‘Free means free!’ – Target Shopper Has An Argument With An Employee Who Said An Item Was Discounted, Even Though It Said It Was Free

When a worker and a customer interpret the meaning of a label differently, things are bound to get tense.
That’s what happened in this video about a buy one get one promotion at Target.
“She pretty much told me that I don’t know how to read,” TikToker @thefoxypineapple, real name Tammy, explains in her viral video about a Target employee.

While ringing up her purchase, Tammy noticed a charge for an item that had been marked “FREE.”
“That’s not what it means,” The worker replied, explaining that free means a discount.
“We don’t give away stuff for free.” She rang it up for free, anyway.
But that isn’t the conclusion Tammy is looking for.

“Why did we have to argue about this? What is going on?”
Recording the video from inside her car, her stress is palpable.
“If you actually read it, it doesn’t say free,” the worker says.

“It clearly says, ‘FREE’ in big, bold letters,” she says and plays video of her demonstrating the many items with this label.
She also holds up the item she got to show that it has the same label.
“What is going on?” she asks her viewers. “Am I reading that wrong?
Watch the full clip.
@thefoxypineapple @target, this is what I expect at your competition. Something needs to change. #target #customerservice #badcustomerservice #guestrelations #corporate #badadvertising #dobetter #amitheproblem #amitheahole
Here is what folks are saying.
I can see why this would confuse people.

I wonder if those promos bring in shoppers for groceries.

Technical issues are a pain!

Great idea.

Strange things happen when you barely use something. Apparently a lot of people can’t read cursive handwriting now.

I can’t stand condescending people.
If you liked that story, check orut this one about a 72-year-old woman was told by her life insurance company that her policy was worthless because she’d paid for 40 years. 🙁
Author
Ashley AshbeeAshley Ashbee | Contributing Writer, Workplace & Culture
Ashley Ashbee is a contributing writer for TwistedSifter specializing in workplace dynamics, employee advocacy, and professional culture. Drawing on her real-world experience as a software consultant, she brings a unique, insider perspective to navigating office conflicts, toxic management, and trending professional dilemmas.
Holding a degree in Professional Writing from York University, Ashley combines her formal editorial training with her corporate background to deliver highly engaging, empathetic narratives. She excels at breaking down complex workplace dramas and translating them into stories that truly empower and validate modern workers.
Based in St. Catharines, Ontario, Ashley balances her time between the tech and publishing worlds with her love for the outdoors. When she isn’t consulting or writing, she can usually be found exploring local walking trails or experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.
Categories: Life & Drama
Tags: · bad communication, bad customer service, rude, sale, target, tiktok, top, video, viral

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