Price Matching for Furniture Shoppers

Price matching is a retail practice where a store agrees to match the price of a product when a customer finds the same item at a lower price from a competitor.

Many stores offer price matching. Few stores expect you to take advantage of it. Since furniture prices fluctuate across retailers, understanding price matching policies can be the difference between paying full price and finding a great deal.

1. What is Price Matching?

Price matching is when a retailer agrees to match a lower price found at a competitor for the same item. This ensures that shoppers are paying the lowest possible price without having to switch retailers. Furniture retailers often offer price matching as a way to stay competitive and retain customers.

Key Benefits:

• Saves money by offering the best available price
• Reduces the need to shop around at multiple stores
• Is emotionally satisfying and confers confidence at not overpaying

2. Which Furniture Retailers Offer Price Matching?

Many major furniture retailers offer price matching, though their policies and stipulations can vary. Here are some notable brands with their respective price matching guidelines:

• Ashley Furniture offers price matching if you find a lower price from an authorized retailer within 30 days. The item must be identical in brand and model​. (Ashley Furniture price match policy)
• Crate & Barrel offers price matching for identical items from authorized retailers. Price adjustments are available within 14 days of purchase​. (Crate & Barre price match policy)
• Overstock price matches for major retailers like Amazon. The item must be the same and in stock. Clearance or special promotion items are excluded​.
• Target has a comprehensive price match policy. They will match the price of an identical item from select online retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy. You can request a price match within 14 days of your purchase if you find a lower price elsewhere. (Target's price match policy.)
• Walmart offers price matching for items sold by Walmart.com and select online retailers like Amazon. However, price matching does not apply to items purchased from third-party sellers or during special promotions like Black Friday. (Walmart price match policy)
• Macy's offers a price match for identical items sold at a lower price by select competitors. You can request a price match both in-store and online, but it excludes clearance or promotional items. Additionally, Macy’s will adjust the price if the item drops within 10 days after purchase.

3. Which Furniture Retailers Do Not Offer Price Matching?

Many furniture brands and retailers do not offer price matching. These include:

• Amazon: Amazon does not offer price matching for any items. Their pricing is highly dynamic, meaning prices can fluctuate frequently.
• Wayfair and its family of brands do not price match. (Wayfair)
• AllModern is a Wayfair family brand and does not price match.
• Birch Lane is a Wayfair family brand and does not price match.
• Joss & Main is a Wayfair family brand and does not price match.
• Houzz does not have a universal price matching policy. However, they sometimes offer price adjustments within a limited period if a product’s price drops after purchase.
• West Elm offers price adjustments. If an item goes on sale within 14 days of your purchase, you can request a price adjustment. The policy does not apply to outlet or clearance items.
• Pottery Barn provides price adjustments within 7 days of purchase. This applies only if the item you purchased goes on sale within that window. Clearance and promotional items are excluded.
• Lulu and Georgia does not have a formal price matching policy, but they may offer price adjustments for items that go on sale shortly after purchase. It’s best to contact their customer service directly for clarification.

Each retailer has its own set of rules, so it’s important to review the fine print before requesting a price match.

4. How to Take Advantage of Price Matching

To successfully use price matching, follow these steps:

• Research Competitor Prices: Look for identical items at major competitors, paying attention to model numbers and product specifications.
• Keep Track of Promotions: Watch for sales and promotional offers, as some retailers may exclude these from price matching.
• Know the Terms: Make sure you understand the retailer’s price matching conditions, including timeframes and product eligibility.

Pro Tips:

• Don’t hesitate to ask store managers for a price match, even if the policy isn’t clear.
• Use customer service chat tools on websites to request price matches quickly.

5. Key Terms and Conditions to Know

Price matching often comes with specific terms and conditions:

• Identical Items: Most retailers require that the item be exactly the same—brand, model number, size, and color.
• Exclusions: Clearance items, limited-time promotions, and refurbished products are often excluded from price matching.
• Price Adjustments: Some retailers offer post-purchase price adjustments, where they’ll match a lower price if the item goes on sale within a certain timeframe (typically 7-30 days after purchase).

Understanding these conditions can help you avoid frustration when requesting a match.

6. Price Matching vs. Price Tracking: What’s the Difference?

While price matching ensures you get the best current price, price tracking tools monitor prices over time and alert you when prices drop. Tools like Spoken or CamelCamelCamel allow you to track items and receive notifications when they’re at their lowest price. Price tracking is ideal for purchases that aren’t urgent, allowing you to wait for the best possible deal.

7. Tips for Maximizing Price Matching Success

To get the most out of price matching, consider these strategies:

• Loyalty Programs: Some retailers allow you to combine price matching with loyalty program discounts or credit card perks.
• Timing Your Purchase: Plan major purchases around sales events like Black Friday, when many stores offer additional price matching opportunities.
• Post-Purchase Price Matching: Even after buying, check if the price drops within the retailer’s price adjustment window.
• Combine Discounts: Look for ways to stack price matching with coupons or promo codes for even bigger savings.

8. What to Do When a Store Declines a Price Match

Not all price matching requests are accepted, but there are ways to handle a refusal: Negotiate. Ask for store credit or a small discount if the retailer won’t match the price.

9. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these pitfalls when price matching:

• Unverified Prices: Ensure the competing price is legitimate and from an authorized retailer.
• Ignoring the Fine Print: Read the terms carefully to understand exclusions and limitations.
• Not Acting Fast: Some price matching policies are time-sensitive, so act quickly when you spot a lower price.

10. Will Retailers Price Match White-Labelled Items?

Retailers usually don’t price match white-labelled items due to the following reasons:

1. Brand Exclusivity: White-label products are often branded differently by each retailer, making it hard to meet the “identical item” requirement.
2. Model Number Variations: Retailers assign different model numbers to white-labelled items, preventing them from qualifying for price matching.
3. Private Label Protection: Stores use branding to protect their in-house labels, making it unlikely they will match a price from another retailer on similar items.

11. Why Price Matching is a Game-Changer for Furniture Shoppers

Price matching can lead to substantial savings, especially on big-ticket items like sofas or dining sets. For example, shoppers have saved hundreds of dollars by using price matching during large sales events. As more retailers compete in the online space, price matching is becoming an important tool for shoppers to ensure they get the best value.

Ready to find the best prices on your next furniture purchase? Use Spoken to compare prices across retailers and ensure you're always getting the best deal. With price matching and price tracking, you can confidently make your next big purchase without worrying about overpaying.