As one of the world’s largest retailers, Walmart is known for offering low prices on a wide range of products. But what happens if you find a lower price on an item at a competitor’s store? Does Walmart match prices? In this article, we’ll explore Walmart’s price match policy in detail, including its history, how it works, and what you need to know to take advantage of it.
A Brief History of Walmart’s Price Match Policy
Walmart’s price match policy has been around for several decades. The company first introduced its “Everyday Low Prices” (EDLP) strategy in the 1990s, which aimed to offer customers low prices on a wide range of products every day, rather than relying on frequent sales and promotions. As part of this strategy, Walmart also introduced a price match policy, which allowed customers to request a price match if they found a lower price on an item at a competitor’s store.
Over the years, Walmart’s price match policy has undergone several changes. In 2011, the company expanded its price match policy to include online prices, allowing customers to request a price match if they found a lower price on an item on a competitor’s website. In 2014, Walmart introduced a new price match policy that allowed customers to request a price match on items purchased online, as well as in-store.
How Walmart’s Price Match Policy Works
Walmart’s price match policy is designed to be simple and easy to use. Here’s how it works:
- If you find a lower price on an item at a competitor’s store, you can request a price match at Walmart.
- To request a price match, you’ll need to provide proof of the lower price, such as a print ad or a screenshot of the competitor’s website.
- Walmart will then verify the price and, if it’s lower, will match it.
- The price match policy applies to identical items, including brand, size, color, and model number.
What Items Are Eligible for Price Matching?
Not all items are eligible for price matching at Walmart. Here are some examples of items that are excluded from the price match policy:
- Special orders
- Clearance items
- Closeout items
- Items sold by third-party sellers on Walmart’s website
- Items sold at Walmart’s warehouse clubs, such as Sam’s Club
What Competitors Does Walmart Price Match?
Walmart will price match items from a variety of competitors, including:
- Other brick-and-mortar retailers, such as Target and Best Buy
- Online retailers, such as Amazon and eBay
- Warehouse clubs, such as Costco and BJ’s Wholesale Club
However, Walmart will not price match items from certain competitors, including:
- Discount stores, such as dollar stores and thrift stores
- Wholesale clubs that require a membership, such as Sam’s Club
- Online retailers that do not offer a price match policy
How to Request a Price Match at Walmart
Requesting a price match at Walmart is a relatively simple process. Here’s what you need to do:
- Find the item you want to purchase at Walmart and check the price.
- If you find a lower price on the item at a competitor’s store, gather proof of the lower price, such as a print ad or a screenshot of the competitor’s website.
- Take the proof of the lower price to the Walmart store where you want to make the purchase.
- Show the proof of the lower price to a Walmart associate and ask for a price match.
- The associate will verify the price and, if it’s lower, will match it.
Tips for Requesting a Price Match at Walmart
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when requesting a price match at Walmart:
- Make sure you have proof of the lower price, such as a print ad or a screenshot of the competitor’s website.
- Check the price match policy at the Walmart store where you want to make the purchase to make sure you understand the rules.
- Be polite and courteous when requesting a price match. Walmart associates are more likely to help you if you’re friendly and respectful.
Walmart’s Price Match Policy Online
Walmart’s price match policy also applies to online purchases. If you find a lower price on an item on Walmart’s website, you can request a price match. Here’s how:
- Find the item you want to purchase on Walmart’s website and check the price.
- If you find a lower price on the item on a competitor’s website, gather proof of the lower price, such as a screenshot of the competitor’s website.
- Contact Walmart’s customer service department and ask for a price match.
- Provide the proof of the lower price and Walmart will verify the price and, if it’s lower, will match it.
Walmart’s Online Price Match Policy vs. In-Store Price Match Policy
Walmart’s online price match policy is similar to its in-store price match policy, but there are a few key differences. Here are some of the main differences:
- Online price matches are only available for items purchased on Walmart’s website.
- In-store price matches are only available for items purchased in a Walmart store.
- Online price matches require proof of the lower price, such as a screenshot of the competitor’s website.
- In-store price matches require proof of the lower price, such as a print ad or a screenshot of the competitor’s website.
Conclusion
Walmart’s price match policy is a great way to ensure that you’re getting the best price on the items you need. By understanding how the policy works and what items are eligible for price matching, you can save money and shop with confidence. Whether you’re shopping in-store or online, Walmart’s price match policy is a valuable tool that can help you get the best deal.
Additional Tips for Saving Money at Walmart
In addition to taking advantage of Walmart’s price match policy, there are several other ways to save money at Walmart. Here are a few tips:
- Use coupons: Walmart accepts manufacturer’s coupons, as well as digital coupons that can be loaded onto your Walmart app.
- Shop during sales: Walmart offers weekly sales on a variety of items, including groceries, electronics, and clothing.
- Use cashback apps: Cashback apps like Ibotta and Fetch Rewards offer cashback on certain items purchased at Walmart.
- Buy in bulk: Purchasing items in bulk can be a great way to save money, especially on non-perishable items like canned goods and household supplies.
By combining these tips with Walmart’s price match policy, you can save even more money on the items you need.
What is Walmart’s Price Match Policy?
Walmart’s Price Match Policy is a program designed to ensure that customers get the best prices on the items they purchase. If a customer finds a lower price on an identical item at a competitor’s store, Walmart will match that price. This policy applies to in-store purchases as well as online purchases.
The policy is designed to give customers confidence when shopping at Walmart, knowing that they are getting the best price available. Walmart’s Price Match Policy is also a way for the company to stay competitive in the market and to build customer loyalty.
Which Competitors Does Walmart Price Match?
Walmart will price match with a variety of competitors, including other brick-and-mortar stores and online retailers. Some of the specific competitors that Walmart will price match with include Target, Best Buy, and Home Depot. Walmart will also price match with online retailers such as Amazon and Walmart.com.
It’s worth noting that Walmart will only price match with competitors that are located in the same market area. This means that if a customer finds a lower price at a store in a different city or state, Walmart will not match that price.
What Items Are Eligible for Price Matching?
Most items sold at Walmart are eligible for price matching, including groceries, electronics, clothing, and home goods. However, there are some exceptions, such as items that are on clearance or closeout, and items that are part of a special promotion or sale.
Additionally, Walmart will not price match on items that are not identical to the item being sold at the competitor’s store. This means that the item must be the same brand, model, and size in order to be eligible for price matching.
How Do I Request a Price Match at Walmart?
To request a price match at Walmart, customers can simply let the cashier know at the time of checkout. The customer will need to provide proof of the lower price, such as a printout or a screenshot of the competitor’s website.
The cashier will then verify the price and apply the price match to the customer’s purchase. If the customer has already made the purchase and then finds a lower price, they can still request a price match within a certain timeframe, usually 7-10 days.
Can I Get a Price Match on Online Purchases?
Yes, Walmart will price match on online purchases. If a customer finds a lower price on an item at a competitor’s website, they can contact Walmart’s customer service department to request a price match.
The customer will need to provide proof of the lower price, and Walmart will verify the price and apply the price match to the customer’s purchase. Walmart will also price match on items purchased on Walmart.com, if a customer finds a lower price at a competitor’s store.
Are There Any Exclusions to Walmart’s Price Match Policy?
Yes, there are some exclusions to Walmart’s Price Match Policy. For example, Walmart will not price match on items that are on clearance or closeout, and items that are part of a special promotion or sale. Additionally, Walmart will not price match on items that are not identical to the item being sold at the competitor’s store.
Walmart also reserves the right to limit the quantity of items that can be price matched, and to exclude certain items from the price match policy altogether. Customers should check with their local Walmart store for specific details on any exclusions.
Can I Combine a Price Match with Other Discounts or Coupons?
In most cases, customers can combine a price match with other discounts or coupons. However, there may be some exceptions, such as if the competitor’s price is already discounted or if the item is part of a special promotion.
Customers should check with their local Walmart store to see if they can combine a price match with other discounts or coupons. It’s also worth noting that some coupons or discounts may have specific terms and conditions that prohibit combining them with a price match.