Target’s Viral ‘Work From Home’ $5,000 Monthly Product Review ‘Job Program,’ Explained
Target‘s latest headline-making moment is arriving courtesy of TikTok: a “work from home” program, which is actually an affiliate position. Below, discover everything we know about the role, how it began and what’s to come.
What is Target’s viral “work from home” job?
Recently shared on March 30 by user Taylors Hustle — who frequently posts clips on the app highlighting ways to make additional income while working from home — a video showcasing the role has amassed over 30,000 views. The clip in question claims that the mass retailer has a program allowing users to earn anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 while reviewing its products on social media from home.
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♬ ceilings – Sped Up Version – Lizzy McAlpine
For clarity: the job described is not an actual on-staff role for Target. Rather, the position — which can be viewed through Target’s Partners website — allows those signed up for the program to promote Target products on social media and earn up to 8% affiliate commission through sold items.
How does the job generally work?
- Register online for free for the affiliate position on Target’s Partners website.
- Create content like videos and social media posts online.
- Earn up to 8% commission through qualifying purchases made through Target’s promoted product links.
How did the “work from home” job go viral?
In January 2022, the affiliate role initially went viral when posted on TikTok by user Amy Goddard, who’s used the social media app to promote a “work from home” job supported by Target — where, according to her videos, users could earn up to $5,000 per month. The clip currently has over 131,000 likes and 1,300 comments.
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♬ original sound – Ben Finer
“TARGET has a program that allows you to work from home [and] choose your own [hours] making an extra 3-5k a month by promoting their products on social media…” Goddard’s video reads. “But you keep sitting on it instead of taking the leap. What’s holding you back??”
What controversy has the job caused?
Taylor’s video prompted confusion from the app’s users in the comments, who claimed it was unclear where they could find the job she promoted — and accused her of baiting them to earn video views online.
“Like where and what to look at? wish [people] would stop gatekeeping if they [really] want to help instead of just to get views,” one user commented on April 2.
Goddard’s own video didn’t clarify the job’s context or status — which is an affiliate volunteer role for Target, not a legitimate full-time, on-staff position — which has confused many users online. The role is also based on commissions, meaning the amount of money someone would earn from the role (in this case, Goddard’s claims of $3,000-$5,000) isn’t a given and is based on the amounts of products a user might potentially sell.
In the comments, some TikTok users claiming to be Target employees dismissed Goddard’s post as dishonest, while — similarly to Taylor — others stated earning money through affiliate marketing is a much more complicated process than her video makes it appear.
“What’s holding me back is it’s not guaranteed and I can’t ever find the damn positions,” one user stated in the comments, replying to Goddard’s questioning of what’s holding others back from being part of the affiliate network.
“It’s not that easy,” another commenter wrote. “[I’ve] been a content creator for 2 years [and I’m] still waiting to get approved.”
So far, neither Goddard nor Taylor have issued responses to the specific claims against their viral TikTok videos.
Is the “work from home” job still available?
Yes, the Target affiliate role is still currently available for users to register for on the retailer’s Target Partners website. You can find more information on the web page, including its commission opportunities, new deals and promotions.
The website reads: “It’s always on and open to all so you can ease into content creation anytime, whether you’re an influencer, blogger or affiliate.”
What other Target news has made headlines in 2023?
In other Target news, the big-box retailer is planning to incorporate a larger store format that accommodates over 20,000 square feet of extra space within current and new locations, as well as continue to open stores of multiple sizes, within the next several years.
However, also of note is the company recently announced its move to close nine stores in major cities across four states due to increasing problems with theft and violence. Despite implementing more security measures, Target plans to shutter the doors of select locations in New York City, the San Francisco-Oakland area, Seattle and Portland, Oregon on Oct. 21. According to CNN Business, employees affected by the closures will have the opportunity to transfer to other locations.
“We cannot continue operating these stores because theft and organized retail crime are threatening the safety of our team and guests, and contributing to unsustainable business performance,” Target said in a statement. “We know that our stores serve an important role in their communities, but we can only be successful if the working and shopping environment is safe for all.”
The retail giant, who currently has nearly 2,000 stores across the U.S., also revealed last month that it has taken certain steps to combat crime. Not only has Target added more locked cases for select merchandise, but it has resorted to hiring third-party security guard services and even invested in cyber defense to put a stop fraud or organized crime.
Other stores like Walgreens, CVS, Nordstrom and Walmart have also been experiencing more shoplifting.
PHOTOS: Discover Target and Hunter Boots’ 2018 Family Festival in the gallery.
