Price Match Guarantees: The Secret Weapon Most Shoppers Never Use

Here's a scenario: You're standing in a store, ready to buy a new TV. You pull out your phone, open FindPrices, and discover a competitor has it for $50 less. What do you do?

Most people would walk out and buy from the cheaper retailer. But savvy shoppers know there's a better option: ask for a price match.

What Is a Price Match Guarantee?

A price match guarantee is a retailer's promise to match (or beat) a competitor's advertised price on an identical item. Many major retailers offer this, but surprisingly few shoppers ever take advantage of it.

Why would a store give you money off? Simple: they'd rather make a smaller profit than lose your sale entirely. It costs them far more to acquire a new customer than to keep you happy.

Major Retailers That Price Match

Here are some popular retailers with price match policies:

• Best Buy: Matches major online retailers including Amazon, and will price match for 15 days after purchase.
• Target: Matches select online competitors and their own Target.com prices.
• Walmart: Currently focuses on matching Walmart.com prices in-store.
• Home Depot & Lowe's: Both match each other and other local competitors.
• Staples & Office Depot: Match each other and major online retailers.

Note: Policies change frequently. Always verify the current policy before attempting a price match.

How to Successfully Request a Price Match

Follow these steps to maximize your chances of success:

1. Have proof ready: Screenshot or have the competitor's price visible on your phone. Make sure it shows the exact same item, including model number.
2. Check eligibility: The item must be identical-same brand, model, size, and color. "Similar" items don't count.
3. Be polite and direct: Simply say, "I found this exact item cheaper at [competitor]. Do you price match?"
4. Know the exclusions: Most policies exclude marketplace sellers, flash sales, clearance items, and membership pricing (like Costco).
5. Ask for a manager if needed: Front-line staff may not have authority to approve, but managers usually do.

The Post-Purchase Price Match

Here's a lesser-known secret: many retailers will price match even after you've made your purchase. Best Buy offers a 15-day window. Target gives you 14 days.

This means if you buy something and the price drops (or you find it cheaper elsewhere) within that window, you can get a refund of the difference. Just bring your receipt.

When Price Matching Beats Switching Retailers

Price matching isn't just about laziness-there are real advantages:

• Immediate availability: Get it now instead of waiting for shipping.
• Better return policy: The matching store's return policy still applies.
• Earn rewards: Use your store credit card or loyalty program while getting the lower price.
• Bundle services: Get in-store setup, installation, or extended warranties.

Conclusion

Price match guarantees are one of the most underutilized money-saving tools available. Combined with a price comparison tool like FindPrices, you can walk into any major retailer confident that you're getting the absolute best deal possible.