Target Couponers Beware
I’ve been hearing tons of reports of Target’s registers cheating people of the full value of the coupon and I’ve even seen a news story about it. In case you haven’t noticed, I wanted to warn you about the issues Target has been having with coupons.
The Target registers have been modified to adjust the value of the coupon down to the value of the product. The idea is great – it would prevent the hassle of trying to get the cashier to adjust your $1 coupon down the 99¢ value of the product. However, it is not working properly for coupons that are for multiple items.
The register only counts the value of ONE of the items and will adjust the coupon down to that price, even if the collective value is more than the price of the coupon.
For instance, Huggies Baby Wipes are $1.99 each this week. I bought 3 tubs and used a $2.50/3 coupon and the register automatically adjusted it down to $1.99 (the price of just one tub). Now, if the baby wipes had been $2.50 or more, I would have received the full value of the coupon.
You really need to keep your eye on the register and immediately point out any issues to the cashier. They should adjust the value for you if it rings up incorrectly. I also recommend calling or emailing customer service and letting them know that you don’t appreciate them trying to shortchange couponers. They need to know that we realize there is a problem and that it is not acceptable. I know 50¢ here and there may not seem like much, but it really adds up!
Have you noticed any coupon errors when shopping at Target?
44 Comments
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Theresa
It’s happened to me numerous times as well. I stopped mentioning it because the cashiers always tell me there is nothing they can do about it. I think I’ve lost about $5 so far. It’s irritating for sure.
Susan
I had this happen to me with a La Victoria $4/2 coupon. I knew that it was only attaching itself to one item and tried to explain that to them. They didn’t get it but after 10 minutes and a supervisor they finally just took $24 off since I had 6 of those coupons. It was totally a pain though.
tessanoel74
I think it’s happening with some of their Target IP coupons also. I went in and got some bananas. I was pretty sure that I got more than a dollar’s worth but it came out to .99 . when she scanned the coupon, it only took off .44. The price for 1 lb. of fruit. so i had to go to customer service, where they didn’t know what to do either. after about 10 mins they decided to do a price overide? whatever. I got my .55 back. It does add up.
Heartland Hannah
I fired Target a few weeks ago myself. I had a problem like this with a coupon not ringing up for the right amount, pointed it to the cashier (politely) and she called me a “dumb $%&@#” and refused to fix it. I was so upset I left the store in tears and couldn’t talk to customer service then. The next day I saw one of my regular cashiers (I shop there so often the regulars know me and always wave to me), I told him what happened. He told me not to take it personally -there was a problem with that cashier being rude to everyone and that it would help if a customer came forward so he gave me a comment card and urged me to fill it out.
As I finished it, the shift manager walked by so my cashier flagged him down and gave him the card. The manager then frowned at me and said “what did you do to her?” and also said they had never had a problem with her. I knew that wasn’t true because of what I had just been told but didn’t want to put someone else in the middle so I just explained what happened briefly, said I was well known in the store and the regulars could vouch that I was always polite (I always let people go in line ahead of me, etc.). The manager just shook his head and walked away.
I did contact corporate who also wasn’t very helpful and seemed more interested in what I did than their staff even though I did nothing wrong – I didn’t even argue with that cashier. Eventually the main store manager called and apologized but it was really too little too late. I’ve gone from shopping at Target 2-3 times a week for the past several years to not going at all and I can’t imagine ever going back. I closed my credit card too. I did add up my receipts on hand and even after coupons I spent over $5000 there in the past 6 months so they have lost a good customer.
I FIRED TARGET
@Heartland Hannah,
WOW, I am horrified by your experience with the customer service morons you dealt with! I would have had a completely different reaction from tears, because after I got through with my verbal assault (no profanity), they would be questioning their intelligence, their name, their sex, race, and who their momma was because they would be crying out for her…if they could only form an intelligent thought. Then after I left, I’d probably, ok, I would, cry from being so mad.
In the future – whereever you shop, don’t bother reporting issues to “store” security, they are only hired to protect the store’s assests (inventory, store, property, and the customer’s safety to their cars), and will always the party who is footing the bill. Call the local police, and request an officer to the scene, it is your tax dollars that fund the city, and it is their duty to protect the citizens of the community (hubbie 30+ yrs as cop). If you are not satified with
the officer, request his/her sergaent or liutenent be called to the scene, or at the very least to be shown where in the state’s penal code handbook that the decision was based upon.
I am glad you took the stand to fire Target too!
And to everyone else, It only takes a “spark” to start a “forest fire”, and the spark has been lit, it just needs your oxygen to fuel the flames.
Lisa
yes!! This happened to me the other day at Target (for the wipes deal), fortunately I caught it and went to the customer service desk. The lady was really really nice and helpful and actually refunded me all my money (for the trouble), so I ended up getting 3 huggies wipes for free!!!
Jewelle
Ugh! I wish I had read this before going to the store. It just happened to me and I didn’t realize it until I read this. I remember this happening a few weeks ago too with the Scotch tape that was on sale. The manager came over and talked to me but refused to give me the correct amount. I’m not one to fight so I let it go. I’ll have to watch my target coupons more carefully from know on.
Rhonda Hall
Good for I Fired Target….
WE DO Have control over whether or not to shop there…Due to rude cashiers I have decided NOT to shop there…(they do not like my coupons and act like I am a charity case or something….
Deals are Not deals if they rip you off of something else..
Katrisha
i had something kind of like that at walmart this morning. I compared the prices of all the white undershirts in boys sizes and picked the least expensive – 4.37 for 5 FOL t-shirts. when i got to the register, it rang up for the price, but when the cashier pushed total the price changed to $7 per package. most of the time I would have just paid and went on thinking it was my mistake, but I didn’t have enough cash on me for the difference. I went back, verified the price on the shelf, and confirmed it with a worker. They did a price override at the register, but did not work to correct the problem for any future purchase…
Stephanie
@Katrisha, Oh wow! You would think they would correct the issue once they became aware! 🙁
tosha
I noticed the Walmart in Burleson is doing that too. Ever since they remodeled and updated their systems. I brought it to their attention when I was there the other day and they told me “I don’t know how to fix it”. My husband will never go to that Walmart again anyway. Its a good thing HEB just opened. Do you know it HEB doubles or triples coupons? Thanks for all you do.
Nicole
JUST HAPPENED TO ME WITH THE 1.99 WIPES!! LESS THAN AN HR AGO….I HAD MY ONE YR OLD WITH ME SO TIME WAS PRECIOUS. I DID NOT DISPUTE IT BUT I AM MAD!!!!!
Shannon
I, too, have had the same problems at Target. Unfortunately, I didn’t notice it until after I had left the store and figured going back to argue was pointless and many of the times I was on my lunch break and didn’t have time to go back to argue about it. I will for sure keep closer tabs on things the next time I shop at Target. I have also had problems at Walmart where they will not accept a coupon at all if it is more than the cost of the item. (If the coupon is for a $1 and the item is only 88 cents they will not adjust the coupon amount to 88cents) FRUSTRATING!!!!
Leigh
I went to Target this week and used a $1.00 coupon for 6 cans of Alpo dog food. Each can was $.63 and I bought 6 cans. The coupon rang up $.63 instead of $1.00. The only reason why I noticed it was because I only bought the dog food and 1 other item because I was in a hurry. I figured that I was going to have to argue with the cashier but she took it off as $1.00. If she hadn’t have done that since I was in a hurry I was just going to tell her to give me back my coupon and leave without buying anything. A few months ago I had a $5.00 Clean & Clean coupon that I printed off of their website for an acne kit. I tried to use it at Target and it wouldn’t scan. Meaning that the scanner would not read the coupon to ring up or beep at all. The cashier handed it back to me and told me that since it wouldn’t ring up it was fraudulent. I asked her to key in the numbers on the coupon like they key in the UPC number on an item when the register won’t read it and she refused. I told her to give me me coupon back and take the item off and I would go buy the item and use my coupon at Wal-Mart. Went to Wal-Mart and it worked just fine! I have also heard from several other couponing websites that this is happening and to beware.
Elle
I was in target on wed and i had the $3 manufacture & $3 target for a sense & spray starter kit. the sense & spray was only $5.09 and it did not adjust to the lower price but gave me $6.00 full credit. I am not complaining but thought it was interesting after reading your post. I must have a “lucky Target”!
Stephanie
@Elle, I think you received full credit because you used 2 separate coupons to get the discount. If it had been just a $6/1 man. coupon, it probably would have adjusted down to $5.09.
I FIRED TARGET
After numerous attempts of bring Target’s register problems to the store and corporate level, I realized that my talking was in vain and what they heard from me was “blah, blah, blah, blah”. Anyway, the loss of my valuable time and money, wasted on clipping, printing, planning, shopping and auditing receipts, plus being told that my internet Q’s and TQ’s were fraudulent (they were NOT), plus the prices increasing when I used a mfc, I remembered, it was “I” who had the ultimate control of this picture!
What did I do, you ask? I gathered the last 3 weeks of receipts, copied them, highlighted items I wanted to return, organized the items with corresponding receipts, and I returned them (2 shopping carts full and over $400 in returns).
What did I tell the reason for the returns were? “I am firing Target as a supplier”.
What was my attitude/tone during my returns? Easy going, not to make a scene or draw attention to myself by other shoppers, and respecting the Target Team Members by making my returns during the week, in the evening after 8:30pm, with very few shoppers.
The MESQUITE, TX store manager was very nice (in the beginning) until he realized that no amount of “talking” was going to persuade me to change my mind. Then he became very aggressive and making the situation personal, to the point that he actually vocalized that he wanted me out as soon as possible so he would never have to see me or deal with me in the future. I only wished I would have had a camera crew to capture it all.
Initially, measly $400 became computed to $4,800 annually, then the guaranteed $1,000 per month revenue in RX’s was now $12,000 with a combination total of $16,800 in annual loss finally clicked in!
No more beating a dead horse by talking, because the financial loss impact to Target SCREAMED volumes, and I didn’t have to say one word this time to get Target’s attention. So, my plan worked…don’t get mad, get even, with a smile and a touch of kindness.
So my message to all of those who are tired of banging their heads on the wall for Target to change…YOU ARE IN CONTROL, and by taking a stand to FIRE Target as a supplier, then it will either force Target to change or plummet their profits that they have no choice than to close stores to stay a float, and reduce or cancel all bonuses for those bigwigs in the corner office.
Have something to say? Then say it to the top man at Target, Gregg Steinhafel, CEO at:
[email protected]
Pamela
My jaw is on the floor…. Good for you!!!
I FIRED TARGET
@Pamela,
I just hope that my experience brings to the forefront, the CUSTOMER always has the FINAL SAY!
Have an awesome weekend 😉
Bree
@I FIRED TARGET, You are my hero. I cannot imagine myself having that much courage or intelligence to do something like that. Amazing.
I FIRED TARGET
@Bree,
You DO have the ability to stand up for what you believe in!
Being a “victim” is allowing someone or something to have control over you.
Being a “survivor” is taking back YOUR control.
Stephanie
@I FIRED TARGET, WOW WOW WOW! Now THAT is making a statement! Good for you!
I FIRED TARGET
@Stephanie,
; – )
Theresa
@I FIRED TARGET,
YOU ARE AWESOME. I could never have kept my cool to do something like that. I get all sweaty when they start questioning my coupons.
I’m also impressed you still had all your receipts!
I FIRED TARGET
@Theresa, Thank you. And, I never said that I wasn’t neverous…I just never let people see me sweat (I worked in a male dominant industry and had to make sure that they understood we were all equal and on the same playing field, which earned me a lot of respect). Never underestimate yourself…you will be pleasantly surprised the power of the human spirit.
And, yes I keep all my receipts (most of the time), BUT let me suggest to everyone – make a copy or scan of your original receipt, so when you have to send the original in with a rebate or the print has faded, you can reference that copy.
Have a Blessed weekend and coming weeks.
Melissa
I had this same problem at Target today with the Huggies coupon, but they fixed it for me without any questions. I am usually pretty good at checking my receipt at every store because it seems that almost every time I go, a product will ring up incorrectly or a coupon will not go through. This adds up fast!
Donna Mc.
Target lost me as a customer for some time now. This just confirms it for me. A customer shouldn’t have to inform the stores/cashiers of how the coupon should work, and no way in hell should any customer have to argue to get the right coupon amount.
What Target is doing is nothing less than STEALING. They will submit the coupons for full reimbursement, and plus they get the money from you as well ($2.50 coupon that you only get $1.99 for means they get the $.51 cents extra when they get reimbursed). Can you imagine how much money this adds up to with the tens of thousands of coupons they get?
This really sickens me. They know EXACTLY what they are doing, and they are still doing it.
kimme
@Donna Mc.,
I’m starting to really dislike Target. Had a very poor experience with coupons today and I really don’t like even looking at a Target store anymore. They make me sick.
Stephanie
@Donna Mc., I agree, it really bothers me that they are getting reimbursed the full value of the coupon even though we did not receive the full discount. 🙁
jill
I’ve been to Target 4 times in the last month. Each trip is 24 miles round trip. Every time I’ve gone, there have been numerous errors with the coupons I’ve used. Of the 4 trips, I’ve caught over $7.00. And this is WITH me watching the register closely every time. Coupons don’t go through at all, go through at the wrong amount, our rejected by different cashiers for different (invalid) reasons, etc… I’ve become so disgusted that I am going to take a break from Target for the next few months. It’s not worth the cost of my time, paper, ink, gas, and constant aggravation to keep doing this. It seems like it gets worse every time I go.
Danielle
We just used that coupon today at Target and I’m wishing I would have read this before! I saw a $1.99 discount and didn’t look closer but should have! GRRR! One of my friends works there, so I’ll have to mention it next time I see her. I just figured it was a glitch with the $2.00 coupon we were also using and it wouldn’t go through, so I thought I only missed out on a penny.
Amanda
After reading your post, I went back and looked at my receipt and saw that this also happened to me (I did the wipes deal). However, interestingly, I happened to have two $.75 wipes mannies in my accordian folder and decided to go ahead and try it upon checkout b/c sometimes q’s go through that I don’t expect to. I figured if the computer beeps, it won’t let it go through- no harm no foul for trying. However, they both surprisingly DID go through. I also bought swiffer wetjet liquid bottles and had a “$2.50/3” q and also happened to have one $.50/1 q in my folder and decided to give it a shot and it too went through. I guess it went through b/c the computer’s aren’t working properly… but now that I know it went through when it shouldn’t have, my conscience is feeling guilty. 🙂
Pamela
I used 3 $.75 coupons and the $2.50 off 3 for the wipes, each tub ending up to be $.41!
The $2.50 off 3 was the combined total, not $2.50 off each wipes tub. Or did I read that wrong in this initial post? It looks like you were expecting to earn money off the deal?
Stephanie
@Pamela, It was $2.50 off 3 tubs, so I should have received the full discount since I bought 3 tubs.
Tasha
I had the exact same problem with the $2.50/3 Huggies wipes coupon. The manager came and after numerous explanations about WHY I should get $2.50 off, not $1.99 she fixed it for me.
erica
I had this problem at Walmart. I bought 5 Kraft singles packs priced $2.37 a pack. I tried to use my $5 off 5 coupon and it only deducted $2.37. I caught it and she told me that’s all it could give me. I asked to speak to the supervisor (who never responded) so the cashier just overrode it and gave me the $2.63 off. Thanks for the heads up that this is happening at Target too! I’m definately going to be more carfeul about watching…
Pamela
My cashier caught this as well and fixed it!
Julie
Whenever Target puts out their $1/produce item, the register only subtracts 1 LB of an item. For instance, I bought 2 lbs. of bananas at Target. They were priced at $0.44/lb. so I ended up with $0.88 of bananas. However, the coupon only discounted $0.44 from my purchase! Luckily, the cashier caught it himself and fixed it for me without a hassle, but I’ve also dealt with the cashier who has told me that he can’t push a coupon through and just gave the coupon back even though it was valid. I would stop shopping at Target altogether if they didn’t offer up such good store coupons that I can pair with the mfr coupon. It’s a bit of a double-edged sword…
Stephanie
@Julie, Argh!!! I just looked at my receipt and the same thing happened to me with the bananas I purchased! 🙁
Danielle
same thing happening to me… I had $1.50 off (2) Orida FF any size the microwave box ones were on price cut for .99 cents the register only took off .99 cents. I immediatly noticed & told the cashier & she was trying to tell me that it is because one is only .99 cents. I had to argue with her and tell her to read the coupon it says $1.50 off of 2. (I did it in a nice way) she called a manager over and I got the $1.50 off. made my FF .25 cents a box! Great deal!
Julie
If .50 here and there didn’t add up, we wouldn’t be using coupons to begin with. Makes me glad that the last couple of weeks have been the first in a while that we’ve done all our grocery shopping at stores other than Target.
wylene
Back when the $5/2 Benedryl coupon was out, I bought 2 Benedryl Anti-Itch sticks and the register only took off the value of one instead of taking off the $5 like it was supposed to. (I think they were priced somewhere between $1.99 and $2.49.) Because I didn’t catch the error before I left the store, the only option the store gave me when I came back later was to return the items for a refund, but I never got around to it.
Amanda
@wylene, I had a problem with that coupon too, and luckily I happened to look up at the time and see that only like $2.29 or something came off. The cashier did some quick math in her head and punched in the rest of the amount and said that was odd. then she said that some of the coupons I had were great deals and she needed to go find hers and use them before they expired =P Gotta love that!