Target Review Checker — Can You Trust Target Reviews?
Target.com has millions of product reviews, but they work differently than you think. Unlike Amazon's self-contained review system, Target uses Bazaarvoice — a syndicated review platform that pulls reviews from manufacturer websites, brand ambassadors, and incentivized programs. That means the review count you see may include reviews from people who never shopped at Target. Here's how to read Target reviews critically.
Red Flags in Target Product Reviews
Syndicated reviews from brand sites
Target uses Bazaarvoice, which syndicates reviews from manufacturer websites. A review originally posted on pampers.com or dyson.com appears on Target.com. These reviews are real but were posted on the brand's own site — creating inherent positive bias, as brand sites rarely feature their harshest critics.
'I received this product for free' disclaimers
Scroll to the bottom of Target reviews — many contain fine print disclosure that the reviewer received the product for free or at a discount in exchange for their honest review. While disclosed, these reviews average 0.5-1.0 stars higher than organic reviews.
Identical reviews across multiple retailers
Because Bazaarvoice syndicates reviews, the same review text appears on Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and other retailers simultaneously. These aren't fake — but 500 reviews doesn't mean 500 Target customers reviewed it.
Reviews for a different version
Target often groups reviews across product variations (sizes, colors, versions). A 5-star review for the 12oz version may appear under the 30oz listing. Check that the reviewed item matches what you're buying.
Star ratings without written reviews
Target allows star-only ratings. Products can have hundreds of 'ratings' that are just a star count with no text, no photos, no details. Star-only ratings are much easier to manipulate than written reviews.
Brand ambassador reviews
Target's Bullseye's Top Picks and Target Circle members sometimes receive products to review. These are legitimate programs but create positivity bias — people selected by Target to review products rarely post scathing reviews.
Target vs Other Retailers — Review Reliability
| Platform | System | Avg Rating | Key Issue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target | Bazaarvoice (syndicated) | 4.2★ | Syndicated reviews inflate count; incentivized reviews skew positive |
| Amazon | Proprietary | 4.1★ | Massive scale makes moderation imperfect; brushing scams |
| Walmart | Bazaarvoice (syndicated) | 4.3★ | Same syndication issues; marketplace seller manipulation |
| Best Buy | Bazaarvoice (syndicated) | 4.0★ | Electronics-only limits review volume; syndicated bias |
How to Read Target Reviews Like a Pro
Check for 'Originally posted on' tags
Target reviews syndicated from brand sites display a small 'Originally posted on [brand].com' tag. These reviews were written by brand loyalists, not Target shoppers. Weight them accordingly — they're real but positively biased.
Filter by 'Verified Purchaser'
Target marks reviews from people who actually bought the item at Target with a 'Verified Purchaser' badge. Prioritize these over syndicated or unverified reviews for the most relevant feedback.
Read the 2-3 star reviews
Just like Amazon, mid-range reviews are the most honest on Target. They acknowledge both pros and cons. One-star reviews may be emotional or about shipping, while five-star reviews may be incentivized.
Sort by 'Most Recent'
Product quality changes over time — manufacturers cost-cut, reformulate, or switch suppliers. Recent reviews reflect what you'll actually receive. A product that was great in 2023 may have declined.
Compare with Amazon reviews
For products sold on both Target and Amazon, cross-reference reviews. If Target shows 4.8 stars but Amazon shows 3.9 stars for the same product, the Amazon rating (with more fraud protection) is likely more accurate.
Look for photo reviews
Photos taken by actual buyers show the real product — packaging, size comparison, color accuracy. Target's photo review feature is underused compared to Amazon, so when they exist, they're valuable.
What Is Bazaarvoice and Why Does It Matter?
Bazaarvoice is a third-party review platform used by Target, Walmart, Best Buy, Home Depot, and hundreds of other major retailers. Its key feature — and biggest problem — is review syndication. When a brand like Dyson collects reviews on dyson.com, those reviews automatically appear on every retailer using Bazaarvoice. This means Target product pages display reviews from people who bought from dyson.com directly, from Walmart, from Best Buy, and from Target — all mixed together. The total review count looks impressive, but it doesn't represent Target-specific customer experiences.
Target's Incentivized Review Programs
Target runs several programs that influence reviews. The Target Circle program occasionally offers members free or discounted products in exchange for reviews. Brands partnering with Target often run their own sampling programs through platforms like BzzAgent, Influenster, and Smiley360 — sending free products to consumers who then post reviews on Target.com. These reviews are technically required to include disclosure, but compliance varies and the disclosures are often buried in small text at the bottom of long reviews.
Are Target Reviews Less Fake Than Amazon?
In some ways, yes. Target has fewer marketplace sellers (the primary source of Amazon's fake review problem) and less financial incentive for individual review manipulation. But Target's syndication model introduces a different problem: inflated review counts from non-Target sources and positively-biased brand-site reviews mixed with genuine Target customer reviews. Neither platform gives you a perfectly reliable picture. Cross-referencing reviews across platforms — and using AI review checkers — gives the clearest view.
Check Any Product's Reviews Instantly
Paste any Amazon product URL and FakeScan analyzes the reviews for manipulation, bot activity, and fake ratings — in seconds.
Scan Reviews Free →