Nina Bernhardt is always on the lookout for a bargain, even after she's bought something. She struck gold when she found the same printer at Office Depot for less than she'd paid at Staples. She asked Staples to match the price.
"They gave me the money back. I think, if I remember, it was about $100 dollars," Bernhardt said.
You can make price-matching work for you, but Lisa Lee Freeman of Consumer Reports ShopSmart magazine says you've got to know the rules and play by them.
"Be sure to bring in the actual ad showing the lower price. Don't bring a copy. Also don't cut it out. Bring in the whole circular," she said.
Be aware, finding a better deal online often doesn't count. You've got to find the better deal in a store. And there are plenty of other limitations.
At Best Buy, like many other stores, clearance items are not covered. And at Home Depot, it's up to the store manager to give you the difference. But if you're successful, you might get an additional 10 per cent off for your trouble.
"All in all, though, price-match guarantees can save you money. And if you do your research ahead of time, the store might even be willing to drop the price before you make the purchase," Lee Freeman said.
Nina got a great deal on her barbecue that way. Home Depot dropped the price immediately when she brought in a ten-percent-off coupon from a competitor.
London Drugs will match prices for 30 days but it must be in print and doesn't include online pricing, prescriptions and photofinishing. Future shop will beat any advertised price by 10 per cent of the difference including its own price --- the guarantee doesn't apply to rebates, coupons, limited time offers, close-outs, liquidations, clearances and 11 other categories of promotion. .
Another way to save money is to watch to see if an item you've purchased goes on sale shortly after buying it. Ask to get a refund on the price difference - and depending on the store policy, you just might get it.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Chris Olsen
