Here's How to Get a Sale Price-Match at 16 Popular Stores

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My family has been trying to save money these past few years by avoiding unnecessary purchases on everything from clothing to toys to electronics. There are times, though, when things break, clothes wear out, or we otherwise find ourselves heading to the store to fill a new need. Best case scenario in this event? Paying the lowest price possible. Over time, I've discovered a few tips and tricks that get us the best price matching and adjustments at a number of popular retailers.

1. Target

If you find a lower price on something you bought within seven days of purchase, you can take advantage of Target's price-matching policy. Just bring your receipt to guest services and proof of lower price (from places like Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy) via website or printed ad. Price adjustments may also be made before you buy. Note: Any purchases made online are exempt from Target's price-matching policy.

2. Walmart

I've searched Walmart's website for pricing and headed to the store only to find the item more expensive on the shelf. In this event, you can request a price match in most U.S. states at the register. For other adjustments, bring proof of price to customer service and make sure the item is identical and in stock at the competing store. Walmart also offers its Savings Catcher to compare your receipt with local competitor pricing. If there's an opportunity for you to save, you'll get the difference back on an eGift Card.

3. Macy's

Price adjustment requests can be made within 14 days at Macy's stores nationwide. Money is refunded to your original form of payment, whether cash, debit, or credit. Price changes are only made if the original purchase was made without a coupon, and you must take your item(s) back to the store for the adjustment.

4. Nordstrom

Good news! If you find an item you just bought for less at a competitor's store, Nordstrom will meet that price provided it's the same color and size. Alternatively, if the same item you bought goes on sale at a Nordstrom store within 14 days of your purchase, you can easily get the extra taken off your order by bringing your receipt to customer service.

5. GAP, Old Navy, Banana Republic

Keep your receipt to get a one-time price adjustment within 14 days of your purchase. Any items you bought using coupons, promotions, or other discounts (clearance, final sale, etc.) are not eligible for changes unless the promotion was free shipping. In addition, price adjustments for items sold online cannot be made in physical store locations.

6. J. Crew

Think fast, because J. Crew gives you just seven days from purchase to take advantage of its one-time price adjustments. Items must have been bought at their original prices (no clearance or final sale) and you'll need your receipt. The same policy stands with J. Crew's Factory outlets.

7. Lowe's

My husband and I recently bought a new refrigerator at Lowe's. I noticed it was $3 less at a local competitor, so I asked about the 10% Price Match Guarantee, and we ended up saving an additional $3 plus $120 on our purchase. The store gives customers a full 30 days to compare prices at local stores and websites — impressive. Just keep your receipt and bring proof of better pricing to customer service.

8. Home Depot

Not to be outdone, Home Depot offers similar 10% in-store price matching. This policy, as it goes with many retailers, does not extend to "discontinued, clearance, obsolete, seasonal, or distressed merchandise" at competing stores. Online purchases earn the matching only, minus the additional percentage back.

9. Office Depot

For adjustments at Office Depot, just make sure the item you're requesting a change on is both new and identical at the store across town (or online). You can ask for price matching before purchase or within 14 days of receipt. The store will even match Amazon and Reliable, though third-party retailers are excluded from this policy.

10. Staples

Likewise, you can request price adjustments at the time of sale or within 14 days of purchase at Staples stores. This policy excludes any local special events, like grand openings, anniversary sales, and liquidations. In the case of items with free versus paid shipping, Staples will match if both are on the same terms. However, if the store offers free shipping and the competitor's lower priced item does not, shipping charges will apply to the overall matching equation.

11. Toys "R" Us, Babies "R" Us

I bought my daughter a camera at Toys "R" Us earlier this year and was able to get it for the lower Amazon price by asking at customer service. The store's Price Match Guarantee is simple and straightforward. It's valid on in-store purchases only, limited to two items (if you're purchasing several identical toys), and the store's online prices are matched provided they aren't special "online only" promotions. Exclusions include Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals; clearance, closeouts, and flash sales; as well as any pricing that is low due to typographical errors.

12. Bed Bath & Beyond

Any pricing that's lower at direct competitors or online retailers like Amazon will be honored at Bed Bath & Beyond stores. This excludes club stores like Sam's Club, BJ's, etc., in addition to pricing that's low due to clearance, closeouts, or limited time quantities. Better yet, a manufacturer's coupon can be used in combination with the price match for even more savings.

13. Kohl's

To get an adjustment, keep your receipt for two weeks after buying anything (original price or sale) from Kohl's to see if the price is lowered. Items bought on Buy One, Get One (BOGO) are excluded from this offer. Kohl's also matches competitor pricing provided you provide a dated ad — in-store only — with identical merchandise.

14. Best Buy

Electronics behemoth Best Buy "won't be beat on price" — so you know you can get a good deal. At the time of sale, the store will match local store and online pricing in addition to online retailers like Amazon, B&H Photo Video, Crutchfield, Dell, HP, Newegg, and TigerDirect. Preordered or backordered an item? If its price drops, you will automatically get the lower price. You can also request price adjustments within 15 days of purchase with receipt.

15. Dick's Sporting Goods

I actually live in the town where Dick's Sporting Goods first opened its doors in the late 1940s. Their Winning Price Guarantee applies to identical items sold at local retail stores. Simply bring in the print or online ad to get the match at the time of sale. Exclusions to this policy include rebates, coupons, clearance, closeouts, BOGOs, and out-of-stock items.

16. Amazon

I had no idea that Amazon offers price-matching. But there's a catch; it's only on televisions and cell phones. All other items on this giant online store are exempt from the policy. Though there's no information about formal price adjustments on the site, I've found several personal accounts for how to get a deal. The process involves signing into your Amazon account, clicking the help button, and then chatting with a representative about the change in price you've seen to get your refund. The blogger in the above scenario has only tried this approach within a week of purchase.

In the end, I've learned that no matter what or where you're buying, it never hurts to ask about a retailer's price matching or adjustment policy. The worst answer you can get is "no," and usually you'll be pleasantly surprised by the extra dollars you'll have left in your pocket. Every little bit counts!

Do you regularly take advantage of retailer price-matches? What's the most you've ever saved?

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