Will Walmart Match Online Prices? Decoding the Retail Giant’s Price Matching Policy

The short answer is: no, Walmart generally does not offer online price matching to the prices of other online retailers anymore. While they used to have a more extensive price matching policy, Walmart has significantly scaled back this offering in recent years.

Understanding Walmart’s Current Price Adjustment Landscape

The days of easily scoring a discount at Walmart by simply showing a lower price from an online competitor are largely gone. However, the story isn’t entirely black and white. Let’s delve deeper into what does qualify for price adjustments at Walmart and what alternatives shoppers can leverage.

What Walmart Does Price Match

The key element to understand is that Walmart’s current price matching policy is primarily focused on matching prices found on Walmart.com themselves. This means if you purchase an item in a physical Walmart store, and then find the exact same item listed for a lower price on Walmart’s own website (Walmart.com), you can typically request a price adjustment at the customer service desk.

This policy aims to ensure price consistency across Walmart’s own channels. If there’s a discrepancy, Walmart usually honors the lower price offered online. This is especially relevant during sales events or promotional periods where online prices may fluctuate more rapidly than in-store prices.

Exceptions to the Rule: Third-Party Sellers on Walmart.com

Even within Walmart.com, there’s a caveat. The price match only applies to items sold directly by Walmart and not those sold by third-party sellers on the Walmart.com marketplace. Identifying the seller is crucial. If the item is listed as “Sold and Shipped by Walmart,” it likely qualifies for a price adjustment if the in-store price is higher. If it says “Sold by [Third-Party Seller] and Shipped by Walmart” or “Sold and Shipped by [Third-Party Seller],” it won’t be eligible.

What They Don’t Price Match Anymore

• Competitor Online Prices: This is the big one. Walmart no longer matches prices from online retailers like Amazon, Target.com, BestBuy.com, or any other competitor’s website. This change significantly impacts shoppers who previously relied on this strategy to secure the lowest possible price.
• Clearance Items: Walmart generally doesn’t price match clearance items, either in-store or online. Clearance pricing is often dynamic and varies based on location and inventory.
• Rollback Prices: Similar to clearance items, rollback prices are considered promotional and are typically not subject to price matching, even within Walmart’s own ecosystem.
• Deals from Third-Party Marketplaces: Forget about trying to match prices from eBay, Craigslist, or similar platforms. These are not recognized under any circumstance.
• Limited Quantity Items: Items with limited quantities or “while supplies last” designations are often excluded from price matching policies.
• Bundled Offers and “Buy One Get One” Deals: Complex promotions and bundled offers are usually not eligible for price matching due to the difficulty in accurately comparing their value.

Strategic Alternatives for Saving Money at Walmart

While traditional online price matching is largely off the table, savvy shoppers still have options to save money at Walmart:

• Walmart.com Monitoring: Regularly check Walmart.com for price drops on items you’re interested in. Sign up for email alerts or use price tracking tools to be notified of any changes.
• Check In-Store Clearance Sections: Walmart’s clearance sections can be goldmines for discounted items. These prices are often lower than online prices.
• Compare Prices Across Retailers: Before making a purchase, compare prices at different retailers, including Amazon, Target, and Best Buy. Even without price matching, you can still choose the lowest price available.
• Utilize Coupon Websites and Apps: Look for coupons and promotional codes for Walmart through various online coupon websites and apps.
• Walmart+ Membership Benefits: Consider a Walmart+ membership. While it doesn’t offer direct price matching, it provides benefits like free shipping, early access to sales, and fuel discounts, which can add up to significant savings over time.

Navigating the Price Adjustment Process

If you believe you’ve found a qualifying price difference within Walmart (i.e., a lower price on Walmart.com for the same item you purchased in-store), here’s how to request a price adjustment:

1. Document the Price Difference: Take a screenshot or photo of the lower price on Walmart.com. Ensure the item description, model number, and any other relevant details are clearly visible.
2. Visit Customer Service: Head to the customer service desk at your local Walmart store.
3. Present Your Proof: Show the customer service representative your proof of the lower price on Walmart.com, along with your purchase receipt.
4. Politely Request the Adjustment: Explain that you found the item for a lower price on Walmart.com and would like to request a price adjustment.
5. Be Prepared for Verification: The customer service representative may need to verify the price and availability of the item on Walmart.com.
6. Receive Your Refund: If approved, you’ll typically receive a refund for the difference in price.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Walmart’s Price Matching Policy

Here are some common questions and detailed answers to further clarify Walmart’s price adjustment practices:

1. Does Walmart price match Amazon or other online retailers?

No. As mentioned previously, Walmart no longer offers price matching against competitor online retailers like Amazon, Target, or Best Buy.

2. Does Walmart price match its own website (Walmart.com)?

Yes, generally. If you buy an item in-store and find it for a lower price on Walmart.com, you can request a price adjustment. This applies only to items sold directly by Walmart, not third-party sellers.

3. What if I find a lower price on Walmart.com after I made a purchase?

You can usually request a price adjustment at the customer service desk of your local Walmart store. Be sure to have your receipt and proof of the lower price on Walmart.com.

4. Does Walmart price match clearance items or rollback prices?

No, Walmart typically does not price match clearance items or rollback prices, as these are considered promotional discounts.

5. What happens if the Walmart.com price changes after I request a price adjustment?

The customer service representative will likely verify the price at the time of your request. If the price has changed back to the original price, you may not be eligible for the adjustment.

6. Does Walmart price match if the item is out of stock on Walmart.com?

No. The item needs to be in stock and available on Walmart.com to qualify for a price match.

7. Does Walmart price match “deals of the day” or limited-time offers on Walmart.com?

Potentially, yes, if the “deal of the day” is still active and available on Walmart.com at the time of your request. However, these deals often have limited availability, so act quickly.

8. What if the item I purchased is sold by a third-party seller on Walmart.com?

Price matching only applies to items sold directly by Walmart. Items sold by third-party sellers are not eligible.

9. Does Walmart offer price matching on Black Friday or other major sales events?

Price matching on Walmart.com may be available during Black Friday, but it is not guaranteed, and can be limited. The store also will not match any competitors during this time. It’s best to check the current price matching policy on Walmart’s website during these times.

10. What if I bought an item online, and it goes on sale on Walmart.com shortly after? Can I get a refund?

Typically, Walmart does not offer price adjustments for online purchases after they have been shipped. Check the Walmart website for the exact policy on returns, exchanges, and price matching.

11. Can I request a price adjustment at self-checkout?

No, you’ll need to visit the customer service desk to request a price adjustment. Self-checkout kiosks do not have the functionality to process price matching requests.

12. Is there a limit to how many price adjustments I can request at Walmart?

Walmart doesn’t typically have a publicly stated limit on the number of price adjustments a customer can request. However, excessive or suspicious requests may be subject to review.

Ultimately, while the landscape of price matching at Walmart has shifted, being informed and resourceful can still lead to significant savings. By focusing on Walmart.com price discrepancies and exploring alternative strategies, shoppers can maximize their value when shopping at this retail giant.