How to price match in store and save yourself money

SAVVY customers are using price matching to score themselves cheaper deals on anything from TVs, audio, whitegoods and computers. Find out how to do it.

SAVVY customers are becoming much more cost conscious and using price matching to get a cheaper deal.

Price matching allows customers to demand a retailer to offer the same price of the item if they see it at a rival store — whether it be online or at a bricks or mortar retailer.

Harvey Norman’s chief operating officer John Slack-Smith said the increased prevalence in smartphone use meant customers were doing quick searches online while in store and requesting a price match on the spot.

“You’ll often see people in the shop talking to an employee while also on their phone looking at another business showing they can get the item elsewhere for cheaper and can they match it,” he said.

“Customers have never been more informed about prices they are looking at, they will have researched price across three or four retailers.

“We are seeing that driving more customers back into traditional retail sources because they are going to chat with people to ask questions, or sometimes they just want to touch and feel the items.”

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Price matching can leave you hundreds of dollars better off.

Mr Slack-Smith said customers usually requested price matching on items including TVs, audio, whitegoods and computers.

Some large retail stores including Officeworks also offer customers the ability to price match and get a further five per cent off the item if it met specific criteria.

But be warned, bricks and mortar retailers price matching against online stores often factor in the postal charges — if they apply — when giving a discounted price.

Appliances Online’s head of customer support and content Harry Boileau said prices were constantly “fluctuating” so it was critical customers hunted around for the best price close to when they were ready to buy.

“It’s good to keep an eye out to find the best prices you can but you should also keep in mind what is included in the price,” he said.

“It’s important to read the finer details of price matching from all retailers as most do not include delivery, installation and usually don’t apply after the purchase has been made.”

Some retailers also allow customers who have made a purchase and find the items cheaper up to seven days later a refund for the difference.

PRICE MATCHING TIPS

— Look in catalogues and online to see what an item costs.

— Visit your store either in person or online and ask for a price match.

— Read the terms and conditions of price matching.

— If the price of the item is cheaper within 7 days of purchase see if the retailer offers a refund of the difference.

Originally published as How to price match in store and save yourself money