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What is the Price Match Guarantee at Walmart

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Price Match Guarantee at Walmart

A price match guarantee is a store’s promise. They promise that if you find an item they sell offered by another retailer at a lower price then they will match that low price. However, each store differs in their interpretation of this promise. Walmart already has some of the lowest prices in the nation. Nevertheless, you can sometimes save money if you know the details of the price match guarantee at Walmart.


What is a Price Match Guarantee?

A price match guarantee, without any limitations, is a store’s promise to give you the lowest price in the market on any particular item. They essentially say, “we believe we have the lowest price. However, if you find the identical item elsewhere at a lower price, then we will match that.”

This is a way that retailers solidify their reputation for offering low prices. They do it because:

  • They know that they already offer low prices and so will often already have the lowest price in the marketplace.
  • It looks good to customers who like low prices to advertise that they will always give the lowest price.
  • In many cases, when there’s actually a lower price out there in the marketplace, most customers don’t bother to take advantage of it anyway. So they get the credibility without having to actually pay the piper.
  • It increases brand loyalty. People want to shop where they believe they’ll find the lowest prices.

However, there are always exceptions, limitations, and rules to a price match guarantee.

What is the Price Match Guarantee at Walmart

Since there always are those exceptions, you have to look carefully at each store’s policies. The price match guarantee at Walmart (available on their website) has four key limitations:

1. Walmart Only Matches Prices on Exactly Identical Items

This is one of the most common price match guarantee limitations. After all, the entire concept is that they offer the lowest price on the same item in the marketplace. Therefore, it’s important that you check to make sure that your item is truly identical before you submit it for a price match guarantee at Walmart. Things to look for:

  • Is it the cheaper item the same brand as the one at Walmart?
  • Are you looking at the same size?
  • How many of the item is in a box or container?
  • Is there a model number? If so, then it must match exactly.
  • Did you find an item with a lower price at another retailer but it’s in a different color? Yes, even the color must be identical for it to qualify for the price match guarantee at Walmart.

2. The Item Must Be In Stock at Both Places

If you want to compare prices on an item that’s for sale online, then the item must be in stock at both places. In other words, Walmart must have the item in stock. Plus the other retailer must have the item in stock. If either store does not have the item in stock then it doesn’t qualify for the price match option.

Some stores offer “rain checks” for purchase of items that are not currently in stock. In other words, if you find the item cheaper elsewhere, but it’s not available at Walmart, you can secure the lower price when it becomes available. However, Walmart DOES NOT offer that option. If it’s not in stock in both stores, it doesn’t qualify.

3. Price Match Guarantee at Walmart is Limited to One Item Per Day

If you do a lot of shopping at Walmart then you might have a lot of items to try to get the lowest price on. If you’re a savvy shopper, then you might realize that you have multiple items that qualify for a price match guarantee at Walmart. However, you can’t take advantage of them all at once.

4. Only Certain Retail Prices Get Matched

This is the most important limitation on the price match guarantee at Walmart. You can’t just go to any online retailer in the world, find a cheaper price, and get a price match. In fact, you can only get the price match if you find a lower price at very specific online retailers.

Walmart will match a lower price if you find at one of these online stores:

  • Academy
  • Amazon
  • Auto Zone
  • BabiesRUs
  • Basspro
  • Bed, Bath, and Beyond
  • Best Buy
  • Cabelas
  • Chewy
  • Dick’s Sporting Goods
  • Dollar General
  • Family Dollar
  • Home Depot
  • JC Penney
  • Kmart
  • Kohl’s
  • Lowes
  • Michaels
  • Newegg
  • Office Depot.com
  • O’reilly Auto
  • Pep Boys.com
  • Petco
  • Petsmart
  • Sears
  • Staples
  • Target
  • Walgreens

In other words, Walmart is basically saying, “these are our direct competitors. Therefore, we want to make sure that you shop with us instead of them. As a result, we’ll match their lowest prices if you find something in stock on their sites that you can’t find at the same or lower price on the Walmart.com site.”

Additional Limitations on the Walmart Price Match Guarantee

In addition to those core rules, Walmart specifically outlines many instances in which people might expect to get their price match guarantee but actually will not qualify. Walmart does not offer price matching for:

  • If you’re shopping from Hawaii or Alaska; price match guarantee is only for continental United States Walmart shopping
  • When their own item is later discounted in price; you don’t get the difference back just because the price went down
  • Third-party and Marketplace seller prices
  • Damaged items, used items, or even items that have been refurbished
  • Various discounts (applied at checkout, percentage off, dollar off, bundles, rebates, coupons, etc.)
  • Similarly, items where the price requires a membership, a minimum quantity, or can’t be determined outside of extra charges such as shipping
  • Prices during Black Friday weekend; the price match guarantee at Walmart is effectively out of commission from Thanksgiving Day through the end of CyberMonday

As you can see, there are a lot of limitations on the store’s price match guarantee. You probably aren’t going to save a lot of money taking advantage of this offer. Nevertheless, if you’re online anyway, then you might as well search those sites listed above for a better price on any items in your Walmart.com cart before you check out.

How to Get the Walmart Price Match

If you think that you do qualify, then here’s what to do to request the price match guarantee at Walmart:

  • Contact Walmart Customer Care. Do this BEFORE you place your online order.
  • Give them the exact details of the lowest price offer at another online retailer. Make sure that you provide them with as much information as possible.
  • If they confirm that you do get the discount, they will provide information on how to obtain the lower price.

Can You Get Price Match In the Walmart Store?

Most of this information applies to shopping online at Walmart.com. However, you can take advantage of some price match guarantee deals at the Walmart store cash registers as well.

If you find a price at the store for an identical item that’s available for a lower price at either Walmart.com or Jet.com, then you can request the lower price at the register. Notify the cashier about the price difference before they ring up the item. Provide them with the details about the lower price. They will look it up and may have to consult a supervisor. If you qualify, you’ll get the lower price on the spot.

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If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started. If you want to be able to customize your blog on your own domain and need hosting service, we recommend trying BlueHost. They offer powerful hosting services for $3.95/month!

What Is the Price Match Guarantee at Home Depot?

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price match guarantee at home depot

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 it 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.

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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If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started. If you want to be able to customize your blog on your own domain and need hosting service, we recommend trying BlueHost. They offer powerful hosting services for $3.95/month!

Does Giant Eagle Price Match?

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giant eagle price match guarantee

Many shoppers prefer grocery stores that offer price matching. It ensures they can get their hands on the best deals even if the best discounts are available at another grocer. But not all stores offer price matching, and figuring out which ones do can be surprisingly challenging. If you’ve ever wondered, “Does Giant Eagle price match?” here’s what you need to know.

What Is Price Matching, and How Does It Work?

Price matching is a fairly simple concept. It covers stores willing to match a lower price that’s being offered by a direct competitor for that specific item. Usually, the store with a price match policy can define which other retailers are or are not competitors. For example, they may limit price matching to physical stores within a certain radius, or could be broader, also accepting online prices at major e-commerce retailers.

The products have to be exactly alike to qualify. For example, the model number or UPC typically has to match. However, for items like fresh produce, the matching may simply require that it be the fruit or vegetable, including the same variety and other identifiers (such as organic or non-organic).

Additionally, the shopper commonly has to provide proof of the lower price and where it is being sold. Usually, that means having a sales flyer or webpage available as evidence.

In most cases, getting a price match at the time of checkout simply involves informing the cashier of the lower price and showing them the evidence. They can then follow the store’s procedures to provide the discount, suggesting you qualify.

Some stores do have price match policies that work after the sale, though this is rare. For these, you may need to bring your receipt and evidence to a customer service counter within the designated price matching window, allowing you to secure a refund for the difference.

It’s important to note that a variety of other conditions can apply. For example, stores usually won’t price match a clearance price, or when the lower price is clearly a typo and not a legitimate discount. Every store has a unique price match policy, if they offer the service, outlining the requirements. Any request that doesn’t align with the rules is going to be denied.

Does Giant Eagle Price Match Guarantee?

While Giant Eagle doesn’t explicitly state they don’t price match, the store does not have a price matching policy. Since there is no policy outlining the service, it’s safe to conclude that the retailer does not offer it.

Giant Eagle Pricing Policies

While Giant Eagle doesn’t have a price match policy, it does have another pricing policy that could benefit shoppers.

First, there’s the price accuracy policy. If you discover that you were charged more than the posted or advertised price on an item, the first improperly scanned product is free as long as it is worth no more than $25. For items over $25, the customer will receive the first of them for $25 off the lower, correct price.

If you bought multiples, the price accuracy policy allows for changes here, as well. The subsequent items (including if they are different varieties, such as different flavors of the same type of cereal) are adjusted to reflect the correct, lower price.

Grocery Stores That Offer Price Matching

Many major retailers do offer some form of price matching, including on grocery items. While each store controls its own policy, allowing it to set its own rules and outline unique restrictions, it could benefit savvy shoppers who are willing to take the time to get discounts.

Target offers price matches for select online retailers and local competitor print ad prices. There are quite a few requirements and restrictions outlined by Target on its website. But, if your purchase qualifies, you can request the discount at checkout or within 14 days after making the purchase.

Walmart also has price matching, though its program is fairly restrictive. For example, you’re limited to one item per day, so you can’t get a reduction if you purchase multiples of an item or two separate products that could both potentially qualify. Other rules are listed on the Walmart website.

Price Matches Can Be Added, Removed or Altered

It is important to point out that companies can add, remove, or alter their price matching policies, mainly at their discretion. Usually, major retailers will announce modifications that are more restrictive or removals of services in advance.

When new options are coming available, a retailer may choose to advertise them to entice shoppers. However, some may simply add the policy without an announcement. As a result, savvy shoppers should review the policies of their favorite grocers regularly. That way, they can explore new options or policy changes as soon as possible, ensuring they are well-informed and can get the best deals.

Do you prefer grocery stores that offer price matching? If Giant Eagle started a price match guarantee, would you shop there more, or would it matter? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started. If you want to be able to customize your blog on your own domain and need hosting service, we recommend trying BlueHost. They offer powerful hosting services for $3.95/month!

 

 

Walmart Savings Catcher: The Clever Way to Shop

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Walmart Savings Catcher

Walmart was one of the first companies to offer its customers a price-match guarantee. While, price-matching sounds great, the effort required to get what usually amounts to pennies back is rarely worth it. This is why Walmart came up with the Savings Catcher.

What is Walmart Savings Catcher?

Yes, even Walmart has an app. However, the Walmart Savings Catcher app is different from the regular Walmart shopping app. The Walmart Savings Catcher helps Walmart customers get money that is owed to them through the company’s price-match guarantee. Savings Catcher will refund you for items you purchased at Walmart stores that are lower-priced at a competitor store in your area. The program compares every item on your receipt to that identical item in dozens of other stores in your area. Even if a store sells that item for one cent less than Walmart, you will be refunded that money. In this way, Walmart maintains their low-price priority while ensuring customers will continue shopping at their stores.

How Does Walmart Savings Catcher Work?

That all sounds great but how does the app actually work?

Well, first thing you’ll want to do is head to the App Store or Google Play to download Walmart Savings Catcher for free. Once you’ve downloaded the app, you’ll be prompted to sign up for an account. This usually takes less than five minutes.

After you’ve created an account, the savings can begin! You’ll be prompted to add a receipt to the app’s database. Simply scan the QR code at the bottom of your WalMart receipt and the app does the rest. Each receipt can be viewed individually within the Savings Catcher portion of your app. When all your items are scanned and compared to competitors’ online prices, Savings Catcher tells you how much money you can get back. All these refunds accumulate until you cash them in, either via a Walmart eGift Card or a Bluebird by American Express card.

Savings Catcher will refund you the difference between the price at Walmart and the competitor’s price before coupons as well. This means that if you purchase an item with a coupon, the original Walmart price is still used in the comparison stage. Savings Catcher only scans competing stores in your area, and it will show you which store had the lowest price for each item on your receipt. Receipts must be scanned into the app within one week of purchase, and Walmart limits receipts to seven a week.

Check out this helpful video detailing how to use the Savings Catcher:

Frequently Asked Questions: Walmart Savings Catcher

You probably still have a few questions about Walmart Savings Catcher. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and answers about the savings app:

  • Is there a minimum purchase required to use Savings Catcher?  No. No minimum purchase necessary.
  • Are any promotions included in the Savings Catcher savings? Walmart’s app will honor any BOGO deals in your area, given that the price is listed in the local store’s advertisement. Additionally, the company will also match any other top retail stores in the area.
    • What isn’t included? You won’t be able to cash in on sales like, “buy a pack of hot dogs to get package of buns free.” Customers also won’t get any additional savings on purchases that allow for a free gift card. Walmart also won’t honor closeout sales, BOGO sales with no price listed, percentage off entire sections (ex. 60% off all hats) or any other competitor-specific deals.
  • Is Walmart Savings Catcher available for on-line purchases? No, your Walmart Savings Catcher app will only allow additional savings for in-store purchases.
  • Are items on layaway eligible for Walmart Savings Catcher discount? Like items you buy online, layaway items are also excluded from the Walmart Savings Catcher deal.
  • Can you use coupons with the Walmart Savings Catcher? Yes! In fact, if you use coupons you’re likely to save even more money than the typical Walmart shopper. The Walmart Savings Catcher, as mentioned above, will compare your price before the coupon is applied so you’ll be able to maximize your savings.

Walmart Savings Catcher Drawbacks

Walmart has a long list of items excluded from the Savings Catcher service, including closeout prices, percentage-off sales and layaway items. The Savings Catcher service also only applies to receipts from brick-and-mortar transactions, meaning it will not accept receipts from online purchases within the United States and Puerto Rico.

Another potential drawback is the way Walmart’s app pays you back. Walmart will only refund your money in Walmart eGift Cards, Walmart Pay, or Bluebird, so you’ll likely end up spending all that money at Walmart anyway.

Lastly, there have been reports of Walmart Savings Catcher accounts being hacked and having their savings stolen. This pulls a sense of security away from the app, however, Walmart has insured customers that the app remains safe.

Walmart Savings Catcher Customer Service

The Walmart Savings Catcher app seems like it is the perfect way to save. As you know, technology doesn’t always work the way we want it to though. There have been a number of reviews on the internet about the Walmart Savings Catcher app being difficult to work with. If you’re having issues with the app, there are a number of things you can try:

  • Having trouble with the app or receiving a message that the app is being repaired? You can always access your Savings Catcher dashboard through the website. If you choose to access your Savings Catcher this way, you will have to enter the TC code manually to log your receipt details.
  • Still having trouble? Delete the app and re-download. Many users found this to be helpful when the app was experiencing issues.
  • Wait a while. If your app is still down, give it a little time. Remember, you have seven days to upload your Walmart receipt to the Savings Catcher. If the server is too crowded, wait until tomorrow. The app will probably work perfectly!
  • Finally, if you’re still having trouble with the Walmart Savings Catcher app, you can also call the customer service line at 1 (800) 925-6278 or chat online with a customer service rep.

Is Walmart Savings Catcher Worth It?

For me, and many other Walmart shoppers, it certainly is. This goes especially for individuals who are not able to stray away from name-brand products. Walmart vows to guarantee you the lowest price and the Savings Catcher makes sure you get it. Any refunded money can be stacked up, too! You can keep it saved for those tighter financial times or just use it for a special treat every once in a while.

It is a simple and straightforward process that can only benefit you in the long run. So if you are looking for the lowest grocery prices out there, look no further than Walmart Savings Catcher.

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Photo: WalMart