What's the difference between delivery and shipping with Target?

When shopping at Target, you may encounter two main terms: delivery and shipping. While they may seem interchangeable, there are key differences between the two, especially when it comes to the type of service and the costs involved.

Here’s a breakdown of delivery and shipping at Target:

1. Shipping:

Shipping refers to the traditional method of sending items from a Target warehouse or store to your address. It typically involves third-party carriers like UPS, FedEx, or USPS. Shipping is often used for standard online orders.

Key Features of Shipping:

• Delivery Time: Shipping times depend on the carrier and service chosen. For example, standard shipping may take 3-7 business days, while 2-day shipping or same-day delivery (depending on availability) may be faster.
• Costs:
  • Free Shipping: Target offers free standard shipping for most orders over $35.
  • Paid Shipping: For smaller orders or expedited shipping, there may be a fee. The cost depends on the order size, weight, and delivery method.
• Tracking: You can track your order with the shipping carrier’s tracking number, which will be provided by Target once the item is shipped.
• Returns: If you need to return a product, you usually return items shipped via standard shipping to Target’s store or via mail (depending on the return policy for the product).
• Carriers Used: Major carriers like UPS, FedEx, and USPS handle most of the shipping. The delivery driver might not be a Target employee.

2. Delivery:

Delivery typically refers to services like same-day delivery, curbside pickup, or Target Restock (grocery delivery), and it can involve in-house services or third-party partners like Shipt. The term "delivery" often means that the items are delivered directly to your door.

Key Features of Delivery:

• Delivery Services:
  • Same-Day Delivery (via Shipt): Target uses the Shipt app for same-day delivery. You can have your order delivered the same day or within a few hours.
  • Target Restock: This service delivers household essentials and groceries to your home within a 1-2 day window.
  • Curbside Pickup: With this option, you place an order online, and Target will bring it to your car at the store, but this isn’t technically "shipping" as you don’t have to pay for delivery.
• Costs:
  • For same-day delivery via Shipt, there is typically a $9.99 fee per order, though this may vary based on location or promotional offers. Shipt membership allows for free deliveries on orders over $35 for a yearly fee.
  • Target Restock has its own fees or may be bundled with subscription services.
  • For curbside pickup, delivery is free, as you’re picking it up yourself.
• Tracking: For same-day or Shipt deliveries, you can track your order in real-time via the Shipt app.
• Carriers/Drivers: Delivery drivers for same-day delivery and Target Restock are usually Shipt employees or independent contractors. Target’s own employees may handle curbside pickup.
• Returns: Returns for delivery services like Shipt can be done in-store or through specific instructions, while online shipping returns are handled via mail.

Summary of Key Differences Between Shipping and Delivery at Target:

Which Should You Choose: Delivery or Shipping?

• Choose Shipping if you're not in a hurry, need to order from Target’s warehouse, or want to take advantage of free standard shipping.
• Choose Delivery if you need your items urgently, want same-day delivery via Shipt, or are ordering groceries via Target Restock.

Conclusion

In short, shipping is the traditional method where items are sent from Target’s warehouse or store via major carriers and may take a few days to arrive. Delivery, on the other hand, refers to more immediate delivery options, like same-day delivery or curbside pickup, often via Shipt or Target’s own delivery services.

Each option has its benefits depending on your needs, and understanding these differences can help you make the best choice for getting your purchases from Target.