Understanding Target tags empowers you to quickly identify prices, discounts, and item information, ensuring a smart and efficient shopping experience. From regular pricing to discovering hidden clearance deals, each tag provides valuable insights.
Understanding Target Price Tags
Target utilizes various types of tags to convey information about its products. While the most common is the standard white price tag, savvy shoppers also look for distinctive red clearance tags that signal significant savings. Learning to interpret these tags can help you make informed purchasing decisions.
Regular Price Tags
Standard Target price tags are typically white and contain essential product information. These tags are straightforward and provide the basic details you need to know about an item.
- Item Name/Description: Clearly states what the product is.
- Price: The current selling price of the item.
- Barcode (UPC): A scannable code used for checkout and inventory.
- DPCI (Department-Class-Item): A unique 9-digit identification number specific to Target. While not always prominent, it can be useful for looking up items online or checking stock with an employee.
Clearance Tags: Your Guide to Savings
Target's clearance tags are a prime indicator of markdowns, offering opportunities to purchase items at a reduced price. These tags are distinctively red and are essential for finding deals.
Identifying Clearance Items
- Red Color: The most obvious sign of a clearance item is its red price tag, which stands out against the standard white tags.
- Original Price vs. Clearance Price: The tag will typically show the new, lower clearance price, and sometimes the original price crossed out, highlighting the savings.
Deciphering Clearance Markdowns
A key piece of information on clearance tags is the markdown percentage, which indicates how much an item has been reduced. When an item initially goes on clearance at Target, the first markdown is usually 15%. You can verify this exact markdown percentage by looking at the upper right-hand corner of the red clearance tag. If you see the number 15 displayed there, it confirms that the item has been marked down by 15% from its original price. This simple indicator allows you to quickly assess the discount applied to the item. Other markdown percentages, such as 30%, 50%, 70%, or even 90% (often for seasonal items), can also be found in the upper right corner as the item continues through its clearance cycle.
Other Special Tags
Target may occasionally use other specialized tags for specific promotions or product statuses:
- "New Item": Indicates a recently stocked product.
- "Limited Time Offer": Signifies a temporary promotional price or special deal.
Quick Reference: Target Tag Elements
| Tag Type | Color | Key Information | Special Indicators |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Price | White | Item Name, Price, Barcode (UPC), DPCI (sometimes) | N/A |
| Clearance | Red | Item Name, New Clearance Price (Original Price often crossed out) | Markdown Percentage (e.g., "15," "30," "50") in the upper right-hand corner |
| Special Offer | Varies | Promotional Price, Offer Duration, Item Name | "New Item," "Limited Time Offer," "Sale" |
Tips for Smart Target Shopping
- Always Check the Upper Right Corner: For clearance items, this is your go-to spot to quickly determine the markdown percentage.
- Use the Target App: The official Target app allows you to scan barcodes and view current prices, clearance status, and available coupons, which can sometimes differ from the physical tag.
- Compare Prices: Even with clearance, it's wise to compare prices to ensure you're getting the best deal.
- Understand DPCI Numbers: While not on every tag, learning how to use DPCI numbers can help you track specific items using Target's website or app.
By paying attention to these details, you'll be well-equipped to navigate Target's aisles and make the most of your shopping trips.
