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Price Matching & Coupon Matching Policy Roundup

10,859 20,652 November 19, 2007 at 03:26 AM in Brick & Mortar (B&M) (19) Get Rakuten coupons Coupons
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Last Edited by uscpsycho October 2, 2009 at 01:21 PM
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I've noticed that people often have questions about price/coupon matching, or have trouble executing price matches. I'm hoping to provide all the resources you need for successful price matches. Some of these policies are hard to find so I hope this list is helpful to noobs and veterans alike.

My first rule of price matching is to bring a printout of the store's PM policy with you. Before you, go have the relevant sections highlighted, this includes anything having to do with rebates, coupons, etc. This puts them on notice that you are serious and have done your homework. Nothing beats the feeling of having a manager contradict the PM policy, then pulling the PM policy out of your pocket and pointing to a section (already highlighted) that negates what he said. When that happens, you'll get your PM 100% of the time, and the manager will feel like a tool. Hopefully there will be lots of other customers nearby when this happens Grin

These are the price matching policies of the most popular SD retailers, in alphabetical order. If you can think of any that I missed please add them to the wiki.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/cus...=1-1#match
http://bedbathandbeyond.custhelp...._topview=1
http://www.bestbuy.com/site//olsp...d=cat12098
bodybuilding.com - you have to call to get a price match but they will match competitor prices
http://www.buy.com/corp/support/g...rantee.asp
http://www.circuitcity.com/rpsm/c...okLearn.do sayonara CC
http://www.compusa.com/help/terms.asp?#pricing (thank you luv2save! - repped)
http://www.deepdiscount.com/helpp...ailability
http://www.endless.com/help/200104720/ (thanks wookiewoo - repped)
http://www.jr.com/information/pop...hnote.html
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?ac...olicy.html
http://www.officedepot.com/render...merService
http://www.officemax.com/omax/cus...ct=Pricing
http://onlineshoes.custhelp.com/c...p_faqid=21
https://help.overstock.com/cgi-bi...OOT_QH_L2& (thanks wookiewoo - repped)
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/nb_101...?adCell=AF
http://www.shoes.com/shop.asp?Sho..._guarantee
http://www.staples.com/sbd/conten...match.html
Target.com - http://www.target.com/b/ref=br_bx...e=10824271
Target B&M - https://slickdeals.net/forums/showthread.php?threadid=1441205
http://www.zappos.com/price_protection.zhtml RIP
http://www.tigerdirect.com/sector....asp#price

Wal Mart - According to fine print on TV commercial "Our stores will match the price of any local competitor's printed ad for an identical product. Not applicable to Walmart.com. Restrictions apply. See store for details." (see also: https://slickdeals.net/forums/showthread.php?sduid=151514&p=14677159#post14677159)


Home Depot - See post #22 - diff policy for Online & B&M

Toys R Us - Does not PM according to rtalber1 in post #9. Or maybe they do? See post #32.


Can anyone find:
Frys - See Wiki
FYE
LNT sayonara

Others?

One thing to note is that some of the retailers above do not PM other stores but it's still helpful to know what their PM policy is. For instance, Amazon will give you a price adjustment within 30 days if they lower their price. I've been told at least twice that they cannot adjust the price once the product has been shipped. Then I respond with the blurb about price adjustments, along with a direct link to that section, and viola, I've got my price adjustment and an apology. (Amazon no longer offers price protection.)
Good Deal?

Community Wiki

Last Edited by rj123456 January 12, 2014 at 02:25 AM
STAPLES

STAPLES also has a competitor coupon acceptance policy that is not mentioned in detail on Staples.com's price guarantee page. STAPLES's in-store price guarantee policy is also broader than is what's posted there as well. In-store corporate intranet has access to more aspects of the program, but even it is not up to date with current corporate policy for in-store price matching/comeptitor coupon acceptance. (Which is even broader)

Quote :
STAPLES retail stores accept printed or circular/newspaper coupons from other competing office supply and electronics retailers. Known retailers are: Office Depot, OfficeMax, Circuit City, Best Buy, Microcenter and Fry's among others.
According tothis [staples.com] Staples does not accept competitor, manufacturer or any other third party coupons.


Acceptance is by manager discretion according to how "local" the competitor store is (another state may not be accepted), but according to corporate the policy is firm.
If you have a valid coupon from a competitor for an item they stock, it should be accepted under their price match policy. If you encounter a clerk who doesn't know of the policy, take the issue to the manager, and if even she/he doesn't know (happens) feel free to note his/her name and the store number (usually at the top of a receipt). Then call the Staples "Office Of The President" toll free number. Ask them if the policy is in effect nationwide, and when they say yes (current as of this post), give them that name and number, and inform them of what occurred and the names of those involved. Say you'd still like to use it now, and they may keep you on the line while they reprimand them, and tell you to go back in and make your purchase.

STAPLES Office of the President: 1-800-338-0252 (Only use if after escalating your request to the most senior store manager available, you are still denied) -TA

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Walmart B&M
"Ad Match Guarantee: Our stores will match the price of any local competitor's printed ad for an identical product. Not applicable to Walmart.com. Restricitons apply. See store for details."


Walmart.com
We strive to provide you with the lowest prices possible on Walmart.com as well as in our stores. However, sometimes a price online does not match the price in a store. In our effort to be the lowest price provider in your particular geographic region, store pricing will sometimes differ from online prices. Our local stores do not honor Walmart.com pricing or competitor advertisements from outside of a store's local trade territory.

Please Note: Prices shown on Walmart.com are online prices only. Products that are shown as available in your local Wal-Mart store may have a different price. We are able to show you availability for select products in your local store in the Electronics, Jewelry, Baby, Pharmacy and Home departments. At this time, the Toys, Sports, Entertainment and Apparel departments do not have the local store availability feature.
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/catalog.gsp?cat=538350

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Fry's
THE COMPLETE LOW PRICE GUARANTEE

"We Will Match Any Competitive Price." Before making a purchase from Fry's. If you see a lower, in stock, in-store price at a local competitor, Fry's will be happy to match the competition's price.
"30 Day Low Price Guarantee." If within 30 days of purchasing an item from Fry's you see a lower in-stock price at a local competitor with a low price guarantee. Fry's will cheerfully refund 110% of the amount of the competitor's low price guarantee. Or, if within 30 days of purchase, a local Fry's, or a local competitor without a low price guarantee has a lower price, Fry's will refund 100% of the difference. NOTE: All comparisons are based on price, excluding any applicable sales tax. Low price guarantee for notebook computers, microprocessors, memory, CD and DVD recorders, camcorders, digital cameras, and air conditioners is within 15 days from purchase date. To apply for Fry's low price guarantee, simply bring in your original cash register receipt and verifiable proof of a current lower price.

*All comparisons are based on in-store tagged prices at the time of request, excluding sales tax. Offer good on all fresh-boxed products of the same exact model in stock at a local competitor. We reserve the right to limit this offer to one of each model. Offer does not apply to wireless phones and pagers that require a service agreement. Offer does not apply when price includes bonus or free offers or one-of-a-kind or limited-quantity offers. NOTE Does not apply to expired ads. Fry's ads are valid for only stores listed in the ad.
http://www.marketplacelocal.com/PortalWeb/Portal.aspx?groupid=58&pagename=itemdetails&channelid=9&categoryid=80&subcategoryid=82&itemid=50973583

Fry's now matches many online retailers as well. Bring a printout of the most recent ad price (preferrably printed on the day in which you want to PM) and take it to Customer Service (the returns area) and have the associate get the manager currently in charge to authorize the price match. Alternatively, select the item you want, get a quote from a salesman, and let them know before purchase you'd like to do a PM. Most vendors such as Amazon (when sold directly from Amazon), Newegg, manufacturer websites, etc are allowed for PM'ing.

List of online retailers Fry's will price match as of 8/23/11
Amazon.com
B&HPhoto.com
BestBuy.com
Brandsmart.com
Buy.com
CDW.com
CentralComputers.com
Circuitcity.com
CompUSA.com
Costco.com
CVS.com
Directron.com
HHGregg.com
J&R Music/Comp
K-Mart.com
Lowes.com
Macmall.com
Macys.com
Microcenter.com
Newegg.com
OfficeDepot.com
OfficeMax.com
Pepboys.com
Radioshack.com
RitzCamera.com
SamsClub.com
Sears.com
Staples.com
SuperBiiz.com
Target.com
Tigerdirect.com
ToysRUs.com
UltimateElectronics.com
Walgreens.com
Walmart.com
ZipZoomFly.com
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Home Depot
NOBODY BEATS OUR PRICES
If any competitor tries, we'll beat their price by 10%. Guaranteed.*
*If you find a current lower price on an identical, in-stock item from any local retailer, we will match the price and beat it by 10%. Excludes special orders, bid pricing, volume discounts, open-box merchandise, labor and installation, sales tax, rebate and free offers, typographical errors and online purchases.

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ContentView?pn=SF_MS_In-Store_Low_Price_Guarantee
_________________________________________________________________________________

Lowe's
Everyday Low Prices, Guaranteed
We guarantee our everyday competitive prices. If you find a lower everyday price on an identical item at a local retail competitor, just bring us the competitor's current ad and we'll beat their price by 10%. If a competitor is offering a percent off discount, we'll reduce our current price by the same percentage discount that the competitor is offering. Our price guarantee does not apply to installation labor, to the competitor's closeout, special order, discontinued, clearance, liquidation, or to damaged items. Limited to reasonable quantities. Visit store for complete details.

Price Protection
As a benefit to buying online and selecting Store Pickup or Lowe's Home Delivery, you will receive the lower of the online store price or the price at the local Lowe's store you are shopping at time of purchase. For lumber and building products, local pricing is provided while shopping on Lowes.com.
http://www.lowes.com/cd_Everyday+...787241445_

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kjegbert
11-19-2007 at 05:44 PM.
11-19-2007 at 05:44 PM.
Circuit City - If the item is available for online purchase at regular price, you can purchase online and pick up in the store on Black Friday for the Black Friday price. I did this and the price automatically adjusted. Saves standing in line, just go during the early bird time frame.
Not sure if this will work for other stores as well but it may be worth a try.
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911lifer
11-19-2007 at 05:46 PM.
11-19-2007 at 05:46 PM.
Quote from rtalber1 :
TRU: They do not price match, they refuse to be competitive, your best bet is to shop someone who is competitive, and will price match, especially if they allow you X days after the fact to get a price match. IMHO
Toys R Us does price match just not during the holidays. My Toys R Us had a sign outside today that said during the holiday season they can't price match but they will start price matching again January 3rd.
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Zanthexter
11-19-2007 at 10:03 PM.
11-19-2007 at 10:03 PM.
Here is a color scan of the in-store Fry's price matching handout. I'd think it'd be less likely they'd argue a copy of it than something retyped by hand. I did a test print of the file I've attached, BW on a laser, and it prints fine, easily readable.

The only time I personally ever had a price matching problem at my local Fry's was on an item that was IDENTCAL (100 Maxtor DVD's) but was sold with different SKU's to different retailers (OfficeMax), thus technically making it a different item. Pretty common practice that makes many items not PM'able. Seems dishonest and shady, but it's the way it is. So be sure to check the SKU's in the ads.
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southernbellev
11-20-2007 at 12:08 AM.
11-20-2007 at 12:08 AM.
This is a great compilation of things most SDers need to know. I vote for making it a sticky! Reps to OP and all who contributed to this amazing thread!
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kny3twalker
11-20-2007 at 12:17 AM.
11-20-2007 at 12:17 AM.
please sticky this thread
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Lazarus
11-20-2007 at 02:50 AM.
11-20-2007 at 02:50 AM.
Wow, what an awesome thread. Really useful. Great idea, and thanks for taking the time.
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Who you calling cheap?
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Original Poster
uscpsycho
11-20-2007 at 10:13 AM.
11-20-2007 at 10:13 AM.
Quote from kny3twalker :
please sticky this thread
Quote from southernbellev :
This is a great compilation of things most SDers need to know. I vote for making it a sticky! Reps to OP and all who contributed to this amazing thread!
Agree, this would make a good sticky. Anyone know what to do to have it considered? Do we MA? PM Mr SD? Dontknow
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Leonidas
11-20-2007 at 07:48 PM.
11-20-2007 at 07:48 PM.
Thumbsup. Excellent thread. Should be stickied
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ali_lapointe
11-20-2007 at 07:51 PM.
11-20-2007 at 07:51 PM.
Quote from uscpsycho :
Agree, this would make a good sticky. Anyone know what to do to have it considered? Do we MA? PM Mr SD? Dontknow
I PM'ed a moderator
https://slickdeals.net/forums/showgroups.php?
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Last edited by ali_lapointe November 20, 2007 at 08:08 PM.
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ffife33
11-20-2007 at 07:55 PM.
11-20-2007 at 07:55 PM.
I had a manager at OfficeMax tell me that they did not price match if the other store does not have the item in stock. She said it was like they were filling the other stores raincheck. Well if the other store had it in stock I wouldn't have been there trying to price match. They should have been happy just to get the business you would think.
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Scampsters
11-20-2007 at 07:58 PM.
11-20-2007 at 07:58 PM.
It doesnt really matter what official policy the store has its up to the specific manager or CSR at the time your dealing with them.
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NdN Baller
11-20-2007 at 08:02 PM.
11-20-2007 at 08:02 PM.
Quote from ffife33 :
I had a manager at OfficeMax tell me that they did not price match if the other store does not have the item in stock. She said it was like they were filling the other stores raincheck. Well if the other store had it in stock I wouldn't have been there trying to price match. They should have been happy just to get the business you would think.
This is a pretty common practice and most managers call the other store that originally had the item on sale to verify if its in stock. Its retarded but all places need loopholes and a backup plan.
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ali_lapointe
11-20-2007 at 08:05 PM.
11-20-2007 at 08:05 PM.
Quote from Scampsters :
It doesnt really matter what official policy the store has its up to the specific manager or CSR at the time your dealing with them.
Generally I would agree, except if you follow OP's advice about bringing along a printout of their corporate policy ... that would be a little difficult to argue with.
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Leonidas
11-20-2007 at 08:08 PM.
11-20-2007 at 08:08 PM.
I have a few tips/suggestions for organizing this thread. Create simple wikis for three sections: (1) Pricematch (2) Competitor Coupon (3) Price protection guarantee.

Here are some ideas on the contents

Pricematch

(1) What is pricematch? Why you should do a pricematch? Describe what it means - stores want to hold their customers - hence pricematch. You should do it because a majority of stores offer 110% pricematch - meaning further savings for you....etc.

This first point is specially important for n00bs. I have seen many people asking what PM means

(2) How do you do a pricematch? Locate the deal. Then locate a store that offers >=110% PM policy but does not have that deal. . Place an order with the no-deal store and get a pricematch.

Mention the ways to do pricematch:
(a) Go to the B&M store with the printout of the deal ad.
(b) Locate the online deal. As soon as you place an order with the no-deal store (online), call them up and mention the deal. Do not finish until they've done the pricematch over the phone.
(c) Many online stores have livechat. If the no-deal store has livechat then place your order and provide the livechat CSR with the hyperlink to the deal. They should do the pricematch instantly.

(3) Check your credit card (and online account with the no-deal store) for the credit adjustment in 1/2 days

(4) List of stores and policies


Price Protection
Many stores have a price protection policy (e.g. Amazon). If the price of the item goes down within 30 days of your purchase, then the store will refund the difference. You should keep checking prices .

Add stuff here
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Last edited by Leonidas November 20, 2007 at 08:12 PM.

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Scampsters
11-20-2007 at 08:09 PM.
11-20-2007 at 08:09 PM.
Quote from ali_lapointe :
Generally I would agree, except if you follow OP's advice about bringing along a printout of their corporate policy ... that would be a little difficult to argue with.
Doesnt help Ive even been given the attitude. This is my store if you dont like the policy go shop someplace else.
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