What Is Price Matching and Why Don't More People Use It?

Price matching is a retailer policy where they agree to match a lower price offered by a competitor. It's free money left on the table — and most shoppers either don't know it exists or assume it's too complicated to bother with. The reality is that most price match requests take under five minutes and can save you anywhere from a few dollars to well over a hundred.

Which Major Retailers Offer Price Matching?

Policies change, so always verify directly on the retailer's website, but here's a general overview of retailers known to offer price matching:

  • Best Buy – Matches prices from major retailers and its own website; also offers post-purchase price matching within a set window.
  • Target – Will match prices from a defined list of competitors, including Amazon, within 14 days of purchase.
  • Walmart – Offers online price matching through its app in many categories.
  • Home Depot & Lowe's – Both match competitor prices on identical items, including each other.
  • Costco – Does not price match competitors but has its own price adjustment policy within 30 days.

Step-by-Step: How to Request a Price Match

Step 1: Find the Lower Price First

Use Google Shopping, a price comparison site, or manually check competitor websites. Screenshot or note the URL of the lower-priced item. Make sure:

  • It's the exact same product (same model number, color, and configuration)
  • The competitor is on the retailer's approved list
  • The item is in stock at the competitor
  • The lower price is the actual price, not a rebate or mail-in offer

Step 2: Contact the Retailer Before You Buy

For online purchases, go to the retailer's website and use live chat (fastest), phone support, or their price match request form. For in-store purchases, bring your phone to show the competitor's price and speak with a customer service associate.

Step 3: Provide Your Evidence Clearly

Share the competitor URL and the specific price. Be polite and straightforward — frame it as "I'd love to buy this from you, but I found it for less at [Competitor]." Most representatives are happy to help when approached this way.

Step 4: Confirm the Adjusted Price Before Checkout

Make sure the discount is applied to your cart or written confirmation is given before you complete the purchase. Don't assume it's been applied until you see it.

Step 5: Use Post-Purchase Price Matching

Many retailers allow you to request a price adjustment within 7–30 days of your purchase if the price drops or you find it cheaper elsewhere. This is especially useful after major sale events like Black Friday, when prices on items you already bought might drop further.

Price Matching Tips & Tricks

  • Set a price alert on tools like Google Shopping or CamelCamelCamel so you're notified when prices drop — then request an adjustment.
  • Stack price matching with a cashback portal — buy through Rakuten and then price match in-store or online.
  • Be aware that some exclusions apply: marketplace sellers (third-party sellers on Amazon), clearance items, and open-box products are often excluded.
  • Keep receipts and order confirmation emails so you can always reference your purchase date for post-buy adjustments.

What If They Say No?

Policies aren't always applied consistently. If one representative declines, politely try a different channel — live chat vs. phone, or a different store location for in-person requests. If the answer is still no, you've lost nothing and can simply purchase from the cheaper retailer directly.

Bottom Line

Price matching is one of the simplest, most underused tools in a smart shopper's toolkit. It costs nothing, takes minutes, and can result in real savings — especially on big-ticket purchases like electronics and appliances.