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forum thread Posted by uscpsycho • Nov 19, 2007
forum thread Posted by uscpsycho • Nov 19, 2007

Price Matching & Coupon Matching Policy Roundup

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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

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.)
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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

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.)

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Nov 20, 2007
4,267 Posts
Joined Nov 2006
Nov 20, 2007
Zanthexter
Nov 20, 2007
4,267 Posts
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.
Nov 20, 2007
836 Posts
Joined Nov 2006
Nov 20, 2007
southernbellev
Nov 20, 2007
836 Posts
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!
Nov 20, 2007
2,233 Posts
Joined Apr 2004
Nov 20, 2007
kny3twalker
Nov 20, 2007
2,233 Posts
please sticky this thread
Nov 20, 2007
1,201 Posts
Joined Jan 2006
Nov 20, 2007
Lazarus
Nov 20, 2007
1,201 Posts
Wow, what an awesome thread. Really useful. Great idea, and thanks for taking the time.
Original Poster
Nov 20, 2007
10,922 Posts
Joined Nov 2006
Nov 20, 2007
uscpsycho
Original Poster
Nov 20, 2007
10,922 Posts
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
Nov 21, 2007
5,445 Posts
Joined Mar 2007
Nov 21, 2007
Leonidas
Nov 21, 2007
5,445 Posts
Thumbsup. Excellent thread. Should be stickied
Nov 21, 2007
674 Posts
Joined Jul 2005
Nov 21, 2007
ali_lapointe
Nov 21, 2007
674 Posts
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?
Last edited by ali_lapointe November 20, 2007 at 08:08 PM.

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Nov 21, 2007
8 Posts
Joined Oct 2007
Nov 21, 2007
ffife33
Nov 21, 2007
8 Posts
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.
Nov 21, 2007
17,139 Posts
Joined Jul 2004
Nov 21, 2007
Scampsters
Nov 21, 2007
17,139 Posts
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.
Nov 21, 2007
291 Posts
Joined Jan 2007
Nov 21, 2007
NdN Baller
Nov 21, 2007
291 Posts
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.
Nov 21, 2007
674 Posts
Joined Jul 2005
Nov 21, 2007
ali_lapointe
Nov 21, 2007
674 Posts
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.
Nov 21, 2007
5,445 Posts
Joined Mar 2007
Nov 21, 2007
Leonidas
Nov 21, 2007
5,445 Posts
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. <OP's instructions go here>. 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 <OP: mention some tools here like that Amazon price check website that sends an email if price drops>.

Add stuff here
Last edited by Leonidas November 20, 2007 at 08:12 PM.
Nov 21, 2007
17,139 Posts
Joined Jul 2004
Nov 21, 2007
Scampsters
Nov 21, 2007
17,139 Posts
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.
Nov 21, 2007
601 Posts
Joined Nov 2007
Nov 21, 2007
WhiteElephant
Nov 21, 2007
601 Posts
Will I still qualify for price protection after a PM?

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Original Poster
Nov 21, 2007
10,922 Posts
Joined Nov 2006
Nov 21, 2007
uscpsycho
Original Poster
Nov 21, 2007
10,922 Posts
Quote from Leonidas :
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...
Repped for the excellent suggestions. I agree a little more organization and information would be very helpful. However, unless this thread is going to become a sticky, what you are suggesting is A LOT of effort to put into a thread that might be forgotten by the weekend.

If an admin notifies me that they want to make this thread a sticky then I'll polish it up so it's more deserving of the honor.

Considering how many slickdeals rely on successful PMing I'm surprised that nothing like this has ever been compiled before.

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