Does Walmart Price Match Its Own Website? Decoding Walmart’s Price Matching Policy

The short answer is yes, Walmart will price match items sold on Walmart.com, provided certain conditions are met. However, like navigating a particularly crowded Black Friday sale, the specifics of Walmart’s price matching policy require a bit of understanding. They no longer price match competitors on their website or in-store, but matching their own online prices in-store is still generally possible.

Understanding Walmart’s Price Matching in Detail

Walmart’s price matching policy has evolved over the years. Once a champion of matching prices from a wide array of competitors, the retail giant has refined its approach to focus primarily on its own internal pricing variations. Let’s dissect what this means for you, the savvy shopper.

The cornerstone of Walmart’s current policy revolves around matching prices between Walmart.com and physical Walmart stores. Imagine you’re browsing the aisles, eyeing that shiny new television. You pull out your phone, check Walmart.com, and discover it’s listed for $50 less online. Under Walmart’s policy, you can request a price match at the register.

Essential Requirements for a Successful Price Match

While the concept is straightforward, successfully securing a price match hinges on fulfilling several key requirements:

• Identical Items are Required: The product in-store must be identical to the product listed on Walmart.com. This includes the brand, model number, size, color, and any other relevant specifications. Discrepancies, however small, can derail your price match attempt.
• Item Must be In-Stock: Both the online and in-store product must be in stock. If the item is listed as “out of stock” on Walmart.com, or if the store shelves are empty, you’re unlikely to receive the price match.
• Verification is Key: Be prepared to show the Walmart.com listing to the cashier or customer service representative. Having the product page readily available on your smartphone is the easiest approach. Screenshots are helpful, but live links are always preferable.
• Third-Party Sellers are Excluded: Walmart does not price match items sold by third-party sellers on Walmart.com. The product must be sold and shipped by Walmart itself. Look for “Sold and shipped by Walmart.com” on the product page to ensure eligibility.
• Certain Exclusions Apply: The policy excludes certain items such as clearance items, rollback pricing, special buys, limited-time offers, and items with damaged packaging. Also, professional services like tire installation are typically excluded.

Price Matching Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Navigating the price match process at Walmart can be streamlined with a bit of preparation. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Locate the Item In-Store: Find the item you wish to purchase in a Walmart store.
2. Verify the Price on Walmart.com: Use your smartphone to check the price of the exact same item on Walmart.com. Pay close attention to details like model number, color, and size.
3. Confirm “Sold and Shipped by Walmart.com”: Make sure the item on Walmart.com is sold and shipped by Walmart itself, not a third-party seller.
4. Present the Information at Checkout: At the checkout register (or at customer service), inform the cashier that you would like a price match. Show them the Walmart.com listing on your phone or device.
5. Allow Verification: The cashier will verify the information, including the product details, in-stock status, and that the item is sold and shipped by Walmart.com.
6. Receive the Price Adjustment: If everything checks out, the cashier will adjust the price to match the Walmart.com price.

Walmart’s Evolving Price Match Landscape

It’s crucial to stay informed about Walmart’s policy updates. Large retailers often adjust their policies to remain competitive and manage costs. Always check Walmart’s official website or contact customer service directly for the most up-to-date information. Misinformation can lead to frustration and wasted time.

FAQs: Your Walmart Price Matching Questions Answered

Here are 12 frequently asked questions to clarify any lingering uncertainties about Walmart’s price matching policy:

1. Does Walmart price match Amazon?

No, Walmart does not price match Amazon or any other competitors. Their current policy focuses solely on matching prices between their own website (Walmart.com) and their physical stores.

2. What if the Walmart.com price changes after I put the item in my cart?

The price at the time of purchase is generally what matters. If the price changes between adding the item to your cart and completing the transaction, the new price will apply. Therefore, it is advised to complete your purchase as soon as possible.

3. Can I price match after I’ve already bought the item?

It depends. Some Walmart stores may offer a price adjustment within a short period (e.g., 7 days) if the price drops after your purchase. However, this is not a guaranteed policy. Contact your local store’s customer service to inquire about their specific policy on post-purchase price adjustments.

4. Does Walmart price match clearance items?

No, clearance items are typically excluded from price matching. Walmart often offers significant discounts on clearance items, and they do not extend price matching to these already deeply discounted products.

5. What if the item is on rollback in-store but cheaper online?

You can price match rollback prices if the Walmart.com price is lower. Rollback prices are not considered exclusions under the current policy, as they are Walmart’s own promotional pricing.

6. Does Walmart price match coupons or promotional codes?

No, Walmart generally does not combine price matching with coupons or promotional codes. You can usually choose to use a coupon or receive the price match, but not both.

7. Can I price match an item that’s on sale online only?

Yes, as long as the item meets all the other requirements (identical product, in-stock, sold and shipped by Walmart.com), you can price match an item that’s on sale online only.

8. What if the cashier refuses to price match?

If the cashier refuses a price match that you believe meets all the criteria, politely ask to speak to a store manager. Sometimes, cashiers may be unfamiliar with the nuances of the policy. A manager may have a different interpretation.

9. Does Walmart price match items from Walmart Marketplace?

No, Walmart does not price match items sold by third-party sellers on the Walmart Marketplace, even if they are listed on Walmart.com. The item must be explicitly sold and shipped by Walmart.com.

10. Is there a limit to how many items I can price match in a single transaction?

While there isn’t a formally published limit, excessively requesting price matches on numerous items could raise concerns. It’s generally advisable to keep the number of price match requests reasonable.

11. How often does Walmart change its price matching policy?

Walmart’s price matching policy can change periodically. It is always recommended to review the most current policy on Walmart’s website or contact customer service for the most up-to-date information.

12. Can I price match using the Walmart app?

Yes, you can use the Walmart app to show the product listing on Walmart.com to the cashier. Ensure the app displays all necessary information, including the price, product details, and that it’s sold and shipped by Walmart.com.

By understanding these guidelines and FAQs, you can confidently navigate Walmart’s price matching policy and potentially save money on your purchases. Remember to stay informed and always verify the latest policy details to maximize your savings.