Price matching is a highly desirable program in the eyes of shoppers. It ensures they can get an item they like from a preferred store. While still having access to discounts available through that store’s competitors. Home Depot has such a program. The program offers a price match guarantee on eligible merchandise. If you’ve ever wondered precisely what their policy involves. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is a Price Match Guarantee, and How Does It Work?
First, it’s critical to understand what price matching is and how it works. At the core of price match policies is a retailer’s willingness to sell an item at a lower price. This is based on a competitor offering that product for less than what they have listed.
Usually, retailers can choose how they define “competitor.” In some cases, price matching is only available for stores within a certain physical radius. Or online shops that meet certain conditions.
For a product to qualify for price matching. It has to be exactly like the one sold by the competitor. The model number, UPC, or other national or universal product identifiers have to match in many cases. Additionally, specific details about the product may need to align. For example, the item’s color.
Generally, shoppers also have the burden of proving the lower price is available. Typically, that isn’t difficult. However, failing to provide proof means the store doesn’t have to price match, even if a competitor is genuinely selling the item for less.
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Stores Exclude Certain Products
Commonly, stores also exclude certain products, services, or types of discounts from the program. Additionally, most stores won’t honor a lower price if it’s clear that it was printed in error or the result of a typo.
Finally, it’s crucial to understand that each retailer can set its own price match policy. They can choose any restrictions they’d like. It’s completely at their discretion. This means one retailer’s price match guarantee can vary greatly from others. Additionally, no store is bound to follow a different retailer’s approach.
Retailers aren’t required to offer a price match guarantee, either. Creating such a program is voluntary. Oftentimes, companies opt not to price match at all. However, individuals stores within the same chain, such as all Home Depot stores, generally have to follow the same policy. It was created by corporate and applies to essentially every location.
What Is the Price Match Guarantee at Home Depot?
The Home Depot Price Match Guarantee – also called the Low Price Guarantee – allows shoppers to get items for less if a competitor is selling the exact same product at a lower price. It can apply to online purchases as well as items bought in store. However, customers won’t get the lower price without a bit of due diligence.
For in-store purchases, customers need to present proof that an identical item is selling for less at a qualifying retailer. Usually, proof is fairly simple to acquire. A print ad, online ad, or photo of the product with the lower price displayed could work.
If the cashier needs further validation. They may contact the competitor directly to confirm the proof provided is accurate. However, bringing proof is still a must. Cashiers won’t seek out ways to give you a discount unprompted.
For online purchases, the price match guarantee applies to both the item itself and shipping costs. The customer must be able to show that the product is available at a lower price from a competitor. Additionally, the competitor must be able to ship that item to the customer’s location.
Home Depot Price Match Guarantee Exceptions
It’s important to note that there are various exceptions. For example, price matching isn’t offered for seasonal, clearance, discontinued, distressed, or obsolete. Furthermore, Home Depot will not price match any merchandise sold during going-out-of-business sales or similar events.
Customer order merchandise and professional services (installation and labor) prices aren’t eligible. Price matching isn’t an option for products sold through third-party or discount sites, as well as membership-based retail wholesalers.
There are other exclusions as well. If you aren’t sure whether price matching is available for an item you purchased or a product you intend to buy, it’s best to contact Home Depot directly to ask.
Hardware, Home Improvement, and Big Box Stores That Offer Price Matching
Many major retailers that offer products similar to Home Depot also offer price matching. As a result, customers can potentially take advantage of other programs in their area, making it easier for them to get the best price no matter where they shop.
In the land of hardware and home improvement stores, Lowe’s is likely Home Depot’s biggest competitor. Luckily, Lowe’s offers a price match guarantee, as well, giving shoppers another place to get the best price possible.
Ace Hardware stores don’t universally offer price-matching. However, many of the stores are independently owned, and those stores can choose whether or not they price match. For example, there is a store in Massachusetts that advertises a price match guarantee, and it, by far, isn’t the only one.
TrueValue hardware stores are similar to Ace, in that most locations are independently owned. TrueValue doesn’t universally price match, either, though independently owned stores can choose to do so if they desire.
Sears, which does carry some tools, does have a price match policy. Additionally, both Target and Walmart do, as well.
There Are Other Stores That May Match
There are other stores that may have items similar to Home Depot that may offer price matching. If you have a particular store you prefer for your hardware or home improvement needs, then you may want to check about price matching directly. That way, you can take advantage of what’s available in your area, ensuring you can always pay the lowest amount on qualifying items.
Have you ever taken advantage of the price match guarantee at Home Depot? What was your experience like? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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