Get the Best Deals: Price-Matching Policies at Best Buy, GameStop & More
▼ Summary
– Many retailers offer price-matching policies to match lower prices found elsewhere, especially during shopping events like Amazon Prime Big Deal Days.
– Amazon does not price match but allows returns for repurchasing cheaper items, while Target matches select competitors within 14 days with proof of purchase.
– Best Buy price matches eligible products from approved retailers but excludes membership-only discounts and certain sale periods like Thanksgiving week.
– Walmart only price matches its own online and in-store prices, not competitors, with exclusions for special events and third-party sellers.
– Apple, Costco, and others have limited or no official price-matching policies, though some may offer refunds for price drops on their own products within specific timeframes.
Finding a better price on something you just bought can feel like a real letdown. That’s why knowing which retailers offer price matching can save you both money and frustration. Whether you’re shopping for electronics, appliances, or everyday goods, understanding store policies helps you secure the best possible deal without jumping through unnecessary hoops.
Most major stores have specific rules about price matching, and these can change based on the time of year or type of product. It’s always a good idea to check the latest policy on a retailer’s website before making a purchase. Some stores match competitors; others only adjust their own prices. A handful don’t match at all.
Even if a store’s official policy seems strict, it never hurts to ask. Customer service representatives sometimes have the flexibility to make exceptions, especially if you’re polite and prepared with proof of the lower price.
Target will match prices from select competitors, including Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart, as long as you request it at the time of purchase or within 14 days. You’ll need to provide the original ad or listing and your receipt. Keep in mind that third-party sellers, clearance items, and limited-time sales like doorbusters are excluded.
Best Buy offers a Price Match Guarantee on new, identical, and immediately available products from approved retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, and Apple. The item must have the same model number and color. They do not match member-only pricing or discounts tied to loyalty programs. You can request a match online, by phone, or in person.
Walmart does not match competitor prices. However, they will match their own online prices if the item is in stock on Walmart.com, with exceptions for customers in Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. The policy does not apply to marketplace items, third-party sellers, or limited-time events like Black Friday.
Apple does not have a formal price-matching policy. If Apple lowers the price on one of its products within 14 days of your purchase, you can contact support for a refund of the difference. This does not apply to special sales events.
B&H Photo considers price matches on a case-by-case basis. You must contact customer service with details of the lower price. If approved, they will match one identical item per customer.
Costco does not match competitor prices. They do, however, offer a credit for the difference if a member item you purchased online goes on promotion within 30 days. In-store purchases require a visit to the membership counter.
Dell will price match identical products from retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and HP, but not warehouse clubs like Costco. You must provide a link to the competitor’s product, and the match must be requested at the time of purchase. Many restrictions apply, especially during holiday sales.
eBay offers a Best Price Guarantee on select items. If you find a lower price at an approved retailer within 48 hours, eBay will issue a coupon for 110% of the difference. The product must be new, identical, and sold by an authorized seller.
GameStop does not list an official policy, but the company has indicated it may price match items sold and shipped by Amazon. Some customers have reported successful matches with other retailers as well.
Google will match prices from Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and other major retailers for devices like Pixel phones, provided the product is identical and in stock. You must submit a request during the return period and provide a public link to the lower price.
The Home Depot matches prices from other retailers on identical, in-stock items. The policy excludes membership wholesalers, clearance items, and special events. You must provide proof of the lower price at the register or via customer service.
HP price matches new PCs, printers, and accessories from approved online retailers. You must request the match at the time of purchase by phone or chat. Member-only pricing and third-party sellers are excluded.
Lenovo matches prices on comparable PCs from HP, Dell, and other retailers. You must contact a sales representative with specific product details. The policy does not apply to third-party marketplace items or custom builds.
Lowe’s matches prices from local and online retailers, including Amazon and Walmart, on identical in-stock items. Exclusions include Black Friday sales, clearance items, and member-only pricing.
Microsoft offers price protection for 60 days on physical products purchased from the Microsoft Store. They will match prices from Amazon, Best Buy, and other qualifying retailers on eligible items like Surface and Xbox devices.
Newegg price matches items labeled with a “Price Match Guarantee” badge. You must notify them within 14 days of purchase, and the lower price must be from an approved retailer. The guarantee is not valid during major holiday sales.
Sam’s Club does not match competitor prices. They will only match prices between Sam’s Club locations, and only on items not already on clearance or markdown.
Staying informed and prepared can make all the difference when hunting for the best price. Always keep your receipt handy, and don’t hesitate to reach out to customer service, you might just snag an unexpected discount.
(Source: The Verge)
