Target ad matching bogus

[love Lantana]

Target says they match competitors ads, I took an ad from Tom Thumb to price match some sunscreen. Was told that since Tom Thumb requires a Tom Thumb card they cannot match it. I looked up Target's price match policy and that is what it says. Seems to me that this is NOT price matching. I went to to Wal-Mart where they matched it with a SMILE sans attitude and since I was there I bought other needed items. No thanks Target.

[jlbates]

I would think Target's reason is valid - it's not an apples to apples comparison if you have to use a discount card to get that price. It's like using a store coupon and expecting Target to match it.

[JKTex]

I think I'd side with Love on this one. The "discount card" is just the "we're tracking you" card which I hate. It's like they force you to "join the brotherhood" to get their real prices, otherwise you get gouged. It's not like a redeemable coupon or even a paid club membership.

Target's loosing out, and I'm surprised they do it that way.

[Common Sense Al]

I think I'd side with Love on this one. The "discount card" is just the "we're tracking you" card which I hate. It's like they force you to "join the brotherhood" to get their real prices, otherwise you get gouged. It's not like a redeemable coupon or even a paid club membership.

Target's loosing out, and I'm surprised they do it that way.

I agree... it's a free card that anyone can get too.

[Uther]

THis is how I see it and I side with Target on this one.

Tom Thumb offers a discount *with* their card on an item. Joe Public *without* a card can't get the discount price. Why should/would Target match what is effectively a store coupon?

But yea, each to his own.

And if Wal*Mart wants to do it, more power to them.

Brings to mind the story I heard years ago of the furious housewife that returned a rotten chicken to the supermarket. The store manager listened to her ranting and raving, refunded her the money and then pointed out that the chicken was actually bought at a different, competing supermarket.

[jlbates]

THis is how I see it and I side with Target on this one.

Tom Thumb offers a discount *with* their card on an item. Joe Public *without* a card can't get the discount price. Why should/would Target match what is effectively a store coupon?

Exactly. It's akin to an e-coupon. Why should a store match pricing based on a coupon discount? But, Walmart did and that's good for LL.

[Common Sense Al]

Exactly. It's akin to an e-coupon. Why should a store match pricing based on a coupon discount? But, Walmart did and that's good for LL.

I don't see it like a coupon. Anyone can sign up for the card on the spot and get the discount. With a coupon, you have a "special privilege" if you have the coupon... but having a discount card that anyone can get for free and on the spot is like offering a discount to everyone, though they have to agree "to be tracked".

[jlbates]

Since Target's price matching policy clearly states that their price matching exclusion includes, among a long list of things: "Membership club or loyalty programs (e.g. prices that require a club or loyalty card)", I guess we are just debating on whether or not we like their policy? Luckily we have lot of choices when it comes to grocery shopping.

Personally I would have just bought the sunscreen in question at TT, and used a coupon that they would double or triple and save even more that way. I do most of my shopping there now since Kroger has stopped multiplying coupons.

[love Lantana]

I think if you say you are going to price match then do it, don't not do in the fine print.Then again could have been the delivery that torked me off, the way it was said and the attitude that came with.