Want to enjoy Amazon‘s low prices without giving up the convenience of in-store shopping at Target? You‘re in luck! Thanks to Target‘s price match guarantee, you can often score Amazon‘s online deals in Target stores or on Target.com.
But before you go on a price matching spree, there are some crucial ins and outs to understand. How exactly does Target‘s price matching work when it comes to Amazon? What items are eligible? And when is price matching your best money-saving strategy?
We talked to retail experts and dug into the data to bring you this ultimate guide. Armed with these insider secrets, you‘ll be able to maximize your savings and outsmart the retail giants. Let‘s dive in!
How Target Stacks Up Against Amazon
First, it‘s important to understand how two of the biggest names in retail compare. Amazon and Target are both known for competitive prices, but they take a fundamentally different approach.
Amazon‘s strategy hinges on dynamic, algorithm-driven pricing that can change by the hour. By constantly adjusting prices based on factors like supply and demand, competitor pricing, and sales velocity, Amazon aims to always offer the lowest price possible.
Target, on the other hand, employs a "high-low" pricing model. They offer temporary discounts and sales on top of consistent everyday prices. This allows Target to better protect their margins while still providing value.
So what does this mean for price matching? In short, it gives Target a way to compete with Amazon‘s ultra-low prices without adopting the same risky strategy. Price matching lets Target capitalize on Amazon‘s pricing efficiency while maintaining their own business model.
The Nuts and Bolts of Target‘s Price Match Policy
Now, let‘s get into the nitty gritty of how Target‘s price match guarantee actually works. First and foremost, it‘s important to understand that not everything is fair game for price matching. There are some key exclusions and restrictions to be aware of.
What will Target price match from Amazon?
- Items sold and shipped directly by Amazon (not third-party sellers)
- Identical items in brand, size, weight, color, quantity and model number
What won‘t Target price match from Amazon?
- Items from Amazon‘s third-party Marketplace sellers
- Amazon Prime exclusive prices or Lightning Deals
- Amazon Prime membership fees or add-on shipping charges
- Items that are out of stock or unavailable for shipping on either site
Assuming your item checks all the boxes, requesting a price match from Target is fairly straightforward. For online purchases, contact Target.com Guest Services at 1-800-591-3869. If shopping in-store, bring proof of the Amazon price to Guest Services.
Target will match the lower Amazon price, including shipping and handling fees. If the item was already purchased, you have 14 days to request a price adjustment.
How Target‘s Price Match Stacks Up
Target is far from the only retailer to offer price matching in the age of e-commerce competition. So how does Target‘s policy compare to other major players? Here‘s a quick overview:
| Retailer | Matches Amazon | Matches Online Prices | Matches In-Store Prices | Time Limit for Adjustment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Target | Yes, with restrictions | Yes | Yes | 14 days |
| Walmart | Yes, with restrictions | Yes | Yes | 7 days |
| Best Buy | Yes, with restrictions | Yes | Yes | Return/exchange period |
| Lowe‘s | Yes | Yes | Yes | 30 days |
| Home Depot | Yes, with restrictions | Yes | Yes | Special order: 30 days, In-stock: 7 days |
| Kohl‘s | Yes | Yes, Kohls.com only | No | 14 days |
As you can see, most major retailers have adopted a similar policy of price matching both in-store and online competitors, including Amazon. The main differences are in the time limit for adjustments and specific restrictions for each store.
The Psychology of Price Matching
So what makes price matching such an compelling strategy for retailers? A lot of it comes down to consumer psychology and behavioral economics.
Consider this: 67% of shoppers have used their phone to compare prices while in a brick-and-mortar store (Source: KPMG). Historically, many of those shoppers would then go on to purchase from an online competitor like Amazon.
By offering to match Amazon‘s prices, Target provides an incentive for shoppers to complete their purchase in-store. They get the instant gratification of taking the product home immediately and the assurance they got the best price. For Target, that means preventing lost sales and building customer loyalty.
Price matching also plays into the concept of loss aversion, or the human tendency to prefer avoiding losses over acquiring equivalent gains. If a shopper believes they might miss out on savings by not price checking against Amazon, they‘re highly motivated to do so before purchasing. A match policy alleviates this concern.
When Price Matching Makes Cents
Price matching can be a powerful savings tool, but it doesn‘t always make sense. Savvy shoppers should consider a few factors when deciding whether to go to the effort of price matching.
Focus on big ticket items. Taking the time to price match is most worthwhile when you stand to save a significant amount. Look for high-priced purchases like electronics, appliances, or furniture, where even a small percentage discount can net big savings.
Compare total price, not just list price. Don‘t forget to factor in shipping costs, taxes, and any relevant fees. An item may appear cheaper on Amazon until you account for shipping. Target matches the total price, so be sure you‘re comparing apples to apples.
Stack savings when possible. Combining a price match with other discounts, like Target Circle offers, gift card promotions, or your RedCard 5% savings can amplify your savings. Check for bonus offers before price matching to maximize your discount.
Know when to walk away. Price matching takes time and effort. If you‘re only saving a few cents, it likely isn‘t worth jumping through hoops, especially for inexpensive everyday purchases. Set a mental threshold and only request matches for savings above a certain amount.
The Future of Price Matching
As online shopping continues to grow and evolve, retailers‘ price matching policies will likely evolve with it. Advances in technology and data analytics are making it easier than ever for retailers to dynamically adjust prices in real-time based on market conditions and competitor activity.
Some experts predict we‘ll see more retailers adopt an Amazon-like approach of fluid, algorithm-driven pricing. Others believe price matching will become more sophisticated, with retailers leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning to optimize discounts.
At the same time, there‘s a growing trend of retailers offering exclusive products, whether through in-house brands or partnerships. This allows them to avoid direct price comparisons with competitors and protect their margins. Target has been investing heavily in private label brands in recent years for this reason.
Shoppers can expect price matching policies to adapt to keep pace with these changes. While the core premise of honoring competitors‘ prices is likely to remain, the specific terms, conditions, and processes may change. The key is to stay informed and keep a close eye on your favorite retailers‘ policies.
The Bottom Line
Price matching is a valuable tool in any savvy shopper‘s arsenal, but it‘s not a one-size-fits all solution. To make the most of Target‘s Amazon price match policy, focus on big-ticket items that are identical across both retailers. Don‘t forget to factor in total price, including shipping and taxes.
Where possible, combine your price match with other discounts and promotions to unlock even more savings. And remember, price matching is just one of many strategies to save at Target.
For retailers, price matching is a way to stay competitive and prevent lost sales in a market dominated by Amazon. But it‘s a delicate balancing act – match too little and you risk losing customers, match too much and you erode your margins. As e-commerce continues to evolve, finding that sweet spot will be key to Target‘s success.
In the end, the winner of the price match game is the informed consumer. By understanding policies, weighing the effort required, and making smart comparisons, you can turn big retailers‘ quest for market share into serious savings. Happy price matching!
