I made a complaint through the REDcard survey and received no reply.
In fact, the system stopped sending me surveys altogether after I posted a bad review.
Since management and corporate don't want to take me seriously, I will make my complaint public.
Aggressive marketing and promotion for applying for the Target REDcard saw a 10% discount offered for new applicants.
I decided to give REDcard a try during early May 2017. Upon checking out, I was handed a "10% off "coupon, which was enclosed into a booklet with all the legal details of the REDcard but was given no further explanation of the coupon, including information about expiration and other limitations.
I had a trip overseas soon after, from which I did not return until mid-June. After resettling into my normal routine, I activated my REDcard on June 24th and resumed my routine visits to Target, without using the aforementioned coupon. On July 13th, I made sure to bring the coupon for my purchase, which was in excess of $300. Upon checking out, the gentleman helping me told me kindly that my coupon had expired on June 24th but that I could speak with Guest Services and they would be happy to help. Standing in line behind other customers, I noticed the staff was lenient on issues such as returning opened packages, and returning items without receipts to customers in front of me, which reinforced my impression that Target goes out of its way to treat its customers fairly and with respect. To my dismay, when it was my turn to state my case, the lady helping me was uninformed and under trained. She had a sluggish demeanor and after hearing about my situation, asked what appeared to be her superior "what is the code to apply expired coupons?". While her intentions meant well, the entire subject was quickly shot down by her superior, Michaela, who, without even making eye contact with me, began to question the validity of my case. Michaela began asking in a very authoritative and stern tone "who told you you can come here and use an expired coupon?" I kindly responded that the gentleman who helped me with my purchase had told me to visit Guest Services. Michaela continued to interrogate and question my integrity, continuing with questions such as "well, did he say you CAN use the coupon, or that you can ASK?" I was shocked at the hostile responses, but replied "I was told to come here and ask for help". She then rejected any resolution and showed a lack of effort to take my case, responding instead with "well, we don't take expired coupons" while still avoiding eye contact. The young lady who was helping me was also left speechless. There was no apology or any further willingness to speak with me or to find a resolution to my situation thereafter. I find it appalling that Michaela would take the time to actively discredit me when she had no intention of understanding or solving the problem from the beginning. Any customer in my shoes would have felt like they were the subject of a targeted attack, especially when the customers before and after me were treated rather decently. Alas, the customers on either side of me were middle-aged Caucasian women, and here I was, a young Asian-American man. While there was no flagrant indication of discrimination, the fact that Michaela chose to single me out for no reason other than her own irritation, is cause for concern.
No customer should be made to feel guilty for asking questions.
As a routine Target customer and a new REDcard holder, I felt disappointed, and even slightly angry. The hostile attitude and unwillingness to help left a bad taste in my mouth. Upon returning home, I attempted to contact Guest Relations and Guest Services through telephone, and, after holding several times, continued to be juggled around between the two departments. In the end, there was no resolution.
I applied for the Target REDcard during mid-May. Because of my travel schedule, I was unable to activate my card until June 24th. The promotional coupon expired on June 24th, which left me with no room to elect to use the coupon. The lack of flexibility combined with a hostile attitude in this situation has caused me to rethink my routine of shopping at Target. There are many competing stores nearby but Target has always shined in customer service and friendly staff. With that kind of value added service gone, I will no longer be inclined to make Target (particularly the Diamond Bar branch) my preferred store of choice. read more