt it, if so then you must have been raised by wolves, if someone I was giving a gift to asked me for the receipt they would get a real short answer. And one final comment for all those smart alecks who work in retail security. If someone 'RETURNS' an item for a store credit there is NO LOSS to the store from that return as they are simply being allowed to trade an item worth X for X's worth of some other item. The actual LOSS came about when the item was originally stolen. So if Tarbutt security knew what they were doing they would have arrested the thief when the item was going out the door. If there are 100 returns without a receipt perhaps 4-5 items may have been originally stolen (pick your own number here). So according to Tarbutt the 95-6 (again pick your own number) innocent consumers must be punished to inconvience the 4-5 people who did steal the item. Sound like some sort of collective punishment that the n**i's did to French or Polish villages when there were a few partisans shooting at them, just collect everyone in the village and shoot them, that dealt with the problem, just like Target is dealing with the problem of returns, but in both instances both the Nazis and Targebutt are making loads of enemies.


T

North Fla,
Florida,
U.S.A.
Unused/opened

#7Consumer Comment

Tue, December 12, 2006

To clear up one minor point from my post of over 4 yrs ago that was picked up on by the below poster: "Another thing I am very familiar with is a little policy we at Target like to call the "SAME ITEM ONLY IF OPENED" policy. This policy is stated on all receipts under any electronic devices purchased. Hint Hint: the whole reason we are having this discussion is over this policy. If you had no use for the toothbrush, why did you open it? You stated that it was UNUSED but OPENED." When I wrote Unused/opened it meant that it was both unused and unopened, the shortcut with the / seemed clear to me at the time but maybe not to others looking to poke holes at the original post. And in any event if you know anything about these items and how they are packaged they are enclosed in plastic inside a cardboard box and if the electric toothbrush had actually been taken out of the plastic packaging it would surely NOT be taken back due to health regulations. Target continues to have this pig headed return policy where shoppers with no receipt are treated as theives. If you know of any other store doing this I would like to know the name of the chain. No other store in the USA has had such a restrictive policy with the one exception of Kmart when it was in bankruptcy. Over the years since the OP there have been loads of Target apologists who come on here and whine and moan about how people should keep their receipts or be able to tell the customer non service what credit card or checking account paid for the item. I can only assume that the reading skills of those people are at a less than HS grad level as the post said it was a 'gift' and there was 'no receipt'. Do most of you ungrateful Target people ask those giving you a gift if you can also have a receipt for it? I doubt it, if so then you must have been raised by wolves, if someone I was giving a gift to asked me for the receipt they would get a real short answer. And one final comment for all those smart alecks who work in retail security. If someone 'RETURNS' an item for a store credit there is NO LOSS to the store from that return as they are simply being allowed to trade an item worth X for X's worth of some other item. The actual LOSS came about when the item was originally stolen. So if Tarbutt security knew what they were doing they would have arrested the thief when the item was going out the door. If there are 100 returns without a receipt perhaps 4-5 items may have been originally stolen (pick your own number here). So according to Tarbutt the 95-6 (again pick your own number) innocent consumers must be punished to inconvience the 4-5 people who did steal the item. Sound like some sort of collective punishment that the n**i's did to French or Polish villages when there were a few partisans shooting at them, just collect everyone in the village and shoot them, that dealt with the problem, just like Target is dealing with the problem of returns, but in both instances both the Nazis and Targebutt are making loads of enemies.


T

North Fla,
Florida,
U.S.A.
Unused/opened

#8Consumer Comment

Tue, December 12, 2006

To clear up one minor point from my post of over 4 yrs ago that was picked up on by the below poster: "Another thing I am very familiar with is a little policy we at Target like to call the "SAME ITEM ONLY IF OPENED" policy. This policy is stated on all receipts under any electronic devices purchased. Hint Hint: the whole reason we are having this discussion is over this policy. If you had no use for the toothbrush, why did you open it? You stated that it was UNUSED but OPENED." When I wrote Unused/opened it meant that it was both unused and unopened, the shortcut with the / seemed clear to me at the time but maybe not to others looking to poke holes at the original post. And in any event if you know anything about these items and how they are packaged they are enclosed in plastic inside a cardboard box and if the electric toothbrush had actually been taken out of the plastic packaging it would surely NOT be taken back due to health regulations. Target continues to have this pig headed return policy where shoppers with no receipt are treated as theives. If you know of any other store doing this I would like to know the name of the chain. No other store in the USA has had such a restrictive policy with the one exception of Kmart when it was in bankruptcy. Over the years since the OP there have been loads of Target apologists who come on here and whine and moan about how people should keep their receipts or be able to tell the customer non service what credit card or checking account paid for the item. I can only assume that the reading skills of those people are at a less than HS grad level as the post said it was a 'gift' and there was 'no receipt'. Do most of you ungrateful Target people ask those giving you a gift if you can also have a receipt for it? I doubt it, if so then you must have been raised by wolves, if someone I was giving a gift to asked me for the receipt they would get a real short answer. And one final comment for all those smart alecks who work in retail security. If someone 'RETURNS' an item for a store credit there is NO LOSS to the store from that return as they are simply being allowed to trade an item worth X for X's worth of some other item. The actual LOSS came about when the item was originally stolen. So if Tarbutt security knew what they were doing they would have arrested the thief when the item was going out the door. If there are 100 returns without a receipt perhaps 4-5 items may have been originally stolen (pick your own number here). So according to Tarbutt the 95-6 (again pick your own number) innocent consumers must be punished to inconvience the 4-5 people who did steal the item. Sound like some sort of collective punishment that the n**i's did to French or Polish villages when there were a few partisans shooting at them, just collect everyone in the village and shoot them, that dealt with the problem, just like Target is dealing with the problem of returns, but in both instances both the Nazis and Targebutt are making loads of enemies.


T

North Fla,
Florida,
U.S.A.
Unused/opened

#9Consumer Comment

Tue, December 12, 2006

To clear up one minor point from my post of over 4 yrs ago that was picked up on by the below poster: "Another thing I am very familiar with is a little policy we at Target like to call the "SAME ITEM ONLY IF OPENED" policy. This policy is stated on all receipts under any electronic devices purchased. Hint Hint: the whole reason we are having this discussion is over this policy. If you had no use for the toothbrush, why did you open it? You stated that it was UNUSED but OPENED." When I wrote Unused/opened it meant that it was both unused and unopened, the shortcut with the / seemed clear to me at the time but maybe not to others looking to poke holes at the original post. And in any event if you know anything about these items and how they are packaged they are enclosed in plastic inside a cardboard box and if the electric toothbrush had actually been taken out of the plastic packaging it would surely NOT be taken back due to health regulations. Target continues to have this pig headed return policy where shoppers with no receipt are treated as theives. If you know of any other store doing this I would like to know the name of the chain. No other store in the USA has had such a restrictive policy with the one exception of Kmart when it was in bankruptcy. Over the years since the OP there have been loads of Target apologists who come on here and whine and moan about how people should keep their receipts or be able to tell the customer non service what credit card or checking account paid for the item. I can only assume that the reading skills of those people are at a less than HS grad level as the post said it was a 'gift' and there was 'no receipt'. Do most of you ungrateful Target people ask those giving you a gift if you can also have a receipt for it? I doubt it, if so then you must have been raised by wolves, if someone I was giving a gift to asked me for the receipt they would get a real short answer. And one final comment for all those smart alecks who work in retail security. If someone 'RETURNS' an item for a store credit there is NO LOSS to the store from that return as they are simply being allowed to trade an item worth X for X's worth of some other item. The actual LOSS came about when the item was originally stolen. So if Tarbutt security knew what they were doing they would have arrested the thief when the item was going out the door. If there are 100 returns without a receipt perhaps 4-5 items may have been originally stolen (pick your own number here). So according to Tarbutt the 95-6 (again pick your own number) innocent consumers must be punished to inconvience the 4-5 people who did steal the item. Sound like some sort of collective punishment that the n**i's did to French or Polish villages when there were a few partisans shooting at them, just collect everyone in the village and shoot them, that dealt with the problem, just like Target is dealing with the problem of returns, but in both instances both the Nazis and Targebutt are making loads of enemies.


Ukiah

Westville,
Oklahoma,
U.S.A.
A Summary Part 2

#10UPDATE Employee

Sun, June 18, 2006

I have found somebody living in NY, NY who has posted on here with my same name. Odd, considering our name is Ukiah. Therefore, I must respond to his points made. 1. We do not focus specifically on our guests as being the cause of shrink. Our Asset Protection focuses anywhere we believe there is theft. That being said, it is a proven fact that team member shrink is much harder to prevent than guest created shrink. We do "have a clue", that is why we have our return policies in place. That is also why we have cameras in the back room. 2. Comparing LL Bean to Target is apples and oranges. They are both fruit, yet they are entirely different species. LL Bean is a privately held company with merchandise created for and distributed solely by LL Bean and no one else. This allows them a humongous latitude for returns and allows them to swallow a great deal of shrink. They know what is theirs and what is not. Target and other national brand retail outlets are publicly held and traded and rely on outside manufacturers to allow us to sell their products at prices marked up to where the retalier only make approximately 5 cents for every dollar. These manufacturers do not care if their products are returned or not, and their products could very well be purchased at ANY national outlet chain. I love LL Bean's products, but I would not try to return one of their sweaters to J. Crew, that would be silly. And as such, unless we enforce policy, who are we to discern whether or not the Braun toothbrush is ours or not? 3. Stew Leonard's is a model grocer. It relies on a different style of merchandising than most major chains and does draw customers with a great brand loyalty. It is also a privately held company that sells nothing not individually made and produced for Stew Leonard's, save their wines. Also, in 1993 the original Stew Leonard was found guilty of conspiracy of tax evasion in the amount of 6.8 million dollars. That is 2% of the profit the whole chain made in 2004. Neither one of these companies: employ the same amount of people that Target does, provide the same amount of variation in product line that Target does, appeal to as broad of a customer base as Target does. You will not get your money back for simply disputing the charges, as the credit company will investigate the dispute and determine whether or not the item truly was returned to the retailer. It is the credit company's duty to investigate the dispute, not the retailer. Also, Target does not allow Toys for Tots or Salvation Army to collect donations from customers, as we have a uniformly fair no solicitation policy. We do, however, donate millions of dollars annually to the United Way, of which the Salvation Army is a coalition member. P.P.S. No state has a fair return policy of expense law enacted. None. Any company taking returns is simply doing so to convenience guests who feel slighted. Any customer who really cares about where they shop instead of being an unconscious consumer will understand the policies and the reasons why they are set in place.


Ukiah

Westville,
Oklahoma,
U.S.A.
A Summary

#11UPDATE Employee

Sun, June 18, 2006

I am a proud Guest Service Team Leader @ Target in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and I am going to try and address this issue in the most certifiably logical way possible. Policies have changed in the past four years, of that I am sure. It is unfortunate that Mr. Harris was treated poorly. Our policy of allowing for an exchange within that department on No Receipt returns is fair- in that it prevents a rise in merchandise cost due to theft, and that is is uniform for all parties. "Within that department" allows the guest anything within that department while preventing possible trading theft. We are in the business of sales, not of lie detection. I am once again sorry that Mr. Harris had a bad experience, and I am sure that he is not a liar. However, not everyone is as honest. In exempli- somebody steals a Braun D9525 electric toothbrush from a nearby retail store and brings it to Target in an attempt to return. By allowing such hooligans only something within that department, we are preventing shrink- which ultimately returns back to the guest in terms of higher merchandise cost. Their receipt they receive after this exchange explicitly states "No Receipt Indicated", which comes full circle to our policy of No Receipt Exchanges. While it may seem unfair to the HONEST consumer, the DISHONEST consumer is prevented from even further maliciouly cheating the business and thereby being unfair to the HONEST consumer. It appears to me that the issue of human honesty is at stake here, far more than that of corporate policy.


Nick

Hollywood,
California,
U.S.A.
Get a gift receipt

#12Consumer Suggestion

Thu, April 27, 2006

If you're going to go to ANY retailer to purchase a gift, get a gift receipt. That way, if someone has to take it back, they have something to present. Most places do NOT put the dollar amount on the "gift receipt", which wouldn't matter anyway until the transaction was happening. While these are not always available at the normal checkout lines (maybe they are), they FOR SURE would be available at the jewelry department and other "pod registers" around the store. Just an idea.


Lisa

KEARNEY,
Missouri,
U.S.A.
It's not the 90 day, it's the buying in the same dept

#13Consumer Comment

Wed, April 26, 2006

I think everyone is not listening to the original sender, its not the 90 no receipt thing that grips you its the have to buy something from the same department that is a crock. I purchased a necklass, within 2 weeks took it back, lost my receipt, the C.S told me now 50% off, have to purchase from same dept. Found some sunglass for 5.99, thats all they would give me, went back to C.S. different employee, told her that was all I could find at that price, she asked me why, told her no receipt, she asked 'DID YOU PAY BY CHECK OR CREDIT CARD? ** TARGET DOSEN'T PRINT THAT ON THEIR RECEIPTS**** told her mater of fact yes I did, she was able to trace it and was able to give me casholoa back SO WHEN YOU SHOP AT TARGET, PAY BY DEBIT OR CHECK ONLY THAT WAY THEY CAN TRACE YOUR TRANSACTION. THATS NOT PRINTED ANYWHERE THAT I CAN SEE. As far as gift purchase for someone, go to different store that honors returns as gifts


Lisa

KEARNEY,
Missouri,
U.S.A.
It's not the 90 day, it's the buying in the same dept

#14Consumer Comment

Wed, April 26, 2006

I think everyone is not listening to the original sender, its not the 90 no receipt thing that grips you its the have to buy something from the same department that is a crock. I purchased a necklass, within 2 weeks took it back, lost my receipt, the C.S told me now 50% off, have to purchase from same dept. Found some sunglass for 5.99, thats all they would give me, went back to C.S. different employee, told her that was all I could find at that price, she asked me why, told her no receipt, she asked 'DID YOU PAY BY CHECK OR CREDIT CARD? ** TARGET DOSEN'T PRINT THAT ON THEIR RECEIPTS**** told her mater of fact yes I did, she was able to trace it and was able to give me casholoa back SO WHEN YOU SHOP AT TARGET, PAY BY DEBIT OR CHECK ONLY THAT WAY THEY CAN TRACE YOUR TRANSACTION. THATS NOT PRINTED ANYWHERE THAT I CAN SEE. As far as gift purchase for someone, go to different store that honors returns as gifts


Lisa

KEARNEY,
Missouri,
U.S.A.
It's not the 90 day, it's the buying in the same dept

#15Consumer Comment

Wed, April 26, 2006

I think everyone is not listening to the original sender, its not the 90 no receipt thing that grips you its the have to buy something from the same department that is a crock. I purchased a necklass, within 2 weeks took it back, lost my receipt, the C.S told me now 50% off, have to purchase from same dept. Found some sunglass for 5.99, thats all they would give me, went back to C.S. different employee, told her that was all I could find at that price, she asked me why, told her no receipt, she asked 'DID YOU PAY BY CHECK OR CREDIT CARD? ** TARGET DOSEN'T PRINT THAT ON THEIR RECEIPTS**** told her mater of fact yes I did, she was able to trace it and was able to give me casholoa back SO WHEN YOU SHOP AT TARGET, PAY BY DEBIT OR CHECK ONLY THAT WAY THEY CAN TRACE YOUR TRANSACTION. THATS NOT PRINTED ANYWHERE THAT I CAN SEE. As far as gift purchase for someone, go to different store that honors returns as gifts


Lisa

KEARNEY,
Missouri,
U.S.A.
It's not the 90 day, it's the buying in the same dept

#16Consumer Comment

Wed, April 26, 2006

I think everyone is not listening to the original sender, its not the 90 no receipt thing that grips you its the have to buy something from the same department that is a crock. I purchased a necklass, within 2 weeks took it back, lost my receipt, the C.S told me now 50% off, have to purchase from same dept. Found some sunglass for 5.99, thats all they would give me, went back to C.S. different employee, told her that was all I could find at that price, she asked me why, told her no receipt, she asked 'DID YOU PAY BY CHECK OR CREDIT CARD? ** TARGET DOSEN'T PRINT THAT ON THEIR RECEIPTS**** told her mater of fact yes I did, she was able to trace it and was able to give me casholoa back SO WHEN YOU SHOP AT TARGET, PAY BY DEBIT OR CHECK ONLY THAT WAY THEY CAN TRACE YOUR TRANSACTION. THATS NOT PRINTED ANYWHERE THAT I CAN SEE. As far as gift purchase for someone, go to different store that honors returns as gifts


Dodie

Mesa,
Arizona,
U.S.A.
Of Course It Is All About The Money..It Is A Business!!

#17Consumer Comment

Tue, April 25, 2006

I don't know of ANY place that will let you just walk in and get cash back..for whatever you say you paid for an item...and in any time frame that is convenient for you. Everyone knows that you have to have a receipt to get the full purchase price and cash back and you have to do it pretty much as soon as you realize you don't like the gift. That is anywhere..not just Target. If you did not have to prove what you paid originally..You could make a fortune buying stuff on sale. Then claiming that you bought it before it went on sale and then lost your receipt. There has to be some kind of policy in place to pritect the business..which is after all, there to make money. It is not just a Target thing..Everyone who owns a business wants to make money. I do know that Target is not a corporate giant that is unconcerned with anything but the next buck..If you want to know this too..go to Targethouse.com This is just one way that Target gives back to the community. My daughter and I lived there for 18 months while she was being treated for cancer at St. Jude. Enforcing company policy is not bad customer service..it' good business.


Nick

Hollywood,
California,
U.S.A.
Target/Walmart Argument

#18Consumer Suggestion

Wed, April 05, 2006

Here we go again - another "my retailer rulz, and yours is the suxors" argument. Tabitha said: Just so you know, I worked at Walmart years ago.. and now I won't even set foot in their stores. They treat not only their employees like crap, but their customers worse. They don't care one iota about you! Just your money! Right. Target profits off your loyalty, good cheer and friendly smiles. C'mon, at the end of the day, it's about money. You certainly didn't think it was just building "teamwork" with a bunch of high school graduates, did you? I've returned quite a few items in the past year to Wal-Mart, and only one to Target. Guess which one gave me the most headache, runaround and inconvenience? Seriously. Take a guess.


Andie

Eureka,
California,
U.S.A.
All and sundry....

#19UPDATE Employee

Tue, January 17, 2006

The same-department rule is also in place for the same reason that Target employees are instructed to ask every guest "Can I help you find something?": thieves hate attention. A guest who is looking for an item to exchange in a particular department is fairly easy to spot; they're holding a suspended-transaction reciept. This may prompt an employee to pay more attention to them, as they may need or want additional help. Plus, if an individual returns a large number of unusual items (such as batteries) in a short period of time, an employee may mentally 'flag' them as suspicious. I've had several chances to talk with our Assets Protecton team lead (security) about dealing with suspicious guests. At our store, we are instructed to never accuse a guest of wrongdoing and to treat each guest as innocent until they do something that makes us think otherwise. In reality, though, we are all human and we all make mistakes. I also wanted to address the person who says that the Target employees who have responded to this have been rude. It's all venting. When I'm at home with my boyfriend, or hanging out at a friend's house, or chatting it up online, I take time to vent. I swear, make sarcastic comments, and generally say whatever is on my mind. Why? Because when I'm at work, I censor myself. Heavily. I will respect a guest as long as they behave themselves like civilized people. Remember, I will always, ALWAYS treat you with due respect to your face, but if you leave a $44 electric toothbrush on our guest services counter in a huff, you will become the break room's favorite 'idiot guest' story.


Shika

Sacramento,
California,
U.S.A.
The answer to this question

#20UPDATE Employee

Wed, December 28, 2005

For example, I have a relative who used to always give me clothes in the wrong size. Let's say I get an outfit from Target. It doesn't fit, so I take it back for an exchange. I get to the clothing department - and there's nothing in my size. So I am supposed to exchange my outfit for another one that doesn't fit? That doesn't make sense. The best way to explain it is an example: A thief steals a 2 crest white strips, each about 25 dollars. They're small and easy to conceal. What they want is a stroller from the infants section. If we gave store credit in any department a person could steal enough to pay for a the item they want. Unfortunately honest and well meaning customer pay the price for the crooks. As an employee it is not my job to like the policy only to interpet and enforce it. There are times that I wish that could go against the policy but like it has been stated sometimes the computers just want let us. Its not that we are brain washed its that we hear the same complaints over and over that most employees in guest service go to automatic response. if any question ask, I have enjoyed reading this. I work at the Target in sac, ca


P

South Carolina,
South Carolina,
U.S.A.
Target / Wal Mart all the same

#21Consumer Comment

Fri, November 18, 2005

Both stores need a 101 course in customer service. I bet if we the people would take our money else where and the business start to show a loss in profit they will start getting rid of rude employees to include managers.


Dee

Anytown,
North Carolina,
U.S.A.
Back to the original report-

#22Consumer Comment

Fri, November 18, 2005

I read all the rebuttals, and I still have a question. One person said that they were going to answer this, but I still don't understand. Why would a customer have to exchange merchandise for items in the exact same department? For example, I have a relative who used to always give me clothes in the wrong size. Let's say I get an outfit from Target. It doesn't fit, so I take it back for an exchange. I get to the clothing department - and there's nothing in my size. So I am supposed to exchange my outfit for another one that doesn't fit? That doesn't make sense. The only explanation I saw said that a thief would not want to exchange an item for another in the same department. Is there any data to back this up? Also, this operates on the assumption that all customers are thieves. Personally, I keep my receipts and very rarely have to return anything from retail stores. Usually if I have a return or exchange, it's a mail order item that either is defective or doesn't fit - and even that does not happen often. If another person sends me a present by Amazon or the like, there is always a gift receipt in the container. However, a wrapped gift given in person is not likely to have a gift receipt in it. For the record, I rarely shop at Target because most of the time they don't have the merchandise I'm looking for. Wal-Mart tends to get too crowded so I go there as little as possible. If someone could explain the logic behind the "same department" policy, I'd appreciate it. Thanks.


Michael

Tampa,
Florida,
U.S.A.
People, PEOPLE!

#23UPDATE Employee

Mon, November 14, 2005

I am a Guest Service Team Member at a Target store in Tampa,FL. Working behind the service desk quite frequently, I am familiar with two signs that are CLEARLY posted on the wall near the desk: 1. A sign stating: "A receipt dated within 90 days is required for all refunds and exchanges." Simple enough right? Right. Another thing I am very familiar with is a little policy we at Target like to call the "SAME ITEM ONLY IF OPENED" policy. This policy is stated on all receipts under any electronic devices purchased. Hint Hint: the whole reason we are having this discussion is over this policy. If you had no use for the toothbrush, why did you open it? You stated that it was UNUSED but OPENED. Hmm.... If Target stuck to their policy, you would have gone home with the same item ONLY. Instead, they were nice enough to try and understand your situation(for what reason I will never comprehend) and offer you any item from the same department. So technically, SIR, you were given the chance to get something of a greater value when in all honesty you should have walked away with the same item. Instead, you let your stubborn side get the best of you, and you left empty handed. Your loss, and you deserved it.


Brian

Need My Personal Info,
Iowa,
U.S.A.
Senseless

#24Consumer Comment

Mon, October 31, 2005

Why do people have such a problem with RULES? Like, when you sign a loan car loan to pay $X per month or else we repo your car, you get mad at the repo man when they finally come. Or when you try to return an item to Target, outside of the return policy, and you get offered a very nice compromise, and instead prefer to tell some manager to shove it. You could have had at lease some money to spend in the Pharmacy department, but you got pissy and decided to stick it to Target. Good job, Target is running scared. At least around here, Target is the best department store around. It's the cleanest, has the best employees, and carries the highest quality merchandise. I've never had a problem returning anything to Target when I had my receipt, and within 90 days. Anyone who doesn't understand these rules is just pissy, and puts up a Ripoff Report just because they can. Now, if Target is refusing returns which should fall within their return policy, that's news. Then you can come here and put up a Ripoff Report (though you'd be much better off writing a letter to the store manager, CCing the corporate offices, than posting here).


Sherry

Highlands Ranch,
Colorado,
U.S.A.
Don't Kill the Messenger!

#25UPDATE Employee

Thu, October 20, 2005

I work the Guest Service desk at a Target store and it drives me crazy how people will point their fingers at me and say that I am wrong and that I have to make an exception. I'm a college student trying to make a living while getting my education so I can get a better job. I can't help what Target tells me what I can and can't do. If I don't listen to what Target says, I'm out of a job. So don't expect an exception out of me. It is the same for the managers of the store also! If people are upset about not being able to return something or not getting full credit for it etc. etc. Then go take it up with the corporation! There is a reason why there are guest comment cards and 1-800 numbers!!


Tabatha

Carrollton,
Texas,
U.S.A.
Which side?

#26UPDATE Employee

Fri, August 26, 2005

Ahh, we have the employees, the target shoppers, and the target haters all bundled together trying to be right. I won't say much because it's probably been said a few times over on this discussion. But, I will comment on those saying you'll take your shopping to Walmart. Just so you know, I worked at Walmart years ago.. and now I won't even set foot in their stores. They treat not only their employees like crap, but their customers worse. They don't care one iota about you! Just your money!


Jenifer

Portland,
Oregon,
U.S.A.
Target is AWESOME!!!!

#27Consumer Suggestion

Wed, August 17, 2005

I have never ever had a problem returning ANYTHING to Target!! I always use my debit card to purchase items, so returning is a snap if it needs to be done...my debit card is cross-referenced to the item being returned. Without a physical receipt, they know when it was purchased and how much I paid. Heck, a few months back, I got home and looked at my receipt and realized not only had the cashier charged me twice for an item, she never pulled the $2 off coupon from the merchandise...i came back in, and they had no problems whatsoever giving me the credit for the 2nd piece of merchandise plus the $2...Maybe it's different in different parts of the country, but here in Oregon, I think they are doing a GREAT job!!!!


A.

Greenacres,
Florida,
U.S.A.
Gift Receipt Not Always Given If You Need More Than 1

#28Consumer Comment

Wed, August 17, 2005

Although Target is known for being one of the only retail store chains that automatically print out Gift Receipts, often times they can only print out 1 receipt per transaction. Last Christmas, I bought majority of the gifts we were giving from Target--I love their merchandise and have never had a problem with any of them. I had purchased 10-15 different things, and when I went to pay for them, I specificaclly told the cashier that I needed 12 gift receipts for the items I was giving to friends who may or may not like the gift. She said that was fine. I paid for the stuff and prepared myself to wait for the gift receipts--only 1 printed out. When I asked her why only one printed out when I asked her to give me 12, she just sighed--making it seem like I was a bad customer for actually wanting my gift receipts--she pointed to the guest relations desk and suggested that if I really wanted the receipts I would go there and have them to it for me. So I went over there, and low and behold, the assoicate told me that she didn't understand why the cashier just didn't press the button to request for more gift receipts to be printed! But she was kind enough to print the other 11 I needed. So, yes, Target does print out the Gift REceipts--but just make sure you are adamant about having the cashiers do their job and press the button if you need more than one. Or else, if your friend (or whoever you give the gifts to) will have a nightmare of a time trying to return the stuff.


Mario

San Antonio,
Texas,
U.S.A.
we're all smart enough to stop going back to a place we are unhappy with

#29UPDATE EX-employee responds

Sun, June 05, 2005

this should be the last post even though it wont be. 1. if you don't like the service, just don't go. 2. don't push your dislike on everybody else. we can all decide for ourselves based on our own experiences. every american is free to decide where they want to shop. we're all smart enough to stop going back to a place we are unhappy with, aren't we?


Casey

Grand Forks,
North Dakota,
U.S.A.
Wow! You agree to all policies (even return policies) when you purchase something from any store.

#30UPDATE Employee

Sat, June 04, 2005

If you do not like Target's return policy, don't shop there! It's as easy as that! And for James: Target IS responsible for the items it sells for 90 days after the item was puchased; after the 90 days the customer has to go through the manufacturer if they want anything else. Again, if you do not like Target's return policy, stay out of Target and do everyone a favor.


Steven

Jacksonville,
Florida,
U.S.A.
It's called running a business

#31Consumer Comment

Tue, May 10, 2005

I have been a business owner for fourteen years now. Target is a business for profit. They are right for setting guidelines on returns. That way everyone gets the same treatment. Customer service personnel have no reason to be nasty, but they do have a written policy on returns. Customers may or may not read the policy. The fact is the policy is there whether you agree with it or not. Customers have complete control over where they shop, if you don't agree with a store policy, go somewhere else. I think if the people who have made complaints knew more about the inner working of a business (I.E. profits and loss, credits and damages) would most likely agree with Targets policy on returns. I myself prefer Wal-mart and K-mart over Target. Not based on return policy but price and availibility of products. Target never seems to have anything I want. I have returned a couple items w/out receipts and was happy to at least get store credit. There are a lot of places I have been to which will not allow returns without a receipt. Bottom line is you have the final say in what happens, don't shop there.


James

New York,
New York,
U.S.A.
So many incorrect statements. Where do I begin:

#32Consumer Comment

Sun, March 20, 2005

Kirstene, I had to postpone replying to you until after I quit laughing. Rarely have I seen someone supposedly "in the business" expose their total lack of knowledge as you have. Frankly, you have just proven that you are either a fraud, or you are completely uninformed and incompetent. Let's take your rebuttal apart, one issue at a time. You stated: "The real issue is, in this case, the return policy." OK, here's theirs: "Our products are guaranteed to give 100% satisfaction in every way. Return anything purchased from us at any time if it proves otherwise. We do not want you to have anything from L.L.Bean that is not completely satisfactory." You stated: "And as for your comment about LL Bean,they are a manufacturer. That is why, in case you were wondering, their logo, LL Bean is on almost every product you buy from there." LOL! Did you truly believe this? That there are elves or something making all these products every night? The fact is thay make less than 5% of their own products. From the LL Bean website: "Products - More than 19,000 different items are offered in the L.L.Bean catalogs, Web site and stores. Approximately 90% of these carry the L.L.Bean label. Our manufacturing facility, located in Brunswick, Maine, employs more than 250 people. Approximately 300 products are manufactured at this facility, accounting for over $65 million in net sales in 2003. Clothing - Our Fit Specifications Team works with our ==> manufacturers around the world <== to ensure consistent L.L.Bean sizing. We are committed to working with our suppliers on a continual improvement basis to ensure that our policies promote sustainable management of natural resources." You state: "Which brings me back to my last point. If you have a problem with the product, go back to the manufacturer you will see more results." Completely and utterly wrong again. YOU accepted the consumer's money, not the manufacturer. That makes YOU the manufacturer's agent and YOU are responsible. Hopefully your legal team can explain that concept in simple terms you will understand. Maybe some pictures would help? Wal Mart and Meijer sell food. So if I have a problem there, should they send me to the farmer? You stated: "This is about return policy, not your opinion on our product." Fair enough, your policy is far more restrictive and far below the discount retail industry standard of Wal-Mart, Meijer, etc. More specifically, it sucks. You close by stating: "So unless you have something intelligent to say next time, you probably shouldn't post on this topic." LOL! There are so many, many things I could say here. But in trying to keep the discussion semi-civil, I will only say that your rebuttal is so horribly wrong, that I actually felt embarassed for you after I quit laughing. You have neither the experience nor intellect to understand the industry you are supposeld in - to wit: your assumption that anything with a given label on it was made by that company is one of the funniest things I have read in years. There are millions of people in the electronics field that are going to be amazed by this revelation! Kirstene - did you even notice that those TVs you sell look alike? Hell, some are identical, just different labels. So, by some amazing coincidence, different companies have built the same TV! Furthermore, by your (il)logic, Sears must build all of their products as well, right? Never mind that they are identical to some found in Lowe's, Home Depot, Target, etc. Another amazing coincidence! Good Lord, who knew ?? ROTFLMAO! I'm sorry, but I have to restate my opinion from the opening paragraph. Truly, you are either a fraud and have never spent a day in retail, or you are completely uninformed and incompetent. If you are actually in the business, God help your customers, your peers and especially the people in your management. They are going to need it - once they quit laughing. Oh, and thanks for completely avoiding the point that 80% of your losses come from YOUR employees, not the consumer. Gotta go get my Starbucks fix now. While I'm there, I think I'll ask them how the hell they find the space to grow their coffee here on 5th Avenue. I mean....."in case you were wondering, their logo, Starbucks is on almost every product you buy from there"....so obviously they must have one hell of a greenhouse back there somewhere, right? Thanks for starting my day off with a great laugh!


Kirstene

Port Ewen,
New York,
U.S.A.
We are a store, if you want to buy goods from us then follow the rules.

#33UPDATE Employee

Sat, March 19, 2005

James....Thank you for taking what I said and totally jumping around the real issue. The real issue is, in this case, the return policy. We are a store, if you want to buy goods from us then follow the rules. It doesn't take a rocket scientist. If you do not like it take your business elsewhere...we have plenty of loyal guests that shop here everyday and know that 90 days is 90 days. Plain and simple. And as for your comment about LL Bean,they are a manufacturer. That is why, in case you were wondering, their logo, LL Bean is on almost every product you buy from there. Which brings me back to my last point. If you have a problem with the product, go back to the manufacturer you will see more results. And as for you James, your opinions about whether you consider Target a trendy discount store are childish and not needed in this forum. This is about return policy, not your opinion on our product. So unless you have something intelligent to say next time, you probably shouldn't post on this topic.


James

New York,
New York,
U.S.A.
Target is "trendy" ??? Oh my God....

#34Consumer Comment

Sat, March 19, 2005

This just in, what was first thought to be an earthquake has been found to be the Gap, A&F, and Banana Republic shaking in their collective boots over the large market share that Target has in the "trendy" fashion niche. In addition, their famous "Cherokee" brand of clothing has been found superior to both Polo and Tommy. Trendy.....riiiiight.....sure..... If you are truly a manager, perhaps you will address Ukiah's assertions (which are correct, by the way) regarding employee theft versus return policies and consumer stealing. Furthermore, you can address this: if return policies are the problem, why does LL Bean take back any of their products, regardless of elapsed time? How have they become the premier catalog retailer if returns are that costly? Why do people (like me) go there first and foremost ? And please spare me the usual rhetoric "they charge more, they can afford to". On the contrary, when you sell QUALITY goods, you can afford to. Target is nothing more than K-Mart with fresh paint - and not even "trendy" paint at that. Face it, being on the high end of discount low-price retailing is hardly something to celebrate. Finally, I noticed someone from Lexington KY posted here. Get them to tell you what Meijer has done to Target's market share. It's not good news. "Trendy" is not doing well in Lexington....


Kirstene

Port Ewen,
New York,
U.S.A.
Listen Up. I happen to be one of those "machine managers" at Target.

#35UPDATE Employee

Sat, March 19, 2005

I was hired by Target Corporation to uphold thier business standards. We are not just some joe schmoe mom and pop store where we can bend the rules anyway we want. It just doesn't work that way. We are not Wal-Mart who takes back any product from any store regardless. I guess that explains their cheap labor, crappy benefits and high turn over...oh yea not to mention their product is crap because they use the cheapest resources and labor to produce them. 90 Day...3 MONTHS, in three months you cannot tell me that you are so purplexed that you can't decided whether the item is somethign you do or do not want. The one responder is right...we are a trendy retailer...our product comes and goes with the trend, if you do not have your reciept and you have a problem with you product go straight to the horse's mouth..the manufacturer! I know that means taking time out of your busy lives but if enough people return a certain item because it is faulty they are going to try and make a better product! And more times than not when you return through the manufacturer, they send you a brand new and sometimes better product for FREE! Ok and one more comment, we post our return policy at the registers, on the back of the reciept and at the service desk. If you can't take two seconds to read either of the three signs maybe you shouldn't be shopping their. And if you are buying a gift...get a gift reciept! You can't always get something for nothing, take responsibility for yourself, don't push it on retailers who try to make quality products for their guests and great work environments for their employees.


Matt

Chicago,
Illinois,
U.S.A.
Worker Bees You Are Missing The Point !!!!

#36Consumer Comment

Tue, March 15, 2005

I love how all the Service Desk employees are so quick to point out that the return policy is posted here and there and on the receipts an so on. This does not make Target's policy the right thing to do for the Company. They say Target allows you to get a same day merchandise credit that you may use in the same department. The reason they do this is because Target makes more of a profit on merchandise such as clothing and wants to retain their profit. This is not consumer friendly because people may not have the time to search for an item that day and may not need, or find an item in the particular department of the return, that they wish to purchase. The idea that if you don't like our policy shop somewhere else is the same thing that the workers of Venture and many KMart stores which are no longer in business once said. I had the same things said to me at Target when I was returning a few items that my daughter received for her birthday which did not fit. The Manager went so far as to say that other stores such as Best Buy have similar policies. To which I responded "I have not shopped at Best Buy for over three years because of their return policy!" Target listen up ... you didn't give me a store credit for $20 or so which I could have come back to your store on a later date to spend in your store.(Do you get it, you still keep my money and I may lose the d**n credit or not use it before it expires). Because of that I will not shop at your store for my weekly purchases which average $80 or so on a weekly basis. Nor will I use your Pharmacy for my family, our monthly pharmacy purchase including my Imitrex prescription totals $500 a month on average. Lets see that's $848 a month, $10,171.00 a year. In ten years that comes to $101,710.00 . I will also tell my story to my family and friends. I have two young children who attend school and many extra curricular activities. I will tell many, many people of my disatisfaction with Target. I will tell them that I have never had a problem returning a purchase to Walmart. I will tell them that Walmart gave me cash in return for items I returned with gift receipt and that all Target does is give a credit with gift receipt regardless of whether it was purchased with cash! The Executives in charge of Target are only interested in profit margin, if they continue to irritate their customers by trying to retain every penny of their precious margin then you worker bees will be out of a job. In summary a poor Return Policy which will not allow a gift card or merchandise credit, which can be used on a later date, may just tick off enough people who try to return insignificant items for a simple credit, and Target will continue to lose their customer base. "But the return policy is posted..." You just don't get it ... and you never will! Good-Bye Target!


J

Dallas,
Texas,
U.S.A.
Maybe they're nicer in Texas

#37Consumer Suggestion

Sun, February 13, 2005

First, I've returned two idems at Target, with reciet, and it was very smooth. No problems at all. The first time i got a store credit and the second I got cash. Because I work in retail (11 years), i know the importance of reading the return policy. If I don't have a reciet, I wouldn't even think of trying to return something. I also agree with to poster who said that we, retail employees, cannot tell the crooks form non-crooks, by looking. We had to change our policy regarding purchases made by checks because of a group of crooks who hit 6 stores in one day, using bogus checs. I worked at a book store where a customer was using us as a reading library. He's buy books, read them,fold them in his pocket, then return them. Our return policy was very liberal, aside-Barnes and Nobles bought the company-good bye liberal return policy. Where I work now, we constantley have people trying to return items they haven't purchased. We buy used books and A LOT of people steal from other stores and try to seel them to us. We've had people make cpoies of reciets or alter them to show payments with cash as opposied to the store credit orginally used. Them try to return for cash (I caught someone doing this) Working in retail, I now the customer isn't always right. I've caught too may people trying to scam and steal to believe that.


Steve

Cincinnati,
Ohio,
U.S.A.
My experience.....

#38Consumer Suggestion

Fri, February 11, 2005

........was two years ago, returning my mother-in-law's Christmas gift to a Cincinnati Target store. The shoes were purchased from a Target in Indianapolis. Even though we had the actual Target receipt, they would not take it back because the SKU was not in their system...in Cincinnati! Needless to say, we had to send it back to Indy so my sister-in-law could return it. That was always been in the back of my mind, so Target would always be the last place we shop......just in case any other "strange" scenario could occur, and we made the mistake of not anticipating it!


Joe

Lexington,
Kentucky,
U.S.A.
Get real people

#39Consumer Comment

Fri, February 11, 2005

Seems people have spent a lot of time bashing this policy and that policy. He's a theif, she's a theif. It is business, retailers do these things so they can stay in business. All retailers have to pay bills, electric, water, gas, employees, sometimes rent, insurance, merchandise, ect. When it is all said and done they make about 3-5 cents on the dollar. That is not much, every dollar counts. Even more so now that items are being sold so close to cost to stay competitive. Excessive returns cut profit, they sometimes have to be marked down to resell. People given more back then you paid. Not everyone is honest Abe. You all will soon see ALL retailers will adapt return policys to be much more strict. This just means we all need to be smarter consumers. Buy what we need, try it on before you buy it. Research major purchases. If your first question is "what is the return policy" maybe you need to rethink your purchase. And to all you people who keep saying "i'll go to Walmart", "walmart is sooooo great You have GOT to be kidding me!!!! If you like long lines, longer waits. Dirty, messy stores. Support small business. Do your shopping at a couple of stores. You know our parents and grandparents did it and survived. Varrity is good, it is good for compatition. Is it all really worth the quarter you saved on that can of Folgers Crystals? And before you all try to attack me...No I do not work for any of these stores. ps...90 days is a long time to get to make a return, 3 months, that is two thousand one hundred and sixty hours, you most likely have eaten 270 times. ***KEEP YOUR RECEIPT***


Shirley

Delaware,
Ohio,
U.S.A.
returns

#40Consumer Comment

Wed, January 19, 2005

I work for a retailer that going to change their return policy this spring. The policy going to change to be almost like Targets. I know this going to upset many customers but we have to inforce what corp. says. I see this happening in other retailer too. It just a fact of life save your receipts and makes returns easier for everyone(or gift receipt).


Stephanie

Coeur D'Alene,
Idaho,
U.S.A.
WOW Folks!

#41Consumer Comment

Sat, January 15, 2005

Holy Cow~ there are a lot of comments here! It's absolutely a debate that will never be won by either side. From what I'm seeing, one side feels a company sets a policy that is written on receipts and on a huge sign in the store - and that policy should be adhered to by employees and customers. The other side feels the policy doesn't matter, that the customer - even if he/she is a crook - should be able to circumvent it to get what they want. It appears the second side expects Target employees to recognize theives and dishonest people on site. Maybe these employees should be working for the FBI or CIA if they have these skills. It is so unfortunate that a few bad apples spoil the bunch. Hmmm... that cliche has been around a long time, suggesting bad apples have been spoiling things for others for many, many, many years. It is disappointing when a good, honest person with extenuating circumstances needs to return something without a receipt or after 90 days and finds they, too, are affected by the Store Policy. But, we go back to the lack of abililty on the employee's part to be able to recognize a crook. So, what's a company to do? It needs to be fair and non-discriminating. The Politically Correct Police would have a field day if it wasn't! So, the corporate office of the company decides that 90 days is more than enough time for someone to return an item they don't need/want. But what if they don't have a receipt???? How will the company know what the customer paid or even if that item was purchased from their store/chain??? They won't, but they will allow the customer to exchange the item (for the current selling price) for something at equal or greater value. EVEN IF THE CUSTOMER BOUGHT THE WIDGET AT WAL-MART FOR LESS!!! So - a well versed crook could go to another store, buy an item that is on sale and take it back to Target where it is currently selling for more. They could then use the Target store credit to buy another item that is currently on sale at Target - in effect, saving themselves (stealing) a nice chunk of change. It seems the whole problem with these policies is there are too many dishonest people out there. The policies wouldn't have been written if there had never been a problem. Simple.


Suze

San Francsico,
California,
U.S.A.
Wow, Target Employees Suck

#42Consumer Comment

Thu, January 13, 2005

I can't believe how rude you all are. I have worked in retail (including customer service)and been frustrated by rude customers, but the constant whining about people being too stupid or lazy to read the back of the receipt...too much. Target has one of the worst return policies on the face of the earth. That's the fact. It's not due to people not being informed, nor to laziness or stupidity, it is the company. After being screwed over once (and I took it well, didn't throw a fit, it's their policy), I simply don't shop there anymore. Most of the stuff there is crap anyway unless you are trying to decorate a dorm room (yeah, I'm well past that). Wal-mart did a study that showed if a customer stopped shopping there due to a bad experience they would lose $200,000 in sales over the course of that person's lifetime. Target needs to take studies like this into account before they train their customer no-service employees to be rude little pit bulls. When I worked in customer service, I felt bad for the people I couldn't help. I didn't blame them for being idiots or accuse them of stealing. What a bunch of whiners you are.


Ukiah

New York,
New York,
U.S.A.
Paul isn't kidding - he's simply wrong

#43Consumer Comment

Thu, January 13, 2005

Paul states: "Don't blame the store. Blame the d**n crooks. " The store IS the crook !!! Get a clue here Paul. For every dollar a store loses to a shoplifter, they lose $4 to employee theft. EIGHTY PERCENT of shrinkage is internal, not due to false returns and consumer fraud. How do their front desk policies address this? Please explain. Clearly they do not, they merely inconvenience the customer. When Target gets its own house in order, maybe then they can have their way with the public. Till then, screw 'em. As to the other post, I have to laugh at anyone who is too busy to elaborate, because it's Friday night. Must have a tightly packed social calendar when the high point of your Friday night is posting here. Rock on!


Lyb

Midland,
Michigan,
U.S.A.
Blame the corporate policy makers, not the worker ants

#44Consumer Comment

Thu, January 13, 2005

I would like to say to everyone who has or will be complaining about Target's policy, "Blame the corporate policy makers for their decisions, not the drones." Everyone who has ever had a horrendous experience with Target return/echange policy needs to understand that the corporate office doesn't trust ANYONE, including their own people. I know of no other organization that will not allow store management any decision making abilities. I was personally told by the store manager in Midland MI that she had on authority to allow me to make an exchange because I wanted to exhange a stuffed Dora doll(which they told me was considered a 'pillow') for a different toy. Since their books showed it as an item from the home improvement department, that was where I would have to do my exchange. I tried to explain that an 18 month old girl really wasn't into home improvement, but they are totally powerless. So I say again, it's pretty obvious, Target really doesn't trust anyone--whether they work for them or shop(ped) there.


Lyb

Midland,
Michigan,
U.S.A.
Blame the corporate policy makers, not the worker ants

#45Consumer Comment

Thu, January 13, 2005

I would like to say to everyone who has or will be complaining about Target's policy, "Blame the corporate policy makers for their decisions, not the drones." Everyone who has ever had a horrendous experience with Target return/echange policy needs to understand that the corporate office doesn't trust ANYONE, including their own people. I know of no other organization that will not allow store management any decision making abilities. I was personally told by the store manager in Midland MI that she had on authority to allow me to make an exchange because I wanted to exhange a stuffed Dora doll(which they told me was considered a 'pillow') for a different toy. Since their books showed it as an item from the home improvement department, that was where I would have to do my exchange. I tried to explain that an 18 month old girl really wasn't into home improvement, but they are totally powerless. So I say again, it's pretty obvious, Target really doesn't trust anyone--whether they work for them or shop(ped) there.


Lyb

Midland,
Michigan,
U.S.A.
Blame the corporate policy makers, not the worker ants

#46Consumer Comment

Thu, January 13, 2005

I would like to say to everyone who has or will be complaining about Target's policy, "Blame the corporate policy makers for their decisions, not the drones." Everyone who has ever had a horrendous experience with Target return/echange policy needs to understand that the corporate office doesn't trust ANYONE, including their own people. I know of no other organization that will not allow store management any decision making abilities. I was personally told by the store manager in Midland MI that she had on authority to allow me to make an exchange because I wanted to exhange a stuffed Dora doll(which they told me was considered a 'pillow') for a different toy. Since their books showed it as an item from the home improvement department, that was where I would have to do my exchange. I tried to explain that an 18 month old girl really wasn't into home improvement, but they are totally powerless. So I say again, it's pretty obvious, Target really doesn't trust anyone--whether they work for them or shop(ped) there.


Paul

Anaheim,
California,
U.S.A.
Shoplifters made stores what they are!

#47Consumer Suggestion

Sun, January 09, 2005

Target, like many other stores, do these things because of fraud! They'd like to believe you! They'd like to have you tell them what you paid, and give you that amount back! Unfortunately, a large amount of fraud can put a store out of business in a hurry. So, everything they do is to guard against that. The shoplifters have screwed up your store and caused you higher prices! It's not bad enough that average people slip small, expensive items into their pockets. That adds up fast. But, sophisticated rings of shoplifters use computers now. They make fake checks on their computer. They make their own fake IDs to go with them. People can program stolen credit cards with read/write magnetic strip recorders. Hell, some frauds even make their own receipts now! All they need is the little receipt printer that the store uses. Steal a roll of paper, and you're in business! Shoplifting? Not anymore! Today's thieves make their own bar codes to put on items. Why shoplift when you can get a $300 item for $29.99? All you need is the right bar code. Hell, I've actually seen the d**n crooks trying to steal the bar code readers that people use for inventory control. You think I'm kidding? Sophisticated frauds actually used the WIFI network to break into the computer system of a major retailer and download a program to steal customer credit cards. Luckily, it was found and the crooks caught before they could actually use the card numbers. You have no idea what the store has to put up with! These are just some of the more common things that all the crooks already know about. There are tons of new frauds that just came out. Guess what stores make on a $4.99 item? Now, add up how many things they have to sell in order to cover a $100 loss because of theft! So, for all you honest people who just want a simple return or exchange, put yourself in the store's position for one minute. They have no idea who you are or where your item came from. Yet, they still try to offer you something. It's the best they can do, under the circumstances. Don't blame the store. Blame the d**n crooks. That's what caused this problem in the first place!


April

Waldorf,
Maryland,
U.S.A.
What a racist

#48Consumer Suggestion

Sat, January 08, 2005

Audra, I think you've proven everyone elses point by opening you pathetic mouth. Anyone stupid enough to use racist comments about anyone or any store needs to get a real life before deciding they're better than anyone else. I got news for you; business's stay around who believe in the "customer is always right" rule of thumb. That's what makes a business grow into a large corporation. Not the BS used by WalMart and Target, especially Target. After their spotting on every news station across the US for their lack of compassion for charities already leaves little to be desired by Target. Haven't you noticed, on Christmas Eve, you couldn't move to get into any "real" store, except Target. They had plenty of parking spaces available. WalMart did not. "Trashy" people are not based on their race, but the stupidity coming from them. You showed people the true meaning of such. Congrats'


Audra

Evansville,
Indiana,
U.S.A.
You have to stand for something or you'll fall for anything

#49Consumer Comment

Sat, January 08, 2005

I wish I had the time and the inclination to go through every response but I have to work Monday morning and it is Friday night. The people supporting Target are right on, the others need to make some changes. First of all this "The customer is always right" is complete crap. Second, if the people buying your gifts are getting you electric toothbrushes you need to take them off your list. Target is not at fault because you did not get the list you sent to Santa. Gift receipts would be irrelevant if the anyone put any THOUGHT into their gifts. If Target doesn't want to foot the bill for the Wal Mart mentality (you can screw us, because we are screwing our employees!), more power to them. These aren't even the reasons I shop at Target, I shop there so I don't have to listen to the screaming white trash and wait in line for two hours to buy a toothbrush. Oh, and their cashiers clothing does not have stains or holes. I have to admire ANYONE who has the integrity to stand up to the I DESERVE something for nothing because I am a CONSUMER crowd. There are wonderful things happening from all the information and choices allowed to consumers now, but self righteous-igdination is not on the list.


C

N. Miami Beach,
Florida,
U.S.A.
Sure you live in Woodstock and pigs fly - Admit it you are another Target Shill

#50Author of original report

Sun, December 19, 2004

"This comment is obsurd I live in Woodstock Ga - Target, by far, provides the best customer service of any retail business in the area.- The parking is always convenient, the isles are never messy - If you want to see it, visit the Alpharetta Target on the day after Thanksgiving.- I love Target and would gladly pay more to shop there. - Next time dude... Save your receipt! Curtis - Woodstock GA, Georgia" ---------------------------------------- Next time dude try reading the original post - there was 'no receipt' to save it was a gift. & if you are so in love with the Woodstock Target (and their convenient parking lot)and in fact live in Woodstock then why are you bragging about how great the Alpharetta Target store 19 miles away is? Admit it you are another Target Shill, and you work for the North Point Parkway Target in Alpharetta, you haven't a clue to what stores are even in Woodstock that your Target store is better than and you have no idea that 4 months ago Wally World put up a brand new store about 7 blocks from their old one and that WW beats T every time both on prices AND customer service/returns. See Curtis, just how easy it is to spot a Target Shill! Now go stock some shelves and leave the discussion to grown ups.


Curtis

Woodstock GA,
Georgia,
U.S.A.
This comment is obsurd

#51Consumer Comment

Sat, December 18, 2004

I live in Woodstock Ga and this report is absurd. Target, by far, provides the best customer service of any retail business in the area. The parking is always convenient, the isles are never messy (like Walmart) and the people are nice. But most of all, you always check out quickly. If you want to see it, visit the Alpharetta Target on the day after Thanksgiving. Every register is open. I have never waited more than 3 minutes. I love Target and would gladly pay more to shop there. Even if the return policy is tougher than Walmart. Next time dude... Save your receipt!


Curtis

Woodstock GA,
Georgia,
U.S.A.
This comment is obsurd

#52Consumer Comment

Sat, December 18, 2004

I live in Woodstock Ga and this report is absurd. Target, by far, provides the best customer service of any retail business in the area. The parking is always convenient, the isles are never messy (like Walmart) and the people are nice. But most of all, you always check out quickly. If you want to see it, visit the Alpharetta Target on the day after Thanksgiving. Every register is open. I have never waited more than 3 minutes. I love Target and would gladly pay more to shop there. Even if the return policy is tougher than Walmart. Next time dude... Save your receipt!


Curtis

Woodstock GA,
Georgia,
U.S.A.
This comment is obsurd

#53Consumer Comment

Sat, December 18, 2004

I live in Woodstock Ga and this report is absurd. Target, by far, provides the best customer service of any retail business in the area. The parking is always convenient, the isles are never messy (like Walmart) and the people are nice. But most of all, you always check out quickly. If you want to see it, visit the Alpharetta Target on the day after Thanksgiving. Every register is open. I have never waited more than 3 minutes. I love Target and would gladly pay more to shop there. Even if the return policy is tougher than Walmart. Next time dude... Save your receipt!


Curtis

Woodstock GA,
Georgia,
U.S.A.
This comment is obsurd

#54Consumer Comment

Sat, December 18, 2004

I live in Woodstock Ga and this report is absurd. Target, by far, provides the best customer service of any retail business in the area. The parking is always convenient, the isles are never messy (like Walmart) and the people are nice. But most of all, you always check out quickly. If you want to see it, visit the Alpharetta Target on the day after Thanksgiving. Every register is open. I have never waited more than 3 minutes. I love Target and would gladly pay more to shop there. Even if the return policy is tougher than Walmart. Next time dude... Save your receipt!


C

N. Miami Bch,
Florida,
U.S.A.
Target Stores Ban U. S. Marines & Salvation Army!

#55Consumer Suggestion

Fri, December 03, 2004

In looking at the site www dot dontshopattarget dot com, I noted the below and will copy it for readers here. We all know that the scrooges at Target don't want any kettles taking away money that might be spent in their stores so they banned the Salvation Army, now the California Target stores are anti U.S. Marines. Maybe they would let the Taliban collect toys for terrorists in front of their stores? Target is a crummy store to work for as you can all see at the site www dot target-sucks dot com or any of the many other sites about this chain. ----------------------------- "Target refuses to let Marines collect toys for Toys for Tots program Target refuses to let our U.S. Marines collect toys in front of their stores in California for the Marines Toys for Tots program. We should be disappointed that Target is not more supportive of our Marines or the Toys for Tots program, which provides many toys to needy children. Target has donated money this year to the program, most likely out of response from the outcry of citizens. You will notice at the Toys for Tots Web site that Target was not a sponsor in 2002. Additionally, Target's further refusal to not allow Marines collect toys in front of their stores in California demonstrates Target's lack of commitment to be involved with their local communities. I encourage you to write to Target to express your concern over this matter"


April

Waldorf,
Maryland,
U.S.A.
You can't be serious

#56Consumer Suggestion

Thu, December 02, 2004

The problem here is that the Target employees, ex-employees, whatever believe that THEY are above everyone else. I don't back WalMart, for obvious reasons, e.g. above posted. However, you can not possibly think that Target carries better prices. I have compare on many occassions. In fact, as per DVDs, CD, Games, Videos, etc. you can even go to Circuit City or Best Buy for a better deal. So how do their prices beat others? Stephanie has been "bashed" because nothing but contridictions come out of her. It's not OK for a customer to be upset but it is OK for her to be???? My points been made!


Ukiah

New York,
New York,
U.S.A.
Way too easy.......

#57Consumer Comment

Thu, December 02, 2004

"So...who's going to peg me?" Ask and you shall receive...... Even with your supposed advanced degrees, you still don't understand the golden rule. "He who pays the gold, makes the rules". And no matter how big of an a*s some customers may be (and yes, they are out there, I agree) they are still YOUR customers paying your salary. Period. Get a clue here, you CANNOT win an argument with customer! The average person will tell 2 or 3 people about great service. On the other hand, they will tell MILLIONS about something they feel is wrong. All you have to do is look at the many postings on this very website about Target and WalMart. So, you and Stephanie keep your pride and arrogance intact, and we'll keep our money. Fair enough? A win-win for both sides. End of discussion. But I must say that I loved Stephanie's false bravado about "giving it back to the customer". Sure she will, while protected by the "no-service" desk, other employees, and video cameras. I think anyone could be a Target Bad a*s under those conditions. But maybe she needs to take her act on the road. Let's see how long that attitude lasts on the street, the next time someone makes her angry there. Hope she has a cell phone handy, she's going to need it. In closing, let's go back to the original topic - returns. My advice to everyone here is to put every purchase you make on a credit card. Never a debit card, and definitely NEVER CASH. The law affords you protection by using a credit card that you will not get with other methods. So, if you have a legitimate return (and I stress LEGITIMATE) and run into problems, simply leave the item on the counter with the person working there and walk out. Then write your credit card company, state that the item was returned to the store where it was purchased, to "Stephanie" (whomever)at 1:30pm on Friday the 13th, and that she refused to take it back. You then state that you want the associated charges placed "in dispute". In addition to the credit card company, you have two other things working in your favor. 1. They have likely put the item back on the shelf or in the clearance bin. In so doing, they have taken possession. 2. They are going to spend more time (which means $$) investigating and challenging the claim than the item is probably worth. And they know that Visa and Mastercard swing a big stick. This is especially important with the holidays coming. Good luck everyone.


Ukiah

New York,
New York,
U.S.A.
Way too easy.......

#58Consumer Comment

Thu, December 02, 2004

"So...who's going to peg me?" Ask and you shall receive...... Even with your supposed advanced degrees, you still don't understand the golden rule. "He who pays the gold, makes the rules". And no matter how big of an a*s some customers may be (and yes, they are out there, I agree) they are still YOUR customers paying your salary. Period. Get a clue here, you CANNOT win an argument with customer! The average person will tell 2 or 3 people about great service. On the other hand, they will tell MILLIONS about something they feel is wrong. All you have to do is look at the many postings on this very website about Target and WalMart. So, you and Stephanie keep your pride and arrogance intact, and we'll keep our money. Fair enough? A win-win for both sides. End of discussion. But I must say that I loved Stephanie's false bravado about "giving it back to the customer". Sure she will, while protected by the "no-service" desk, other employees, and video cameras. I think anyone could be a Target Bad a*s under those conditions. But maybe she needs to take her act on the road. Let's see how long that attitude lasts on the street, the next time someone makes her angry there. Hope she has a cell phone handy, she's going to need it. In closing, let's go back to the original topic - returns. My advice to everyone here is to put every purchase you make on a credit card. Never a debit card, and definitely NEVER CASH. The law affords you protection by using a credit card that you will not get with other methods. So, if you have a legitimate return (and I stress LEGITIMATE) and run into problems, simply leave the item on the counter with the person working there and walk out. Then write your credit card company, state that the item was returned to the store where it was purchased, to "Stephanie" (whomever)at 1:30pm on Friday the 13th, and that she refused to take it back. You then state that you want the associated charges placed "in dispute". In addition to the credit card company, you have two other things working in your favor. 1. They have likely put the item back on the shelf or in the clearance bin. In so doing, they have taken possession. 2. They are going to spend more time (which means $$) investigating and challenging the claim than the item is probably worth. And they know that Visa and Mastercard swing a big stick. This is especially important with the holidays coming. Good luck everyone.


Ukiah

New York,
New York,
U.S.A.
Way too easy.......

#59Consumer Comment

Thu, December 02, 2004

"So...who's going to peg me?" Ask and you shall receive...... Even with your supposed advanced degrees, you still don't understand the golden rule. "He who pays the gold, makes the rules". And no matter how big of an a*s some customers may be (and yes, they are out there, I agree) they are still YOUR customers paying your salary. Period. Get a clue here, you CANNOT win an argument with customer! The average person will tell 2 or 3 people about great service. On the other hand, they will tell MILLIONS about something they feel is wrong. All you have to do is look at the many postings on this very website about Target and WalMart. So, you and Stephanie keep your pride and arrogance intact, and we'll keep our money. Fair enough? A win-win for both sides. End of discussion. But I must say that I loved Stephanie's false bravado about "giving it back to the customer". Sure she will, while protected by the "no-service" desk, other employees, and video cameras. I think anyone could be a Target Bad a*s under those conditions. But maybe she needs to take her act on the road. Let's see how long that attitude lasts on the street, the next time someone makes her angry there. Hope she has a cell phone handy, she's going to need it. In closing, let's go back to the original topic - returns. My advice to everyone here is to put every purchase you make on a credit card. Never a debit card, and definitely NEVER CASH. The law affords you protection by using a credit card that you will not get with other methods. So, if you have a legitimate return (and I stress LEGITIMATE) and run into problems, simply leave the item on the counter with the person working there and walk out. Then write your credit card company, state that the item was returned to the store where it was purchased, to "Stephanie" (whomever)at 1:30pm on Friday the 13th, and that she refused to take it back. You then state that you want the associated charges placed "in dispute". In addition to the credit card company, you have two other things working in your favor. 1. They have likely put the item back on the shelf or in the clearance bin. In so doing, they have taken possession. 2. They are going to spend more time (which means $$) investigating and challenging the claim than the item is probably worth. And they know that Visa and Mastercard swing a big stick. This is especially important with the holidays coming. Good luck everyone.


Ukiah

New York,
New York,
U.S.A.
Way too easy.......

#60Consumer Comment

Thu, December 02, 2004

"So...who's going to peg me?" Ask and you shall receive...... Even with your supposed advanced degrees, you still don't understand the golden rule. "He who pays the gold, makes the rules". And no matter how big of an a*s some customers may be (and yes, they are out there, I agree) they are still YOUR customers paying your salary. Period. Get a clue here, you CANNOT win an argument with customer! The average person will tell 2 or 3 people about great service. On the other hand, they will tell MILLIONS about something they feel is wrong. All you have to do is look at the many postings on this very website about Target and WalMart. So, you and Stephanie keep your pride and arrogance intact, and we'll keep our money. Fair enough? A win-win for both sides. End of discussion. But I must say that I loved Stephanie's false bravado about "giving it back to the customer". Sure she will, while protected by the "no-service" desk, other employees, and video cameras. I think anyone could be a Target Bad a*s under those conditions. But maybe she needs to take her act on the road. Let's see how long that attitude lasts on the street, the next time someone makes her angry there. Hope she has a cell phone handy, she's going to need it. In closing, let's go back to the original topic - returns. My advice to everyone here is to put every purchase you make on a credit card. Never a debit card, and definitely NEVER CASH. The law affords you protection by using a credit card that you will not get with other methods. So, if you have a legitimate return (and I stress LEGITIMATE) and run into problems, simply leave the item on the counter with the person working there and walk out. Then write your credit card company, state that the item was returned to the store where it was purchased, to "Stephanie" (whomever)at 1:30pm on Friday the 13th, and that she refused to take it back. You then state that you want the associated charges placed "in dispute". In addition to the credit card company, you have two other things working in your favor. 1. They have likely put the item back on the shelf or in the clearance bin. In so doing, they have taken possession. 2. They are going to spend more time (which means $$) investigating and challenging the claim than the item is probably worth. And they know that Visa and Mastercard swing a big stick. This is especially important with the holidays coming. Good luck everyone.


Stephanie

Ypsilanti,
Michigan,
U.S.A.
Well, take this into consideration.

#61UPDATE Employee

Thu, December 02, 2004

Maybe if I weren't the valedictorian of my law class, scheduled to graduate in only a few semesters, the above comments might have ruffled my feathers just a little bit. They only made me laugh. And Julie is not the first person I've encountered who worked at Wal-Mart then switched over to more employee-friendly companies such as TARGET, K-Mart, JCPenney, or Sears. And for the comment comparing me to a Kia...If I am taking it in the right context... I might have a beat up little something right now put putting around on four wheels, but once I have that law degree I'll make sure to own a Mercedes and a Porsche (among others). Your comment shows that, despite ownership of a Porsche or a Mercedes, a modicum of class eludes you as well...To come with personal attacks when I've never encountered you all...


Jono

Mpls,
Minnesota,
U.S.A.
Call me a stooge will ya!!!!

#62Consumer Comment

Thu, December 02, 2004

I see there are still some people that can not smile. Call me a stooge will ya.. well I think I will send some snow to N Miami BCH. then you will get stuck and won't be able to shop at all, and your oranges will freeze..HA HA HA HA ..... I have to go shopping now,, Target, then Walmart.


J

Hutchinson,
Minnesota,
U.S.A.
Down in N Miami Bch (where did the vowels go?) Does Wal Mart Pay You?

#63Consumer Comment

Thu, December 02, 2004

Hey, in response to the direct comment to me being a shill. As long as I am a shill, you're nothing more than a bad business crier for some other company. Hey, we can all call false names, so why not send it back, wallyworld boy? Just because I prefer to shop in a store where you don't have to climb over cheap crap laying in the aisles because the employees are too lazy to do their job makes me a shill? I think not, it makes me a smart consumer. I refuse to show support for a company that takes back any piece of s### that you decide to throw back at them, no matter if they even carry the item. What does that say about the items they carry? They might not be all that grand, huh? As for the slam on Stephanie because she hasn't worked in "retail", what in your opinion is retail? Ask somebody who works at Tiffany's, I bet you they won't call it retail, but that is just as much retail as KMart, Wal-Mart, Target, or ever Wall Drug for that matter, its all a retail store! What they cover, or their differences in how overpriced of items they carry has no difference....soaking this in, D? I mean Wal Mart employee of the month? Oops, sorry, that can't happen, cuz you're unofficially on the payroll, right....sorry, forgot. By the way, the Wal Mart in our town doesn't have bellringers either, cuz both of the stores, at least in my town, started following their non-solicitation policy. Thats all it is, nothing more, nothing less, from either store, so don't get all high and mighty about how they are arrogant for not letting Salvation Army put bellringers there. If the Psychosexfiends for Charity organization decided to do something for the holidays, would you be angry if they were turned down from collecting money, even if it were for charity? I highly doubt it.


Julie

Port Huron,
Michigan,
U.S.A.
Stephanie, your efforts are valiant...

#64UPDATE EX-employee responds

Wed, December 01, 2004

But you are fighting a losing battle on this board. These individuals came to this board with the sole intention of bashing Target. Any kind of logic, therefore, does not apply. No matter how you might have come off, they would have found a reason to personally attack you since, gasp, you work for wretched Target and have a strong sense of loyalty to your place of employment (which, ironically, I thought people were supposed to have...why work for a company that you don't feel works for you?) First let me remark that perhaps retail is not for you. Since you obviously operate according to the "person-first-worker-second" principle (which means that above all, you and all store clerks, workers, etc are humans who are entitled to the same amount of respect as a doctor or any other type of "worker", therefore people are NOT entitled to come scream at you) a different field of work would obviously be more beneficial to you. This group of people obviously think it is acceptable to go into a store and yell at a clerk for something that is often totally out of their control. Are they going to pay you when you're out of a job for not following company policies? I worked as a LOD/Manager at Target for ten years. Before that I worked as a manager at Wal-mart. (If I seem impassioned, it's because we obviously have taken similar career paths, ironically). Not only did the male workers get preferential treatment (including better hours, bigger pay increases) but my promotion was actually given away when I had the audacity to get pregnant (I guess being a mom would have negatively affected my Wal-mart duties). I also refuse to support Wal-Mart and their racist and sexist practices. Certain individuals definitely make working in retail tenuous. You can tell by comments such as Ukiah's where he compared someone he never met to a Kia or talked about her working in a drive-thru that for whatever reason, some individuals believe they are above someone who works as a cashier. What they fail to realize is a particular job title does not equal class. Nor does a particular car, i.e, a Mercedes, Porsche, etc., obvious by the aforementioned reference to expensive cars... This is apparently why they feel it is okay to go in a store and scream (because they're better than you!). And by the way, when I see some customer in a store raising a fit, I'm more entitled to think of them as an "a*s" than the person they're yelling at... It gives them obvious release to sit behind a computer and attempt to belittle someone they've never met, and are waiting for you to say something so they can gang up on you...I say, imagine April's satisfaction when she saw that someone agreed with her... "Stephanie, you have been pegged"... Also, since people here are singing Wal-Mart's praises (another reason I wrote such a long post, I really wish people would delve deeper, past the cheap prices, and see how they treat their workers) check out www.wal-martwatch.com. You might be interested. So...who's going to peg me? I went back to college once my kids were old enough and got my Bachelor's and Master's Degrees and am now working toward my Ph.D. The nature of customers will not change. It would be best for you to find a new field if you have a short fuse.


Julie

Port Huron,
Michigan,
U.S.A.
Stephanie, your efforts are valiant...

#65UPDATE EX-employee responds

Wed, December 01, 2004

But you are fighting a losing battle on this board. These individuals came to this board with the sole intention of bashing Target. Any kind of logic, therefore, does not apply. No matter how you might have come off, they would have found a reason to personally attack you since, gasp, you work for wretched Target and have a strong sense of loyalty to your place of employment (which, ironically, I thought people were supposed to have...why work for a company that you don't feel works for you?) First let me remark that perhaps retail is not for you. Since you obviously operate according to the "person-first-worker-second" principle (which means that above all, you and all store clerks, workers, etc are humans who are entitled to the same amount of respect as a doctor or any other type of "worker", therefore people are NOT entitled to come scream at you) a different field of work would obviously be more beneficial to you. This group of people obviously think it is acceptable to go into a store and yell at a clerk for something that is often totally out of their control. Are they going to pay you when you're out of a job for not following company policies? I worked as a LOD/Manager at Target for ten years. Before that I worked as a manager at Wal-mart. (If I seem impassioned, it's because we obviously have taken similar career paths, ironically). Not only did the male workers get preferential treatment (including better hours, bigger pay increases) but my promotion was actually given away when I had the audacity to get pregnant (I guess being a mom would have negatively affected my Wal-mart duties). I also refuse to support Wal-Mart and their racist and sexist practices. Certain individuals definitely make working in retail tenuous. You can tell by comments such as Ukiah's where he compared someone he never met to a Kia or talked about her working in a drive-thru that for whatever reason, some individuals believe they are above someone who works as a cashier. What they fail to realize is a particular job title does not equal class. Nor does a particular car, i.e, a Mercedes, Porsche, etc., obvious by the aforementioned reference to expensive cars... This is apparently why they feel it is okay to go in a store and scream (because they're better than you!). And by the way, when I see some customer in a store raising a fit, I'm more entitled to think of them as an "a*s" than the person they're yelling at... It gives them obvious release to sit behind a computer and attempt to belittle someone they've never met, and are waiting for you to say something so they can gang up on you...I say, imagine April's satisfaction when she saw that someone agreed with her... "Stephanie, you have been pegged"... Also, since people here are singing Wal-Mart's praises (another reason I wrote such a long post, I really wish people would delve deeper, past the cheap prices, and see how they treat their workers) check out www.wal-martwatch.com. You might be interested. So...who's going to peg me? I went back to college once my kids were old enough and got my Bachelor's and Master's Degrees and am now working toward my Ph.D. The nature of customers will not change. It would be best for you to find a new field if you have a short fuse.


Stephanie

Ypsilanti,
Michigan,
U.S.A.
You don't know me or my work ethic,

#66UPDATE Employee

Wed, December 01, 2004

So if you feel the need to attack, go right ahead. Keep in mind that above all, I work on a policy of mutual respect. I have had guests who come in the store LOOKING for me to help them. They know someone who is dedicated to customer service. However, I will not be the one to stand idly in front of ANYONE who screams at me. And if you feel that's "errogant" or whatever, so be it. The fact still stands: The guests who come in and have valid disputes LOVE me because I take the time to make sure their problems have worked out in THEIR favor! And for the record, I have handled consumer complaints several times--once again the overgeneralization-when someone has complained to me about something, since I am not the person to handle it, I do show them the comment cards, help them fill them out, and personally see to it that they're sent in. And if not, I will catch a manager. I cannot be responsible for how a manager handles a particular situation, can I? I still say you should complain when you receive bad service. And Ukiah, I have never worked at a drive thru, and if you came to my store and needed help I'd probably be the first one to come to your aid, so I don't know if I even feel I need to respond to the rest of your posts, other than saying that in everyday life, if you stand and let someone disrespect you, then that is your business. For your information, I have never had a bad guest review (ever participated in one of the surveys? I always get EXTREMELY HIGH MARKS). And in my field I am actually looking forward to getting into once I graduate, which is NOT ANYTHING RELATED TO RETAIL, EVERYONE sings my praises. Talking about a modicum of class-here you go and call someone an a*s? Who's pegged who? I'll sleep regardless of what you think of my "client relation" skills. On paper and in person I am doing wonderfully.


Stephanie

Ypsilanti,
Michigan,
U.S.A.
You don't know me or my work ethic,

#67UPDATE Employee

Wed, December 01, 2004

So if you feel the need to attack, go right ahead. Keep in mind that above all, I work on a policy of mutual respect. I have had guests who come in the store LOOKING for me to help them. They know someone who is dedicated to customer service. However, I will not be the one to stand idly in front of ANYONE who screams at me. And if you feel that's "errogant" or whatever, so be it. The fact still stands: The guests who come in and have valid disputes LOVE me because I take the time to make sure their problems have worked out in THEIR favor! And for the record, I have handled consumer complaints several times--once again the overgeneralization-when someone has complained to me about something, since I am not the person to handle it, I do show them the comment cards, help them fill them out, and personally see to it that they're sent in. And if not, I will catch a manager. I cannot be responsible for how a manager handles a particular situation, can I? I still say you should complain when you receive bad service. And Ukiah, I have never worked at a drive thru, and if you came to my store and needed help I'd probably be the first one to come to your aid, so I don't know if I even feel I need to respond to the rest of your posts, other than saying that in everyday life, if you stand and let someone disrespect you, then that is your business. For your information, I have never had a bad guest review (ever participated in one of the surveys? I always get EXTREMELY HIGH MARKS). And in my field I am actually looking forward to getting into once I graduate, which is NOT ANYTHING RELATED TO RETAIL, EVERYONE sings my praises. Talking about a modicum of class-here you go and call someone an a*s? Who's pegged who? I'll sleep regardless of what you think of my "client relation" skills. On paper and in person I am doing wonderfully.


Stephanie

Ypsilanti,
Michigan,
U.S.A.
You don't know me or my work ethic,

#68UPDATE Employee

Wed, December 01, 2004

So if you feel the need to attack, go right ahead. Keep in mind that above all, I work on a policy of mutual respect. I have had guests who come in the store LOOKING for me to help them. They know someone who is dedicated to customer service. However, I will not be the one to stand idly in front of ANYONE who screams at me. And if you feel that's "errogant" or whatever, so be it. The fact still stands: The guests who come in and have valid disputes LOVE me because I take the time to make sure their problems have worked out in THEIR favor! And for the record, I have handled consumer complaints several times--once again the overgeneralization-when someone has complained to me about something, since I am not the person to handle it, I do show them the comment cards, help them fill them out, and personally see to it that they're sent in. And if not, I will catch a manager. I cannot be responsible for how a manager handles a particular situation, can I? I still say you should complain when you receive bad service. And Ukiah, I have never worked at a drive thru, and if you came to my store and needed help I'd probably be the first one to come to your aid, so I don't know if I even feel I need to respond to the rest of your posts, other than saying that in everyday life, if you stand and let someone disrespect you, then that is your business. For your information, I have never had a bad guest review (ever participated in one of the surveys? I always get EXTREMELY HIGH MARKS). And in my field I am actually looking forward to getting into once I graduate, which is NOT ANYTHING RELATED TO RETAIL, EVERYONE sings my praises. Talking about a modicum of class-here you go and call someone an a*s? Who's pegged who? I'll sleep regardless of what you think of my "client relation" skills. On paper and in person I am doing wonderfully.


C

N Miami Bch,
Florida,
U.S.A.
Target Home Office Replies via Jono & another Minneapolis Stooge

#69Consumer Comment

Wed, December 01, 2004

I see that our little pals from the Target home office in Minneapolis are still being stooges for their company. Jono and our other little pal should go to www.target-sucks.com and find out what both employees AND customers think of their consumer unfriendly store.


Jono

Mpls,
Minnesota,
U.S.A.
Get a job at TARGET????

#70Consumer Comment

Tue, November 30, 2004

I think I will get a part time job at Target, just so I can see all of your smiling faces. Maybe I can even sell you the eletric toothbrush Mr. Harris had. HA HA HA HA... SHOP TILL YOU DROP>>>>>>>>>


Jeannetta

Fort Oglethorpe,
Georgia,
U.S.A.
TARGET RETURN POLICY

#71Consumer Comment

Tue, November 30, 2004

I attempted to make a return today. However, I did have my receipt it was within the 90 days that their policy states. But apparently there is a statement left out of their policy. You can't get a refund for at least 10 days after making a check purchase. I drove across town to return two christmas trees purchased on Friday. I read the return policy on the back of my receipt and since there was no written policy about waiting for a refund only about the time limit in which you could receive a refund I felt I was safe to load my two trees in my car and take them to the store. To my surprise they would not refund my money, stating my check had not cleared the bank yet. I proceeded to tell them they did not represent that on their receipt nor was it posted in the store. A sales clerk pointed to a sentence on the back of the receipt it says "a credit voucher may be given for check purchases." I told the manager that that statement doesn't apply. It is in the paragraph regarding seasonal clearance merchandise. The manager stated that was a new sentence. I was shocked when he said that. I don't mind waiting 10 days for a refund, but I do not want to be treated as being stupid. The store manager kept comparing their policies with Wal-Mart. I stated to him several times that I am not in Wal-Mart, I am Target. If wanted to abide by Wal-Mart policies I will do so when shopping there. So this will be my last Target experience. Rumor is that Target looking to come into our area. I will be very vocal on the treatment I received and recommend to all I speak with to not shop there.


April

Waldorf,
Maryland,
U.S.A.
Ukiah has you pegged, Stephanie

#72Consumer Suggestion

Mon, November 29, 2004

I can honestly say, Ukiaha nd I normally don't agree, but Stephanie, you have been pegged big time. I think that everyone wanting to respond to you comments above, Ukiah has done that for. Your comment, "like I've said before...if an employee of the store upsets you, complain..." Hello, you have read the above posts by consumers, right? Then you would see that "complaining" to anyone at Target is like speaking another lanuguage. No matter who in management you talk to, no matter if you go to their main office, they turn a blind eye, and in most cases are just as rude and erogant. And your "..giving it back to them double..." proved that point.


Ukiah

New York,
New York,
U.S.A.
The thing that is clearly lacking in the operations of Target

#73Consumer Comment

Sun, November 28, 2004

Thanks for personifying my points I earlier stated: "The thing that is clearly lacking in the operations of Target, WalMart, etc. is even a modicum of class." Then a Target employee, Stephanie, later comments that she will: "get it back at them, double!" and also she believes that "I see the holidays bring out the worst in people." Stephanie, you claiming 10 years of retail experience due to (supposedly) working in DISCOUNT stores is like someone claiming to be a chef because they worked at Burger King for 10 years. Give us a break here, please! You have just again demonstrated that you obviously do not understand that even the "worst" (your word) people are paying your salary. By giving it back to them "double" you are only lowering yourself to their level and driving away future revenue in the process. You've made an a*s of yourself then, and have done it again by bragging about it here. Even someone without your "vast" experience in retail knows that the holidays also brings out the people's wallets - and they will find somewhere else to spend their money. Go back and carefully re-read my earlier post and try to understand what client relations are truly all about. Either that, or go back to working at the drive thru. Because clearly, you and certainly your employer currently are clueless as to what makes client relations work. Your boasting here is nothing more than a sputtering little Kia with a bad muffler trying to make an impression in a room full of Mercedes and Porsches, and it shows. Well sure, you're getting attention - but sadly it's not the right kind.


Stephanie

Ypsilanti,
Michigan,
U.S.A.
Actually, I have thought about this...

#74UPDATE Employee

Sat, November 27, 2004

EVER since I started working in retail 10 years ago! And for the record, I am also a former Wal-mart employee who WILL NEVER work in or support a store that treats their employees so horribly!! And also, did you pay a piece of attention to the part of my post where I said, "if an employee of the store upsets you, complain??" With the main point in being, we're not all buttholes so don't overgeneralize? But if you meet an butthole, tell on them? I most definitely do when someone who is hired to work in the place to help people like myself is rude! Target offers: receipt look up, gift exchange, exchanges for particular items that come from the same department, and a few other things I no longer remember. What people don't understand is that the computer system is set up in a way that not even the store manager can manipulate it. It absolutely will not allow you to process anything ninety days or older. And for the record, as I said earlier...I have no problem giving great guest service!! I actually enjoy interacting with people! And 98% of the time, guests are friendly and respectful, the remaining 2% that come in with an attitude and try to scream at me for things I have no control over get it back at them, double! And yes, if you're honest, you will find something else to do with an unwanted item. I've gotten several gifts for my birthday this year alone, even in the wake of gift cards, and have no receipts...So I donated them to a shelter for battered women. There's worse things in the world, but I see the holidays bring out the worst in people.


Joey

St Louis,
Missouri,
U.S.A.
wal mart puts their returns in the clearance isle

#75Consumer Comment

Fri, November 26, 2004

thats why they can return anything-- this is just a theory, but i've been burned a couple'a times-esp after xmas with broken and missing stuff and they do not return clearance items, even if they are broke


D

N Miami Bch,
Florida,
U.S.A.
No Loss To Company With Returns

#76Consumer Suggestion

Fri, November 26, 2004

In Reply To: "Our return policy is actually to protect not only the company but the consumer. I've had people try to return items to the store that had been stolen, run gift card scams, or return items supposedly bought online...all without proof of purchase." I have seen a number of replies from Target Stooges/Shills/Employees who keep saying, as above, that there is a "loss" to their company with returns of items "stolen" earlier from them. Try thinking this through with a little LOGIC. The only LOSS to you is at the time the item is stolen. An item that is RETURNED to you whether initially stolen or purchased and returned without a receipt for any number of valid reasons is would simply have been taken back at the lowest sale price in X number of days and put back on the shelf to sell again to another customer. You are in effect buying back at wholesale the product and reselling it. There is NO loss with taking back the return. The LOSS - if any - occured earlier when/if someone took the item out of your store without paying for it. Let's be real clear on this point! When Target refuses to provide a return for a credit voucher or return for exchange for another similar item you are in effect telling them that you consider them to be a thief. And here is another point about THEFT that I raised earlier that all you Target stooges just ignored but it is in my opinion important and needs to be made a second time: Dishonest people shop in your stores all the time, they use lost or stolen credit cards to purchase items, others write you bad checks. All these people get GIFT RECEIPTS for their purchases so ALL these items that are in fact stolen can be returned to you for the issuance of credit vouchers which can be spent anytime for anything in your stores or even used 'online' for purchases. You give people with receipts good treatment even though they stole it from you with bad checks or from the card companies by using lost/stolen cards - but honest people who just don't have receipts for half a dozen legit reasons (ie: a gift) are treated like theives. And remember this is only YOUR department store that has this STUPID mindset. Decent stores like Sears, JCP, Walmart, Kohls all the many Federated Stores, will give a customer without a receipt an exchange or gift card for theie return. The fact that all these long established retailers have decent consumer friendly policies and Target is off on their own insulting people daily with their idiotic return policy should tell you who has the correct policy. Lets hear some more from you Home Office Shills in Minneapolis, you know who you are (J. Hutchinson, etc), do some more whining about your 'great company'. The same 'great company' that has their nose so far in the air that they won't allow Salvation Army bell ringers at their doors because any $ put into those kettles is $ NOT spent in their stores. You have a krappy little company who dosen't deserve any customer patronage and I, for one, don't shop at your stores and haven't for over 2 years.


D

N Miami Bch,
Florida,
U.S.A.
No Loss To Company With Returns

#77Consumer Suggestion

Fri, November 26, 2004

In Reply To: "Our return policy is actually to protect not only the company but the consumer. I've had people try to return items to the store that had been stolen, run gift card scams, or return items supposedly bought online...all without proof of purchase." I have seen a number of replies from Target Stooges/Shills/Employees who keep saying, as above, that there is a "loss" to their company with returns of items "stolen" earlier from them. Try thinking this through with a little LOGIC. The only LOSS to you is at the time the item is stolen. An item that is RETURNED to you whether initially stolen or purchased and returned without a receipt for any number of valid reasons is would simply have been taken back at the lowest sale price in X number of days and put back on the shelf to sell again to another customer. You are in effect buying back at wholesale the product and reselling it. There is NO loss with taking back the return. The LOSS - if any - occured earlier when/if someone took the item out of your store without paying for it. Let's be real clear on this point! When Target refuses to provide a return for a credit voucher or return for exchange for another similar item you are in effect telling them that you consider them to be a thief. And here is another point about THEFT that I raised earlier that all you Target stooges just ignored but it is in my opinion important and needs to be made a second time: Dishonest people shop in your stores all the time, they use lost or stolen credit cards to purchase items, others write you bad checks. All these people get GIFT RECEIPTS for their purchases so ALL these items that are in fact stolen can be returned to you for the issuance of credit vouchers which can be spent anytime for anything in your stores or even used 'online' for purchases. You give people with receipts good treatment even though they stole it from you with bad checks or from the card companies by using lost/stolen cards - but honest people who just don't have receipts for half a dozen legit reasons (ie: a gift) are treated like theives. And remember this is only YOUR department store that has this STUPID mindset. Decent stores like Sears, JCP, Walmart, Kohls all the many Federated Stores, will give a customer without a receipt an exchange or gift card for theie return. The fact that all these long established retailers have decent consumer friendly policies and Target is off on their own insulting people daily with their idiotic return policy should tell you who has the correct policy. Lets hear some more from you Home Office Shills in Minneapolis, you know who you are (J. Hutchinson, etc), do some more whining about your 'great company'. The same 'great company' that has their nose so far in the air that they won't allow Salvation Army bell ringers at their doors because any $ put into those kettles is $ NOT spent in their stores. You have a krappy little company who dosen't deserve any customer patronage and I, for one, don't shop at your stores and haven't for over 2 years.


D

N Miami Bch,
Florida,
U.S.A.
No Loss To Company With Returns

#78Consumer Suggestion

Fri, November 26, 2004

In Reply To: "Our return policy is actually to protect not only the company but the consumer. I've had people try to return items to the store that had been stolen, run gift card scams, or return items supposedly bought online...all without proof of purchase." I have seen a number of replies from Target Stooges/Shills/Employees who keep saying, as above, that there is a "loss" to their company with returns of items "stolen" earlier from them. Try thinking this through with a little LOGIC. The only LOSS to you is at the time the item is stolen. An item that is RETURNED to you whether initially stolen or purchased and returned without a receipt for any number of valid reasons is would simply have been taken back at the lowest sale price in X number of days and put back on the shelf to sell again to another customer. You are in effect buying back at wholesale the product and reselling it. There is NO loss with taking back the return. The LOSS - if any - occured earlier when/if someone took the item out of your store without paying for it. Let's be real clear on this point! When Target refuses to provide a return for a credit voucher or return for exchange for another similar item you are in effect telling them that you consider them to be a thief. And here is another point about THEFT that I raised earlier that all you Target stooges just ignored but it is in my opinion important and needs to be made a second time: Dishonest people shop in your stores all the time, they use lost or stolen credit cards to purchase items, others write you bad checks. All these people get GIFT RECEIPTS for their purchases so ALL these items that are in fact stolen can be returned to you for the issuance of credit vouchers which can be spent anytime for anything in your stores or even used 'online' for purchases. You give people with receipts good treatment even though they stole it from you with bad checks or from the card companies by using lost/stolen cards - but honest people who just don't have receipts for half a dozen legit reasons (ie: a gift) are treated like theives. And remember this is only YOUR department store that has this STUPID mindset. Decent stores like Sears, JCP, Walmart, Kohls all the many Federated Stores, will give a customer without a receipt an exchange or gift card for theie return. The fact that all these long established retailers have decent consumer friendly policies and Target is off on their own insulting people daily with their idiotic return policy should tell you who has the correct policy. Lets hear some more from you Home Office Shills in Minneapolis, you know who you are (J. Hutchinson, etc), do some more whining about your 'great company'. The same 'great company' that has their nose so far in the air that they won't allow Salvation Army bell ringers at their doors because any $ put into those kettles is $ NOT spent in their stores. You have a krappy little company who dosen't deserve any customer patronage and I, for one, don't shop at your stores and haven't for over 2 years.


D

N Miami Bch,
Florida,
U.S.A.
No Loss To Company With Returns

#79Consumer Suggestion

Fri, November 26, 2004

In Reply To: "Our return policy is actually to protect not only the company but the consumer. I've had people try to return items to the store that had been stolen, run gift card scams, or return items supposedly bought online...all without proof of purchase." I have seen a number of replies from Target Stooges/Shills/Employees who keep saying, as above, that there is a "loss" to their company with returns of items "stolen" earlier from them. Try thinking this through with a little LOGIC. The only LOSS to you is at the time the item is stolen. An item that is RETURNED to you whether initially stolen or purchased and returned without a receipt for any number of valid reasons is would simply have been taken back at the lowest sale price in X number of days and put back on the shelf to sell again to another customer. You are in effect buying back at wholesale the product and reselling it. There is NO loss with taking back the return. The LOSS - if any - occured earlier when/if someone took the item out of your store without paying for it. Let's be real clear on this point! When Target refuses to provide a return for a credit voucher or return for exchange for another similar item you are in effect telling them that you consider them to be a thief. And here is another point about THEFT that I raised earlier that all you Target stooges just ignored but it is in my opinion important and needs to be made a second time: Dishonest people shop in your stores all the time, they use lost or stolen credit cards to purchase items, others write you bad checks. All these people get GIFT RECEIPTS for their purchases so ALL these items that are in fact stolen can be returned to you for the issuance of credit vouchers which can be spent anytime for anything in your stores or even used 'online' for purchases. You give people with receipts good treatment even though they stole it from you with bad checks or from the card companies by using lost/stolen cards - but honest people who just don't have receipts for half a dozen legit reasons (ie: a gift) are treated like theives. And remember this is only YOUR department store that has this STUPID mindset. Decent stores like Sears, JCP, Walmart, Kohls all the many Federated Stores, will give a customer without a receipt an exchange or gift card for theie return. The fact that all these long established retailers have decent consumer friendly policies and Target is off on their own insulting people daily with their idiotic return policy should tell you who has the correct policy. Lets hear some more from you Home Office Shills in Minneapolis, you know who you are (J. Hutchinson, etc), do some more whining about your 'great company'. The same 'great company' that has their nose so far in the air that they won't allow Salvation Army bell ringers at their doors because any $ put into those kettles is $ NOT spent in their stores. You have a krappy little company who dosen't deserve any customer patronage and I, for one, don't shop at your stores and haven't for over 2 years.


Ukiah

New York,
New York,
U.S.A.
Enough of the mantra

#80Consumer Comment

Fri, November 26, 2004

I'm sorry, but in my all years of experience with client relations, I have NEVER seen a more brain-washed group of people than the supposed Target employees posting here. It's frightening that you truly believe what you have said here, because even a basic knowledge of retail would illustrate your errors. FACT: "Shrinkage" in YOUR store is averaging 80% employees and 20% consumers - assuming you are at or near the national average. So, take a deep breath, use some common sense, and think about that for a minute. For every dollar your management tells you is being saved through your overly restrictive return policies that you claim "protect the consumer", FOUR dollars are still disappearing through the back door - and your idiotic return policies don't even address that loss. Get a clue here folks, you're focusing on the WRONG set of people! FACT: The leader in customer satisfaction, employee loyalty, and in-store purchases per visit is LL Bean. They have over 1 million people annually in their Freeport Maine store. That's in ONE store in a little town in Maine - and people come from all over the world to buy there. Add in their catalog business, and they basically wrote the book on brand recognition. Now, does anyone know what the return policy is at LL Bean? Very simple - "Not happy, bring it back. Anytime". Period. Think those boots that wore out after 5 years should have lasted 10 years? "We're very sorry, here's a new pair. Thanks for shopping at LL Bean." FACT: The leader in customer loyalty for grocery stores is Stew Leonard's in CT. They have a huge piece of granite at the entrance to both their stores. There, carved in stone, it says "The Customer Is Always Right". Have a problem with something you bought there? They will replace the item AND give you your money back. No questions asked. Period. And they have people lined up waiting to get in the store from as far away as NYC. The thing that is clearly lacking in the operations of Target, WalMart, etc. is even a modicum of class. True, you get what you pay for and LL Bean, Lands End, etc., is going to be more expensive. But it's money well spent in my opinion. At least it insulates the consumer from the pitiful idiots here that actually believe the problem is with the customers - not to mention that it gets you a superior product and true customer service. In the meantime, for those still shopping at Target, read this entire thread carefully and understand that these people clearly do not understand that YOU are paying their salaries; they believe that no one (especially YOU) is to be trusted; they refuse to have a reasonable return policy; etc. And should you have the problems that some have listed here, the only way to beat their system is to ALWAYS use a credit card for purchases. NEVER PAY CASH. Then when you get the usual bullshit response from the person at the no-service desk, do not get irate. Simply get the name of the person (usually off the nametag), leave the item on the counter, and walk away. Then send a letter to your credit card company stating that you have returned the item in question to "Joe" at Target store number 1234, and that you are now placing the charge in dispute. Not only will you get your money back (because Joe has put the item back on the shelf), Target will also be charged a fee for reversing the charges. Gotta love that part too! Best of luck in your holiday shopping outings folks.....


April

Waldorf,
Maryland,
U.S.A.
No, no, no!

#81Consumer Suggestion

Fri, November 26, 2004

First, you have a very condisending rebuttal, Don't you. "The nerve of any of you to make such a generalization that every Target has bad employees is juist plain childish..." Hello, what the hell does Target do to anyone and everyone just trying to return for exchange or store credit, an item possibly brought for a gift????? I wasn't wearing a coat, nor any bags, etc. That girl knew that I had not taken anything, she was just being a typical, you know what. This is an all the time attitude with this store, not just one employee, and not once have I walked into any Target in this nation and not seen this type of attitude towards other customers. I rememebr one time, the person in front of me was making 2 seperate purchases and the cashier had a problem with that and started (literaly) drilling the customer as to why they had to purchase the items seperate. Their response was that it really was none of her business and that customer ended up walking out after being called a b$$$h. Your rebuttal comes off as that same type of, "screw the customers" attitude as every other worker these complaints are in reference to who works for Target. You claim that Target's rediculous "return policy is in place for people to not return stolen items, gift card scams, or items supossidly brought on-line..." Target knows which items were possibly stolen, which come from their store only and if a gift card is valid or not. So, stop with the nonsense. And yes, their policy does cause "Fraud," as you put it. What the hell does Target expect people to do with un-needed and unwanted items they've been given as a gift? Hope that Aunt such and such comes and visits in the next 3 months from across the US to give them the receipt? Think before making such idiotic comments.


Stephanie

Ypsilanti,
Michigan,
U.S.A.
You can't be serious...to the above response... Our return policy is actually to protect not only the company but the consumer.

#82UPDATE Employee

Fri, November 26, 2004

You can't seriously think that Target's return policy is grounds for someone to go out and commit FRAUD by taking it to another store for a return. Our return policy is actually to protect not only the company but the consumer. I've had people try to return items to the store that had been stolen, run gift card scams, or return items supposedly bought online...all without proof of purchase. Had I been an idiot, or had we had a more lenient policy, for each one of the individuals who pulled a scam, Target would be out a lot of money. And prices in the store would immediately go up. There have been several occasions when, as a former Target cashier, I have forgotten, when a line of people form, perhaps to swipe a piece of jewelry, maybe a CD or DVD across the black pad to disengage the sensor. Heaven forbid that being the infallible human being I am that this happens, and oops! You beep on your way out. I don't think anything worse can possibly happen during a shopping trip! Once again, our security measures are designed to protect the consumer. If we control theft we can keep our prices reasonable. I've stood and watched as people tried to walk out the front door with DVDs, CDs, and electronics in their coats or bags and the ONLY thing that stopped them from getting away unseen was the sensors on the door. Also, the security person is supposed to check your receipt to see which items beeped. When I've stood by the door and someone beeped, I have assumed, correctly most of the time, that the cashier didn't spend enough time putting the item across the sensor pad. Big whoop! I don't mean to sound condescending...well, I guess I do. The employees at my store (including myself, which might surprise you) enjoy our jobs and our company. We go out of our way to help guests and in surveys guests participate online, they always give our store high marks for good, fast, respectful guest service. So what you should do is COMPLAIN about the particular INDIVIDUAL who you felt disrespected you. The nerve of any of you to make such a generalization that every Target has bad employees is just plain childish. I will agree with one thing-I was often asked to hock those Target cards and that's annoying...I asked once and that was it-anything after that is harassment...And maybe the girl or whomever asked the above poster was facing disciplinary action if she did not get a certain number of credit card apps... Complain about that too and maybe Target will stop asking their workers to do it!


Megan

Egg Harbor TWP,
New Jersey,
U.S.A.
Most Taret employees are helpful but some things are beyond our control

#83UPDATE Employee

Thu, November 25, 2004

I've worked at Target for the past year, mostly at guest services. I agree sometimes our return policy is unfair, but that is not the employees fault. Everyday that I go to work, whether I am at Guest services, on the register or at Food Ave, I do my best to help our guests with whatever they need, as long as it's in my ability to do so. I don't see our guests as criminals, reciept or not, I explain our policy fully, and try to help the guest with their return in any way possible. I am not rude to guests or have attitude and neither do any of my coworkers. I know that it's hard to accept our policy when you do not have a reciept, but that's not our fault,us employees did not write the policy, we only enforce it because it is our job. So please, if you feel incensed about our policy do not yell and scream at the employees, we are only doing our jobs, trying to help you. Instead,contact corporate, I wish I could tell you how other than the guest service number, and complain to the people that own and operate target. Steve from California is right, the new policy and computer system, does not allow many exceptions to the policy, even the managers cannot override the policy. I am embarrassed that some of the posters, fellow target employees have felt the need to insult and respond rudely to these posts. I urge you as consumers, to not see one or two rude employees as everyone that works at Target. At the Target where I work, my coworkers and I are fast, fun and friendly, like we are supposed to be and go out of our way to help guests. in response to C from N. Miami beach, Florida, Target employees do not stick up their noses and refuse a return without a reciept, we do allow exchanges for size or for a different item in the same department.Our computer system does not allow items over $10 to be returned on a giftcard without a reciept, hence, it must be exchanged. I do my best to help our guests have a pleasant shopping and returning experience, but only so much is within our control. I am sorry, if a few rude employees have ruined it for you and given a bad name to the rest of us.


Megan

Egg Harbor TWP,
New Jersey,
U.S.A.
Most Taret employees are helpful but some things are beyond our control

#84UPDATE Employee

Thu, November 25, 2004

I've worked at Target for the past year, mostly at guest services. I agree sometimes our return policy is unfair, but that is not the employees fault. Everyday that I go to work, whether I am at Guest services, on the register or at Food Ave, I do my best to help our guests with whatever they need, as long as it's in my ability to do so. I don't see our guests as criminals, reciept or not, I explain our policy fully, and try to help the guest with their return in any way possible. I am not rude to guests or have attitude and neither do any of my coworkers. I know that it's hard to accept our policy when you do not have a reciept, but that's not our fault,us employees did not write the policy, we only enforce it because it is our job. So please, if you feel incensed about our policy do not yell and scream at the employees, we are only doing our jobs, trying to help you. Instead,contact corporate, I wish I could tell you how other than the guest service number, and complain to the people that own and operate target. Steve from California is right, the new policy and computer system, does not allow many exceptions to the policy, even the managers cannot override the policy. I am embarrassed that some of the posters, fellow target employees have felt the need to insult and respond rudely to these posts. I urge you as consumers, to not see one or two rude employees as everyone that works at Target. At the Target where I work, my coworkers and I are fast, fun and friendly, like we are supposed to be and go out of our way to help guests. in response to C from N. Miami beach, Florida, Target employees do not stick up their noses and refuse a return without a reciept, we do allow exchanges for size or for a different item in the same department.Our computer system does not allow items over $10 to be returned on a giftcard without a reciept, hence, it must be exchanged. I do my best to help our guests have a pleasant shopping and returning experience, but only so much is within our control. I am sorry, if a few rude employees have ruined it for you and given a bad name to the rest of us.


Megan

Egg Harbor TWP,
New Jersey,
U.S.A.
Most Taret employees are helpful but some things are beyond our control

#85UPDATE Employee

Thu, November 25, 2004

I've worked at Target for the past year, mostly at guest services. I agree sometimes our return policy is unfair, but that is not the employees fault. Everyday that I go to work, whether I am at Guest services, on the register or at Food Ave, I do my best to help our guests with whatever they need, as long as it's in my ability to do so. I don't see our guests as criminals, reciept or not, I explain our policy fully, and try to help the guest with their return in any way possible. I am not rude to guests or have attitude and neither do any of my coworkers. I know that it's hard to accept our policy when you do not have a reciept, but that's not our fault,us employees did not write the policy, we only enforce it because it is our job. So please, if you feel incensed about our policy do not yell and scream at the employees, we are only doing our jobs, trying to help you. Instead,contact corporate, I wish I could tell you how other than the guest service number, and complain to the people that own and operate target. Steve from California is right, the new policy and computer system, does not allow many exceptions to the policy, even the managers cannot override the policy. I am embarrassed that some of the posters, fellow target employees have felt the need to insult and respond rudely to these posts. I urge you as consumers, to not see one or two rude employees as everyone that works at Target. At the Target where I work, my coworkers and I are fast, fun and friendly, like we are supposed to be and go out of our way to help guests. in response to C from N. Miami beach, Florida, Target employees do not stick up their noses and refuse a return without a reciept, we do allow exchanges for size or for a different item in the same department.Our computer system does not allow items over $10 to be returned on a giftcard without a reciept, hence, it must be exchanged. I do my best to help our guests have a pleasant shopping and returning experience, but only so much is within our control. I am sorry, if a few rude employees have ruined it for you and given a bad name to the rest of us.


April

Waldorf,
Maryland,
U.S.A.
Target has a lot more problems than just returns

#86Consumer Suggestion

Thu, November 25, 2004

Target has a lot more problems then just their bogus return policy. As to their return policy, let's face it, they're probably the reason KMart went bankrupt. By both stores selling the same items, KMart would take a return from you with no receipt (not while in bankrupt though), up to three times. Since Target doesn't even do this, people have no choice but to take the item, origially from Target, and bring it to exchange or return to some other store. When this happens, it causes a loss for these stores. Now you see how Target is becoming a monopolized store? target is far worse for their lack of respect for the consumer. Just yesterday, I went their to pick up a few Christmas gifts. Upon leaving, I was approached by a girl trying to get me to sign up for the "Target" Card. I told her I was not interested. She got snotty. Then, I walk to the doors and beep. The girl comes over and asks for my receipt and bag. I told her this was rediculous, she had just seen me walk away from the cashier. She claims she didn't remember seeing me. Funny their was NO other person around as it was pretty dead in the store. So she takes my bags and receipt and walks away laughing. Then comes back about 5 minutes later, and gives me my stuff telling me to have a nice day, again laughing. This is why I will not be doing anymore shopping at Target. I'm not going to be treated like a criminal because I purchased items and someone was too incompetent to remove the security device. So I'm the one who has to stand their like an idiot while other shoppers stare at me and my child. No, I won't have this. Target will feel a reprocusion of their service in due time. Only, I'd personally rather see it sooner than later.


J

Hutchinson,
Minnesota,
U.S.A.
I'm sorry, but are you talking?

#87Consumer Comment

Thu, November 25, 2004

Mr. CN from Good Ol' Miami Beach, oops, I should say Miami Bch, forgot there's no vowels in that one..... Well, just to inform you, go check out the return policies of each of those stores, go ahead, go and get the policy in writing and set them side by side....ok, now what do you see, lots of similarities.....now, go and look at places like Best Buy, what do you see there, even more strict policies....ok. Now, how in the can you consider me a shill, just because I respond to your bs comment in the manner I did? Who knows, but all I know is I went there yesterday to purchase something, and did so, and lo and behold, I was treated better there than any other store in my town, as it always has been. Thats the way it has been in every town across the country that I have visited....hmmm, makes you wonder, maybe it could be the customer's attitude......hmmmmm.....by the way, did you just go to a dictionary and pull out shill, or do you just hold no trust of people and accuse people enough its part of your normal vocabulary? Besides, how can't you use an electric toothbrush? Do you not know what hygiene entails? How hard is it to not leave the thing there in a fury and go home and just use the thing? WOW, that would have been much more mature, now wouldn't it? Also, you mentioned it must be the same amount in the same department. Yes, it has to be in the same department, but it is for the same amount or more. So go buy yourself a year's worth of soap, go buy your mom a nice perfume, its not that hard to spend 44 bucks in that area, especially when it is all stuff you would have used anyway.....WOW, this "shill" is making sense..... Maybe I am a bad American, but sometimes you've gotta take it up the tailpipe and smile....cuz THAT'S LIFE! Maybe there was a miscommunication as to what your options were, and maybe neither you or the person who gave you the gift realized the policy you entered into by purchasing something there....but thats life, so you should have stopped your whining after you realized it, and made the best of what you could. Yes, w/o a reciept you will get the lowest sale price WITHIN 6 MONTHS(this one was mentioned earlier by an employee), you will probably have to use it within the same department, but it is for the price or more, not for the exact price. Wow, how you leave out facts is amazing, I feel like I am reading Weekly World News with my face on the front pasted on top of a donkey wearing a bikini with a target nametag that says shill on it. When you put up an argument, admit if you have been wrong in places, and do not, I repeat, DO NOT compromise your virtue by leaving out facts. This will only make you seem like a scumbag (hey, you can call me a shill, so no hard feelings) to someone who has happened across this thread (me) and seen the facts pointed out and you continue to leave them out. Hopefully this one has pissed you off in some way or another, cuz you're not treating this in a mature way. Try is sometime, maturity is how adults act, it tends to work fairly well.


Jono

Mpls,
Minnesota,
U.S.A.
THIS MUST STOP NOW!!!

#88Consumer Comment

Thu, November 25, 2004

This has gone on long enough, 2yrs. over a cheap electric tooth brush. I would say by now Mr Harris may have lost his teeth, and not need the tooth brush anyway. HA HA HA. Shoppers save your receipts, and have fun at Target.. Sometimes in life you just do not get your way.


C

N. Miami Bch,
Florida,
U.S.A.
Same old Same old from a Target Shill- -

#89Consumer Suggestion

Wed, November 24, 2004

In reply to: "I can't help that dishonest people have made Target decide to stand behind their policy, which is very, very similar to all the infallible department stores you mentioned in your last response." This is just baloney! ALL those stores that I mentioned (Sears, JCP, Walmart etc) have decent consumer friendly return policies. NONE of those stores just fob you off if you have a return without a receipt and their store carries the same items. Your nonsense assertation that the Target policy is 'very, very similar' is just foolish. I suspect you are just a shill for the company as no actual consumer who shops at Target would believe this. If you don't have a receipt at Target they just tell you the item can't be returned. No matter that it was a gift or that you only want to get the EXACT same item in a size larger/smaller. If you don't have the receipt they absolutely DO make you feel like a criminal in the way they stick their nose in the air and absolutely refuse to even let you get a different size. The only other store that I know of which had or maybe has a similar policy was/is Kmart when they were in bankruptcy. I don't know about Kmart today as I don't shop there. I also do not and will NOT shop at Target because of their hostile consumer policy on returns. Have a nice day Mr. Shill.


J

Hutchinson,
Minnesota,
U.S.A.
Mr. Harris, I can't help that dishonest people have made Target decide to stand behind their policy

#90Consumer Suggestion

Sun, November 21, 2004

Wow, do you really think Target sees boogiemen in everyone walking through that door? HOW, IF YOU HAVE NO RECIEPT, DOES THE COMPANY KNOW YOU PURCHASED THE ITEM THERE? YOU COULD GO AND BUY IT OFF EBAY FOR A DOLLAR AND TRY TO RETURN IT W/O A RECIEPT FOR ALL ANYBODY KNOWS!!!! I can't help that dishonest people have made Target decide to stand behind their policy, which is very, very similar to all the infallible department stores you mentioned in your last response.(that fact, by the way, was posted several times on this thread, yet you made no attempt to address this). Why are you so mad that a company actually follows its guidelines? Did you notice all the other things, ie reciept lookup that Target can use to help people who do not have reciepts...Heaven forbid, but that just looks like they may care about their guests, hmmmmm.


C

N. Miami Bch,
Florida,
U.S.A.
In response to Dave in Atlanta from 5/3/02 ..Xmas is coming and I am NOT shopping at Target this year either!

#91REBUTTAL Individual responds

Wed, October 13, 2004

You had a longish post and some of it made no sense, for instance: "Oh and finally Mr Harris (as if he is really still checking this 2 years later). I bet you thought you were really clever with your gift card purchase and return!" I have no idea what post you were thinking of when you made this reply but there was never any 'gift card purchase and return'. FYI: in the period since I wrote this post I have avoided Target Stores for Wally World or the major dept stores where you still get treated like they value your business. That is all I have to say to Dave. I did notice many of the posters did not pick up on the fact that there was never any 'gift receipt' given with the item, only the info from my mother was that it was from Target in case it wanted something other than that electric toothbrush and was in a Target bag. I have no idea if someone who is 78 years old is really up on Target gift receipts, I wasn't at that time although since I found out about it I have shopped at other stores. Some post in here made reference to people who got merchandise by writing bad checks and using stolen credit cards and that these people came in without receipts for the items to be returned and that this was why Target was hard on everyone who had no receipt returns (ie: No receipt then you are a crook!). There seems to be a bit of a lapse of logic here, if they actually PAID for the items, even if it was with a dud check or stolen card, then THEY would also have a gift receipt which they could use to return the item(s) for store credits. So there is no savings to Target here in the general policy to refuse returns to 50-100 people a day per store because of no receipt as those who had used checks/cards to pay initially DO HAVE gift receipt - so these 'crooks' skate by and get their gift vouchers/cards but the others, like me, who got something as a gift are inconvienced by the stupid store policy on returns. Xmas is coming and I am NOT shopping at Target this year either! Odd how Sears, Wally World, Kohls' JCP etc etc manage to stay in business with their much more reasonable and customer friendly return policies where Target seems to see boogie men everytime someone wants to exchange an item without a receipt. C Harris (not Woodstock anymore)


Andi

San Diegp,
California,
U.S.A.
Thieves seem to be the problem

#92Consumer Comment

Sun, September 26, 2004

I read through these and it all comes down to people stealing in the past and present that make the return policy stricter. Well I only read a few articles here that mentioned video cameras. I think it is VERY clear that all Dept. stores need better security. No I don't have the answer to make security better. Most people think the little black bubble on the cieling is just suppose to make you think that there is a camera there. But alot of people don't believe there is a real operating camera in them. Have plain clothed people walk through the store acting as customers who really are security. I have never stole from any store of any kind or from anyone so I don't know what the thieves look for when they are stealing things from stores. Why not put security tabs on the little things? All the litle things add up and then you can purchase big things with all the little things stolen. Also 90 days should be enough time but let's look at it this way ...let's say I buy a gift for someone in January (after Christmas sales are great) but don't give them the gift till after that 90 days? As far as the employees and other people saying take responsibilty for your reciepts as a mom of a 2 year old...I know things get thrown away by mistake things get spilt..things get ripped. I have not lost a reciept myself but IT can happen no matter how careful you are. Not to mention the cahiers that put your reciept in the bag..then you throw the bag away. I keep my reciepts and look them over to see if I have gotten over charged. yes they have the return policy on the back and it's not a matter of being lazy...if you did not know the policy was on the back who is gonna look. I agree gift reciepts are great YAY for target to think of it. Anyway.. I have only shopped at Target twice and have not had a problem yet. I only shopped there because I have not found a Wal Mart where I just moved to. Anyway I just feel security is the biggest problem...it just seems like security things weren't taken care of before they happened. It seems like now Target is trying to correct the security issue now instead of in the past when it started. Anyway just my opion.


Dave

Atlanta,
Georgia,
U.S.A.
WHY AN IN-DEPARTMENT RETURN: THE SECRET REVEALED

#93UPDATE Employee

Sat, June 05, 2004

So we've all heard "one bad apple ruins the bunch"? Well how about "Millions of Dollars of theft/returns causing the prices to rise and sales to lower-income households who want a Target experience at a Wal-Mart price to drop causing sales to drop and hours available to team members (such as those who catch the theives) to drop making it a less pleasurable place to shop and work causes a company to reevaluate the loop-hole ridden leinuency of its return policy in order to catch-up to its valued standards of 'Expect More-Pay Less'"? You haven't heard that one? I guess its new.... but its really catchy. The reason Mr.Harris of Woodstock was asked to choose an item from the same department can be traced back to the real culprits behind this less pleasurable experince... actual theives... Yes they are real. No I'm talking about the housewife who pulls the clarence sticker for 1.98 off of the plastic spoons and places it on her $20 XXXL Leopard-Print Thong Teddy by Gilligan O'Malley (true story), I'm talking about people making (or at least that were making) tax-free incomes in the high five-figures by stealing and returning items. Much of this information was very confidential while these scams were still going on at Target (though to a lesser extent they continue) but now that are "unfair" "clerk knows best" "horrible" "rude" policy has been in pace a good year and a half, I feel no shame in giving you the ellusive explanation. I will caution you all though, many of the comments that I have set here and read talks about no one explaining this and so they'll be shopping at Wal-Mart from now on. Well here's news perhaps when enough people do as I am now and explain why this policy came about, it will inspire new thieves to take advantage of Wal-Mart and K-Mart who will then take similar measure and then being similarly mad at them for following Target's lead, you will stop shopping altogether, live on a commune, growing your own food and making your own clothes and getting back to what Abe Lincoln was relly Touting when he wrote the Quote from Harvard about corporations (yeah he was Agrarian MAJOR). AND NOW THE REASON: (Or AKA How to get rich off consumers without being a stressed-out corporate fat cat) 4 years ago Target had a return policy similar to the afformentioned Wal-Mart policy. You have some merchandise, you return it without a receipt, you get a store credit. Wow those were the days. So what's with Target giving Woodstock a "chit" (I'm not familiar with that term but some people are given a reciept with the amount of credit typed on it)? Well 4 years ago was also when criminals were making Millions of dollars off Target (and the consumers who end up fronting the costs with mark-ups). What the theives would do, is still a lot of small highbuget items, batteries, electric toothbrush heads, jewelry, razor cartrides, collectible cars, thermometers, medicine, and the countless other things that can go unseen stuffes in a purse on the feminine hygeine aisle (or other 'typically' low crime aisles). Ok so what 15 minitutes of time in Target and may 500 bucks max worth of loot, right? I mean what can someone do with $500 worth of lithium camera batteries? not much... but with Target's super nice return policy (again keep in mind this is 4 years ago), they simply return the merchandise to any are Target, take the Merchandise Voucher to the Electronics desk and purchase whatever videocamera is in-stock and then walk out and sell it for cash. (I don't think EBay was that grand then, but if you bought your camcorder 4 years ago brand new from EBay at about 1/2 the price, I have an inkling where the camera was from. Any way if I could make $500 an hour, I guess I would have also loved that return policy. Unfortunately it just made our (employees) hours moree scarce as store after store was being siphoned of sales and profits. So why the return policy of same department? I thank you if you haven't figured it out by now, it just means you don't have that criminal mastermind, if you have figured it out, all that CSI has paid off. Criminals really don't like t trade raiser blades for shaving cream, while a new mother who just received the wrong size diapers for a wedding shower is a little more willing to trade them out for diapers or wipes. This is why the "expetion returns" are allowed to you in the same department, because it make theives who want to get electronics have to steal from electronics where I catch them and send them to the police. In order to not pay for the criminals BMWs you have endure a slightly harder return (despite the fact the gift giver was given a gift reciept if they bought anything for ten bucks or more). Oh and finally Mr Harris (as if he is really still checking this 2 years later). I bet you thought you were really clever with your gift card purchase and return! If so, did you ever think how smart you would have been accepting Target's credit trading it for a model Wal-Mart and Target both sale and then returning it to Wal Mart making yet another 50 bucks? Guess that was a no. Well that is fine you can wish for us to go under... I mean how about you just wish for Wal-Mart to have a Monopoly... Go to a place with only a wal-mart and see if you can get "always low prices always" No You can't... its called competition enjoy it while your still able to. Be happy you have a choice of where to shop and be a little more tolerant and cooperative. You really could have donated the toothbrush instead leaving it (it goes in a lost and found for 2 months and then is trashed). Target is not attempting to be greedy, its merely attempting to prevent loss so that it can continue to offer a different shopping quality at a competitive price. Along with all the "greedy corporate chains" Wal-Mart has also put out thounds of independently owned stores... but who needs a Mom&Pop store when we can bow to the epitomy of greedy corporations... Wal*Mart!


Jana

Austin,
Texas,
U.S.A.
To the Original Poster

#94Consumer Comment

Sun, April 18, 2004

First off, if you were so upset at being offered an in-department store credit, why didn't you just keep your toothbrush and sell it on Ebay?? That's what I do when I get a present I don't like or intend to use. Just sold a DVD set (birthday present) that I already owned, for $20 on Ebay's Half.com! Secondly, I don't blame Target and WalMart for giving in-store credit for non-receipt returned items. Here's a hypothetical story to illustrate my point: I bought a pair of jeans from Newport-News (catalog) one year ago. I suddenly decide I want to make a quick buck. After being told by Newport-News that the statute of limitations on returns/exchanges on the item in question has expired, I decide to take my item to Target/WalMart, to try make some cash. I have no receipt to prove I bought the jeans from the store, yet I insist on being given a cash refund for the item. Why should WalMart or Target be forced to shell out money for an item I never even bought there? They'd be losing money if they agreed to do so. If you have a receipt to prove it was bought at the store in question, more power to you. Otherwise, use common sense. How would you like it if some random person showed up at your house and demanded money for a non-working item you supposedly sold them? You've never before seen this person, or the item in question. They have no proof that they bought this item from you, yet they demand their money back. Would you give it to them? Certainly not.


Stephanie

Ypsilanti,
Michigan,
U.S.A.
Forgot something...

#95UPDATE Employee

Wed, April 07, 2004

And many guests are unaware that if a receipt has expired (is older than 90 days) WE CANNOT OVERRIDE THAT. The computer stubbornly refuses to accept 90 plus day old receipts. That's not our doing. Three months is ample time to decide whether or not your item fits or works or matches with your color scheme. If you do get a nasty employee, I hate to say it almost, but complain. I don't like shopping myself with unfriendly help. But don't assume all Target workers have attitude problems. If you think that, come to the store where I work. Then again, don't get nasty yourself and be surprised when someone reams you right back. Respect, people, respect! As far as the return policy goes, you are responsible for knowing it. Why the heck should we have to explain to every single guest who goes through a register? I always appreciate when people ASK. And if you decide you want to question someone in depth about the reasoning behind the gift exchange policy, ask a manager. Don't holler at the people who don't hold the power. And if all else fails, voice your displeasure by filling out a comment card.


Stephanie

Ypsilanti,
Michigan,
U.S.A.
Sorry, but the guest is not always right, and I'm not willing to lose my job because YOU lost your receipt

#96UPDATE Employee

Wed, April 07, 2004

I work at Guest Services in Target, and for the record, I have NEVER been rude to a guest...at least not one who didn't SCREAM at me first. Excuse me people, but let's be responsible. Keep your receipts. It's not that difficult to do. And understand that we are willing to try to help you as much as we possibly can if you are a polite guest who may have encountered a dilemma of some sort. We do receipt look up, if it is available, and make exceptions for damaged items as well. But when you come in the store trying to scream at the innocents at the returns desk, an employee like me will NOT make an exception for you. While I do think we should be able to offer a gift card for items that are still in the computer system, we have to be careful because people have ben known to return items that didn't belong to us, and run other scams. I believe most guests are generally honest, but we all know there are cons out there who'll take advantage of an easygoing clerk. I like my job and I like the vast majority, I'd say 98%, of the guests that come into my store. As for the 2% who thinks the world revolves around them and their loss of receipts, get a life. There are worse things on earth. And if you know that you wouldn't normally yell at the person behind the service desk who's wearing the red and khaki if you saw them in the street wearing normal clothes, don't try to come in while they're on the job and swell up at them. I'd be the one to clock out and follow you outside. The job itself is fine; bad guests SUCK.


Michele

Wilmington,
North Carolina,
U.S.A.
Whatever rules apply to one customer should apply to the rest

#97Consumer Comment

Sat, March 27, 2004

I am amused by the variety of responses to Woodstock, GA. Although this event occurred sometime ago, I would hope the same policy would be enforced now for a similar situation. I can not recall one negative incident I have encountered during a return to either Target, Wal-Mart, or K-Mart. My experiences may be shaped somewhat by my values. 1st- I am no better than anyone else. Whatever rules apply to one customer should apply to the rest. 2nd- Manners!!! Most of us are working in a service related industry since all the labor jobs have left the country by way of corporate greed. Have some empathy (some of you may have to look that one up)for the person working behind the counter. Please, thank you and a smile can go a long way towards a positive resolution. 3rd- Let go of the things you can not change. I can not see why Woodstock would let that situation get him so bent out of shape. We are at war for God's sake. A toothbrush is no reason to allow your blood pressure to soar. I have found that by applying these principles, life is a little less stressful. Lastly, when I am in a situation which requires me to deal with people like GA, I find having a mantra can help. "God, grant me the serenity to not strangle the worthless life out of this nitwit" usually works. It also helps me to keep a straight face and not start laughing out right at the jerk. That would be just plain rude of me!


Sarah

Albany,
New York,
U.S.A.
How Long do you need to decide?? ..Ive also seen some very sleazy guests!

#98UPDATE Employee

Thu, March 25, 2004

Look, Ive worked for Target for 3 years, 2 of which have been at the Guest Service desk. Ive seen some very nice guests but Ive also seen some very sleazy guests! I understand the issues you have with the "same department" policy But look, If you dont have a receipt How do I know the product actually came from my store? If you buy a $50 microwave, which is sold at every leading retailer in America, how can I be sure that you didnt purchase it on sale at wal-mart and are now trying to get more money back from target? I know that not all customers are theives, but unfortunately in this day and age retail chains have to be on guard because there are so many people trying to scam them. And In my opinion 90 days is more than enough time to decide if you want something... I usually know before I leave the store...If I dont want it, I dont buy it. And If I get a gift I dont want/need/already have, I am not too shy to ask for a reciept. For all of you saying you had no idea we had a 90 policy, CLEARLY stated on the top-front of the receipt is the DATE in which you must make the return by. I mean how much easier can we make it for you? we litterally spell it out in case you are incapable of counting or using a calendar. Items must be returned by " April 11, 2004" Its clear and simple any 4 year old can understand it. Most stores only give you 30 days, and after that, tough luck you get nothing. So take some responsibility, stop crying and always thinking of yourself as the victim to this big corporate oppressor. Its getting pretty pathetic, put your big boy pants on and suck it up.


Cateris

Harvard,
Illinois,
U.S.A.
Globalism - Caveat Emptor

#99Consumer Comment

Wed, March 24, 2004

Note to the editor: Screen captures have been made of each Step for quality assurance. Please consider posting this message to the Index of your web site to remind the world of the original "Rip off Report" made by honorable Abraham Lincoln and by contineously making this message available to the public. Note to buyers: "I see in the near future a crisis approaching that unnerves me and causes me to tremble for the safety of my country.... corporations have been enthroned and an era of corruption in high places will follow, and the money power of the country will endeavor to prolong its reign by working upon the prejudices of the people until all wealth is aggregated in a few hands and the Republic is destroyed." - Abraham Lincoln, 1864 "Private capital tends to become concentrated in few hands... The result of these developments is an oligarchy of private capital the enormous power of which cannot be effectively checked even by a democratically organized political society. This is true since the members of legislative bodies are selected by political parties, largely financed or otherwise influenced by private capitalists who, for all practical purposes, separate the electorate from the legislature." "The consequence is that the representatives of the people do not in fact sufficiently protect the interests of the underprivileged sections of the population. Moreover, under existing conditions, private capitalists inevitably control, directly or indirectly, the main sources of information (press, radio, education). It is thus extremely difficult, and indeed in most cases quite impossible, for the individual citizen to come to objective conclusions and to make intelligent use of his political rights." - Albert Einstein, 1949 "Companies have gone abraod, taking job opportunity out of the US to manufacture cheap products, paying slave labor wages in lesser than developed nations, then sell the same at such low prices to the US public. How then can the US public compete in a market such as this without first becoming a slave?" - Cateris Paribus, 2004


M.

Harrisburg,
Pennsylvania,
U.S.A.
If Target has the same policy as Wal-Mart

#100Consumer Comment

Mon, December 01, 2003

If Target has the same policy as Wal-Mart, verbatim, this customer would have been given a gift card for the amount which the item rings up at the time of return, and been told he can spend it at any time in any department, and in any increments he chooses. If he doesn't need an electric toothbrush, why can't he spend the chit on a power screwdriver or few pairs of jeans or a battery for his car? Not only that, but why can't he spend half now and half later when he has time to shop around? Wal-Mart doesn't restrict to a particular department. It also has management which will make exceptions to the policy (I've always held the theory that this is where our society of non-responsibility and "it's not my fault!" came from, heh) from time to time. The customer just has to ask for a manager, state their case and convince the manager to do it. Based on what you guys are saying, I really don't think it's the same policy. Similar, but much stricter.


Evangeline

SANTA FE,
New Mexico,
U.S.A.
Rules Are For A Reason In Any Game.....

#101UPDATE EX-employee responds

Sat, November 29, 2003

Baking a cake or driving a car, if you don't follow the "directions" how can you get favorable results! Although I agree w/Denice-WY. I am a former Target employee. Frankly, guest relations are overrated in training, i.e., You're treated as a guest, until you return something. As you stand in line to return an item, employees keep eyeballing you (weak stomach people turn and run). Guest Return clerks behave as though you are the scum of the earth for daring to return anything ligitimate or not. As I put my hand out to accept the refund due to me, the clerk has the look of defeat on her face and gestures reluctantly (as she gives me my cash.) If you want any money back or exchange priviledges you must follow all their policy rules, look meaner than the clerks, and have nerves of steel. It doesn't hurt to be as sweet as sugar and helpless as your 98 year old grandmother.


Denice

Cheyenne,
Wyoming,
U.S.A.
Are all customers are thieves?

#102Consumer Comment

Fri, November 14, 2003

By all the comments made by Target employees, except for the one executive, you are making me feel as if all of your customers are slimeballs. You are comfortable lumping everyone into one catagory. I guess that is why WalMart is the #1 retail company in the world and was #1 on Forbes most respected companies.


Denice

Cheyenne,
Wyoming,
U.S.A.
Are all customers are thieves?

#103Consumer Comment

Fri, November 14, 2003

By all the comments made by Target employees, except for the one executive, you are making me feel as if all of your customers are slimeballs. You are comfortable lumping everyone into one catagory. I guess that is why WalMart is the #1 retail company in the world and was #1 on Forbes most respected companies.


Denice

Cheyenne,
Wyoming,
U.S.A.
Are all customers are thieves?

#104Consumer Comment

Fri, November 14, 2003

By all the comments made by Target employees, except for the one executive, you are making me feel as if all of your customers are slimeballs. You are comfortable lumping everyone into one catagory. I guess that is why WalMart is the #1 retail company in the world and was #1 on Forbes most respected companies.


Denice

Cheyenne,
Wyoming,
U.S.A.
Are all customers are thieves?

#105Consumer Comment

Fri, November 14, 2003

By all the comments made by Target employees, except for the one executive, you are making me feel as if all of your customers are slimeballs. You are comfortable lumping everyone into one catagory. I guess that is why WalMart is the #1 retail company in the world and was #1 on Forbes most respected companies.


Alexander

Oklahoma City,
Oklahoma,
U.S.A.
every store; including Walmart, has the same return policy

#106UPDATE EX-employee responds

Tue, November 11, 2003

In regards to the person that claimed the return policy was unfair, I would say that every store; including Walmart, has the same return policy. I worked for Target in HS;about 13yrs ago. I don't think that it is unreasonable for you to have a reciept in order to get a refund. I have seen so many people in the few years that I worked at Target try to return anything you can imagine..i.e.lawn equipment that was used all summer long..clothes that have been worn and washed to the point the clothes are faded. I will say this in your favor that I don't know why they wont let you get store credit towards any department in the store. As far as you getting the lowest price of the merchandise without a reciept,that is only fair;otherwords. people would buy stuff on sale return it for a the full price. I wouldn't go anywhere but Target myself. Maybe you should appreciate your gift;electric toothbrush,and not return it or ask the sender of the gift for the reciept. Don't blame Target for wanting to control its losses and follow rules that most major chains follow anyway..Target is awesome..walmart is W.T...we will leave it at that.


Carolyn

Grayslake,
Illinois,
U.S.A.
Here are the Facts

#107UPDATE Employee

Mon, September 29, 2003

As a guest service team lead, front-end manager, I am the person all the angry guests yell at! Here are the facts, with a receipt you get what you paid for the item and it is refunded the way you paid, i.e. cash, charge ect. Without a receipt we offer receipt lookup, although I will admit as well as Target will, it is not 100% reliable we can the majority of the time find your receipt via a credit card, debit card, check, gift card (if you still have it) or serial number (if applicable)this is a service to help you the guest. If a lookup is not successful you do have one more option, a gift exchange, this option offers the guest the opportunity to exchange the item they are returning for one item of equal or greater value from the same department. Most stores will let you get a few items from the same department that total the amount of the return, that is bending the rules as our policy states one item. We as a store try to provide the guest with the best service possible but we also have to watch the bottom line. You would be amazed the items people try to return; the policy is clear, new and unused within 90 days. SAVE YOUR RECIPTS or pay a way that can be tracked. If your giving a gift get a gift receipt 9 times out of 10 one will automatically print when you check out. We will try to help you as much as we can but please take some responsibility for yourself!


April

Waldorf,
Maryland,
U.S.A.
You're half right.

#108Consumer Suggestion

Thu, August 07, 2003

Target does display a very short message about returns on the front of the recites, but their Return and Exchange policy is listed on the BACK of it.


M

Mpls,
Minnesota,
U.S.A.
For years Target had one of the most liberal return policies in the retail business.

#109UPDATE Employee

Wed, August 06, 2003

You wanted to return it fine, they did it with no questions asked and people took advantage of it. Come in buy an bunch of stuff, pay for it with a bad check or stolen credit card and then return it (oops sorry I lost the receipt) for cash. You think it didn't happen, you're nuts. Or an oldie but a goodie, steal the stuff, then come in with out a receipt and want full price. Bet a lot of you didn't know this one. Do you know how many people out there buy an artificial tree from Target, including lights and ornaments and then come in after Christmas and want to return it because "It didn't work for them". Ya right. Target's new policy and it was plainly posted, is any seasonal item returned after the holiday you only get the clearance price regardless if you have the receipt or not. Why should people be allowed to have the use of all those items only to return them because they don't want to store them for the year. So Target decided to charge them rent and I say bravo to them. Know how many price changes I catch at my register. A lot, and I wonder how many are sneaking through. What about the woman who bundled her baby up in a winter coat, hood tied and everything on a warm September evening so she could stuff that little guys jacket with the items she wanted to steal. The lady that was more than happy to try and steal 3 refrigator magnets she had hid in a purse she was buying but when she had to pay for them, thank you very much but she only wanted 2. I too have returned gifts without a receipt and got a clearance price on what I got back. It was my fault for being to embarrassed to ask the giver for the receipt. Now there are gift receipts, anyone giving a gift can make the return very simple and easy. And as far as being embarrassed by having bought a gift on sale, who in heck doesn't if they can. That is just smart shopping. And you certainly can't blame Target for duplicate gift items if the people don't inform the cashier they have purchased something off the registry. P.S. The return policy is listed at the top of the receipt not on the back. So all you people who say it is to much trouble, ya'll don't even have to.


M

Mpls,
Minnesota,
U.S.A.
For years Target had one of the most liberal return policies in the retail business.

#110UPDATE Employee

Wed, August 06, 2003

You wanted to return it fine, they did it with no questions asked and people took advantage of it. Come in buy an bunch of stuff, pay for it with a bad check or stolen credit card and then return it (oops sorry I lost the receipt) for cash. You think it didn't happen, you're nuts. Or an oldie but a goodie, steal the stuff, then come in with out a receipt and want full price. Bet a lot of you didn't know this one. Do you know how many people out there buy an artificial tree from Target, including lights and ornaments and then come in after Christmas and want to return it because "It didn't work for them". Ya right. Target's new policy and it was plainly posted, is any seasonal item returned after the holiday you only get the clearance price regardless if you have the receipt or not. Why should people be allowed to have the use of all those items only to return them because they don't want to store them for the year. So Target decided to charge them rent and I say bravo to them. Know how many price changes I catch at my register. A lot, and I wonder how many are sneaking through. What about the woman who bundled her baby up in a winter coat, hood tied and everything on a warm September evening so she could stuff that little guys jacket with the items she wanted to steal. The lady that was more than happy to try and steal 3 refrigator magnets she had hid in a purse she was buying but when she had to pay for them, thank you very much but she only wanted 2. I too have returned gifts without a receipt and got a clearance price on what I got back. It was my fault for being to embarrassed to ask the giver for the receipt. Now there are gift receipts, anyone giving a gift can make the return very simple and easy. And as far as being embarrassed by having bought a gift on sale, who in heck doesn't if they can. That is just smart shopping. And you certainly can't blame Target for duplicate gift items if the people don't inform the cashier they have purchased something off the registry. P.S. The return policy is listed at the top of the receipt not on the back. So all you people who say it is to much trouble, ya'll don't even have to.


M

Mpls,
Minnesota,
U.S.A.
For years Target had one of the most liberal return policies in the retail business.

#111UPDATE Employee

Wed, August 06, 2003

You wanted to return it fine, they did it with no questions asked and people took advantage of it. Come in buy an bunch of stuff, pay for it with a bad check or stolen credit card and then return it (oops sorry I lost the receipt) for cash. You think it didn't happen, you're nuts. Or an oldie but a goodie, steal the stuff, then come in with out a receipt and want full price. Bet a lot of you didn't know this one. Do you know how many people out there buy an artificial tree from Target, including lights and ornaments and then come in after Christmas and want to return it because "It didn't work for them". Ya right. Target's new policy and it was plainly posted, is any seasonal item returned after the holiday you only get the clearance price regardless if you have the receipt or not. Why should people be allowed to have the use of all those items only to return them because they don't want to store them for the year. So Target decided to charge them rent and I say bravo to them. Know how many price changes I catch at my register. A lot, and I wonder how many are sneaking through. What about the woman who bundled her baby up in a winter coat, hood tied and everything on a warm September evening so she could stuff that little guys jacket with the items she wanted to steal. The lady that was more than happy to try and steal 3 refrigator magnets she had hid in a purse she was buying but when she had to pay for them, thank you very much but she only wanted 2. I too have returned gifts without a receipt and got a clearance price on what I got back. It was my fault for being to embarrassed to ask the giver for the receipt. Now there are gift receipts, anyone giving a gift can make the return very simple and easy. And as far as being embarrassed by having bought a gift on sale, who in heck doesn't if they can. That is just smart shopping. And you certainly can't blame Target for duplicate gift items if the people don't inform the cashier they have purchased something off the registry. P.S. The return policy is listed at the top of the receipt not on the back. So all you people who say it is to much trouble, ya'll don't even have to.


M

Mpls,
Minnesota,
U.S.A.
For years Target had one of the most liberal return policies in the retail business.

#112UPDATE Employee

Wed, August 06, 2003

You wanted to return it fine, they did it with no questions asked and people took advantage of it. Come in buy an bunch of stuff, pay for it with a bad check or stolen credit card and then return it (oops sorry I lost the receipt) for cash. You think it didn't happen, you're nuts. Or an oldie but a goodie, steal the stuff, then come in with out a receipt and want full price. Bet a lot of you didn't know this one. Do you know how many people out there buy an artificial tree from Target, including lights and ornaments and then come in after Christmas and want to return it because "It didn't work for them". Ya right. Target's new policy and it was plainly posted, is any seasonal item returned after the holiday you only get the clearance price regardless if you have the receipt or not. Why should people be allowed to have the use of all those items only to return them because they don't want to store them for the year. So Target decided to charge them rent and I say bravo to them. Know how many price changes I catch at my register. A lot, and I wonder how many are sneaking through. What about the woman who bundled her baby up in a winter coat, hood tied and everything on a warm September evening so she could stuff that little guys jacket with the items she wanted to steal. The lady that was more than happy to try and steal 3 refrigator magnets she had hid in a purse she was buying but when she had to pay for them, thank you very much but she only wanted 2. I too have returned gifts without a receipt and got a clearance price on what I got back. It was my fault for being to embarrassed to ask the giver for the receipt. Now there are gift receipts, anyone giving a gift can make the return very simple and easy. And as far as being embarrassed by having bought a gift on sale, who in heck doesn't if they can. That is just smart shopping. And you certainly can't blame Target for duplicate gift items if the people don't inform the cashier they have purchased something off the registry. P.S. The return policy is listed at the top of the receipt not on the back. So all you people who say it is to much trouble, ya'll don't even have to.


Ryan

Layton,
Utah,
U.S.A.
Having a Policy is great...if people understand it.

#113Consumer Comment

Mon, August 04, 2003

Here is the problem with policy. Policy is put in place to protect the store in cases where a customer is obviously trying to take advantage of them. If there is no policy, the store has nothing to fall back on. However, any "good" company should allow the management to make informed decisions which balance keeping the customer happy with not letting the store get ripped off. I just got married. We got a lot of wedding presents we had no use for or that we got duplicates of..most had no gift receipts, and I had no idea where a lot of the items came from. I have had recent experience returning items to walmart, Kmart, and Target. Experience at Walmart and Kmart were pretty much the same. All of the items were new and unopened. I took back a whole load of stuff first to Walmart. Some things scanned as being a carried item, others did not. At the end, she gave me a store credit of all of the things that scanned, and I took the rest of the stuff with me. I got to Kmart..same thing. Getting to Target, as I am sure you are all aware, I got the "well you must get things today that are in the same departments...." When it came right down to it, I pushed the issue and asked "Why?" Why do I have to buy something from the SAME department the SAME day instead of getting store credit? The resounding answer...."That's our policy." But why? No one could answer. To be honest, it doesn't matter if an item was purchased as a gift from Walmart, it is given to someone and they take the item back to Target...Target is not losing. They are receiving an item that is in sellable condition. They will sell that item to another customer and get their money back. They also now have a customer who has credit at their store. That customer will be back to spend that money (and more likely MORE money) at the same store. Target will get their money back and they will have happy customers. I have learned that if it is at all possible, I will not be doing any shopping at Target. In fact I had a $50 gift card to Target. I wanted to buy a $120 item. What did I do? I bought a $50 item, took it 1.5mi down to Walmart and returned it without a receipt there. Got a $50 store credit, and then proceeded to buy the same $120 item from Walmart instead. Screw Target. If they keep up these business practices I hope they go under as well.


Linda

San Diego,
California,
U.S.A.
To Pat From Pennsylvania

#114Consumer Comment

Wed, July 30, 2003

You wanted to return shoes you had already worn? Shoes that you admit rubbed skin off your feet and were surprised that Target said no? Yuck! It is not Target's fault that they were not comfortble on your feet, and expecting them to take back worn merchandize is very unrealistic.


Steven

Cypress,
California,
U.S.A.
Exectutive with Target totally agrees with report

#115UPDATE Employee

Wed, July 30, 2003

I have been an Executive with Target for 6 yrs now, and have seen the return policy become progressively stricter. i'm certain that any consumer can understand that many of the changes in policy are necessary evils in response to rampant shoplifting, and without the stricter policies, we wouldnt be able to maintain our low prices. The point, however, is Targets internal policy changes. They have systematically stripped managers of the ability to "do the right thing". Personal discretion, or the policy overide ability that any true manager should possess, are fast going the way of the Dodo bird. With each return system upgrade, a little more discretionary power is lost. I am as frustrated as our guests with the direction the company is heading, and although I fully expected to retire from Target, O too feel that my time would be better spent at Kohl's or WalMart. One last thought for you Target V'P's out there. Targets focus at one point was to satisfy the guest, and be a part of the community. Do you think it matters to the average consumer that we covered our asses legally by printing our policy in microscopic greyscale on the back of the receipts? For the money we need to spend to train team members in conflict management as a result of stricter policies, Im certain we could research a guest-friendlier system.


Pat

Stroudsburg,
Pennsylvania,
U.S.A.
customers are the target

#116Consumer Comment

Mon, July 14, 2003

i like shopping in target stores they have very nice items,nothing i wouldn't give as a gift.But i bought a pair of sandals they hurt my feet and rubed the skin of my toes.So i took them back with the receipt and i was told they are not defective and they could not take them back.Why as i read some of these comments are some target stores excuseable to some customers and the other stores are not?I only paid $12.00 for the sandals so it wasn't the money i just wanted a credit or a different pair.As far as the store policys goes after i had a problem with them i walked through the store only to notice there was NOT policys through the store.Alot of things have changed now that web sights like this can be found.Sometimes customers are NOT always right but you should be able to return something you don't like.Target is chasing customers away,not helping them.By the way i bet alot of people don't know that Target charges 15% restock fee for electronics.So watch what you buy for people as gifts from this store.


Alisa

San Antonio,
Texas,
U.S.A.
Target does everything we can...

#117UPDATE Employee

Mon, June 23, 2003

Target has done everything it can to help the consumers ease the pain of making a return. We have stream lined our computer systems to help with reciept look up. If you pay with a credit card or check...we can look it up. If the item you recieved was bought off of a gift registry...we can look it up. Gift card? Yep...we can look that up too. All we ask is that you return it in new and unused condition within 90 days...3 MONTHS! 3 MONTHS is not enough time for you to decide if you want it or not? C'MON! Target has done everything we can for our guests and made it as simple as possible...but at some point you, as a consumer, have some responsibility too...I am not your mother. I do not assume that every guest that comes to my Service Desk is a criminal...I do however have a responsibility to my company and my share holders to keep Target profitable. The policy is very simple and it is the same for every national retailer...keep your reciept and return it within 90 days...3 MONTHS!


Gregg

Fresno,
California,
U.S.A.
My marketing classes were wrong !!

#118Consumer Comment

Sun, June 01, 2003

Let me see if I understand what the TARGET employees are trying to tell us, "The clerk is always right." Wait a moment, while I take notes; my marketing professors had it allllll wrong! Those ivory tower dipsticks had it all screwed up! They actually taught me that, "The customer is always right," and, "It costs 20 times more to attain a new customer than to keep an old one." Thanks for the heads up from the OJT crowd for their take on reality. Could you clue me in on that 20 times old wives tale? How much do you save by letting your thieving customers huff out the door and just shaking the burbs for new ones? I am really embarassed by the greed and chicanery of my fellow shoppers. I recommend you provide all of the clerks with tasers. Then when a customer has the audacity of wanting a service beyond the book, or say asking a stupid question, you could just staighten their crap right out! I had not realized that Target was utilizing, nay, advocating, the P.T. Barnum school of marketing in their customer service protocols. I recommend that Target start special training early for our children in how to be proper consumers and to turn in their parents if they aren't. Hmmmm, what could we call them? I know, Target Youth! And the rudest ones with the most confrontary and beligerant attitudes could have the honor of actually herding the customers into the show.....rooms. No, wait, I am so sorry, that program is obviously already in place. And I always thought retail was like a giant on-going election with the customers voting with their dollars. Boy, is my face red.


Nate

Salt Lake City,
Utah,
U.S.A.
To Vicki from Cincinnati

#119Consumer Comment

Sat, May 31, 2003

It is quite obvious from your whining that you have experienced Target's return policy first hand. It is also quite obvious that you represent every lazy, illiterate, irresponsible, unintelligent, dishonest, and unrealistic excuse for a consumer in the world. Target has word-for-word the same return policy as Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Shopko, and every other discount retail chain in America. If you are too lazy to read a receipt then it should come as no surprise that you also lost the receipt. Target is without-a-doubt the best department store in America. It is incredible the lengths they will go to to satisfy even the stupidest consumer (such as yourself). Take a hint: LEARN SOME RESPONSIBILITY or at least don't reproduce.


Dawn

Oldsmar,
Florida,
U.S.A.
Formerly in the dark

#120UPDATE Employee

Mon, May 05, 2003

Before I began working for Target over a year ago (mostly Guest Service) I would never have believed the absolute nerve of people. I've seen people return used makeup after using half of it. I've seen people return damaged clothing that THEY obviously damaged. I had one woman try to return an air purifier that was several years old. I suppose we should have taken it back since she had her receipt. NOT! Many people try to return items over a year old and then blame Target that the item stopped working. It would never occur to me to blame a store. I blame the manufacturer for a poorly made product and 9 times out of 10 they give me some satisfaction when I contact them. I would never dream of getting upset for not being able to return an item without a receipt. I would be surprised if a store took something back that they weren't sure was theirs. I am very grateful when they do. No one has even mentioned the fact that Target has GIFT RECEIPTS! I would be upset with the gift giver for not giving me one. Also, Target does have the capability of looking up purchases made with Credit Cards, Debit Cards and Checks. How many stores can say that? I always have to laugh when someone says that Target has the best return policy. It's funny because it's always the consumers with receipts that say that. Some people without receipts say they will never come back and yet I keep seeing them again and again. Guess they found out it isn't so easy to return items at Wal-Mart without a receipt any more either. I keep files for all of my receipts. It's very simple, saves me a lot of time and aggravation and I have no one but myself to blame if I lose a receipt. Unfortunately, we live in a society where everything is someone else's fault and we don't accept responsibility for anything anymore. It's really very sad. Oh yes, and to the person who blames employee theft for strict return policies. It's not the employees who are bringing razor blades into the store and opening packages, stealing what's inside. We find empty, cut open containers on a daily basis. If you really want to blame someone for any store's return policy, blame the thieves who make a living ripping off stores. What about the people who try to return something they just took off the shelf? How do we know you got that toothbrush as a gift? We're not psychic for crying out loud. Crooks are the real reason that stores can't afford to provide the customer service that honest people deserve. We're just doing our job and helping to support our families. Please don't take your frustration out on the employees when you try to return something and can't get what you want. I love Target. Always have, always will. I applaud their efforts to avoid fraud so that they will be able to stay in business and keep their prices low. Even if it means I can't return that malfunctioning phone I bought 5 years ago.


AL

NAPERVILLE,
Illinois,
U.S.A.
To Don, in Elk Grove

#121Consumer Comment

Thu, April 03, 2003

While the initial complaintant did not address if he/she had a receipt, or if it was after the 90 days, it's very apparent, if not obvious, that they didn't have one (especially since they mentioned that it was received as a gift). Because if they had one, they would've got their refund and this complaint wouldn't have been posted. And as far as bankruptcy court for Target in the "near" future, is highly unlikely. Since they're opening up 100 new stores per year.


AL

NAPERVILLE,
Illinois,
U.S.A.
Get Real! ..You people are ridiculous!

#122Consumer Comment

Thu, April 03, 2003

How many days should a retailer allow you to bring something back if some of you think that 90 days is not sufficient?! Ninety years?! Believe it or not, Target still has one of the most lenient return policies out there. Just try returning something at Best Buy, for example, after THIRTY days. That's right! Best Buy only gives you 30 days to return something. And just forget it if you don't have your receipt! The people that are doing all this perpetual whining about Target, are the very same people that would do the same thing if they owned their own store. And haven't any of you heard of Gift Receipts?? Target does supply them, you know (virtually all retailers nowadays do). Just ask for one. Sheesh!


Joey

St Louis,
Missouri,
U.S.A.
clark howard

#123Consumer Comment

Wed, April 02, 2003

has rated target as one of the worst store chains for customer service( or the best for cust 'no service') i can understand the policy about RETURNS w/out a receipt, but i tried to exchange a pair of jeans for my preteen son that were way too large(recieved as a christmas gift), w/out a reciept, i could only get a gift card for about 4 bucks(they had been on sale for back to school). i just wantsd to exchange for the correct size-all tags still on.-so 1 wasted trip. talked to person who gave gift and got reciept,returned and exchanged jeans--but walmart is way more convienient. btw, when i worked at target in high school(15? years ago) they had more cameras in the storeroom than on the sales floor.


Jeraldo

Santa Ana,
California,
U.S.A.
If you came into our store with this merchandise we would have called the cops

#124UPDATE Employee

Wed, April 02, 2003

And how may I ask if you didn't have a receipt do you know that the toothbrush came from Target? You sound like a dirty thief to me, and thieves like you hurt the consumer more than "bad" customer service. I hope they throw your broke-a*s shoplifting self in jail just to make an example of you! Target rocks!


Don

Elk Grove,
California,
U.S.A.
Stick to the facts

#125Consumer Comment

Mon, March 31, 2003

I've heard a number of 'rebuttals' to the complaint described above. Each one seems to suggest that the customer is ultimately to blame for the poor service and extremely limiting return policy employed at Target. Though there was no mention of whether he had a receipt or not nor did he mention that his return attempt was past 90 days, each of the apologists for Target made the assumption that those were the conditions under which the toothbrush was returned. Bottom line. . .What does the store lose when it proscribes its consumers to such stringent limitations on its returns? Everything! I frankly wouldn't want to be told that a product I bought or recieved in good faith, was mine forever despite its poor quality, simply because I made the mistake of buying it at a store who employs distrustful return policies that suggest that people are generally crooks masquerading as customers. Having worked myself in loss prevention a good many years I can tell you that its common industry knowledge that most of the theft is internal, with merchandise pooring out the dock by those who religiously bludgeon you with the company policy of restricted returns. Target in this case saved itself 44 dollars while losing a lifetime of purchases by this customer. I'm sure its smug assurances to itself as to its brilliant methods of preventing small time swindlers like they apparently suspect the complainant of being, will be of some comfort in the bankruptcy courts somewhere in the near future.


Sean

Dallas,
Texas,
From both sides

#126UPDATE EX-employee responds

Tue, June 25, 2002

As a former employee, I feel it is my duty to point out that we do get away with a lot. Yes, we don't manufacture the item at Target, but when we sell it, we are saying that you are getting a good product. If someone receives a gift, and wants to return the item, that is something else entirely. In the past, we always took those items and exchanged them. I am not sure why now that is not the case. I think the best way to handle this is to stay calm, don't leave with nothing, that would be silly, but perhaps take their offer so you don't lose so much. Coming to this website I do think was a very good idea. You are able to get advise and let others know to be wary about giving gifts without reciepts. I would like to point out for gift-buyers, that there are reciepts now that don't show money totals on them, at stores like Walmart.


B.

E,
Oregon,
Accept some responsibility

#127Consumer Comment

Tue, June 11, 2002

Why does Target have to warrant the merchandise? Target sells the merchandise and does not manufacture it. Let's nail the right company if there's something wrong with an item. Also, before long, you won't be able to return anything anywhere without your receipt. If you don't want to be responsible enough to read the policy for the store either while you are in the store or on the back of your receipt then please don't shop anywhere. Accept some responsibility for your life and purchases people. Target has to protect its assets and the return policy is the legal way for them to do just that. If other companies choose not to enforce a return policy then goody for them. But, don't come down on the ones who do choose to enforce a return policy that has become the norm in many stores.


Vicki

Cincinnati,
Ohio,
Really now, who reads the back of the receipt?

#128Consumer Comment

Mon, June 10, 2002

The common theme here from those who support Target's strict return policy seems to be, "Read the back of the receipt". The only thing I read on a receipt is to check my charges for each item. Unless I have something to return, I would NEVER read the back of the receipt. Even then, I can't say I ever have. Who, in this day and age, would take the time to do that? This non-compromising policy is something most people are just starting to discover, and there are more websites than this one where people are posting their displeasure and stating that they're finding other places to shop. This whole thing reminds me of elementary school when the teacher would punish the whole class by making us miss recess or stay after school because he didn't want to take the time to punish the real offenders for talking during class. So much for being a faithful, honest Target customer. Your policy says to me, "We appreciate your patronage, but only for 90 days. After that, you get lumped in as a dishonest customer, and we will no longer work with you." Keep tooting your own horn, Target. There are two types of Target customers, those of us who have experienced the frustration of dealing with you and those who haven't experienced it yet.


Sarah

Albany,
New York,
Know The Policy-Stop your whinning

#129UPDATE Employee

Fri, May 24, 2002

Not only to I work for target, I work in Guest Service. I deal with guests who do not have reciepts everyday. It is simple-these people need to learn how to read. At every purchase the guest recieves a copy of our return policy, we have been doing this since the policy changed earlier this year. Every single guest gets this pamphlet. but clearly very few read them. Then they come in and complain to us saying "oh i know you can give me the cash back" because they are selfish and feel that even though thier own stupidity and laziness has caused the problem they feel that we are responsible for thier mistake-I think that these people need to realize that everyone is responsable for their own actions-you forget/lose your reciept-you suffer the onsequence of either an even exchange or god forbid-exchanging it for an item of greater or equal value in the same dept. Its a simple concept-without a reciept how can we prove that you actually paid full price for the item? You could be trying to rip us off. Say a guest buys an item on sale the next week it goes back to regular price, they, being of criminal mind, decide "hey I'll say i lost my reciept and I'll get more money back than I paid." remember these kinds of people are the reason prices rise. I have had many guests who say our policy is better than most store who do not even allow a store credit without a reciept!!! Please before you whine and complain about our policy read it and know it-and BRING YOUR RECIEPT!!!


adam

tulsa,
Arizona,
I think this should be read by all!!!

#130Consumer Comment

Thu, May 23, 2002

once and forall let me say this, a return policy is a return policy, I am so sick of everyone thinking they should be the exception to every rule, policy is strictly made so that everyone knows how it works and noone is confused, so they followed policy and that is ripping you off, how outragous. What a crock of poop!!! I work with customers everyday (not in retail so dont even start) everybody wants somthing for nothing and think they are entitiled to it. this is not so, if you dont agree with the policy dont shop at the store, but dont shop there and then complain that they are sticking to the rules. the audisity to think that "well even though this isnt policy I should get it anyway". Stop being ignorant, read the rip-off report and you will see that stores require recipts that is how they keep up with transactions, how many "exceptions to the rules" people without recipts do we have to read about before we understand that recipts are used for proof of purchase and we need these for refunds or credit, Get with it already.


B.

E.P.,
Oregon,
What almost every consumer seems to forget

#131Consumer Comment

Fri, May 10, 2002

What almost every consumer seems to forget is that nowhere in the definintion of "customer service" does it say that Target is supposed to take it up the rear to satisfy your every whim. Almost every retail chain in America has a 90 day return policy as well as every manufacturer. Target is one of the few who choose not to be taken advantage of by the consumer and stick to their guns. The fact that you are upset with a store for re-enforcing a very clear return/exchange policy is like a child complaining that his mommy spanked him for eating a cookie when she already told him he couldn't have one. Think about how you would feel if you owned stock in the company and your stock value kept decresing due to excessive returns and thefts. You wouldn't want to take it in the pants either!!


Vicki

Cincinnati,
Ohio,
customers have been reduced to numbers

#132Consumer Comment

Thu, May 09, 2002

This whole issue is about CUSTOMER SERVICE!!! This company has you and the manager from the previous post well programed. His comment about how computerized and high tech the company has become sums it up pretty well; customers have been reduced to numbers and "that does not compute". No wonder we're all so frustrated with you.


Matthew

Cumberland,
Rhode Island,
Did you take time to read our policy?

#133UPDATE Employee

Wed, May 08, 2002

I am one of the many worker bee's who work at the service desk, and I have heard that story a million times. If you actually look at our return policy, it states "A receipt dated within 90 days is required for ALL returns and exchanges." We are making an exception by letting you exchange this. We could simply say No receipt? sorry, cant help you. Would you rather have somthing in the department, or nothing at all? And nowhere does it say that we give out credits for items without receipts. We also use the lowest sale price within the last 6 months. We do that so it would be fair to a person who bought an item for a sale price, and returning it at a sale price rather than a person who didn't have their receipt getting a refund for full price.

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