Buying Target Returns: What You Need to Know

What happens to the things we return? That sweater that’s two sizes too big, the well-intentioned gift that just doesn’t fit your taste. The lamp you bought only to find it doesn’t work at all with your decor – it all goes back to the store. But what happens next?

Many people may not realize it, but when you return an item to your favorite retailer, they most likely don’t put it back out on the sales floor. In fact, only 10% of customer returns actually wind up back on primary shelves. That’s right – most major retailers don’t resell their returned merchandise in stores. Instead, they sell these goods in bulk through liquidation auctions.

Retailers like Target routinely offload perfectly good merchandise of all sorts at rock-bottom discounts, just to clear out space in their warehouses. These goods – some in perfect condition, others slightly used – are then purchased by resellers. These resellers clean the products, make sure they’re in good working order, and then sell them online or in their own brick and mortar stores, making a nice profit in the process.

Want to know more about how you can get your hands on some delightful Target returned merchandise? Read on.

Target Returns Policies

Target’s return policy is fairly lenient and easy for those who need to return goods. Basically, unopened or unused goods in new condition can be returned within 90 days of purchase for a refund or exchange. There are some exceptions, and you should always bring your receipt if possible. Products sold on Target’s website as part of their Target Plus Partners program can likewise be returned within 90 days for a refund.

Target Liquidation Auctions

Major retailers like Target don’t want to spend the man-hours or incur the costs associated with inspecting returned goods, restocking, and reselling them. Instead, they liquidate returned merchandise along with overstock in online liquidation auctions.

You’ll find Target liquidation auctions ranging from a few pallets of goods up to a full truckload. Most Target liquidations are sold out of warehouses in six locations:

• Compton, CA
• Indianapolis, IN
• Elkridge, MD
• Hagerstown, MD
• Taylors, SC
• Waco, TX

Popular Target Items

With its wide variety of goods and attractive pricing, the Target Auction Liquidations marketplace is a popular option for all sorts of resellers. You’ll find a huge variety of goods there including seasonal merchandise, apparel and shoes, entertainment, home decor, toys, and even mixed lots for the truly adventurous.

Target Auction Liquidation marketplace includes a variety of merchandise:

• Beauty and household essentials
• Home furnishings and decor
• Apparel and accessories
• Hardlines (including electronics, toys, and sporting goods)

Of these, some categories are more likely to be returned than others. Grocery and beauty products are far less frequently returned than many types of products. But you can expect to see home decor, apparel, and hardline products in liquidation auctions from the shopping giant.

If you’re considering taking advantage of Target merchandise returns, be sure to get your B-Stock account set up now. You’ll need to apply to bid on auctions from each major marketplace, so be sure to register for Target liquidation auctions today.