How Does Price Match Work and What Are the Rules?

Price matching allows consumers to secure a lower price on an item if a competitor offers it for less. By matching a competitor’s advertised price, businesses work to prevent customers from seeking deals elsewhere, fostering trust and encouraging purchases at their location.

Key Elements of Price Match Policies

Retailers establish specific criteria for price matching. The item must be identical, meaning the exact same brand, model number, color, size, and features. Minor differences can disqualify a product from a price match, and some retailers may use slightly altered model numbers to prevent direct comparisons.

Policies define which competitors are eligible for a price match. This includes local brick-and-mortar stores or major online retailers, generally excluding prices from third-party marketplace sellers. Valid proof of the lower price is required, which might include a printed advertisement, a live link to a competitor’s website, or a photo of in-store signage. The competitor’s item must be in stock and available for purchase. Retailers may impose timeframes, allowing price match requests either at the time of purchase or as a price adjustment within a limited period, commonly ranging from 7 to 30 days after the sale.

How to Request a Price Match

To request a price match, present the necessary documentation to the retailer. For in-store purchases, customers bring proof of the lower price, such as a print advertisement or a competitor’s website on a mobile device, to a cashier or customer service desk. If the request is for a price adjustment after a purchase, the original receipt is required. The store associate will then verify the competitor’s price and item details against the retailer’s policy.

For online price match requests, the process involves navigating the retailer’s website to a form, utilizing a chat support feature, or contacting customer service via email or phone. Customers will need to provide digital evidence, such as a direct link to the competitor’s product page or a screenshot showing the lower price. Providing relevant order information, like an order number if it’s a post-purchase adjustment, ensures a smoother process.

Situations Where Price Matching May Not Apply

Many retailers have specific exclusions in their price match policies, limiting when a lower price can be honored. Common exclusions include items on clearance, liquidation, or going-out-of-business sales. Limited-time sales events, such as Black Friday or Cyber Monday promotions, are excluded. Retailers avoid matching pricing errors or typographical mistakes found in advertisements.

Products sold by third-party marketplace sellers, for instance, on large e-commerce platforms, are not eligible for price matching due to verification complexities and differing seller terms. Additionally, bundle deals, gift-with-purchase offers, or discounts tied to loyalty programs usually fall outside the scope of price match policies. Services, like installation or repairs, are also generally excluded as they are distinct from tangible products. These exclusions help retailers maintain profit margins and ensure that price matching applies to comparable retail environments.