Have you ever bought something from Target, only to decide you want to return it a few months later? Whether you found the item on sale elsewhere, received it as an unwanted gift, or simply changed your mind, attempting to return products after Target‘s standard 90-day window can be tricky.
Fortunately, it‘s not impossible to make a return at Target after 90 days, as long as you understand the store‘s policies. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll break down everything you need to know about Target‘s return policy after 90 days, including:
- A detailed look at standard return windows by product category
- Exceptions and exclusions to the 90-day rule
- Benefits for Target RedCard holders
- How to return without a receipt
- Comparison to competitors‘ policies
- Tips for success from retail experts and savvy shoppers
By the end, you‘ll be equipped with the knowledge and strategies you need to confidently navigate Target‘s return process, even for late returns.
Target‘s Standard Return Policy: 90 Days for Most Items
According to Target‘s corporate return policy, customers have 90 days to return or exchange most unopened items in new condition for a refund. This includes products like:
- Clothing and accessories
- Home decor and furniture
- Small appliances
- Toys and sporting goods
- Beauty and personal care
- Pet supplies
- Groceries and household essentials
As long as you have the original receipt or packing slip, you can bring the item back to any Target store or initiate a mail return on Target.com. You‘ll receive a refund in your original form of payment – so if you paid with a credit card, the funds will be credited back to that account.
If you don‘t have a receipt, you may still be able to return the item for store credit at the current selling price. However, Target tracks receiptless returns and has a $150 annual limit per customer. You‘ll need to bring a valid photo ID and be prepared for the return to potentially be denied.
Exceptions for Certain Product Categories
However, the standard 90-day return window doesn‘t tell the whole story. Many popular product categories actually have much shorter return periods, including:
- Electronics: 30 days (excluding contract cell phones)
- Apple products: 15 days
- Music, movies, video games (opened): Not returnable
- Airbeds: Not returnable once opened
- Breast pumps: Not returnable once opened
Additionally, Target has a wide range of policies for specific departments and products. Here are a few key examples:
Furniture and Decor
- Furniture can be returned within 90 days, but must be in unopened and unassembled condition with original packaging.
- Rugs are only returnable within 30 days.
- Curtains and blinds must be in original packaging and can only be returned to stores, not by mail.
Baby Gear and Supplies
- Car seats can only be returned within 90 days and must be in original packaging with registration card.
- Strollers must be returned within the 90-day window in like-new condition.
- Breast pumps cannot be returned once opened for sanitary reasons.
Holiday and Seasonal
- Christmas and holiday decor is returnable for 30 days after the holiday with receipt and original packaging.
- Halloween costumes can be returned, even if worn, within 14 days after Halloween.
- Seasonal patio furniture must be returned within 90 days and be unused in original packaging.
As you can see, the specific return policy can vary widely based on what you bought and when. Your best bet is to always check your receipt or Target.com order history for the most accurate information on your purchase.
Benefits for Target RedCard Holders
If you‘re a frequent Target shopper, signing up for a RedCard can be a smart move – especially when it comes to returns. In addition to 5% off all purchases and free shipping, RedCard holders receive an extra 30 days for returns beyond the standard refund windows.
So if you bought a new coffeemaker with your RedCard, you‘d actually have 120 days to decide if you want to keep it, versus 90 days for non-cardholders. The same 30-day extension applies to shorter category return periods as well. For example:
- Electronics: 60 days instead of 30
- Apple products: 45 days instead of 15
- Rugs: 60 days instead of 30
- Holiday items: 60 days after the holiday instead of 30
While an extra 30 days may not seem like much, it can make a big difference for those times when you don‘t get around to returning right away. And if you‘re prone to buyer‘s remorse, the flexibility of an extended return period offers valuable peace of mind.
Of course, all of the standard Target return policy terms still apply to RedCard holders. You‘ll need to provide your original receipt or card lookup, return the item in sellable condition, and stay within the $150 annual limit for returns without a receipt. But overall, it‘s a nice perk that can justify signing up for the store card.
Generous Policy for Target-Owned Brands
If you‘re a fan of Target‘s many exclusive in-house brands, you‘re in luck when it comes to returns. The retailer offers a significantly longer 1-year return window for all Target Owned Brands, even if the item has been opened or used.
This policy covers dozens of popular Target labels, such as:
- Good & Gather
- Threshold
- Hearth & Hand with Magnolia
- Pillowfort
- Cat & Jack
- Up & Up
- A New Day
- All in Motion
So if you bought a Cat & Jack backpack for your child and the zipper breaks after six months, or you decide you don‘t like the color of your Opalhouse sheets after using them for a while, you can bring them back to Target within a year of purchase for a full refund.
The only catch is that you‘ll need to provide proof of purchase in order to take advantage of the 1-year guarantee. If you don‘t have a receipt, you may still be able to exchange the item or receive store credit at the current selling price, subject to the $150 annual return limit.
How to Return Items Without a Receipt
Realistically, most shoppers don‘t save their receipts for months on end. So what are your options if you want to return an item to Target after 90 days without proof of purchase?
Unfortunately, Target‘s official policy is that returns without a receipt can be denied entirely. However, store managers have some discretion to allow exceptions on a case-by-case basis, especially if you have a reasonable explanation and the item is clearly unused.
Your best bet is to come prepared with any of the following alternative forms of proof of purchase:
- Your Target.com order number or email confirmation: Even if you purchased the item in-store, Target can usually look up online orders to verify your purchase.
- The original debit or credit card: If you paid with a card and still have it, Target may be able to look up your purchase that way.
- Gift receipt: If you have a gift receipt, Target should be able to process a return or exchange at the price paid by the gift giver.
- Registry details: For baby registry or wedding registry gifts, the event details can help verify a purchase.
In general, it‘s a good idea to be polite, honest and specific when requesting a receiptless return after 90 days. Calmly explain why you don‘t have the receipt, and highlight any extenuating circumstances that may warrant an exception, such as an item recall or defect.
If the store manager still denies your return, you can try visiting a different Target location, or contact Target‘s Guest Services to file a complaint. In some cases, you may receive some form of compensation like a coupon or small gift card for your trouble.
How Does Target Compare to Competitors?
Target‘s 90-day return window is fairly standard among major retailers, but there are some notable differences in the fine print. Here‘s a quick comparison of return policies at Target versus other popular stores:
| Retailer | Standard Return Window | Notable Exceptions |
|---|---|---|
| Target | 90 days | 30 days for electronics, 15 days for Apple products |
| Walmart | 90 days | 30 days for electronics, 14 days for computers |
| Amazon | 30 days | Certain items (like groceries) not returnable |
| Costco | Unlimited for most items | 90 days for electronics, diamonds, cigarettes |
| Best Buy | 15 days | Restocking fees for certain items |
| Macy‘s | 90 days | 14 days for Apple products, 30 days for Area Rugs |
As you can see, Target‘s policy is very similar to Walmart‘s, with the key difference being Target‘s shorter electronics window. Amazon doesn‘t publicize an official time limit, but most items are eligible for return within 30 days.
Costco and Best Buy fall on opposite ends of the spectrum. Costco is famously generous with returns, allowing items to be returned at any time (with a few exceptions). Meanwhile, Best Buy only allows 15 days for returns and charges restocking fees for some categories, making it one of the strictest policies.
It‘s worth noting that the COVID-19 pandemic prompted many retailers to temporarily relax their return policies. For example, Target extended its return window to the end of January for electronics and entertainment items purchased in November and December of 2021 to account for global supply chain challenges.
While most of these changes were temporary, it‘s a good reminder to always check for the most current policy information before assuming the standard rules apply.
Tips for Making Late Returns at Target
If you do find yourself in a situation where you need to return an item to Target after the 90-day window has passed, here are some tips to increase your chances of success:
1. Keep Your Receipts (Physical and Digital)
We‘ve mentioned it throughout this post, but it bears repeating: having proof of purchase is the single most important factor in getting a late return approved at Target. Whether it‘s a physical paper receipt or a digital record of an online order, keep track of those receipts for as long as you think you might need to make a return.
One easy way to do this is to use Target‘s digital receipt option. Instead of printing out a paper slip at checkout, you can opt to have your receipt emailed to you or linked to your Target Circle account. That way, you‘ll never have to worry about losing a physical copy.
2. Understand the Policy for Your Specific Item
As we‘ve seen, Target‘s return policy can vary widely depending on the type of product you‘re returning. Before you head to the store, take a few minutes to research the specific policy for your item.
Check your purchase date against the standard return window for that category, and note any exceptions or exclusions that might apply. Being informed about the rules can help you make a stronger case to the store manager and avoid surprises at the customer service counter.
3. Be Strategic About Timing
If you‘re just a few days or weeks past the 90-day mark, you may have better luck making a return than if you waited six months or more. In general, the sooner you can get to the store after realizing you want to return something, the better.
This is especially true for seasonal items, like holiday decor or summer clothing. Attempting to return these products well after the relevant season has ended is more likely to be met with resistance from store staff.
4. Choose Your Store and Approach Wisely
Not all Target locations are created equal when it comes to returns. If you have a choice of stores in your area, consider visiting a larger or less busy location where staff may be more willing to make exceptions.
When you arrive, be polite and friendly with the customer service representative. Calmly explain your situation and reason for returning the item late, and emphasize any extenuating circumstances that may warrant leniency, such as a product defect or medical emergency.
If the representative seems unwilling to budge, you can politely ask to speak with a manager. Avoid getting angry or confrontational, as this is unlikely to help your case. Instead, focus on being honest, specific and understanding of the store‘s position.
5. Explore Alternative Solutions
If Target ultimately denies your late return, don‘t lose hope. You may still have options for getting some value out of the unwanted item, such as:
- Selling it online through platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark or eBay
- Donating it to a local charity or thrift store for a tax deduction
- Regifting it to someone who might appreciate it
- Upcycling or repurposing it into something new
While it may not be the full refund you were hoping for, finding a creative solution can help you make the best of a disappointing situation.
The Bottom Line
Returning items to Target after the 90-day window can be challenging, but it‘s not impossible if you understand the store‘s policies and approach the situation strategically. By keeping your receipts, researching the rules for your specific item, and being polite but persistent with store staff, you can increase your chances of a successful return.
However, it‘s important to remember that Target (and all retailers) reserve the right to deny any return for any reason. Your best bet is always to thoroughly inspect items before purchasing, and to make your returns as promptly as possible if you do change your mind.
At the end of the day, being a savvy shopper means knowing not just where to find the best deals, but also how to navigate the post-purchase experience with confidence. By taking the time to understand Target‘s return policies, you can enjoy more flexibility and peace of mind with every Target run.
