6 Price Matching Tips to Help You Save Big

Are you trying to avoid high prices on things like groceries, home furnishings, outdoor gear or electronics? Your favourite store may have a price matching policy that can help.

Price matching saves you money by ensuring you get the best price on the item you want — without having to visit a different store or online merchant. Here’s what you need to know about how price matching works in Canada and some tips to help you make the most of it.

How does price matching work?

Price matching, also referred to as a price guarantee, is a policy set by some retailers that aim to charge the lowest price on an item. If you find the same item in stock at another retailer for a lower price, they’ll match or beat it.

Each retailer has its own price matching policy and process. Some companies let you submit price matching requests online or show proof of the lower price when you’re about to check out in a store. If you’ve already purchased the item, some retailers may refund the difference if you find a lower price elsewhere within a certain amount of time.

Price matching tips to help you save money

The most important thing to remember is that each store has its own price matching criteria, so it’s important to read the terms and conditions carefully. Here are some general tips for successful price matching:

1. Make sure items are identical and in stock

Make sure you’re comparing apples to apples before invoking a store’s price matching policy. Typically, items need to be exactly the same brand, model number, colour and size. They must also be new (not refurbished or pre-owned) and in stock at the retailer with the lower price.

2. Keep it local

In some cases, the lower-priced item needs to be available in the same geographic area as the store where you’re trying to price match. Also, most retailers will only allow you to price match to another Canadian retailer.

3. Be prepared to show proof

Merchants won’t take your word for it; you’ll need proof of the competitor’s lower price. If you’re shopping in person, you can usually show a physical flyer, a digital flyer or a competitor’s website. If you’re shopping online, take screenshots of the competitor’s website. You’ll typically need to contact customer service to get the price match.

4. Expect certain sales to be excluded

Stores may exclude holiday sales like Boxing Day from their price match guarantee. Clearance items, free stuff (like buy-one-get-one deals), as-is and demo models, and other special promotions don’t usually qualify either.

5. Know that online-only retailers may not qualify

Brick-and-mortar stores may not be willing to match the price of an online-only retailer like Amazon or eBay. Some retailers may list specifically excluded competitors, so again, make sure to read the fine print.

Canadian stores with price matching policies

Here are the price matching policies of some major Canadian stores. This list is far from exhaustive — if your favourite retailer isn’t included, check its website to see if it offers something similar.

Mistakes to avoid when price matching

Assuming a store that offers price matching has the lowest price. Doing this could mean missing out on potential savings! If you have time or are planning a large purchase, it could be worth shopping around.

Using the self-checkout or express lanes. You’ll need to speak with a cashier to get a price match, and the process of documenting the competitor’s price may not be quick, especially if you’re price matching on more than one item.

Taking no for an answer. If the cashier denies a price matching request that you think is covered by the store’s policy, don’t give up. Politely ask for the manager to clarify, or try another cashier.

» MORE: How to make money online

Apps and websites that make price matching easier

Price matching takes time and effort no matter how you slice it. Here are some digital tools that may ease the burden:

Rebee: A digital flyer app that lets you browse dozens of local flyers, compare prices, filter by category and create shopping lists.

Flipp: Plug in your postal code and Flipp (available via website or mobile app) spits out hundreds of local store flyers. Mark your favourite stores, clip coupons, circle items and add stuff to your list.

Bonus tip: Watch the checkout screen and get stuff for free

Implemented in 2002, the Scanner Price Accuracy Code is a program that aims to prevent consumers from being overcharged for certain items. If an item with a UPC code scans incorrectly at a store that has volunteered to be a part of the program, you are entitled to one of the following:

The Retail Council of Canada publishes a list of stores that participate in the Scanner Price Accuracy Code program on its website.