You hear it all of the time “We promise to match any competitor’s ad.” But, when it comes to actually doing price matching, knowledge is power. Unfortunately, many times cashiers do not get all of the training they need to properly handle this great service, so you need to be well prepared.
First of all, always be polite. I can’t stress this enough. I know that frustration can set in quickly, but you always can catch more flies with sugar than vinegar. Never be afraid to speak to a manager when it comes to price matching. Sometimes, the clerks are not 100% sure of what they should or should not do. Right now, in
Walgreens is currently doing some testing in local markets, but it does not appear
Before you can price match, you need to know the basics, which apply to all stores:
1. The ad you bring in must be the current week's ad and must be from the newspaper insert. Internet printed copies are not accepted for price matching.
2. The item you want to match must be an exact match to the item you are purchasing. For example, if the store says Lysol Pourable is on sale for $2.00, then you can select any variety of that product, but you can not grab a Lysol Spray and expect price matching.
3. You can still use a coupon on any item you wish to price match - standard coupon policies for each store will be applicable in this situation as well.
TARGET
There are some additional variables for Target. These policies have been confirmed with Target (I personally e-mailed and visited with Customer Service) so that you will know best HOW to price match.
1. You can check out with the cashier in any lane, however, price matching is not done at the cashier's station, but rather customer service.
2. In order to have your item price matched, keep it separate from your regular purchase. Complete your transaction and then go to the service desk for your price matching.
3. If you begin your transaction with the cashier and then remember you need to price match, please let the cashier know immediately. They can suspend your transaction and send you to customer service to complete it.
4. If you forget about your price matching, you can take your item to customer service and get a price adjustment once your transaction has been completed.
5. There are items that are excluded from the price matching. They include ads for:
*Target.com or online retail promotion
*Competitor’s Free Product
*Gift Cards
*Limited quantity items
*Open box or damaged
*Clearance or closeout
*Mail-in offers
*Services (warranties, assembly, etc.)
*Bundle offers
*Special order
*Sales-tax promotions
*Liquidation/going out of business
*Special financing
*Coupons (meaning other store coupons can not be used at Target)
*Used or previously owned
*Display merchandise
*Pricing or typographical errors
*Club or loyalty (meaning if you get the deal with a Chopper card, Target will not match the price)
6. If you purchase an item at Target, and find it advertised in another Target ad lower either the same week or the next week, you can bring in your original receipt and the ad and get cash back for the difference.
As a reminder, this service isn't available on clearance merchandise. Some guests may not be able to return to the store during the same week or the week following their purchase. In cases such as this, store team members may make adjustments within 90 days of purchase.
Here is the Low Price Promise Fact Sheet that would be great to print and keep with you when you shop at Target as it clearly outlines the policies.
WALMART
If you want to price match at Walmart, you will want to print and take along this policy of their guidelines. Here they are:
1. We do honor "Preferred Shopping Card" advertised prices. Must be like items, be advertised and require a competitor's shopping card, for the discount to apply.
2. We do not honor advertisements that require a purchase in order to receive the advertised price or free product.
3. We do not honor "Buy One / Get One Free" advertisements.
4. We do not honor double or triple coupons or percent off advertisements.
5. We do not honor other retailers' "Misprinted" advertised prices.
6. We do not honor Internet Pricing.
7. We do not honor competitor advertisements from outside of the store's or Club's local trade territory. (This is important to note as if a store is not in your area, you can not price match at Walmart).
PRICE CHOPPER
Price Chopper has its lowest price guarantee policies on line. You can print them here. Here is a recap:
1. The competitor's ad must be in print and included in the Kansas City Star on Wednesday of each week.
2. They only price match the items that are marked Lowest Price Guarantee in the ad.
3. The competitor must be within a two mile radius of a Price Chopper in order to match it. (So, if Hen House is 2.5 miles from your Price Chopper, your Price Chopper will not price match).
4. There are exclusions to what is price matched:
* Buy 1 Get 1 Free
* Store Coupons
* Percentage off discounts
5. Price matching offer is good only during the sales dates printed on the Price Chopper ads.
I hope that these policies help make your price matching experiences pleasant and easy. Always keep in mind that not all of the cashiers sometimes clearly understand their own store's policies, so always be calm and pleasant and ask for a manager if you are unsure.