Price Adjustments and Price Matching Tips and Tricks
If you are not asking for price match and price adjustments, you are certainly missing out! These shopping tricks are underutilized and can lead to meaningful savings, so I’ve defined and outlined the differences below. Happy saving! xx For more shopping and consignment tips & tricks, be sure to subscribe to the Thrift & Tell Newsletter and follow @thriftandtell on Instagram.
1) PRICE MATCH
This is when a retailer matches the sale price of the same item sold by another, like retailer. For example, Nordstrom may honor Bergdorf Goodman’s sale price on a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes. This is a more common practice among large retailers, but some small, independent stores may price match as well. Stores typically only price match for a NEW purchase. Meaning, you would request the price match BEFORE you purchase. The store will often require that the product be in stock in the exact size and color to match the price. If you show them a pair of sold out shoes, they will likely not honor a price match. Many stores will only match prices at like stores. For example, many will not honor the price at outlet retailers like TJMaxx, Gilt Group, or the Outnet. You can use price matching at all sorts of retailers, not just fashion so be sure to use it anywhere you shop!
Recently, I’ve received some requests on how exactly to ask for price match.I would simply say, “Hello, this retailer has [insert item] for $X price. (Provide the link to the other retailer and the link to the retailer you are speaking to). Can you match their price so I may purchase from you instead?”
2) PRICE ADJUSTMENTS
This is when a retailer will honor their new, discounted price on your recent purchase. For example, if you bought Jimmy Choo shoes from Nordstrom and two days later they reduced them, they would refund you the difference. Typically, the window for price adjustment is 7-14 days. Some retailers will only price adjust if you purchased the item at full price. Others will only do one adjustment; meaning you can’t get multiple adjustments on the same item. I have found there really is no rhyme or reason in the stores that will make the adjustments and those that will not. So, as in all things thrifting, there is no harm in asking. The worst they can say is no.
I’ve received some questions recently about getting a price adjustment on a purchase when another retailer discounts the item. For example, you bought a pair of bag at Nordstrom for $300 and 3 days later see it reduced at Saks to $150. Effectively, that’s asking for a price match after purchase. In my experience, retailers do not do this. Retailers will price match another retailer’s price before purchase or price adjust if the retailer themselves discounts the same item 7-14 days after purchase.
Whether you’re getting a price adjustment or asking for price match, this can typically be done with the sale associate or with customer service. You can use whatever method of contact (email, phone, chat) you prefer. Just go to the Contact or Customer Service tab on the website to determine the methods of contact the retailer allows. I often use the online customer service chat and am able to get help in a matter of minutes.
Also, I have typically found that the adjustment needs to be done in the same environment it was purchased. For example, an in store purchase would need to be adjusted in store (bring your receipt). An online adjustment would need to be adjusted online. I have never had success getting an adjustment online when I purchased in store and vice versa.
Recently, I’ve received some requests on how exactly to ask for price adjustment. I would simply say, “Hello, I purchased this item [insert order number] a few days ago and it is now a lower price. Can you please honor a price adjustment? Thank you!”
If you have any further questions, please feel free to comment below so that i can add any needed detail to the above. If you have not yet, be sure to check out my other consignment and money saving tips here.