I am beginning Works for me Wednesday (WFMW) and REALLY excited! Each week I will share a tip with you that is something I’ve tried and works for my family. This week we’re starting with something really simple: Price Matching!!
What is price matching?
Price matching is when you take an ad from one store and a different store matches the price. The stores in my area that do it are Walmart and Target. Yep, bet you didn’t know Target price matches!
Target Price Match Policy
Here is a link to their policy..I recommend you print it and put it in your binder! So basically, they will match any printed advertisement as long as the store you are matching the price of is local. Now, here is where they are tricky….you can price match…but if you have a Target coupon….the coupon will be deducted first. If the price is still higher than the normal Target price minus the coupon, the price will be deducted down…if the price is lower after the Target coupon, the coupon will be used. You may still use a manufacturer coupon though.
Here’s an example:
Pantene Shampoo
Target Price: $3.49
Walgreens Advertised price: $2.50
Now, you have a $0.50/1 Target coupon and a $0.75/1 manufacturer coupon
The cashier will take the ad and Target coupon….with the coupon, the price would be $2.99. Because this is still higher than the advertised price, the cashier will not use your Target coupon but will match Walgreens and then use your $0.75/1 manufacturer coupon, meaning you will pay $1.75.
Walmart Price Match Policy:
The link to the Walmart Price Match Policy is here, again print it out! Now Walmart is much easier…they will price match any local store. You do not have to have the printed ad for them to match the price! I always keep the ads in my binder though, just in case…it’s easier for me to keep track of too! If you are matching a B1G1 price, they will match it, as long as the price is listed on the ad. So if it just says B1G1 they will not match it, but if it says Buy 1 at $2.99, Get 1 Free then they will match it. They also will not match % off prices. Now the policy says they will match, “Preferred shopping card prices for specific items that are in a printed ad.” Now, I haven’t tried it myself, but I believe this means, if you get a discount for having your CVS card, etc, you should get that discount. I have read that people have done it, but not sure it actually works. My Walmart is a little tough with couponers, so I don’t even know if I want to try it!
Make Price Matching Easy!
Price matching can be a hassle when you get to the register and have to remember each item that is price matched. You have to stop the cashier and keep telling them the price at Smiths or Albertsons. The easiest way I have found is to use sticky notes! As you are shopping, put a sticky over the bar code (so the cashier will be sure to see it) with the price match price and store. The cashier may look at you a little crazy at first with sticky notes on your food, but they will appreciate not having to stop and wait for you to tell them prices during the check out process.
You can save so much money by price matching with all your local stores. While you can go to each store individually to get their low prices, you will waste time and money (gas is EXPENSIVE).
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