Read 193 reviews Write a review at Epinions.com

I visit Target's website often to see the ad that looks identical to the one in the Sunday's paper. I also look up items to make sure they're in stock at my local store.

Not always the same products as the store
A majority of things that are sold in the store are priced the same as the website but not always. For example, I purchased a child's comforter online $10 cheaper than I saw it for at the store. I also found several matching accessories for the comforter that wasn't carried in the store.

If the item is carried at the store there will be a large red button that says "Find it at a Target store". I've used this many times to find things that are on sale or items that are sold out in my local store.

Shipping
One disappointment is that Target doesn't offer in-store pickup. I also hate that there's no certain way of knowing how much shipping will be until I am ready to checkout.

I do like that Target will ship to different addresses. This gives me the opportunity to mail presents directly to the location that they are needed. Tax is based on where the item will be received.

Target often runs shipping specials which are always advertised on the home page. Usually $50 in the chosen category will qualify for free shipping.

I have purchased through target.com a few times and received my products quickly and in good condition.

Returns
What I liked about ordering from Target was that the product could be returned to the store. This was good news because I ended up needing to return an item. Returning to the store was not so smooth. What I thought was my receipt apparently wasn't good enough. I had to log onto my account on the website that they have in the customer service return area and print out a receipt. I was having difficulty doing this and had to have a representative help me.

The return policy is good. The customer has 90 days from the date it was shipped to return or exchange it. To return an item by mail there is a return area on the website that will print a pre-paid mailing label to affix to the return.

Target.com VS. Target at Amazon.com
I shop a lot at Amazon.com and notice that Target sells many items through Amazon. Items purchase from Target through Amazon can not be returned to the brick and mortar store. Only items purchased on Target.com can be returned to the store. (Some items like electronics have a 15% restocking fee.)

If there is a Target in the state in which your package is shipped you will be charged sales tax. However, if ordering from Target through amazon sales tax is only charged on orders shipped to Kansas, Kentucky, North Dakota and Washington.

Brand Names
I prefer to shop by brand name. When I order something online I want to be sure it will fit so I stick to brand names that I'm familiar with. To shop by brand name choose the See All Departments on the front page and Brands is the last department to choose from. Searching by brand allows me to see 9 pairs of Levi jeans rather than 845 matches for jeans in general.

Toys
I have always been disappointed with Target's selection of toys. There's a nice selection of games which are priced competitively plus games are often on sale especially during the holidays.

There is an option to search by age which can be helpful if choosing something for a gift. There's also an option to search for gifts under a certain price range. I've used this feature before and it actually comes up with ideas that my kid's would like.

Customer Reviews
I love how the website lists customer ratings of the products. There is a short explanation by each customer of why they loved or hated the product. This is particularly helpful for me since I can't touch the product. Having someone else touch the product for me is the next best thing.

Gifts
Doesn't every store offer gift cards now days? There is no no fees and gift cards do not expire. The traditional gift card, starting at $10, can be used online or in the store.

A different option with different benefits and restrictions would be an e-gift card. The e-gift card will be sent via email and arrive to the recipient that day. The only problem that I see is that the e-gift card can only be used online. If sending an e-gift to a child I think it would be a little complicated for them to understand why most of their money is gone to tax and shipping. The good thing is that any dollar amount can be chosen so if you've picked a gift the tax and shipping can be added to the e-card. Say you were getting a bicycle and wanted to send $98.42 to cover it all. Of course, it would be just as easy to buy the item and have it shipped to the recipient's address. Options are always nice.

Shopping Cart
I found it interesting that items added to the cart are there for 90 days so there's no frustration if the website accidentally gets closed or you want to come back at a later time.

Overall
I love the brick and mortar Target store but don't care to much for the online version. There's something about it that just isn't appealing to me. When I do order from Target through the web I prefer to order through Amazon so I don't have to pay sales tax and take advantage of super saver shipping which is different than target.com.

If shipping isn't free I don't consider ordering from the site.