Target maintains a customer-friendly return policy, generally accepting merchandise even after it has been opened. This flexibility acknowledges that customers may need to open a product to determine if it meets their needs. This approach allows consumers to evaluate a purchase at home without forfeiting their right to a refund.
The General Rule for Opened Merchandise
Target’s baseline policy is that opened merchandise can be returned, provided the item is still in good condition and all original parts are present. “Opened” means the packaging seal has been broken, but the product must not be heavily used or damaged beyond the initial inspection. This standard applies to a wide variety of items, from housewares to clothing.
The requirement for all original packaging, manuals, and accessories to be included is necessary for a successful return. Items must be returned in a state that allows them to be resold as an open-box item. Even if the packaging seal is broken, the product must retain its functionality and appearance to be eligible for a refund or exchange.
Standard Return Timeframes and Documentation
The standard return window for most merchandise is 90 days from the date of purchase. To process any return, a proof of purchase is necessary, such as the physical receipt or a digital return barcode found within the Target app.
If the original receipt is unavailable, the purchase can often be located using the payment method, like the credit or debit card used for the transaction. If the purchase cannot be verified, a return may still be possible, but the refund is issued on a merchandise return card. A government-issued photo identification is required for these non-receipted returns.
Special Policies for Specific Product Categories
Category-specific rules create exceptions to the standard 90-day window. Customers should check the policy for certain types of goods, as modified policies are often put in place due to the high value, rapid depreciation, or personal nature of the merchandise.
Electronics and Entertainment
Electronics and entertainment items are subject to a shorter return timeframe, typically 30 days from the date of purchase. This category includes products like cameras, televisions, and video game consoles. For high-value, fast-depreciating technology, such as mobile phones and Apple products, the return window can be as short as 14 or 15 days. Customers must ensure all components, including cables and remote controls, are present when returning opened electronics.
Beauty, Personal Care, and Hygiene Items
Target generally allows opened beauty and makeup products to be returned within the standard 90-day window. However, certain items are non-returnable once opened due to health and hygiene regulations. Opened breast pumps, for example, are ineligible for return or exchange.
Open Box/Used Media and Software
The return policy for media, including opened CDs, DVDs, video games, and computer software, is more restrictive due to the risk of duplication and licensing issues. If the packaging seal on these items has been broken, they are typically eligible only for an exchange for the exact same title if the item is defective. A refund is generally not provided for opened media.
Clearance and Seasonal Items
Clearance merchandise can often be returned within the standard timeframe, but this is subject to the specific policy noted on the receipt or product tag, which may mark some items as a final sale. Seasonal items, such as holiday decorations or Halloween costumes, often have a short, defined return period that ends shortly after the holiday. Customers should be mindful of these deadlines to avoid missing the return window.
Benefits of Using the Target RedCard
Using a Target RedCard (available as a debit or credit card) provides an advantage for customers who need extra time to return an opened item. RedCard holders receive an automatic extension of 30 days added to the standard return window for most purchases, extending the 90-day period to 120 days.
The 30-day extension also applies to categories with shorter return windows, such as the 30-day policy for most electronics. This provides RedCard holders with 60 days to return opened electronics.
The Return Process Step-by-Step
Initiating a return at Target can be done either in person or by mail, depending on the customer’s preference and the item’s size. For in-store returns, customers should bring the item and the proof of purchase to the Guest Services desk. Many stores also offer a Drive Up return option, allowing customers to complete the process without leaving their vehicle.
For online orders, customers can print a free return mailing label through the Target website or app and ship the item back. Once the return is processed, the refund is automatically credited back to the original form of payment. The time it takes for the credit to appear generally takes a few business days, depending on the customer’s financial institution.