# Don't send me to Target with a credit card. **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [August 23, 2004, 1:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-send-me-to-target-with-a-credit-card/261083 "2004-08-23T13:19:30Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Exgineer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a88e4f/32.png) [@Exgineer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exgineer)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2004, 1:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-send-me-to-target-with-a-credit-card/261083/1 "2004-08-23T13:19:30Z")
Yesterday I made an officially sanctioned (by my girlfriend) trip to Target to pick up a food processor, and I honestly intended to just make it a quick in-and-out thing. A half an hour and a bit over six hundred dollars later I emerged from the store with the food processor, a wand-type hand blender (with spice mill and wire whisk attachments), a pack of rubber spatulas and measuring spoons, a stand mixer (with flat beater, whisk, and dough hook blades), Ron Popiel’s countertop rotisserie thingy (compact model), a digital meat thermometer, a candy thermometer, a microwave, and a toaster. While I was unpacking and setting everything up my girlfriend got a look at the receipt, and promptly added Target to the list of Places Exgineer Is Not Allowed To Go By Himself. I initially thought the ban was a rather harsh overreaction, but after some sober reflection I think she’s probably right. Considering the damage I did in Housewares I probably would have spent the next three month’s mortgage payments if I’d made it to Electronics. I guess I’ll just have to resign myself to my fate, and take solace in the knowledge that our kitchen is just that much closer to being fully equipped. I still think I should have picked up that rice cooker though. ---
**Author:** ![phall0106](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/phall0106/32/5934_2.png) [@phall0106](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phall0106)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2004, 1:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-send-me-to-target-with-a-credit-card/261083/2 "2004-08-23T13:31:42Z")
Did ya’ know that Target has their OWN credit card? That’s a bad, bad thing. And, yes, I speak from personal experience. Why do you ask? ---
**Author:** ![Nutty\_Bunny](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/d07c76/32.png) [@Nutty\_Bunny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nutty_Bunny)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2004, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-send-me-to-target-with-a-credit-card/261083/3 "2004-08-23T15:04:40Z")
Well, I haven’t been banned by my husband yet, but I’m getting close. I have to go to Target at least once a week. But, I can’t just go for one thing and leave with that one thing. I always leave with a couple of bags full of stuff. I’m a little more careful when my husband is with me, though. **Exgineer** , as you probably know, we’re getting a new one in Latham which opens in October. Do we really need 3 Targets?? It’s like an alcoholic having a new liquor store open in his neighborhood. I don’t know why we need one there, since the one on Wolf Road is just one more exit off the Northway. But, if they build it, I will come[/Field of Dreams]. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Wallflower](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Wallflower](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wallflower)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2004, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-send-me-to-target-with-a-credit-card/261083/4 "2004-08-23T15:20:20Z")
For **Ex** : 😃😃😃 Thank you for paying a good chunk of my bills this month. (I’ve worked for Chez Target for 20 years.) ---
**Author:** ![swampbear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampbear/32/467_2.png) [@swampbear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampbear)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2004, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-send-me-to-target-with-a-credit-card/261083/5 "2004-08-23T15:26:26Z")
**Ex** look at it this way. **Angelpants** is probably wise to maintain a list of places you can’t go without supervision. See, sometimes being coupled up is a good thing. It can help keep ya out of debt. On the other hand, if I were all partnered up like, I foresee a large list of Places Swampbear Is Not Allowed To Go By Himself. The list would include, but not be limited to: HomeDepot Lowe’s Tractor Supply Store Wal\*Mart Ace Hardware PP&G Hardware All Other Stores With The Name Hardware In It Warehouse Liquors Lighthouse Liquors Alvin’s Package Store All Other Stores With The Name Of Liquor Or Package In It Bruno’s Supermarket Taylor’s Meat Market Mike’s Country Store (The meat is incredible!) All Other Markets That Will Hand Cut Meats To My Specification AJ’s Oyster Bar Putney Oyster Bar Nab’s Tavern Willard’s Bar Break Time Pub Lee Pub All Other Places With The Name Of Bar, Tavern, Or Pub Where The Beer Is Ice Cold On Tap And Etc. It’d be a dull life but I’d have more money. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Bumbazine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bumbazine/32/362_2.png) [@Bumbazine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bumbazine)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2004, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-send-me-to-target-with-a-credit-card/261083/6 "2004-08-23T16:55:30Z")
So, didja get the KitchenAide mixer? It has all kinds of accessories, ya know. Like a meat grinder and sausage stuffer! If ya didn’t you need to take that one back and get a KitchenAide. 😉 Why yes, I do know my way around a kitchen. Why do you ask? ---
**Author:** ![NurseCarmen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/5daacb/32.png) [@NurseCarmen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NurseCarmen)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2004, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-send-me-to-target-with-a-credit-card/261083/7 "2004-08-23T16:59:37Z")
You’ve heard of The Dollar Store? They should just rename Target “The Hundred Dollar Store”. ---
**Author:** ![ivylass](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/9de053/32.png) [@ivylass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ivylass)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2004, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-send-me-to-target-with-a-credit-card/261083/8 "2004-08-23T17:01:41Z")
> [@Exgineer](#): > > A half an hour and a bit over six hundred dollars later I emerged from the store with the food processor, a wand-type hand blender (with spice mill and wire whisk attachments), a pack of rubber spatulas and measuring spoons, a stand mixer (with flat beater, whisk, and dough hook blades), Ron Popiel’s countertop rotisserie thingy (compact model), a digital meat thermometer, a candy thermometer, a microwave, and a toaster. Did you need all that stuff, or did it just look bright and shiny on the shelf? 😃 I’m not allowed to go into Michael’s alone. And I’ve been known to frown disapprovingly at Ivylad as we go by Best Buy. ---
**Author:** ![Sattua](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sattua/32/11906_2.png) [@Sattua](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sattua)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2004, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-send-me-to-target-with-a-credit-card/261083/9 "2004-08-23T17:06:52Z")
(sigh) I am not allowed to go to Target again until I have money again. I am within $60 of my monthly budget, and cannot go to Target and spend less than $75… ---
**Author:** ![Kallessa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/7993a0/32.png) [@Kallessa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kallessa)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2004, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-send-me-to-target-with-a-credit-card/261083/10 "2004-08-23T17:13:28Z")
I always seem to be going to Target for various-sized storage containers. However, when I’m there, I somehow find myself filling whatever-sized container I buy with all sorts of other things–a shower curtain, candles, garden tools, a serving platter, CDs, a small rug, a large box of something for a really good price, a new gizmo or whatits that looks cool even if I never use it (and I never do), and all sorts of other doodads. Of course, the whole reason I’m buying a storage container is to clear away some of the clutter, and yet I’m buying new clutter, which means I’m engaging in self-defeating activities. Anyone care to analyze that? ---
**Author:** ![Tupug\_Anachi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7993a0/32.png) [@Tupug\_Anachi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tupug_Anachi)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2004, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-send-me-to-target-with-a-credit-card/261083/11 "2004-08-23T17:26:12Z")
> [@Kallessa](#): > > I always seem to be going to Target for various-sized storage containers. However, when I’m there, I somehow find myself filling whatever-sized container I buy with all sorts of other things–a shower curtain, candles, garden tools, a serving platter, CDs, a small rug, a large box of something for a really good price, a new gizmo or whatits that looks cool even if I never use it (and I never do), and all sorts of other doodads. Of course, the whole reason I’m buying a storage container is to clear away some of the clutter, and yet I’m buying new clutter, which means I’m engaging in self-defeating activities. But they have so many different sizes and kinds of storage containers!!! For cheap…and they even give you the top for free!!! I bought two there yesterday myself. > [@Kallessa](#): > > Anyone care to analyze that? Yes, it’s an obvious subliminal plot by the evil masterminds of Target to subdue humanity and take over the world. Looks like they’ve already got most of the rock stars from the 80s if you’ve listened to their commercials. ---
**Author:** ![Exgineer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a88e4f/32.png) [@Exgineer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exgineer)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2004, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-send-me-to-target-with-a-credit-card/261083/12 "2004-08-23T17:30:50Z")
We actually need all that stuff. Not in a life-or-death way, of course, but we needed everything. Except maybe that Ronco thing, but I got it for her anyway so she’d finally shut up about it. It is indeed a KitchenAid mixer **Bumbazine** , and the the little booklet describing the various available attachments stirred some mild interest around here. Not that anything is going to happen, because I’m not allowed to do anything without asking. My list looks just like **swampy** ’s if you substitute “gun shop” for the meat places. The thing about Latham, **Nutty Bunny** is that I think the powers that be have decided that they absolutely _must_ have one of every kind of store there is. So of course you need a Target. ---
**Author:** ![partlycloudy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/partlycloudy/32/3114_2.png) [@partlycloudy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/partlycloudy)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2004, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-send-me-to-target-with-a-credit-card/261083/13 "2004-08-23T17:31:03Z")
Now are you folks talking about _regular_ Target or _Super_ Target?? ---
**Author:** ![Rue\_DeDay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/41988e/32.png) [@Rue\_DeDay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rue_DeDay)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2004, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-send-me-to-target-with-a-credit-card/261083/14 "2004-08-23T17:58:11Z")
Your problem **Ex** , is you did it wrong. Instead of getting all that stuff at once, you should have just gotten the food processor you went in for, and then one or two extra things. Like the rubber spatulas and measuring spoons. Maybe even the hand-type mixer. BUT STOP THERE! I mean, it’s Target. You’re going back soon. If you pick up one or two “extras” everytime, you could have your kitchen kitted up before **Angel Pants** (the girl) ever even noticed. That’s the way I do it anyway. ---
**Author:** ![Red\_Stilettos](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/fbc32d/32.png) [@Red\_Stilettos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Red_Stilettos)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2004, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-send-me-to-target-with-a-credit-card/261083/15 "2004-08-23T18:04:33Z")
This go-for-one-thing-buy-twenty phenomenon wasn’t so bad when Target was equivalent to KMart or Wal-Mart. But now that Target is Tar_jay_, it’s gotten out of hand. They’ve gone from selling stuff you really need to stuff you sorta need and _really_ want. I limit myself to one Target run a month and pray to get out having spent less than $100. BTW, **Swampbear** , no woman in her right mind would ban you from the grocery store. If you’re willing to go for me, you can spend as much as you want! ---
**Author:** ![the\_Lady](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/bb73d2/32.png) [@the\_Lady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/the_Lady)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2004, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-send-me-to-target-with-a-credit-card/261083/16 "2004-08-23T18:05:45Z")
We don’t have Targets up here - but I have spent near $1000 at Canadian Tire in the last week. In 5 seperate visits. ---
**Author:** ![VunderBob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/839c29/32.png) [@VunderBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VunderBob)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2004, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-send-me-to-target-with-a-credit-card/261083/17 "2004-08-23T18:15:54Z")
The trick to surviving a trip to Tarjay (or any other store, for that matter), is to leave the plastic at home, and go in with cash only. When you’re genetically predispositioned to spending as little cash as possible like I am, it’s easy to walk in to a place like that, and then walk out with only the items you were looking for. I also refuse to take VunderWife with me to the grocery store, because of her legendary ability to stuff the cart with unnecessary items. With her along a trip inside for a single $4 gallon of milk costs me $20 :smack: ---
**Author:** ![phouka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c5a1d2/32.png) [@phouka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phouka)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2004, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-send-me-to-target-with-a-credit-card/261083/18 "2004-08-23T18:20:55Z")
Oh, yes, I understand. Once I went into Target with the knowledge that I’d just gotten paid, there were no big bills on the horizon, and I decided that I’d just get all the little things I wanted around the place and treat myself to a few extras - a couple of CDs or a video or something. _Three hundred dollars later_, it occurred to me that I should probably not do such things very often. Kind of hard on the bank account. ---
**Author:** ![Lissla\_Lissar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8491ac/32.png) [@Lissla\_Lissar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lissla_Lissar)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2004, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-send-me-to-target-with-a-credit-card/261083/19 "2004-08-23T18:33:46Z")
I think we should all look for a boyfriend for **swampy** so he’ll be less broke. And he can send the extra money to me. **Ex** , you have a KitchenAid. Marry me. ---
**Author:** ![DogMom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e9c0ed/32.png) [@DogMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DogMom)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2004, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-send-me-to-target-with-a-credit-card/261083/20 "2004-08-23T18:37:00Z")
**swampy** , your list looks much like DogDad’s. Only he’s also not allowed to go [here](http://www.northerntool.com/) or [here](http://www.harborfreight.com/) unsupervised either. Then he signed up for their catalogs. It does make his “Christmas Wish List” much easier to compile. He just hands everyone a catalog. “Pick something.” 🙂 [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-send-me-to-target-with-a-credit-card/261083.md?page=2)