Pet supply retailers: Amazon Pet Supplies vs. Target Pet Products
Quick Verdict
Both Amazon and Target offer compelling options for pet supplies. Amazon excels in product variety and fast shipping for Prime members, while Target stands out with competitive pricing, a user-friendly experience, and better customer service. The best choice depends on individual priorities, with Amazon being suitable for those prioritizing selection and speed, and Target being ideal for those seeking value and a pleasant shopping experience.
- Amazon offers a vast selection and fast shipping for Prime members, but prices can be inconsistent, and customer service is perceived as robotic.
- Target provides competitive pricing, a user-friendly experience, and rewarding customer service, but its product selection is smaller compared to Amazon and Chewy.
Key features – Side-by-Side
| Attribute | Amazon Pet Supplies | Target Pet Products |
|---|---|---|
| Product Selection Variety | Wide variety, including items for dogs, cats, aquatic pets, birds, and horses. Over 10,500 'all-natural' pet products for dogs alone in July 2017. | Variety of pet supplies, including food, toys, beds, and more for dogs, cats, and other pets. Carries essentials like food, litter, and toys. |
| Price Competitiveness | Competitive but inconsistent. Sometimes higher compared to other retailers. | Often has cheaper prices than Walmart on pet supplies, especially with the 5% Target Circle Card discount. Over half of Kindfull items are priced under $10. |
| Shipping Speed and Reliability | Amazon Prime members often benefit from free, two-day shipping. Non-Prime members can get free shipping through 'Subscribe and Save'. Reliability can vary. | Fast shipping options available. Free shipping on orders over $35 or with a Target Circle Card. Shipping costs $5.99 for orders under $35 without a Target Circle Card. |
| Subscription Service Availability | Offers 'Subscribe and Save' service for recurring purchases, providing discounts on select pet items. | Offers a subscription service with discounts and free shipping. |
| Return Policy | Typically has a 30-day return window. Returns on pet food may not be accepted, but store credit might be offered. | Straightforward return policy. |
| Customer Service Quality | Described as 'mostly robotic'. | Known for rewarding customer service. |
| Website/App User Experience | Mobile app has intuitive navigation but can be overwhelming due to a cluttered interface. | User-friendly website and app. Easy to navigate. |
| Exclusive Brands or Products | Offers private-label pet supplies through AmazonBasics and Wag. | Offers exclusive brands like Boots & Barkley and Kindfull. Kindfull includes wet and dry food, treats, and toppers for cats and dogs. |
| In-Store Pickup Options | May not be widely available. | Provides in-store pickup options. |
| Rewards Program Benefits | Amazon Prime membership offers benefits like free delivery and exclusive deals. Creating a pet profile can provide customized discounts. | Target Circle offers deals and discounts. |
| Availability of Pet Healthcare Products | Provides a range of pet healthcare products, including medications, health supplies, and supplements. | Provides pet health and wellness products, including flea and tick treatments. |
| Organic and Natural Food Options | Offers a variety of 'all-natural' pet products. | Offers a variety of organic dog food brands. |
| Product Selection | Wide | Smaller than Chewy |
Overall Comparison
Amazon: Wide selection, inconsistent pricing, robotic customer service. Target: Competitive prices, smaller selection, rewarding customer service.
Pros and Cons
Amazon Pet Supplies
Pros:
- Wide variety of pet supplies
- Subscription service available
- Exclusive brands like AmazonBasics and Wag
- Availability of pet healthcare products
- Offers organic and natural food options
- Amazon Prime offers fast shipping
Cons:
- Prices can be inconsistent and sometimes higher
- Shipping reliability can vary
- Customer service described as 'mostly robotic'
- App can be overwhelming due to cluttered interface
- In-store pickup options may not be widely available
- Returns on pet food may not be accepted
Target Pet Products
Pros:
- Wide variety of pet supplies including food, toys, and beds.
- Offers a private label brand called "Kindfull".
- Competitive prices, often cheaper than Walmart.
- Offers a subscription service with discounts and free shipping.
- Straightforward return policy.
- Known for rewarding customer service.
- User-friendly website and app.
- Offers exclusive brands like Boots & Barkley and Kindfull.
- Provides in-store pickup options.
- Target Circle offers deals and discounts.
- Provides pet health and wellness products, including flea and tick treatments.
- Offers a variety of organic dog food brands.
Cons:
- Smaller product selection compared to retailers like Chewy.
User Experiences and Feedback
Amazon Pet Supplies
What Users Love
- Intuitive navigation on the Amazon app
- Fast shipping for Prime members
- Convenient auto-delivery with Subscribe and Save
Common Complaints
- Cluttered interface on the app
- Inconsistent pricing
- Shipping reliability can vary
- Customer service described as 'mostly robotic'
Value Perception
- Discounts with Subscribe and Save
- Customized discounts with pet profile creation
- Free shipping for Prime members and qualifying orders
User Recommendations
- Customer service is described as 'mostly robotic'
Target Pet Products
What Users Love
- Fast shipping options available.
- Free shipping on orders over $35 or with a Target Circle Card.
- Easy to navigate website and app.
- Helpful customer service.
Common Complaints
- Shipping costs $5.99 for orders under $35 without a Target Circle Card.
- Smaller selection compared to other pet supply retailers.
Value Perception
- Prices are often competitive and sometimes lower than Walmart.
- Target Circle offers deals and discounts on all products, including pet supplies.