News

Target's new return policy raises questions

October 25, 2009

The bloggers at Consumer Reports are having fun trying to figure out how Target's new return policy works. While they acknowledge that the changes represent a net improvement for customers, the new process is "far more complicated and less consumer-friendly than Wal-Mart's."

Target previously had a "hidden return policy" that would let shoppers make two returns without a receipt over the course of a year, up to $35 each. Now, shoppers can make as many non-receipt returns as they want, at a higher limit of $70. Another improvement: Gift registry listings can serve as "de facto receipts" for gift recipients.

But then it gets complex:

One of the biggest changes affects holiday gifts. Target allows for even exchanges if you've exceeded your $70 return limit. So if Aunt Minnie gave you a shirt in "large" but you're a "medium," you can exchange it without a hassle, even if she tossed the receipt. In the past, if you had reached your non-receipt returns limit, you couldn't exchange the shirt, even with Target tags intact.

If you decide to exchange the returned item for something that costs less, Target will give you a gift card for the difference. But you'll have to use it in the same department.

In all these cases, you'll have to show a driver's license or some other identification so Target can record your non-receipt transgressions.

Too complicated? We think so.