Tips and Tricks for Shopping at Target

Shopping at Target with coupons can save you a lot of money. But, they have several rules you should know before you hand over your coupons. Hopefully this guide will keep you from getting frustrated.

First off you should have some basic knowledge of both their Corporate Coupon Policy and be aware of their Price Matching Policy. It's a good idea to print them and keep them with you when you shop.

1-     I cannot stress enough the importance of making sure that the item you buy, matches the item on the coupon. This is not just true of Target, but all stores. This way if you have any problems with the computer beeping or are unlucky enough to get a cranky checker, you will feel confident that your coupons are correct. Don't be afraid to ask for a manager if you need to.

2-     Targets in store coupons can be paired with manufactures coupons. This is where the savings can get BIG! Especially when the items you have the coupons for are on sale. I've gotten many FREE or close to free items at Target. You can identify the 2 different coupons by looking at the top of the coupon. One will say “Target Coupon” the other “Manufacturer’s Coupon”. Always hand over your manufacturer’s coupons first. This will help cut back on computer “beep-age”, thus making for a much smoother transaction.

3-     Another promotion Target offers are the Target Gift Card deals. These promotions can last anywhere from a week to several weeks. This is when Target offers a gift card for a certain dollar amount when you purchase a certain number or combination of items. Some of the gift card promos are in the weekly ad, but I have often been surprised and found many that are only advertised on a sign in the store. The cashier will give you your gift card when you pay and you will be able to use it on your next transaction. Unlike the register rewards that you get from Walgreens, however, you can use this gift card to make a second transaction for the same items and still receive another gift card. You can view Targets weekly ad at this link here.

4-     Places to find Target in-store coupons are here at Targets website (scroll down to the bottom right of the page to find the coupons). Sometimes, they also appear in the Smart Source and Red Plum circulars and now you can have them sent to your mobile phone. More on that to follow.

5-     Now you can sign up for Target’s Mobile Coupons. You will receive exclusive Target store coupons that can be used along with manufacturer coupons. The cashier will scan the barcode on your phone when you use the coupon. The website states that you will get your monthly offers via text message with a link to a barcode that can be scanned at checkout. Note: standard text messaging rates apply!

6-     Lastly, you can sign up to have the weekly ad sent to your phone as well as Target’s daily online deals. They also have an iPhone app and mobile gift cards. Read more about this new program here.

With practice, you will soon be the person in line that that the person behind you says “WOW, how did you save all that money?”