There are stores that match prices if the customer finds a cheaper one at another store.
As people take advantage of back-to-school and end-of-summer sales, there is a savings strategy that could help individuals spend less money depending on where they shop. It’s called “price matching,” a tool that many consumers have yet to explore.
Shayna Eggers was unaware that the popular store Dick’s Sporting Goods matched lower prices found at other establishments and was able to benefit from these savings when shopping for her three children. “I didn’t know until today,” she revealed in an interview with ABC Action News.
Matt Lepof, owner of Northgate Tire, is delighted to match prices at his store. He asserts that losing between 20 and 30 dollars is worth it to keep a customer. “We can handle it, keep the business local, and keep everyone happy,” he assured the same media outlet. The non-profit organization Consumers’ Checkbook investigated the price matching and adjustment policies of approximately 100 major retailers. The NGO’s executive editor, Kevin Brasler, stated, “For some retailers, it was very difficult to find these policies. We had to thoroughly investigate their websites.” He added that many companies offer lower prices but with certain limitations. “These policies often require the item to be available at specific retailers and be the exact same product, even in color,” explained the NGO founder who created the tool to benefit consumers.
Stores that match prices if the customer finds a cheaper one at another store:
- Best Buy
- Dick’s Sporting Goods
- Home Depot
- Kohl’s
- Lowe’s
- Office Depot
- PetSmart
- Target
Brasler pointed out that two major retailers that do not participate in price matching are Amazon and Walmart. However, if a store doesn’t match its competitors’ prices and “a week later the retailer sells the item at a lower price, you can request that price adjustment.” Brasler recommends saving time by requesting adjustments through online chats.
Most price adjustment periods range from seven to 30 days, so you need to act quickly.
A Target store in Manhattan, New York City, one of those that promise to match the price if a lower one is found elsewhere (Photo AP/Ted Shaffrey) A Target store in Manhattan, New York City, one of those that promise to match the price if a lower one is found elsewhere (Photo AP/Ted Shaffrey) Ted Shaffrey – AP Delores Knott hopes to price match a new sofa and chair. “I’m trying to figure out which store has the cheapest living room set,” she told the media outlet. Check Book’s advice is to make sure to take time to check other stores and see if you can match them to avoid wasting money.
Saving money on purchases in the United States requires a combination of planning, smart use of discount tools, and taking advantage of sales and promotions. A good starting point is to plan what is needed in advance. This includes making a list of items and prioritizing them based on their importance and urgency. By doing so, impulsive buying is avoided, and you can look for the best deals for each item. Additionally, it’s useful to be aware of sales seasons like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and end-of-season discounts, when many products are offered at reduced prices.
Using coupons and discount codes is another effective way to save. Many retailers offer digital and paper coupons, as well as discount codes on their websites or through electronic newsletters. Apps and websites specializing in coupons, such as RetailMeNot and Honey, can help find and apply these discounts easily. Additionally, some supermarkets and home goods stores have loyalty programs that provide additional discounts and rewards to their members, so signing up can be very beneficial.
