Reader Jennifer K. writes in with this warning about Target’s baby registry:
Hi – I love your book and it’s been a huge help to me. I just found out something that I’d like to share with your readers. Effective August 2007, Target no longer offers the gift registry log. That means that you have to have a gift receipt to return anything, even if the gift was purchased off your registry. Without a gift receipt, Target limits you to 2 returns in a 12 month period on items less than $20. I called Target today to register my complaint and to let them know that I will be canceling my registry. I hope that others will do the same.
Thanks for all you do.
Jennifer K.
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It’s as if they don’t want anyone shopping there – ever. What is wrong with them?
It’s as if they don’t want anyone shopping there – ever. What is wrong with them?
I was very frustrated with Target’s Baby Registry and had many items I could not return. I would probably not ever register with them again. Their 2 item return policy is ridiculous. I know no other store that does that. I have limited the amount of shopping I do at Target.
I was very frustrated with Target’s Baby Registry and had many items I could not return. I would probably not ever register with them again. Their 2 item return policy is ridiculous. I know no other store that does that. I have limited the amount of shopping I do at Target.
We had the same issue with Target. Thanks to this new stringet policy, I will be taking my new baby shopping elsewhere. We had such a hassle (via phone and in person) trying to return an item from our registry given at a shower a month ago. The employees had the nerve to say “we give a gift receipt with every purchase…your friend should have given you one”. Yes, thats the attitude to have!
While my husband and I were in line, there were a handful of returners experiencing the same issue. When a gift giver mixes up receipts…it can mkae returning things to Target a nightmare! How does one ask the person to find the gift receipt??? Ugh. Poor business model! They definitely won’t be winning the Nordstrom of customer service award any time soon.
We had the same issue with Target. Thanks to this new stringet policy, I will be taking my new baby shopping elsewhere. We had such a hassle (via phone and in person) trying to return an item from our registry given at a shower a month ago. The employees had the nerve to say “we give a gift receipt with every purchase…your friend should have given you one”. Yes, thats the attitude to have!
While my husband and I were in line, there were a handful of returners experiencing the same issue. When a gift giver mixes up receipts…it can mkae returning things to Target a nightmare! How does one ask the person to find the gift receipt??? Ugh. Poor business model! They definitely won’t be winning the Nordstrom of customer service award any time soon.
Thank you for posting this! I had a lot of return issues when I had my bridal registry there years ago. As a result I did NOT have a baby registry there and tell all my friends the same. They really do not treat their customers very well on this issue.
Thank you for posting this! I had a lot of return issues when I had my bridal registry there years ago. As a result I did NOT have a baby registry there and tell all my friends the same. They really do not treat their customers very well on this issue.
Babies r us is the worse though. the policy allows for no exchanges at all without receipts. Not 1 not 2 but zero. Even for stuff they carry exclusively so it is clear it is form their store.
terrible
Babies r us is the worse though. the policy allows for no exchanges at all without receipts. Not 1 not 2 but zero. Even for stuff they carry exclusively so it is clear it is form their store.
terrible
I had the same experience with Target – and yes, their defense is: “We give everyone a gift receipt. The purchaser should have given it to you.” I received very few gift receipts from a shower held by my co-workers, but I received many duplicate items.
The most appalling part of this is that their system will not trigger if someone is purchasing a duplicate. So if someone purchases two items from your registry (and the item is worth more than $20), Target will not take one of them back without a gift receipt – even if it’s a Target exclusive item.
With the shower from my friends still to go, I also have canceled my registry there and encourage others to do the same.
I had the same experience with Target – and yes, their defense is: “We give everyone a gift receipt. The purchaser should have given it to you.” I received very few gift receipts from a shower held by my co-workers, but I received many duplicate items.
The most appalling part of this is that their system will not trigger if someone is purchasing a duplicate. So if someone purchases two items from your registry (and the item is worth more than $20), Target will not take one of them back without a gift receipt – even if it’s a Target exclusive item.
With the shower from my friends still to go, I also have canceled my registry there and encourage others to do the same.
I’m not sure why everyone is getting worked up over this. This is generally the policy at most stores. If I owned a store, I would probably do the same. Can you imagine how many fraudulent returns they get and how much money they lose? And where else are you going to register that allows returns without a receipt?
I’m not sure why everyone is getting worked up over this. This is generally the policy at most stores. If I owned a store, I would probably do the same. Can you imagine how many fraudulent returns they get and how much money they lose? And where else are you going to register that allows returns without a receipt?
We did not expeirence this hassle with Babies ‘R Us at all. Babies even took back items (which were on the registry) without even CHECKING the registry half the time. Their return policy made our life so much easier as we were gifted with multiple items. Although Babies is further from our house than Target…we will definitely go back there as opposed to Target.
And to Tengo’s comment, I can understand asking for a receipt. However, if someone registered with your store and had to return something clearly on the registry, it shouldn’t be such a hassle. Other stores with registries do not do this.
We did not expeirence this hassle with Babies ‘R Us at all. Babies even took back items (which were on the registry) without even CHECKING the registry half the time. Their return policy made our life so much easier as we were gifted with multiple items. Although Babies is further from our house than Target…we will definitely go back there as opposed to Target.
And to Tengo’s comment, I can understand asking for a receipt. However, if someone registered with your store and had to return something clearly on the registry, it shouldn’t be such a hassle. Other stores with registries do not do this.
Hi,
My cousin registered for a play pen at Target in Octber. The web site quoted a price. It was $89.99 on the web site. The store actually sold it for $99.99. The attitude at the store was “oh well, it is more here.”
Hi,
My cousin registered for a play pen at Target in Octber. The web site quoted a price. It was $89.99 on the web site. The store actually sold it for $99.99. The attitude at the store was “oh well, it is more here.”
Target is a nightmare. My MIL purchased two Avent newborn bottle starter sets for me back in early September for my baby shower in October. I was hospitalized end of September until I gave birth end of November. So when I was cleared to move around I went to return them..WITH not only the gift receipt, but also the actual sales receipt, I only wanted to exchange for other stuff on baby registry.
Since it had passed 90 days they would not accept them even for exchange.
Even when I explained I had been IN THE HOSPITAL for the entire 90 days plus, and therefor could not return them, or exchange them.
They said, we have a ninety day return policy.
When I contacted the “home office” I was told “well you could just be saying you were in the hospital” So I told them I could prove it..(Heck, I’ve got enough benefits statements)
Dead silence…and then they hung up!
I would never ever ever register for anything at Target again, and have even told customers I’ve seen registering what a nightmare I had with them.
So basically I am out 50+ dollars worth of credit..
I am very very disapointed with Target.
If you live near one..I highly recommend “Buy Buy Baby” they were a dream.
(and I had no trouble whatsoever returning and exchanging stuff at BRU either)
Target is a nightmare. My MIL purchased two Avent newborn bottle starter sets for me back in early September for my baby shower in October. I was hospitalized end of September until I gave birth end of November. So when I was cleared to move around I went to return them..WITH not only the gift receipt, but also the actual sales receipt, I only wanted to exchange for other stuff on baby registry.
Since it had passed 90 days they would not accept them even for exchange.
Even when I explained I had been IN THE HOSPITAL for the entire 90 days plus, and therefor could not return them, or exchange them.
They said, we have a ninety day return policy.
When I contacted the “home office” I was told “well you could just be saying you were in the hospital” So I told them I could prove it..(Heck, I’ve got enough benefits statements)
Dead silence…and then they hung up!
I would never ever ever register for anything at Target again, and have even told customers I’ve seen registering what a nightmare I had with them.
So basically I am out 50+ dollars worth of credit..
I am very very disapointed with Target.
If you live near one..I highly recommend “Buy Buy Baby” they were a dream.
(and I had no trouble whatsoever returning and exchanging stuff at BRU either)
I just checked Babies ‘R Us website and here’s their stated return policy. It seems pretty typical to most stores:
THE BABIES “R” US RETURN POLICY
The Babies “R” Us return policy makes exchanging gifts easy. Simply return the item within 90 days from the date of purchase (45 days for VHS/DVD returns) with the receipt or gift receipt, and we will gladly help you choose an alternative item or issue store credit. If you don’t have your receipt, in most cases Babies “R” Us stores can verify purchases made within the last 90 days made via credit card or when made from a baby registry.
TO RETURN AN ITEM WITH THE RECEIPT:
Simply follow these easy steps:
Be sure to bring your dated purchase receipt.
Receipts will help us process your return quickly and fairly. For your convenience, we also offer gift receipts.
Please keep all packaging and accessories.
Please bring all original packaging, accessories, and instruction manuals that came with the item you are returning back to the store.
Please return items within the appropriate time period.
We will be happy to exchange most items within 90 days from the date of purchase, or offer you a refund in the form of merchandise credit. Please note that VHS/DVD returns should be returned within 45 days from the date of purchase.
TO RETURN AN ITEM WITHOUT THE RECEIPT:
Some items may be returned without a receipt, but please keep the following in mind:
In most cases we can verify purchases made within the last 90 days via credit card or if the purchase was made from a baby registry and will issue a credit to the credit card used to make the purchase or in the form of a store credit for gift purchases from a baby registry.
We do reserve the right to refuse a refund without a receipt.
For a non-receipted refund, you will need valid identification. Valid forms of identification accepted at Babies”R”Us include:
Driver’s License
State ID
Military ID
Passport
Resident Alien ID
We will give you store credit. We cannot exchange items without a receipt, but we will give you store credit that can be used toward future purchases.
You will receive store credit for the lowest price of the item in the last 30 days. The amount of the store credit issued will be the lowest promotional price of the item within the last 30 days.
A special notice for customers in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island:
Customers returning items purchased in these states without a receipt will not receive any credit for sales tax.
Return Guidelines for VHS/DVD Items
VHS and DVD items can be returned within 45 days of the purchase date. The original, dated receipt is required for a refund or exchange, and the item must be returned in its unopened, factory-sealed package. If the item has been opened, it can only be exchanged for an identical item. Refunds and exchanges will not be given without a dated receipt.
If you have further questions about our return policy, please speak to a member of the management team in our stores or call 1-888-BABYRUS. We will be happy to assist you.
I just checked Babies ‘R Us website and here’s their stated return policy. It seems pretty typical to most stores:
THE BABIES “R” US RETURN POLICY
The Babies “R” Us return policy makes exchanging gifts easy. Simply return the item within 90 days from the date of purchase (45 days for VHS/DVD returns) with the receipt or gift receipt, and we will gladly help you choose an alternative item or issue store credit. If you don’t have your receipt, in most cases Babies “R” Us stores can verify purchases made within the last 90 days made via credit card or when made from a baby registry.
TO RETURN AN ITEM WITH THE RECEIPT:
Simply follow these easy steps:
Be sure to bring your dated purchase receipt.
Receipts will help us process your return quickly and fairly. For your convenience, we also offer gift receipts.
Please keep all packaging and accessories.
Please bring all original packaging, accessories, and instruction manuals that came with the item you are returning back to the store.
Please return items within the appropriate time period.
We will be happy to exchange most items within 90 days from the date of purchase, or offer you a refund in the form of merchandise credit. Please note that VHS/DVD returns should be returned within 45 days from the date of purchase.
TO RETURN AN ITEM WITHOUT THE RECEIPT:
Some items may be returned without a receipt, but please keep the following in mind:
In most cases we can verify purchases made within the last 90 days via credit card or if the purchase was made from a baby registry and will issue a credit to the credit card used to make the purchase or in the form of a store credit for gift purchases from a baby registry.
We do reserve the right to refuse a refund without a receipt.
For a non-receipted refund, you will need valid identification. Valid forms of identification accepted at Babies”R”Us include:
Driver’s License
State ID
Military ID
Passport
Resident Alien ID
We will give you store credit. We cannot exchange items without a receipt, but we will give you store credit that can be used toward future purchases.
You will receive store credit for the lowest price of the item in the last 30 days. The amount of the store credit issued will be the lowest promotional price of the item within the last 30 days.
A special notice for customers in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island:
Customers returning items purchased in these states without a receipt will not receive any credit for sales tax.
Return Guidelines for VHS/DVD Items
VHS and DVD items can be returned within 45 days of the purchase date. The original, dated receipt is required for a refund or exchange, and the item must be returned in its unopened, factory-sealed package. If the item has been opened, it can only be exchanged for an identical item. Refunds and exchanges will not be given without a dated receipt.
If you have further questions about our return policy, please speak to a member of the management team in our stores or call 1-888-BABYRUS. We will be happy to assist you.
I just recently had the same experience with Target. I contacted their email, phone, and wrote a letter. Their response was indifference and demonstrated poor customer service. I cancelled my registry and returned all items that I had been given as gifts with their receipts. I am now shopping baby items at babies-R-Us, Walmart, kohls, and local stores. I too am limiting my business with Target. I have had no problems with any other stores except Target regarding registry and baby items. I hope others will do the same. I tell as many mom-to-be’s at my classes and my doc visits. Everyone in my family and friends circle are very aware of my disappointment and frustration with Target and are now shopping at the other stores I registered after cancelling with Target.
I just recently had the same experience with Target. I contacted their email, phone, and wrote a letter. Their response was indifference and demonstrated poor customer service. I cancelled my registry and returned all items that I had been given as gifts with their receipts. I am now shopping baby items at babies-R-Us, Walmart, kohls, and local stores. I too am limiting my business with Target. I have had no problems with any other stores except Target regarding registry and baby items. I hope others will do the same. I tell as many mom-to-be’s at my classes and my doc visits. Everyone in my family and friends circle are very aware of my disappointment and frustration with Target and are now shopping at the other stores I registered after cancelling with Target.
Target is a complete nightmare with baby bottles. They are toxic and won’t return them. Crazy. Not the Target I grew up with.
Target is a complete nightmare with baby bottles. They are toxic and won’t return them. Crazy. Not the Target I grew up with.