Target does not use the UPC codes are er, universal on all products in the US.

Instead they use their own SKU codes that they call DPCI.

In some ways, it makes sense – instead of clotting their database with hundreds of thousands of UPC’s for products that are not available separately, what’s the point, right?

As with the Haulers, Mattel only offers them as a CASE which changes from case to case but to them, they are just haulers … while you could make a case for Mack being special to most of us but beyond that – and especially to Target – Nitroade is Leak Less is Octane Gain. It’s all pretty much the same, they can’t cherry pick them individually so why not just assign them all the same DPCI numbers … same with singles … since they can’t order one of a particular car, they’re going to get a case anyway …

But unlike most other stores, Target tries to make it easy/easier for you to figure out if they have it in stock and not apparent on the shelf.

I know you can’t see the numbers very clearly but that’s where the DPCI number is – it’s a 9 digit number.

Now, unlike most other retailers, Target seems to actually have employees who try to be helpful … so if you see the tag and you see an employee with a scanner gun, they can flashy-flash the bar code and tell you what the inventory situation is.

If there are none on the shelf, they might be persuaded to bring it out. Of course, if you are there on a Saturday mid-day, they might be trying to do something else or it’s much tougher if they have 10 on the shelf but you want ONE other one, your odds are diminished … you can increase your odds with a cute baby or kid 🙂 and have a voice recording of a kid saying, “Why is that lady/man being mean to me?” Just kidding! 🙂

If you don’t spot an employee or want to start the process … find a scanner with these buttons on the right …if there are no buttons, it’s a scanner that can ONLY check prices …

There are no buttons to activate the search process, just start keying in the 9 digit number and the screen will auto change to this …

Note the number at the top is the DPCI for the new mysterioso 4-packs (ignore the ARCHER FARM area – that is an example). Once you are done, click on the ENTER button …

You will get info on pricing but more importantly, if there are any in the stockroom.

Keep in mind that merchandise that is floored early or not yet counted in the system would not show up in the IN STOCKROOM … so it’s not 100% useful but it’s still nice to know.

So good luck … and reader Niki has agreed to head up our own DPCI DB page project …

Here’s where we stand so far: 😉

Team Haulers – 087071920
Haulers (only) – 087071891
4-Packs – 087071832
Gift 3-Packs – 087071879

Be sure and check out our post on whether your Target has been “reset,” or not and photos of most of all the new products … the only mystery remains the Target 4-Pack …

Some people have used the DPCI number above to stockers to check but it seems to be linked with this summer 2008 4-pack release …

However, when this was readily available on all the Target shelves, it was listed on the shelf as CARS Race and Chase but it does seem that when it was then re-stocked (after its initial sellout)  Target did change the tags to read CARS 4-Pack … so there are several possibilities.

1) It could be that it is being re-released as it is one of the few box sets to sell well. Boring but possible. Just as the Team haulers are listed as CARS PIT CREW ASSORTMENT …

2) It could be that it is being re-released AND Target is selling this set along with others coming?

3) Or there are simply new 4-pack sets coming. I’m working on trying to find more info but as Target exclusives, not real easy to come by … but also keep a mind, a “new” 4-pack box set might be new in name only … is it merely a re-re-release of townies for new collectors … such as this SC 3-pack from way back?

Or merely a 4-pack of the Tuners? (not the Impound Tuners)?

Or a townies box with Sarge? (okay, wishful thinking but plausibly … why not sell Sarge with 3 old townies like Revolting with three other racers?)

So, be sure and take a photo when you are the first to spot the 4-packs … will they merely be interesting, exciting or will there be hog wrassling in the aisles?

Of course, this being CARS, probably all of them 🙂

Happy hunting!