Target Doesn't Know What Customer Service Is

Target Doesn't Know What Customer Service Is

I recently tried to return a nightgown which my daugher received for Chrismas. She already had the same one and the one I was returning had the tags on it, clearly was never worn, and was saleable. Instead of asking the person who gave her the gift for the receipt, I decided to use the receipt I had from the purchase of the first on (which was also a Christmas gift, only I foolishly shopped early at Target). I had it in my car to return it and finally had an opportunity. Only, the receipt expired on 12/31/04 and I was trying to return it on 1/21/05. The service desk clerk advised me that he couldn't take it back due to the expiration and that the SYSTEM wouldn't let him enter it.

I asked for the address of the corporate office and he reached under the counter and handed me a pre-printed business card (gee, do you think they give a lot of those out?) I contacted the number and the person who took my call told me that he couldn't do anything because it was the store's decision; however, he would pass my CONCERN on the executive management. I corrected him that it was not a concern, but a complaint and that Target should have a special policy around the Christmas Holiday or people shouldn't buy gifts there. He just re-stated the policy and that they make no exceptions.

I will avoid Target whenever possible. Today, I went to Meijer - it was a great experience. No only did they have a great sale, they were giving an additional $10 savings off (if you spent over $100) and the employees were friendly. I also went to Bed, Bath, and Beyond. I recently discovered 2 items that I thought I had returned. They had the Bed Bathy and Beyond price tag on them and they took them back and gave me store credit of $43.00. I ended up spending $150, walked away a very satisfied customer, and will continue to shop at Bed Bath and Beyond. The Target Executive Management team should get out of the board room and visit Bed Bath and Beyond.

The Target store that I visited is located on Higgins Road in Schaumburg, Illinois. One final comment to Target: Your referring to customers as GUESTS does not eliminate or even remotely minimize your poor customer service. We are customers and you need customers to prevail in business - Keep up the poor work and you will surely be out of business soon. I will spread the word about Target and avoid your store. You do not have too many items that can't be purchased at one of your competitors. By the way, I have contacted the person who gave my daugher the nightgown - will obtain the receipt and return it. So your store will have it back, one way or the other and the cost to you?

One definate lost customer and a lot of bad publicity. The cost to me? A phone call, an e-mail, and one last trip to Target which will remind me of my bad experiences (I didn't bother to write about the others - you've received enough of my time and the purpose of this e-mail is to spread the word. One last kicker - call the Target number and get the description of the return policy....it states that all "concerns" will be forward to executive management, however they will not be able to change a decision at the store level. Hmmm, the store doesn't dictate policy according to the store, executive management does.

I would like this e-mail sent to Target for their review (if they can spare some time from reviewing all the other complaints). The more people I talk to, the more people I hear say negative things about Target. I contact the 800 number and was given the following e-mail addresses:

Email User

Email User

Carol

Click this link to e-mail the above consumer: Email User Consumer