Does Target Ship Internationally Online?

For international customers, shopping at Target is a journey filled with workarounds and third-party services. In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive deep into the nuances of Target's shipping policies, explain how international customers can still access their favorite Target products, and offer a variety of shipping solutions to make this process as smooth as possible. Let's explore the options available to you!

Target's Shipping Limitations

When it comes to online orders, Target primarily ships within the United States. This means that international customers cannot directly order items from Target’s website and have them shipped to non-U.S. addresses. This limitation has left many fans outside the U.S. disappointed, especially those who are accustomed to international shipping options from other retailers like Amazon.

The Exceptions: Canada and Military Bases

Target had previously ventured into the Canadian market, but their physical stores there closed in 2015. Despite this, Target does not offer direct shipping to Canadian addresses through its online platform. The only exception to their shipping policy includes U.S. military bases abroad (APO/FPO/DPO addresses), which are treated as domestic shipping destinations. This means if you're serving abroad in the military or associated with a diplomatic post, Target can still get your favorite products to you.

Using Third-Party Shipping Services

The most popular method for international shoppers to access Target products is through third-party shipping services. These companies act as a middleman between Target and international customers, providing a U.S.-based address to which Target can ship. The third-party service then forwards the package to the international destination for a fee.

Some of the most common third-party shipping services used by international customers include:

• MyUS: One of the most well-known international shipping services, offering affordable package forwarding and consolidation.
• Shipito: Another popular option that allows customers to set up a U.S. address and get packages forwarded anywhere in the world.
• Stackry: This service specializes in international shipping and offers package consolidation to reduce shipping costs.

How It Works: Step by Step

1. Sign up for a U.S. Address: With services like MyUS or Shipito, you sign up to receive a unique U.S. address. This is the address you'll use when placing an order on Target's website. 2. Shop at Target: Simply shop as you would on the Target website, and use your new U.S. address at checkout. 3. Package Forwarding: Once your package arrives at the third-party's warehouse, they will notify you. From there, you'll be given shipping options to send your package to your home country. 4. Customs and Duties: Depending on your country, you may need to pay additional customs duties or taxes upon receiving your package.

This process allows shoppers from virtually any country to enjoy Target’s wide selection of products, from home goods to electronics. However, it’s important to note that the cost of using these services can sometimes be quite high, especially when shipping bulky or heavy items.

Target's Partnership with Borderfree

At one point, Target did partner with a company called Borderfree, which specialized in international shipping for U.S. retailers. Borderfree offered international shoppers the ability to browse Target's website and check out in their local currency, with shipping calculated to international addresses. Unfortunately, as of 2020, this partnership ended, and Target has not reinstated a direct international shipping option since then.

Alternative Solutions for International Shoppers

If using a third-party shipping service sounds cumbersome or too costly, there are a few other ways international shoppers can still get their hands on Target products:

1. eBay and Amazon Sellers: Many U.S.-based sellers purchase popular Target items and resell them on platforms like eBay and Amazon, which do offer international shipping. This can sometimes be a faster and more affordable option, although product selection may be limited and prices may be higher.

2. Subscription Boxes: Some international customers have found success through subscription box services that ship U.S. products, including those from Target, to international locations. Services like Boxed or iHerb offer a variety of products, including groceries and household items, that may include Target brands.

3. Friends and Family: If you have friends or family living in the U.S., another option is to have them purchase and ship the items for you. While not the most convenient solution, it can be a way to avoid third-party shipping fees.

The Cost of International Shipping

Shipping costs are a significant factor when considering international shopping. With third-party services, fees can vary based on the service provider, the size and weight of the package, and the destination country. Additionally, international customers may face import taxes, customs duties, or additional fees depending on the regulations in their home country. To mitigate these costs, some services offer package consolidation, where they combine multiple orders into one shipment to reduce overall shipping fees.

For example, here’s a quick comparison of some of the leading third-party shipping services based on customer reviews:

It’s essential to calculate the overall cost of the purchase, including shipping fees and potential taxes, to ensure that ordering from Target is still a cost-effective option for your needs.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

While Target doesn't offer a straightforward solution for international customers, there are still ways to access their products. Whether through third-party shipping services or alternative platforms like eBay, Target's massive inventory is not completely out of reach for international shoppers. However, it's important to weigh the costs of shipping and any potential customs duties before making your purchase.

For many shoppers, the convenience of shopping at Target’s U.S. website might not outweigh the costs and effort involved in getting the products shipped internationally. That said, if you're committed to finding a way, options certainly exist!

Ultimately, whether Target will expand its direct international shipping options in the future remains to be seen. For now, these third-party workarounds are the most reliable ways for non-U.S. customers to enjoy Target’s products.

So, can you shop internationally at Target? The answer is yes — but it requires some creativity, planning, and sometimes, extra costs. For those willing to go the extra mile, Target’s selection of affordable goods is still within reach!