How to save on school supplies by price matching
Back to school sales are starting already. Every year they seem to kick up within a few weeks of school getting out, plus with the increasing number of schools going year round and some schools starting in early August, these are deals parents want to see.
Since sales are plentiful for back to school, the bigger question might be “how do I do this without shopping 20 stores?”
Answer: You price match.
Price matching tips:
- Take your list with you, with all price matches noted.
- Take the competitor ads with you, even if they don’t require them, it never hurts to have the proof.
- Have a printed copy of the price match policy with you.
Grab the list the school gave you or make your own and plan to make one trip each week for the best prices on school supplies with the price match policies at these stores:
Target’s Low Price Promise – If you buy a qualifying item at a Target store then find the identical item for less in the following week’s Target weekly ad or within seven days at Target.com, Amazon.com, Walmart.com, BestBuy.com, ToysRUs.com, BabiesRUs.com or in a competitor’s local printed ad, we’ll match the price. Price match may be requested at Guest Services prior to your purchase with proof of current lower price or by bringing in your original Target store receipt and proof of the current lower price.
What you need to know: Take the ad or your smartphone with you and be ready to prove the price match. They match actual hard copy ads AND online prices. You will need the actual ad in your hand for everything except: Target.com, Amazon.com, Walmart.com, BestBuy.com, ToysRUs.com, BabiesRUs.com.
NOTE: To price match at Target you must go to Guest Services BEFORE you check out your item to get it approved.
Bonus: Not only can you price match in the store the day you are buying, but if you find a lower price with in 7 days of your purchase you can go in and get a refund of the difference.
Walmart’s Ad Match Guarantee – We’re committed to providing low prices every day. On everything. So if you find a lower advertised price on an identical product, tell us and we’ll match it. Right at the register.
What you need to know: You do NOT need to have the ad in your hand. The price MUST be in dollar amount (no BOGO or % off). The sizes MUST match (if the competitor has a 10ct pencil pack on sale and Walmart only has a 12ct, it’s a no go). Price matching can be done right at the register.
Best Buy’s Low Price Guarantee – If you find a lower price on a qualifying product with the Low Price Guarantee message at a local retail competitor’s store or a designated major online retailer, we will match the price.
What you need to know: Limit one identical item per price match. There are a number of exclusions. They will price match online, but only items that have a low price guarantee badge next to them. Their policy just says to present your proof in store.
Bonus: The price match guarantee is valid for 15 days after purchase.
Office Depot Price Match Policy – If you find a lower price at another store on a new, identical item, show us the lower price at the time of purchase and we will match it on the spot. Or show us the lower price within 14 days of your Office Depot purchase and we will pay you the difference. Our price is the final price you pay after any discounts, coupons, instant savings and mail-in savings are applied. We will match the other store’s point-of-sale price after deducting their instant rebates and coupons. We will not match the other store’s mail-in rebates nor will we deduct the value of any gift with purchase.
What you need to know: You need to have the ad, items must be identical. Present ad for price match at checkout.
Bonus: They price match point of sale final price. That means you get the competitor’s price AFTER any instant in store savings you would get at the competitor. Plus, they will price match for up to 14 days after purchase.
Staples Price Match Guarantee – If you find a lower price on a new identical item, just show us the lower price when you buy the item at Staples and we will match the price, or within 14 days of your Staples purchase and we will give you the difference (see full policy for details).
What you need to know: You need to have the ad with you, items must be identical. Price match is done at the register.
Bonus: They will price match for up to 14 days after purchase.
OfficeMax 100% Price Guarantee – If you find a lower price on an identical item (brand and model number) prior to your purchase or during the exchange and return period, OfficeMax will match that price. If the offer includes a free or discounted item, we will match the offer only if OfficeMax carries the identical item.
What you need to know: They match final point of sale price (that includes any in store savings specials). You do not have to have the ad with you, but all price matches can be subject to verification so it’s best to have it. Price match is done at the register.
Meijer Price Match Policy: Meijer will match ads for General Merchandise from major competitors in each store’s trading area within certain guidelines.
What you need to know: You need to have the ad. Identical products only. Item must be in stock at the competitor. Some exclusions apply. Price match is done at the register.
Click here to find the most recent school supply sales and back to school savings tips.
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