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Collectibles => Past Hasbro 3.75" Lines => 30th Anniversary Collection => Topic started by: Clones on July 8, 2007, 07:47 PM

Title: Target's new policy
Post by: Clones on July 8, 2007, 07:47 PM
Well I went to my local Target and I asked if they had any of the VTAC Snowtroopers in the stockroom. Then the guy asked me if I was a collector. I told him I was buying it as a birthday present. He asked me about five more times before he went tot he stockroom, at which point I was really annoyed.

I asked him why he was probing me about being a collector.

"'Cause if you're a collector I can't get you a figure. Collectors hog toys from kids. "

Excuse me, but I think I have the right to buy something if that's what I would like to do with my money!   Besides, I'm sure most collectors don't hog toys from children! (Save for the hotwheels scalpers). I ended up getting the figure, but I had to lie that I wasb't a collector to get it! I don't like lying. 

Has this ever happened to you? If so, do you think what I did was right, and how did you react to it? I'm just wondering because Target is the store I mostly visit for SW stuff.
Title: Re: Target's new policy
Post by: Scott on July 8, 2007, 10:52 PM
This isn't a new policy.  Many Target stores have signs up saying that collectibles cannot be brought out from the stockroom for a consumer.
Title: Re: Target's new policy
Post by: David on July 8, 2007, 11:22 PM
My Target is always very helpful and knows I am a collector. Most of them will recognize me right away amd ASK ME if I want anything from the stockroom. Its pretty nice.  :)

Thats only at one Target, however. The rest of my local Targets are always rude and/or incompetent when it comes to helping me get stuff from the stockroom.  :P
Title: Re: Target's new policy
Post by: Dressel Rebel on July 8, 2007, 11:34 PM

"'Cause if you're a collector I can't get you a figure. Collectors hog toys from kids. "


1.  This employee is an *******.

2.  Are kids not collectors?  Why does a collector have to be an adult with no kids?  I've seen soccer moms get hot and heavy in the star wars aisle looking for figures for their kids.

3.  The ACLU might be interested in a written submission of this incident so they might have the liberty of waging a "Collector Profiling" campaign against Target in the future.

Title: Re: Target's new policy
Post by: CloneF13Y35 on July 9, 2007, 12:15 AM
I usually just say I'm looking for something for my son, which is 90% true as he and I both love SW stuff. But it easier with a kid.
Title: Re: Target's new policy
Post by: Rob on July 9, 2007, 01:34 AM
This is just a case-by-case thing.

Generally when I'm trying to use a DCPI to get a new item I just go straight to customer service.  They radio someone to bring some up, and they're almost always happy to help.

Title: Re: Target's new policy
Post by: Matt on July 9, 2007, 01:45 AM
Excuse me, but I think I have the right to buy something if that's what I would like to do with my money!

No, you don't, but Target has the right not to sell to you, as ****** as it may be, for any reason they see fit.
Title: Re: Target's new policy
Post by: Jesse James on July 9, 2007, 01:48 AM
I'll often try a stocker first, then if denied I go to Customer Service...  I also lie (to an extent) if I feel like I'm running into a brick wall on getting something I want pulled from the back.

Slightly juvenile of me, but recently (like this year earlier) I took down one of the "we can't pull **** for you because you're an adult buying toys and we aren't in a hurry to sell you toys" signs at my one Target and just let it fall under the toy rack.  **** them and that asinine policy that any store manager should be ashamed of himself for promoting.  Set a limit on the quantity you can buy, at the very most, of an item you have pulled from the stock room, but denying the customer access completely is like refusing to sell someone a car because you don't have the right color on your lot...  YOu call till you find where the color the customer wants is, you have it brought in, you make the sale.  Anything short of that is just bad business.
Title: Re: Target's new policy
Post by: evenflow on July 9, 2007, 06:42 AM
Targets collector policy has been around for a long time. I remember the few by me used to actually slice through packages and boxes with razor blades to prevent collectors from buying. They have gotten much better since then.
Title: Re: Target's new policy
Post by: Clones on July 9, 2007, 08:02 AM

"'Cause if you're a collector I can't get you a figure. Collectors hog toys from kids. "


1.  This employee is an *******.

2.  Are kids not collectors?  Why does a collector have to be an adult with no kids?  I've seen soccer moms get hot and heavy in the star wars aisle looking for figures for their kids.

3.  The ACLU might be interested in a written submission of this incident so they might have the liberty of waging a "Collector Profiling" campaign against Target in the future.



It was the first case I've encountered.

As for kids being collectors... well, they are. But Target tends to view collectors as the comic-book-guy sort of person, not kids. But I do still hold strong to the beleif that figures can go to kids first, as they were made for kids. But, I, who also sees these figures as the subject of a magnifient hobby, and I therefore have the right to buy them and ask for help find them.

I also think the charecterization of the collector is completely steriotypical! Sure there are some bad apples in every hobby, but I've still heard many a story of collectors helping kids in the aisle who are looking to buy SW stuff.
Title: Re: Target's new policy
Post by: Darth_Anton on July 9, 2007, 09:15 AM
I have a Target near me that's anti-collector and one that is pro-sales. The pro-sales one asks if they could check for us and brings stuff out at the drop of a hat. They move a lot of toys.
Title: Re: Target's new policy
Post by: Darth Slothus on July 9, 2007, 10:59 AM
This isn't a new policy as much as it is a local store one. As many have already mentioned ..One thing that can be counted on is inconsistency from store to store.

My hometown has a store that still has the buttons on the customer scanners to enter DCPI #'s- entering the DCPI then getting an employee to get stuff works well..they can't lie to me when I tell them the DCPI'd # shows Quantities in the stockroom-works even better if there's shelfroom.

However, in my area of collecting, all Targets are anti-adult for acquistitions. Calling corporate does nothing either to these stores-all folks do when they do this is piss employees off more and make it worse for themselves. From what I've seen- complaining to 'corporate' is a powerless venture. I only can get exclusives at these stores occasionally by contacting secret employees that 'say-screw the store policy, I'm making a sale here' or pretty good results by asking for help from electronics, changing booth area, ect. Even having one store call another to set aside quantities seems to work-but for some reason when I go in anti-collecting stores they have their customer support folks anti-collector trained as well-unless there new of course :P.

DS
Title: Re: Target's new policy
Post by: Smartypants1635 on July 9, 2007, 11:31 AM
Being a Teenager, and having my elementary aged brother with me, I normally don't get the "We can't pull anything for you" crap, When I do, its only a few employees at the areas targets that do that, and when do say that, I say that my brother is trying to get it, which is partially true, as we pool our loose collections.
Title: Re: Target's new policy
Post by: CHEWIE on July 9, 2007, 11:32 AM
Yep, it definitely depends on the store or particular employee.  I've found that the younger ladies are usually nicest when it comes to this.  One Target in my area (though it's kind of a far drive) has pulled stuff for me 5-6 times (every time I've requested it) while other Targets in my area are hit or miss.  One store I've gone 0 for 4 asking, but I think that's more or less to do with the lady at the customer service desk.

The Target next to my house though has the coolest employee that I've ever seen - his name is Sergie, and he's just a very helpful guy.  A while back when the Shuttle was out but not on the sales floor yet, he was in customer service and I asked him about it.  He gladly got two out for me.  Then another time, I was at customer service there and a guy said that they didn't have the Felucia battle packs in and that no Target in the area did.  Then Sergie walked up and said something to the effect of "Was there something you were looking for that's not on the sales floor?"  I said yeah, and he checked the computer and said they did have them in stock, and asked how many I wanted.  Talk about a nice guy... and even last week, when I picked up my prescription from Target (he works in the Rx sometimes) he asked me right off the bat if I had checked the Star Wars section, that he knew they had put out some more figures that day.  Talk about a good experience.  I wish more employees were like that, they deserve a raise for sure.

 :P
Title: Re: Target's new policy
Post by: Rob on July 9, 2007, 12:46 PM
Excuse me, but I think I have the right to buy something if that's what I would like to do with my money!

No, you don't, but Target has the right not to sell to you, as ****** as it may be, for any reason they see fit.

Exactly - the only right we have is to take our rapidly emptying wallets elsewhere.
Title: Re: Target's new policy
Post by: Matt on July 9, 2007, 01:29 PM
But, I, who also sees these figures as the subject of a magnifient hobby, and I therefore have the right to buy them. . .

Again, no, you don't.  Policy's policy.  They can refuse to serve you for any reason they want, no matter how stupid or unfair it may seem. 

(http://www.seinfeld-fan.net/pictures/episodes/the_soup_nazi/the_soup_nazi017.jpg)
Title: Re: Target's new policy
Post by: jedi_master_sal on July 9, 2007, 02:47 PM
Excuse me, but I think I have the right to buy something if that's what I would like to do with my money!

No, you don't, but Target has the right not to sell to you, as ****** as it may be, for any reason they see fit.

Exactly - the only right we have is to take our rapidly emptying wallets elsewhere.

Problem there is that we as a collecting community would never be able to do this. There are some who strongly defence Target because they've had nothing but good experiences. Besides others would get it in their heads that if many collectors aren't going to Target, then it's a rich place to find new stuff.

I've had my problems with Target. Some downright humiliating. So I don't even bother to ask then for help anymore. Now if they ask me if I need help ok I'll let them know what I'm looking for. But even then I might not. It's happened that they've asked and then when I say I'm looking for SW stuff they pull back and say they can't help.  Why even ask then if they aren't going to help? Just to egg us on I can only guess.

Thankfully, I'm in close proximity of WM, TRU, KMart, KBs as well. So if I don't find it at Target, I've got lots of options and I make use of them all, besides networking with fellow collectors on forums, among other things.
Title: Re: Target's new policy
Post by: Madcow on July 9, 2007, 03:16 PM
I gave up on asking employees years ago. Too many BS and nasty looks so I just got really tired of it...
Title: Re: Target's new policy
Post by: DoctorPadawan on July 9, 2007, 06:15 PM
Each of the big three retailers has their own standard response to "collector" questions (read: anyone who is over the age of 10 and who does not have a screaming child in their cart that may or may not belong to them who wants to purchase a toy is seen as a "collector" and therefore lower than scum), but Target tends to be the smarmiest about it.  While I agree with Matt's statement that they can do anything they want and sell to anyone they want, Target reminds me of those indie rock kids who think that crappy garage band from Napa Valley is more punk than Bad Religion or (insert successful punk band here) because they're staying true to the scene by not playing gigs outside of their garage.  BUT I DIGRESS....

TOYS R US STANDARD RESPONSE:  "Everything we have is on the floor/shelves."
WHICH MEANS:  "**** off, loser."

WAL-MART STANDARD RESPONSE:  "Toy department, line 4."
WHICH MEANS:  "We're giving the illusion we care.  Now, **** off, loser."

TARGET STANDARD RESPONSE:  "**** off, loser."
WHICH MEANS:  "**** off, loser."

Oh, and for completion's sake:

KAY-BEE STANDARD RESPONSE:  "All we have is 1990's 'Robocop' toys."
WHICH MEANS:  "Holy ******* ****, please shoot me, I work at Kay Bee Toys."

K-MART STANDARD RESPONSE:  "You want a who-with-a-what-now?"
WHICH MEANS:  "K-Mart still has toys?  Oh yeah, they're between the piles of debris and human bodies piled up back near housewares.  Where am I?"

But yeah, even though I still treat employees with respect, I have come to accept the fact that, especially at Target, I am a piece of worthless **** to them, so I've given up trying.  I have to admit, though, I often take great humor in Target having to put their "golden exclusive items" they protect in the back storeroom on clearance for 75% off their original prices when they don't stock them until the sales window has passed.


Title: Re: Target's new policy
Post by: iFett on July 9, 2007, 06:25 PM
Oh, and for completion's sake:

KAY-BEE STANDARD RESPONSE:  "All we have is 1990's 'Robocop' toys."
WHICH MEANS:  "Holy ******* ****, please shoot me, I work at Kay Bee Toys."

K-MART STANDARD RESPONSE:  "You want a who-with-a-what-now?"
WHICH MEANS:  "K-Mart still has toys?  Oh yeah, they're between the piles of debris and human bodies piled up back near housewares.  Where am I?"

That was just too funny DP!   ;D  I think there's only 1 KB left in my entire state so I haven't been there in ages...K-Mart, meh it has been about a year since I last hit there.

I've been shot down a few times at Target, but I still enjoy shopping there more than any other store (toy-wise.)  If I have no luck at Target #1, I just drive down the street to Target #2 and usually have no problems what so ever if I'm armed with DPCI numbers.  Often which I'm not as I enjoy the hunt more so than going straight for the kill.
Title: Re: Target's new policy
Post by: Rob on July 9, 2007, 07:33 PM
Excuse me, but I think I have the right to buy something if that's what I would like to do with my money!

No, you don't, but Target has the right not to sell to you, as ****** as it may be, for any reason they see fit.

Exactly - the only right we have is to take our rapidly emptying wallets elsewhere.

Problem there is that we as a collecting community would never be able to do this.

Of course. I'm talking about the individual here.  If Target refuses to bring you merchandise from the backroom, your only real recourse is to call corporate and complain (and hope they side with you) or head down the street to Wal-Mart. 
Title: Re: Target's new policy
Post by: David on July 9, 2007, 08:03 PM
DP, that post may have been one of the biggest laughs Ive ever had here. Mostly because its true. Thanks for that.   ;D
Title: Re: Target's new policy
Post by: TheBlackDog65 on July 10, 2007, 11:39 PM
I know in the past I use to hit the stores hard and hit people up for stuff out of the back, and was very successful doing it.  Now, to be totally honest, I don't. I haven't done for almost a year now and I haven't missed anything that I wanted. It really just comes down to hitting the store at the right day and hour when stock is out. Know that and your fine and you don't have to worry about the employees. I'm sure this is just part of my fading out of collecting though as I don't feel the rush to be the first to have something or the need to have so many of something.   
Title: Re: Target's new policy
Post by: Tango Nash on July 22, 2007, 01:36 PM
There are two collectors I always see, at my local target, they bug the clerk so much by the time I try to get some stuff they have had it. And I always bring my son, hoping to soften those dark hearts.
It seems no matter how early I get up one or both have been ther are there right ahead of me. so I move on to Toyrus, or wally world and here they come wanting to know If I got something, I'm like no @$$munch, you ruined for me, I did try to work a deal maybe trade something for something, they think they are on ebay and want to much!
Title: Re: Target's new policy
Post by: Dressel Rebel on July 22, 2007, 02:22 PM
But, I, who also sees these figures as the subject of a magnifient hobby, and I therefore have the right to buy them. . .

Again, no, you don't.  Policy's policy.  They can refuse to serve you for any reason they want, no matter how stupid or unfair it may seem. 


Well, that's not entirely true.  If you can prove it's because of race, religion, or gender, Target's got problems.

Unfortunately there's no laws protecting those of us who are far too willing to plunk down almost $8 for a little plastic spaceman with varying degrees of articulation.  Myself included.  Until Jedi becomes an official religion anyhow.
Title: Re: Target's new policy
Post by: Rob on July 22, 2007, 07:54 PM
Until Jedi becomes an official religion anyhow.

England, 2001 (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2001/10/09/jedi_knights_achieve_official_recognition/)

More (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jedi_census_phenomenon)
Title: Re: Target's new policy
Post by: Dressel Rebel on July 23, 2007, 02:20 AM
Until Jedi becomes an official religion anyhow.

England, 2001 (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2001/10/09/jedi_knights_achieve_official_recognition/)

More (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jedi_census_phenomenon)

I think we might have a case here...
Title: Re: Target's new policy
Post by: jts21 on August 15, 2007, 11:07 PM
Maybe that target had the same problem mine did. For a while there was this guy who would be in there almost every day. He bought every army builder he could get his hands on, and I mean he would just pile them into his cart until there were none left. Heck I'd seen him watch kids pick out a clone then put it down to drag their parents down the isle to show them and he'd take it and run off, leaving some real sad kids. Needless to say target got pretty upset at him when he did this, of coarse there wasn't anything legally wrong with what he was doing just morally. At any point the stance some targets have with collectors may be because of selfish people like him.
Title: Re: Target's new policy
Post by: Oboewan on August 16, 2007, 09:00 AM
Don't forget those stores where the stockers are cherry picking the cases for themselves-  I've had experiences where the clerk is really friendly and brings me a case from the back but it's already opened and the 1-2 figures I'm actually looking for are gone and once where the it takes an "extra long time" and there's a coupla figures from another wave in the case.