Target Stores

Target Stores • Returns • Pricing disputes • Customer service • Target Online • Security measures • Portrait studio • Target defenders --- • Target Misses Price Target, Backs Out of Sale • Ruling Against Target May Open Other Web Sites to the Blind • Target Bans the Salvation Army • Customers React to Salvation Army Ban

Their stores are big and bright and somehow more "upscale" than Wal-Mart or Kmart. But behind that chipper-looking exterior lurks a company that can be downright mean-spirited when its customers run into even the slightest problem.

Target's spiteful returns and exchanges policy, in particular, is making it the target of some pretty heated rhetoric from its former customers.

A few of the more recent complaints ...

Michael of Burlington, NJ March 9, 2008

Michael of Burlington NJ (03/09/08)
My daughter and I purchased a Polaroid camera (digital). We had problems with another brand camera's LCD display cracking. Before purchasing this camera we inquired of the salesperson if a cracked LCD would be covered under warranty. We were told that it would IF we PURCHASED a 20 insurance package. We were TOLD by the sales representative that such damage would be covered and that we would be given a loaner while repairs were made (I use the camera for internet pictures).

Unfortunately, the LCD cracked. I did NOT drop it or smack it. It JUST cracked. My daughter and I spent over 3 hours making calls and talking with Target associates in the Burlington Township store, who insisted that the insurance policy was void because, according to them, this was done through physical abuse. My daughter is 26 and no small children come into the house. THERE WAS NO ABUSE! I am now stuck without a camera when I need it (My next sale is March 17th and I need pictures). I have a 100 camera and a three year warranty (20) that is of no use.

I am on limited income and my daughter is unable to work due to Still's disease. I am committed to a sale on March 17th (advertised, mailings etc.) and I am unable to show my products which affects the number of people who come to my auction sales. I have 500 invested in each auction. It is uncertain how lack of photos will affect the sale.

Angella of Port Huron, MI March 3, 2008

Angella of Port Huron MI (03/03/08)
It is impossible to get through to anybody to find out what to do about an outfit that I couldn't get off my 3 month old son. The zipper was stuck and I couldn't get it down to get it off of him. I had three numbers given to me by Target. I called them only to be told that they had no number to give me to contact Circo and to go look up guangdond myself. I should not have to call china to find out information on products here in the U.S. What would of happened if I really had to get this sleeper outfit off my baby in an emergency and couldn't and he was hurt? Who would I contact then? I have spent the last 2 1/2 hours trying to contact somebody to resolve this matter and have gotten no where.

Paula of Phoenix, AZ February 15, 2008

Paula of Phoenix AZ (02/15/08)
Target has a policy of no customer paging. They don't even consider the circumstances of the need to find someone. We don't page customers, no sorry, no offer to put an annoucement on the walkie talkies that all the floor personnel carry (apparently just for their amusement). I will not go back for fear of getting separated from my family again and not being offered some sort of help. Heaven forbid my granddaughter became lost and having to endure this attitude.

Carol of Lemon Grove, CA January 12, 2008

Carol of Lemon Grove CA (01/12/08)
I purchased 3 children's plastic cups, and the handles broke off and sharp plastic pieces were left. The cups have animal faces: a frog, monkey and lady bug. The manufacturer is Bollie Sunny/Patch made in China.

Erika of Nashua, NH January 4, 2008

Erika of Nashua NH (01/04/08)
My daughter received a gift card for Target from her great-grandmother in Florida. Today, we went to the store to pick out a toy for her that would be her Christmas gift from her great-grandmother. At the register, I was told that the gift card was no good and probably wasn't scanned at the register when it was purchased. They expect me to get the receipt from my husband's grandmother down in Florida to prove that the card was purchased. It floors me that Target refuses to take responsibility for their own mistake. Of course at the register, I can't tell my two-year-old that she can no longer have the new toy she just picked out because the store will not accept the gift card that was sent to her. So, I have to buy the toy for her, and I'm stuck with this useless gift card.

I never want to step foot in another Target store again, however if this problem is ever resolved I will have this gift card to use which is their way of forcing me back into their store. Target already has the money for the gift card, and now they are refusing to honor it. I think it is a scam. In addition, the customer service at Target is terrible. All they can say is there is nothing we can do. It is their mistake, but there is nothing they can do. When I was at the register today, the cashier said, "This gift card isn't working." They are telling me to call a phone number. I had to say, "Well, can you call the number?" She seemed to think I would be completely OK with the fact that they were not honoring my brand new gift card.

Report Your Experience
If you've had a bad experience -- or a good one -- with a consumer product or service, we'd like to hear about it. All complaints are reviewed by class action attorneys and are considered for publication on our site. Knowledge is power! Help spread the word. File your consumer report now.

Follow us on Twitter.

Back to the top |