Price Matching

[Bojo]

On Monday I bought a plasma HDTV (scheduled for Sunday delivery). Duing my discussions I asked what happens if the pice goes down? I know that electonics are deeply discounted on "Black Friday". Salesguy says, "no problem; you find it cheaper in the next 30 days, we'll match it."

Fast foward to Thursday ... TV now $300 cheaper during 6 hour, early Friday morning sale at original store. I go in during Friday's sale and ask what I need to do to get the reduced price. No can do; the "sales director" (or some sort of big wig) says they will not match the price because it is "a special 6 hour sale".

Does this make sense? What would you do?

 

[powellrj]

thats most stores policies. Because Black Friday sales are special sales, most stores (even the ones that usually price-match) won't for that sale.

 

[Chuck S]

Truthfully, if their 30 day policy is in writing, and it doesn't specifically note that "special sales" would be excluded, I'd push the issue. If filing a small claims suit is reasonable in your area, I may even do that...I bet they'd settle out of court to squash publicity. But be sure it is in writing and does not exclude "special sales". Although a better route would be to contact a TV consumer advocate, if there is one in your area.

 

[bicker]

Always go by the written rules of the price-match offer. They typically state something like this (lifted from a major retailer's policy): "Our policy applies only to advertised prices. It does not apply to special offers or promotions, including rebates, free-with-purchase offers and special financing."

 

[debster812]

I know the retailer I work for has rather extensive pricing policies, that are printed on the backs of our sales receipts. It's stated in print that special sales, of less than 24 hours duration will not be price matched. I think that's a fairly standard policy. Additionally, any prices for 'limited quantities' will not be matched.

Not sure what the policies of the retailer you made your purchase at, but I'd suspect it's similar.

 

[Bojo]

There are two things that really frost me about this situation:

1. I specifically mentioned Friday's sales and was told no problem; I don't see the issue if it is the same store's sale. If it was a problem, why not tell me that; or suggest that I may want to wait until Friday to make the purchase.

2. When I came back to cancel the sale the big wig saw me in line, remembered me and told me he could make the adjustment I had requested earlier.

Of course, by then it was too late as I had already purchased the TV from a competitor. Is there any reason to shop at the original retailer in the future?

 

[bicker]

Yes: Because they all operate pretty-much the same.