25 Ways to Save Money at Target

 

1.  Check the Customer Service Counter for Coupons

If you don’t get Target coupons in the mail, or simply want more of the ones you already receive, check with the Customer Service Counter.  They may have coupon books there.  I have not been able to determine how to get on Target’s coupon mailing list.  A few ways may include signing up for a Target REDcard, requesting samples online, or creating a baby or wedding registry.

(Read how Swishina got more Target Coupons in our forum)

2.  Take Advantage of Price Matching

Target matches competitor’s advertised pricing.  They also recently announced that they will price match competitor’s online prices as well (Read more about Target Online Price Matching).  Plus, you can use coupons on top of those discounted prices.

3.  Bring Your Own Bags 

Target promotes “going green” with their recycled bags program.  You’ll save $.05 for every reusable bag you use at checkout.  It can be any reusable bag that you bring from home, not only reusable Target bags.  Plus, on Earth Day they have given away Target reusable bags for the first certain number of customers in their stores.  Sometimes these bags include valuable coupons.

4.  Use the Target Pharmacy

If you fill prescriptions at Target, make sure you ask about the Prescription Rewards Program.  For every five prescriptions you fill, you’ll receive a card in the mail valid for 5% off your next purchase.  When combined with your Target card savings, you’ll save even more.  More “perks” of the Target Pharmacy Rewards Program

5.  Print Target Coupons

Target Coupons can be printed directly from your computer.  Generally, there is a two-print limit.  Some are Target store coupons and some are manufacturer coupons.  Here is how to tell the difference before you print:  How to Differentiate Between Target and Manufacturer Coupons Before You Print  

6.  Sign up for Target Mobile Coupons

Sign up to receive coupons via text message five times a month on your mobile phone.  To redeem, simply show the cashier the barcode.  Target Coupons via Text

7.  Stack Coupons

At Target, you can combine a manufacturer coupon and a Target coupon on the same item, a practice known as “stacking”.   All the various Target mobile and printed coupons listed above are eligible.

8.  Take Advantage of Gift Card Deals

Each week, Target gives away free Target Gift Cards with the purchase of certain items.  View more Target Gift Card Deals and Offers.   Some of the moms in our forum report saving them throughout the year and using them to buy Christmas gifts!

9.  Get the Target REDCard

When you shop at Target using your REDcard, you’ll save an additional 5%. Plus, you can designate a school and Target will donate 1% of all purchases for that year to the school.

Note:  In December 2013, Target announced that there was a security breach for those who used credit cards in their stores.  Target is offering a free year of credit monitoring for those affected.

10.  Check the Endcaps

Target clearance deals are among the hottest bargains of all the big box stores, one reason why it has such a dedicated following of shoppers.   While you can find Target clearance items anywhere in the store, the end caps are a great place to look.  Walking the outside perimeter of the store is a fun way to find them.

11. Know the Markdown Schedule

Target turns over its merchandise quickly, which leads to hot markdowns on seasonal merchandise to make room for new goods.  Knowing the Target Markdown Schedule is a key to being the first one to see the hot deals at your store.  Also, be aware that Target’s Holiday Markdown Schedule works differently.

12.  Use the Scanner

Sometimes the clearance team misses an item that should have been re-stickered with a lower price.  If it is something you want, always check the price with a scanner.  Also, scan things that are one-of-a-kind. These things may be returns from previous seasons that have been clearanced out. You may be surprised!

13.  Look for Repackaged Items

These items could be something that was purchased online and returned to the store, or simply a return without a box. While they may not the prettiest item in the store, you may snag a great deal.  Online returns are some of the best deals at Target.

14.  Learn to Decode The Stickers

Red stickers appear on all clearance deals at Target.  The original price appears on the top right corner along with a number such as, “15, 30, 50″ etc.  This is the percentage it has been marked down.

15.  Know What “As Is” Means  According to a Target associate, the label “AS IS” typically means that the item’s SKU is no longer carried in the store, although there are other reasons it may be marked that way.  Read more: What does AS IS mean at Target?

16.  Get Freebies on Target.com

Don’t forget to snag free samples from the Target website. They often include Target coupons that can be combined with manufacturer coupons.  Visit the Target Sample Spot to see what’s available.  I find that new samples are frequently added on Sunday mornings.

17.  Use the Target Cartwheel App

Cartwheel by Target is a cross between Shopkick (for saving) and Foursquare (badge-earning), but run exclusively by Target.  Sync with your Facebook account and start receiving coupons via the app. Cartwheel by Target

18.  Check in on Foursquare

Target has started advertising some local in-store deals on the Foursquare app for your smartphone.  Check in to see what you may otherwise miss.  View more ways to save with Foursquare  

19.  Check Target’s Daily Deals Online

If you’re a REDcard holder, you’ll get an additional 5% off your purchase.  The REDcard is available as either a credit or debit card.  Plus, Target REDcard holders receive free shipping on orders placed on Target.com.

20.  Check in on Shopkick

Shopkick is a smartphone app that allows you to earn points by checking in at certain retailers and scanning their products.  Not only does Shopkick offer mobile coupons, points accumulate and can be redeemed for Target gift cards.

21.  Earn Target Gift Cards with Brightspot

Brightspot is a prepaid wireless option available to Target customers. Brightspot customers who renew their account six (6) times will be eligible for the loyalty program rewards, including Target Gift Cards.  Earn Target GiftCards with BrightSpot

22.  Buy Discounted Target Gift Cards Online

It’s hard to imagine that people can’t use Target gift cards, but sometimes that’s the case.  Sites like GiftCardGranny.com  offer them at a small discount.

23.  Check Your Catalina Coupons

Catalina coupons are the coupons that print out of the register at the point-of-purchase.  Often, they’re based on what your transaction includes as well as your buying history.  Don’t forget to check them before you throw them away.

24.  Check out Target Savers on Facebook 

If Facebook is more your speed, check out Target fan sites like Target Savers.  You’ll get the heads-up on deals at Target stores nationwide.

25.  Look for Target Merchandise at Goodwill

When Target clearance merchandise doesn’t sell, it is deemed “salvage” and sent to Goodwill Industries.  You’ll find it at your local Goodwill stores, often at prices less than Target clearance.  Target Merchandise at Goodwill  

Sources:

Tips for Shopping at Target 
Hitting the Bullseye: How to Find the Best Deals at Target