Purchasing electronics and other items often comes with the frustrating possibility of discovering them at a lower price elsewhere. To keep customers satisfied and discourage them from seeking better deals with competitors, many retailers have implemented price-matching policies. These policies are particularly useful during significant shopping events like Amazon Prime Day, which is set to begin on July 8th.
This article outlines price-matching policies across prominent retailers. However, it’s important to be aware that each policy includes specific conditions. While we’ve highlighted some key points, we advise visiting the provided links for comprehensive policy details. Furthermore, wholesale retailers such as Costco and Sam’s Club generally do not have price-matching policies, and many traditional stores will not match their prices.
Exceptions to these rules may apply. If you find a product at a lower price elsewhere, it can be beneficial to contact customer service to inquire about a potential price match, as they may accommodate requests under certain circumstances.
Amazon does not engage in price matching. While customer support can be contacted, they are unlikely to offer assistance, even for Prime members. However, Amazon maintains a flexible return policy that allows returns if an item can be found at a lower price elsewhere, enabling you to purchase the product at a lower price point.
Target offers price matching for identical items from select competitors, including Amazon and Best Buy, provided you request it at the time of purchase or within 14 days afterward. For both scenarios, the original listing or ad (digital or physical) and your receipt are necessary. Keep in mind that certain exclusions apply, such as items sold by other Target locations, clearance items, and third-party sales through Target Plus.
Best Buy has a Price Match Guarantee that allows for price adjustments if a product is identical to a competitor’s item, immediately available for sale, and not listed on their exclusion list. Best Buy does not match prices during specific holiday periods, including the Thanksgiving window. To initiate a price match, customers may contact Best Buy through their chat service or visit a store with the lower price example.
Walmart does not match competitor prices; however, it does allow price matching for items purchased at Walmart if they are also available on Walmart.com. This policy does not extend to residents of Alaska, Hawaii, or Puerto Rico, nor does it cover event-specific pricing or retroactive price drops.
Apple does not maintain a formal price-matching policy. While some reports suggest minor price matching for specific major retailers, the absence of an official policy makes this uncertain. If Apple reduces an item’s price within 14 days of purchase, customers can request a refund for the difference, but this excludes promotional sale periods.
B&H Photo is willing to consider price matching on a case-by-case basis. Customers must engage with their team through chat or phone and may have a single item approved for matching.
Costco does not match competitor prices, but it can offer a price adjustment if a promotional price drops after a purchase made online. This policy requires that the change occurs within 30 days of the initial purchase.
Dell offers price matching for identical products from select retailers, including its own site. To receive a price match, customers must provide a link to the lower price and contact customer support within 30 days of purchase. Restrictions apply during certain holiday periods.
eBay has a price guarantee for items marked with the “Best Price Guarantee” badge, where customers can claim 110 percent of the price difference if they find a lower price within 48 hours of their purchase.
GameStop does not have a definitive price-matching policy but has indicated willingness to match Amazon’s prices for in-store and online purchases. Reports suggest they may also match items from other retailers.
Google will match prices for its devices against select retailers, requiring customers to provide verification of the lower price and ensuring the products are in stock and identical.
The Home Depot will match prices on identical in-stock items from other retailers, with restrictions on clearance items and events like Black Friday.
HP will match prices on specific products from recognized retailers. To request a match, buyers must do so at the point of sale, excluding promotional events and membership-based retailer pricing.
Lenovo allows for price matching on comparable PCs from major retailers, with certain stipulations regarding specifications and direct purchases from Lenovo.
Lowe’s matches identical in-stock products from other retailers, conditional on relevant listings being presented, but doesn’t extend this to membership-based pricing or clearance sales.
Microsoft will refund the difference if a product purchased from its store drops in price within 60 days or if a lower price exists at another qualifying retailer. Specific exclusions apply to certain product categories.
Newegg provides a price match guarantee on selected items marked with “Price Match Guarantee,” applicable to major retailers. This policy has specific restrictions, particularly regarding holiday sales.
Sam’s Club matches prices among its own stores but does not extend this courtesy to competitors, excluding markdown or clearance items.
Update as of June 19th: This report has been updated to reference the upcoming Amazon Prime Day sale, along with current policies from various retailers.
