Since the Claws Are Out Today...

Updated on July 10, 2011
R.D. asks from Richmond, VA
41 answers

I'll rant a little on my own to take the attention away from you guys getting ready to catfight ;)

I say that lovingly; the site's hilarious today.

Anyway, LONG story short, because I used Target for my wedding registry, they sent me a gift card for 10% of ANY purchase.

They aren't honoring that 'ANY purchase' part, even though it says it specifically on the card. It doesn't say ANYWHERE that it HAS to be used on registry items only. I even had the manager at customer service read it out loud to me.

ANYWAY, aside from writing to Target corporate (which I've already done), what else can I do? I'm kind of mad that I made not one but TWO trips up there to remedy this, only to have them NOT follow THEIR OWN RULES... and that's a game I just won't play.

I'm boycotting Target (which I loved until this point) until they make it better. I spend a lot of money in there!!

What would you do? Have you had something like this happen before? With Target? With another store?

Does anyone SERIOUSLY think I can stay out of Target?! LOL...

What can I do next?

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Featured Answers

S.J.

answers from St. Louis on

The card should have been stuck to (literally, with adhesive) a printed piece of paper explaining the rules - which are exactly what the manager said they are.

I haven't been to Target in about 3 weeks. You can do it. But, I wouldn't over this. That is just me.

3 moms found this helpful

C.S.

answers from Kansas City on

Nope. I don't think you can do it. Well, I can't and I TRIED. Even with some minor incidents there they are still awesome and I love them more each day. I two-timed WalMart to be with Target then just said "forget it!" and broke up with Walmart to be with my beloved Target. As far as being able to do anything else, besides what you've already done, to help the matter, I can't think of a thing.

3 moms found this helpful

S.M.

answers from Kansas City on

I'll pay almost anything to make my point when it comes to retail. I don't believe in those shopper cards. I don't want the savings if it means giving my information out.

I'd fight about it like you. Call corporate and call target on different days until you get a manager that does what you want. AND, do boycott them. Someone has to stand up against big business not keeping their word. It's bad enough that there is so much bad service out there in the world.

1 mom found this helpful

More Answers

T.B.

answers from Bloomington on

Babies R Us did this when I had my oldest. I got online and added a bunch of stuff to my registry! Tada! 10% off anything on the registry!!

7 moms found this helpful
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R.K.

answers from Appleton on

I boycotted Wal-mart years ago because they wouldn't honor a lifetime warrenty on a garden hose I bought. So I stood there in the middle of the customer service area of the store and everytime they said no I got louder 'it says Lifetime guarentee --I want a new one' . Finally the store manager came down and said just give her a new one. Moral of the story if you don't mind looking like a fool in front of a bunch of people you won't ever see again, get LOUD. When returning defective merchandise the store doesn't lose out they send it back to the manufacturer and they get a new one.
With your gift card the store management is being stuipd. 10% off is a joke the mark-up on most retail items is 300% or more.
BTW I also stopped shopping at Target years ago. Any chain store that refuses to put barrels out at holiday time for the Toys for Tots program doesn't get my business.

5 moms found this helpful
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D.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

So...they're saying it has to used on an item on your registry? Is that it? And there's an item NOT on your registry that you want to use it for?

Keep making a stink. Eventually they will get sick of hearing you.

AND, since technically people have a full year to get you a wedding gift--add what you want to the registry!

4 moms found this helpful
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J.S.

answers from Austin on

R.,

Today it's no longer "the customer is always right." I actually had someone from PayPal (for our business account) tell me I could take our business elsewhere - and we are not a small time company! I seriously doubt you can do anything other than just let it go. Enjoy your next Target trip =)

Oh and we did close our account with PayPal... I doubt they care though as they make bah-gillions from their other customers...

edit: oh and yes, add everything to your registry - clothing, food, books, wine, pet supplies, etc. That would be funny =)

4 moms found this helpful

C.C.

answers from San Francisco on

Ask to speak to the district manager. If they don't have it in writing that you can only use it on registry items, then it's just a case of the store manager being a jerk. (What if your registry is complete? Not everyone who buys stuff for wedding gifts remembers to mark it off on the registry, after all.) If the district manager blows you off, ask to speak to the regional manager. Keep working your way up. Chances are, the DM will be able to help you. Good luck! Yeah, I wouldn't be able to keep out of Target either! ;)

4 moms found this helpful
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C.J.

answers from Lancaster on

I know it's a pain, but call corporate. When the peon that answered the phone says they can't help you, tell them (and use these exact words), "I need you to escalate this call."

They HAVE to send it to a higher up if you say that. Keep having them escalate it until you get someone who can help. When they escalate the call and the next peon answers and asks if they can help you, tell them, "Yes, you can help me. IF you have the power to say 'yes'". All peons have the power to say NO, but only higher ups have the power to say "yes".

I've done this sort of things with numerous companies. Just remember the Bible story of the widow and the judge. She bothered him enough he finally gave her what she wanted just to make her go away! :)

3 moms found this helpful

M.P.

answers from Sacramento on

Update your registry and add whatever the item that you want to it.....

3 moms found this helpful

L.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

R.,

I got that thing too... and if I'm thinking clearly (which would be a miracle), I do recall it being attached to something that said it had to be used on any un-gifted registry item...

Did it maybe come rubber cemented to a card, or in a cardstock pamphlet? That's my vague recollection...

I will say that it SHOULD also say it on the card, so as to eliminate this kind of confusion. I always rip those cards off the cardstock as soon as I open the mail, so I can stick the cards in my wallet...

Yeah, and that was me who went to Target on my wedding night... LOL

3 moms found this helpful
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S.J.

answers from Saginaw on

Well hun you have most likely wasted in time and money what you might have saved on an item with just 10% off in most states that 10% just barely cover tax. So my thoughts are "Pick your battles"

3 moms found this helpful
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R.J.

answers from Salt Lake City on

I can honestly say there is no way I could stay out of Target good luck with that.

3 moms found this helpful
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M.C.

answers from Washington DC on

Didn't read the other responses...

Add the items in question to your registry!!

3 moms found this helpful

A.H.

answers from San Francisco on

There have been a few times when the sign on the shelf claimed I would get a target gift card with purchase of an item and they have refused to honor it at the register.

2 moms found this helpful

K.M.

answers from Chicago on

Make a You Tube Rant Video, then attach it to your facebook/twitter if you have them, post where ever you can the bad publicity could help your cause long term

2 moms found this helpful
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T.V.

answers from San Francisco on

Write a letter to Target headquarters tell them how much you love the store and what happened and that you may not go there anymore and will also suggest to everyone you know (including us) what happened too.

I bet they honor your discount. Keep us posted!

Blessings...

2 moms found this helpful

C.O.

answers from Washington DC on

Have you called their corporate office and requested to see exactly where it says ONLY ON REGISTERED ITEMS?

This too would make me mad - like credit cards that offer rewards points or free flights/hotel - but NOT when you WANT to use them...

I'm not sure you CAN stay out of Target - but I think if you anted to prove a point - you could!!

2 moms found this helpful

L.B.

answers from Biloxi on

Ah, I went round and round with Walmart a few months ago about their coupon policy. I printed it off their website, carefully read the rules, and when I presented a catalina from another store that fit all the rules - they would not honor it.

So I presented it to the manager, who read the corporate policy and said "well, I know that is what it says, but we don't do that".

Really, your corporate web site promotes this, but the local store doesn't "do this".

So, I don't shop at Walmart anymore.

Just my little power play that doesn't have any impact on them but sure makes me feel empowered.

Good Luck staying out of Target !!!!

2 moms found this helpful
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S.S.

answers from Chicago on

I was about to Boycott Target myself until I saw your last post. Drat. I needed something to fight about.

2 moms found this helpful
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M.J.

answers from Sacramento on

Do you have a local TV station with a consumer reporter? They might be able to help.

2 moms found this helpful

F.H.

answers from Phoenix on

Personally, I can't stand Target and think I've only been in there twice. However, I'm not exactly clear on what they are not allowing you to do but if it says on there ANY purchase without it saying in small print "not including bridal registry" then that is false advertising. I would MAKE them accept it but that is just me. They would do it just to shut me up and not make a scene in front of other customers. You could also get a sign and sit in front that says "Target Sucks" and then they would be happy to bring you inside and give you your 10% (and then some!) off whatever it is you want!

I just got on but have heard that the mamas on here today have their panties in a bunch for some reason! I will have to look around and see what's going on! Good luck Rach! xoxo

1 mom found this helpful
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L.F.

answers from San Francisco on

Bring a stack of receipts with you and nonchalantly add the items to your registry. Then wait a few weeks and go purchase it then. Sorry they are giving you trouble!

M

1 mom found this helpful

M.J.

answers from Dover on

You do not have a chance in hell of staying out of Target, you & I both know it's true! As for what to do...well, can't help you there. Keep writing to Corporate & see if you can get your hands on a number to get in touch with an actual person. That usually does the trick!

1 mom found this helpful

N.A.

answers from Chicago on

Keep nagging coporate and let them know how you feel! But if it were me, i don't think I could NOT shop at Target, after all, thats where I get our toilette paper and paper towel from! lol!

1 mom found this helpful

E.B.

answers from Seattle on

This is why I am Still boycotting Walmart.

I cringe even excepting things I know have been purchased there.

1 mom found this helpful
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A.K.

answers from Phoenix on

What does it matter, whether on your registry or not? When we did our baby registry, I'm pretty sure we didn't use the discount on a registry item. That's some BS! I would e-mail them and ask for corp. number. Also, I don't think you can stay out of Target. Maybe go to different location, if possible.

1 mom found this helpful
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A.V.

answers from Washington DC on

Call corporate or add a bunch of stuff and then order online. I did not maintain my Target baby registry because people I knew had issues returning items later.

1 mom found this helpful
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D.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

Is there another target within driving distance? LOL, I'd go there... or can you still add items to your registry? Cause if you can do that, then there's no problem.

LOL, at the very least if you get corporate involved, make a big stink and get another gift card for your troubles!! $20 sounds nice...
Best of luck, and grats on the wedding.

1 mom found this helpful
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T.H.

answers from Norfolk on

go up there and say you need to add something to the registry, do that. then you can goup there and buy it. they say where it's writen that it has to be from the registry?

1 mom found this helpful
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T.S.

answers from Washington DC on

I know that I'm seriously late in responding to this; and I haven't read all of the other responses, so excuse me if it's a duplicate. All you have to do is add the item that you want to your registry, and then buy it. I did it w/ my wedding registry as well as my baby registry.

Either way, some of Target's new policies, and now their Customer Service, now SUCK! I've had several issues w/ them over the past year.

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K.C.

answers from Orlando on

I hate Targets ever changing policies. But unfortunately I still love target. One of our family money saving stratigies is that I don't go to Target, and it's been working pretty well. I have been less than once a month since Dec. of last year. :)

Anyway the store I HATE and will NEVER NEVER NEVER buy anything from again is Babies R Us. Talk about horrible customer service. I tried to return a dehumidifier that someone had purchased for us for daughter #1. When we went to use it, it was missing pieces and had obviously been returned to the store. Not our fault. BRU should have checked it before reshelving.
It was a $48 dehumidifier, but we didn't have a reciept and was from a friends of MILs mom, so it wasn't someone we felt comforatable telling it wasn't what we wanted/needed/broken etc. They offered me something like $17 for it as a store credit. They said that was the lowest price it had ever sold for so that was all they could offer me. When I asked to speak with a manager she was rude, yelling at me and my 6 week old baby. I asked for her supervisers phone number and she told me that she would have to go and find it. She left for 15 mintues, leaving me standing at the counter, and came back with a white sheet of paper with 1-800-toysrus written on it. I promptly told her she was an idiot and left the store. When I called customer service to complain they told me they couldn't help me and hung up on me.

I have bought one thing at Toys R Us and nothing at BRU in the past 3 years. I will never go back to that store. They were terrible.

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M.G.

answers from San Antonio on

Create a facebook page or see if they have a facebook page. Go Viral. Look for online complaint sites like "pissed consumer" there are others. Hope this helps.

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M.M.

answers from Dallas on

So.....can you make a registry with the items you want and use it that way? You get your way in the end :)

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J.L.

answers from Sacramento on

I'm with you, if Facebook had a LOVE button, I'd be clicking it for Target all day long. Try another location, definitely! Good Luck!!

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S.H.

answers from Richmond on

Sorry Hon, I had the same problem when I registered at Target for my wedding 5 years ago. I also couldn't return items that were bought off of my registry but that I didn't have gift receipts for. I did fight that and they finally settled on my being able to exchange the items for other items out of the same departments. A big pain! You can try to fight with corporate - I've tried on several ocassions over their constantly changing/never consistent coupon policy. I've received the same, standardized letter 3 times now! "We're sorry you were inconvenienced...blah, blah, blah..." LOL

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N.H.

answers from Peoria on

What else can you do???..Raise a stink! Call the local news station, put it on camera or in the newspaper....letting everyone know that Target is not honoring their gift cards that specifically say 'any item'. Unfortunately doing something drastic is about the only way to get things done to right a wrong. If you can't get anywhere w/the management again, threaten to put them on the local news...remind them that you can & will do that if they don't resolve their problem w/their policies. Ask them...do they REALLLLY wanna go that route?? I know I would do it! Hope this helps, good luck!! Let us know what happens! I'd be curious to find out!

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S.F.

answers from Reno on

Kudos to you for writing AND boycotting Target. The store I boycott is Pottery Barn. Here's my story...

My mom bought me new flatware and it had to be special ordered. I was assured it would be in within four weeks. At six weeks, I dropped by the store to see if it was in and, lo and behold, it was in...with the regular stock items! Hmmmm... My mom, being super picky about things, made me swear on my son's life that I would check each and every piece of flatware for flaws (40 pieces in total). The saleswoman was so rude--I mean REALLY rude--even though there wasn't a line, I wasn't keeping her from anything an so on. Six weeks after that lovely encounter with the sales staff, I got a call that my order was in...yes, after I had been happily using my flatware at home! I asked to speak to the manager and the woman on the phone got really hissy with me. I FINALLY got the manager and told her the whole saga, including the woman who got hissy on the phone. She was not pleased with her staff and I haven't bought a single thing from them. It's been about 15 years now.

Did it make a difference? Probably not. But, I teach Economics and I always tell my students that you vote with your dollars. If enough people "vote" with you, change may happen.

Good luck on your quest...

D.M.

answers from Rapid City on

Sure you can stay out of Target and I don't know what I'd do about it honestly... I personally am not a fan of Target and I shop there maybe ( and that's a big one) two or three times a year.

C.F.

answers from Boston on

Ok that SUCKS! BUT on the paperwork it came in the mail w/ or attached too- did it state it on there?? I remember them telling me at Bed Bath and Beyond I'd get a %off the rest of my stuff that was On my registry if i wanted to purchase it. sorry hun

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E.O.

answers from Los Angeles on

I registered there for my weddng and my two babies, and not only was I verbally told this when I last registered, but also remember it being written somewhere all three times.You also can only use the 10% off coupon in a 24 hour period, so first I used it to buy the online only products I had registered for (mainly nursing tanks and the baby monitor) then went to the store and got the stuff from the registry. Might be a losing battle, but can't hurt to wait to hear from corporate...

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