Target’s “Perfect Order” Changes: Fines, Fixes, and Next Steps

Target is raising the bar for suppliers, and your invoices could take a hit if you’re not ready. In 2025, the retailer updated its Perfect Order Program, and the changes could trigger thousands in new retail fees for brands that don’t adapt.

What Changed?

Starting in May 2025, two key compliance metrics are now under the microscope:

1. ASN Accuracy – If your Advance Ship Notice doesn’t match what Target receives, it’s a problem.

2. Physical Barcode Accuracy – Even a small barcode misprint or misplacement can now result in a per‑carton fine.

The cost? $0.75 per carton. That may not sound like much until you realize one 20‑pallet shipment (about 1,200 cartons) could rack up $900 in penalties per delivery.

A Fictional Example to Bring It Home

Picture a mid-sized beverage supplier shipping 30 trucks to Target per month. If just 10% of cartons have minor barcode or ASN errors, they could see $8,000+ in monthly deductions—or nearly $100,000 annually.

How to Protect Your Margin

1. Audit your barcodes and ASNs today – Don’t wait for the first fine to show up.

2. Tighten your 3PL or warehouse procedures – Barcode placement and carton accuracy must be consistent.

3. Track deductions immediately – Dispute invalid charges before they snowball.

4. Consider automation and alerts – Proactive monitoring is now the difference between compliance and costly surprises.

Bottom line: Target’s new rules aren’t just policy tweaks—they’re a margin risk. Suppliers that respond now will avoid a year of painful chargebacks. Those who wait? They’ll be paying Target for the privilege of doing business.