17 shopping secrets to save time and money at Target

Jessica Rinaldi/Reuters

Target is changing its couponing policy — but you can still save big at the chain.

On Monday, Target updated its coupon policy and point-of-sale cash register software to prevent cashiers from overriding the system to allow couponers to save a bit more than they should, reports Coupons in the News.

However, there are many other ways to save at Target, which offers some fantastic deals despite marketing itself as a higher-quality option than many of its budget retail competitors.

Here are 17 ways to save big when shopping at Target.

1. Know the markdown schedule

Different departments mark down their clearance items on different, specific days, reports All Things Target. The schedule:

Monday – Electronics, Accessories, Kids Clothing, Books, Baby and Stationery

Tuesday — Domestics, Women’s Clothing, Pets and Market (food items)

Wednesday — Men’s Clothing, Health and Beauty, Diapers, Lawn & Garden items and Furniture

Thursday — Housewares, Lingerie, Shoes, Toys, Sporting Goods, Decor & Luggage

Friday — Auto, Cosmetics, Hardware, & Jewelry

2. Shop earlier in the week

Because Target releases newspaper ads on Sunday and sales run Sunday through Saturday, if you want to take advantage of new deals, your best bet is as close to Sunday as possible, reports Philly.com.

3. Ask for a rain check when you miss a deal

If you spot a deal, only to be disappointed to see that the item in question is sold out at your local Target, never fear — you can ask for a rain check. Take a ticket from where the sold out item was to the cashier, who will print you a "rain check" which can be used to purchase the item at the sales price for up to 45 day at any Target location.