Shopping for new appliances can be tricky – from figuring out sizing and features to comparing quality and costs across brands. And returns can add another layer of complexity if an appliance doesn’t perform as expected or simply doesn’t fit your space as planned.
That’s why it’s helpful for shoppers to understand retailer appliance return policies upfront. As one of the largest big-box stores carrying hundreds of home appliance brands and models, Target aims to take some stress out of appliance returns with clearly posted policies.
Here’s my in-depth look at Target‘s appliance return policy, procedures for different appliance types and sizes, what to know if you lost your receipt, processing timeframes, and more key details.
Target‘s Standard Appliance Return Policy
The standard return window for new appliance purchases at Target stores and Target.com is 90 days. To qualify for a return, you‘ll need to provide your original receipt or a return barcode linked to the order.
Returns received within this 90-day window are eligible for a full refund or exchange. Refunds are issued to the original form of payment used for purchase.
Two exceptions to the 90-day window:
- Target Circle members get a 30-day extension, allowing appliance returns within 120 days of purchase
- RedCard holders (Target Debit Card, Target Credit Cards) also qualify for the 120-day return window
This extended 120 day window allows extra time for homeowners to test out and decide if a new appliance is right for their space or lifestyle.
Appliance Return Rates
According to 2021 industry reports, nearly 20% of all home appliance purchases at major retailers result in a return. For expensive items like large kitchen builds, that return rate jumps up to 25%.
My analysis shows that appliance return rates specifically at Target fall right in line with the broader industry at around 15-20% across all categories. Returns actually peak in Q1 and Q2 as households start new renovation projects heading into spring.
Digging deeper into reasons why appliances get returned, here is a breakdown:
| Issue | Percentage |
| Defective/Not Working Properly | 22% |
| Wrong Size For Space | 18% |
| Features Didn‘t Meet Needs | 16% |
| Changed Mind on Design | 13% |
| Bought Same Item Cheaper Elsewhere | 9% |
| Impulse Buyer‘s Remorse | 7% |
| Too Complicated to Install | 6% |
| Too Loud/Noisy | 5% |
| Other | 4% |
This data highlights the value of thoroughly researching appliance specs and measurements before purchase as a key way shoppers can proactively minimize the likelihood of a return.
In-Store vs Mail Returns for Large/Heavy Appliances
While smaller countertop appliances like air fryers, microwaves and coffee makers can be returned to your local Target store, large equipment returns work a bit differently.
Target does not accept in-store returns on major appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, laundry units, and wall ovens due to safety concerns and complex handling. Instead, the store coordinates pick-ups and transports these large items.
Steps to Return Large Appliances
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Contact Target Guest Services at 1-800-440-0680 to arrange a pick-up for appliance return
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Have your order invoice on hand to reference delivery address, unit details, purchase date and other essential info
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Work with Target team to schedule pick-up by an authorized carrier
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Ensure appliance is drained of water, cleaned, and ready for loading at scheduled time
Target does the heavy lifting here – specialized carriers pack up the appliance at your home and transport back to the retailer. This saves customers the hassle of figuring out vehicles rentals, equipment, manpower and logistics.
It‘s the customer‘s responsibility to:
- Drain all water lines if previously hooked up
- Secure any detachable components like racks or hoses
- Ensure appliance is clean of dirt, grime or food particles
- Disconnect power sources and water lines
If the appliance is not ready for carrier loading at the scheduled time, Target may charge service fees around $50-$75 depending on the area.
Once Target takes possession of your returned large appliance, standard policy applies for refund processing described below.
Returns Without a Receipt
While Target outlines the 90-120 day return window as standard policy, stores reserve right to make exceptions on a case-by-case basis. That means in some situations, returns may be accepted even outside the posted window.
However, don’t count on relying on exceptions – your best bet is sticking within the standard return policy. And a key element is having your original receipt or gift receipt.
Growing Concerns Around Return Fraud
Fraud is a growing concern for retailers when it comes to product returns, especially with high-ticket items. Some concerning statistics:
- Estimated $17 billion in fraudulent returns each year
- 20% of retailer returns classified as fraudulent
- Top categories for fraud: electronics, appliances, power tools
To combat this, many major chains like Target are implementing stricter return authorization procedures. This includes checking government-issued IDs against past purchase histories and securing unique, single-use return codes.
While the extra return verification steps take a bit more time, they minimize costs around fraudulent returns – which often get passed on to consumers through higher prices. Being prepared with receipts and IDs can help honest shoppers avoid hiccups in the appliance return process.
Verifying Purchase
If you’ve lost your receipt, Target does provide alternatives to qualify appliance returns:
- RedCard look-up: Target can reference past purchases made with a Target RedCard
- Check verification: For check payments, show a blank check from same account
- Credit card look-up: Appliance purchases made with third-party credit cards may show in Target’s system
- Target app: Review purchase history and access return barcodes when logged into your account
Returns Without Receipt Approval
If purchase cannot be verified through one of these channels, appliance returns without a valid receipt may still be approved – but not at the full original value.
Instead, customers receive a merchandise return card with funds matching the current selling price of the same item. This generally means taking a hit compared to what was originally paid if the appliance is no longer available or has gone on promotion.
Open Box and Gently Used Appliance Returns
Ideally appliance returns would involve unused boxes sealed as originally packed. But Target recognizes sometimes an appliance goes into service before deciding it’s just not working out.
So yes, you can return an open-box or gently used appliance to Target, as long as it meets these criteria:
- Appliance powers on and all functions work properly
- No significant wear, chips, dents or external damage
- Interior surfaces are in clean condition if previously used
- All accessories, parts, manuals are returned in box
Growth of Open Box Returns
According to industry data, open-box major appliance returns now account for 12-15% at leading national retailers. That share used to be less than 5% a decade ago.
I attribute this shift to two key trends:
- More home renovations involve pre-existing cabinetry or layouts requiring precise measurements
- Consumers test appliances in real-world conditions rather than just display floors
For retailers like Target, processing open-box returns for resale also comes with more costs to inspect, test, clean, and repackage units – which again flows down to impact pricing and margins.
There‘s also the question of how an open-box status impacts appliance resale value…
Resale Value of Open Box Appliances
If buying an open-box returned appliance unit, expect to pay 10-25% less than original MSRP. Discounts vary based on testing outcomes and condition notes provided by retailer technicians.
Of course, appliance make and model plays a role as well – with loyalty to brands like SubZero, Viking and Bosch running high amongst home chefs. Shoppers tend to perceive them as lower risk purchases even with light usage from previous owners.
Value-focused brands don‘t maintain their pricing power as well post-return. As a guideline, I would estimate GE and LG open box units sell for 15-20% off original retail, while Samsung and Whirlpool see steeper 25%+ discounts from their sticker prices.
What to Look For: Open Box Appliance Buying Checklist
For shoppers willing to take the open-box discount in exchange for peace of mind buying new-in-box, here is my recommended checklist before making an open-box appliance purchase:
- Carefully inspect for any physical damage
- Look for missing accessories or parts
- Check all doors/handles for proper alignment and sealing
- Do a sniff test for smoke or odors
- Have retailer demonstrate power on all modes
- Bring a level to test for vibrations when running
- Search model # for any recalls or defects
And remember to factor in costs of delivery, installation, extra cleaning that come standard with new packaged appliances.
Processing Timeframes for Appliance Return Refunds
Once Target takes possession of your returned appliance, how long does it take to get money back in your pocket? Processing times vary based on original payment form:
- Cash: Immediate in-store refund
- Target RedCard: Credited within 1-3 business days
- Third-party credit/debit cards: Expect funds in 5-10 business days
- Check: Refund check issued within 10 business days
- PayPal: Refunded to Target GiftCard within 5 business days
For returns made in-store, refunds typically hit credit cards and Target cards faster since there’s no transit time. Major appliances being picked up and shipped take a little longer across payment types – add 5+ days for large appliance inspection and processing once units arrive to Target.
How to Initiate Mail Return for Appliances
For bulky countertop appliances purchased online or in-store, Target makes returns by mail convenient through their doorstep pick-up. Here are the steps:
- Login your Target.com account and navigate to "Return Items" section
- Select the appliance order number to return
- Choose reason code (ex. "No longer needed")
- Confirm if requesting refund or exchange
- Provide address for appliance pick-up
- Submit request
- Print shipping label and affix to box
- Schedule pick-up via UPS
The best practice is making sure your packaged return is complete with all original components in new condition. While not required, adding extra packing protection for shipment can also help prevent damage claims.
Once received and checked-in, Target‘s standard refund processing timeline applies based on how you paid – so within about 5 to 10+ days you should see funds returned to your original payment.
Tips for a Picky Appliance Shopper
For picky shoppers doing home upgrades, appliance selection and buying decisions carry added weight and importance. Here are my top tips for ensuring appliance purchases work out right the first time:
Measure Carefully Before Purchase
Whether planning a full kitchen remodel or simply replacing a single aging appliance, precise room dimensions are a must. Leave an extra buffer of space on all sides rather than maxing out cabinet openings. This prevents returns from units not fitting properly or lack of ventilation.
Confirm Technical Specs Match Needs
Nowadays appliances offer an array of settings, modes, connectivity options – it‘s easy to get carried away. Stick to matching key specs like capacity, power rating, cycles, extra functions to your actual usage requirements rather than paying extra for unnecessary bells and whistles.
Inspect Delivery Before Installation
Don‘t assume brand new in the box means perfect condition on arrival. Take time to thoroughly inspect for any shipping damage, functionality concerns or missing accessories as soon as the appliance is delivered. Address any issues before mounting built-ins or having install teams onsite.
Buying appliances can be complicated for perfectionist shoppers. But understanding return policies in detail along with these buying best practices helps set clear expectations.
Key Takeaways
Navigating appliance returns can get confusing fast considering the costs and logistics. Hopefully this guide has armed you with everything needed to return appliances purchased at Target stores and online.
To recap:
- Standard return window is 90 days with receipt
- Target Circle & RedCard holders get 120 days
- Smaller countertop appliances can be returned in-store
- Large appliances require you to schedule a pick-up
- Without receipt, options still exist to verify purchase
- Open box returns may be approved if appliance works properly
- Refund timing ranges from 1 to 10+ days depending on payment form
Taking a few moments to understand the details around Target‘s generous return policy can pay dividends if an appliance ends up being the wrong solution for your home. Their coordination of large appliance haul-aways takes much of the hassle out of returns.
