How Price-Matching Can Save You a Bundle
Price-Matching Can Save You a Bundle
3 steps to get a store to give you the same deal its rival would
ben mounsey-wood Price-matching at Best Buy, Target, Walmart and many other stores can save you a bundle of time and money. You can shop at your favorite retailers without missing out on better deals elsewhere, because if you find a lower price, the store will match it. And if you're buying online, price-matching means you can probably save on shipping, too, by grouping all of your purchases at one website. Yet only 17 percent of shoppers take advantage of price-matching, the National Retail Federation reports. The process can be a little mysterious, but I have a three-step game plan for you that makes it easier, thanks to my savings-expert buddy Jeanette Pavini, author of a new book, The Joy of $aving. “The larger stores that offer price-matching are usually used to taking care of these for customers,” she says, “and it's a simple process.” 1 Look for a store s policies
Check the customer service or policies sections of a retailer's website, or do a general web search for the store's name plus the words “price match.” If the store has a policy, find out which competitors’ prices it will match and . Typically, the item must be in stock and the same model number; it may also have to be the same size and color. 2 Find other prices
Before you check out, either online or in a store, use a price-comparison search engine like . Enter the item name, then click on Compare Prices. You can also try apps such as and . Alternatively, go directly to the sites of qualifying retail competitors, or look for their latest advertising circular. 3 Get the evidence
If you find a lower price, print the offer, take a screenshot or bring the print ad featuring the deal you are looking to match to the store with you. Do not photocopy the ad; some retailers will accept only the original. If you're in a store, show the cashier the deal. If you're on the store's website, call customer service or start an online chat. Tell the representative that you have found a better price at another retailer and you'd like to . As long as you have proof and it complies with the company policy, you should get the deal. Here's my personal example of price-matching in action. I loyally buy my from 1-800-Contacts, which has a price-matching guarantee, and I often find lower prices elsewhere. So before I reorder lenses each month, I call 1-800-Contacts with any lower prices I've found. The rep will check them to see which deals are legit, since sometimes low prices come with high shipping and handling fees. In the end, I usually get a better price. If I just reordered every month without the price match, I'd be missing out on major savings! Join today and save 25% off the standard annual rate. Get instant access to discounts, programs, services, and the information you need to benefit every area of your life. Major matching retailers
Here are key terms from 11 national chains; visit their websites for full policies. Many retailers will match prices of products that Amazon sells but not those from Amazon third-party sellers. Amazon itself doesn't do price-matching. You can't price-match and use a store-coupon discount. But you can use a manufacturer's coupon if the product's manufacturer does not have its own retail store. The item must be an exact match, including the color, and be in stock. Item must match exactly. Price-matching excludes seasonal, obsolete and clearance items. You can price-match and use a coupon. If an item or brand is not eligible for a coupon, it's not eligible for price-matching. For online purchases, matching will include shipping costs. The chain matches a select list of online retailers, including Amazon, Target and Walmart, and any brick-and-mortar retailer. There's no price-matching on animals. You have 14 days after a purchase to find a lower price, which Target will match. Its stores will match prices from Walmart.com (but not from third-party sellers) if the items are in stock. Walmart.com will match prices only from retailers listed on its site. Lisa Lee Freeman, a consumer and shopping expert, was founder and editor in chief of ShopSmart magazine from Consumer Reports. Also of Interest
Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures
Close In the next 24 hours, you will receive an email to confirm your subscription to receive emails related to AARP volunteering. Once you confirm that subscription, you will regularly receive communications related to AARP volunteering. In the meantime, please feel free to search for ways to make a difference in your community at Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again.