When shopping, everyone loves finding the best deal. With so many products available online and in stores, price matching has become a popular way for consumers to save money. One of the biggest questions customers have is: Does Walmart price match Amazon?
Walmart is known for its competitive prices, but with Amazon dominating the online shopping world, it’s natural to wonder if Walmart can match those low prices. In this guide, we’ll explore whether Walmart’s price match policy includes Amazon, how it works, and what limitations you need to know before heading to the store.
Walmart’s Price Match Policy Explained
Walmart has a price match guarantee in place, but it doesn’t apply to every retailer or every situation. Understanding the details of their price matching policy is important if you want to save money.
For in-store purchases, Walmart will match the prices of certain online retailers, including Amazon, under specific conditions. The product must be identical, meaning it has to be the same brand, model number, size, and color as the item sold at Walmart. Additionally, the product must be in stock at both Walmart and the competing retailer.
For online purchases, Walmart.com does not currently offer price matching with online competitors like Amazon. This means that if you’re shopping on Walmart.com and find a lower price on Amazon, you won’t be able to get that price matched online.
Does Walmart Price Match Amazon?
The short answer is yes, but only for in-store purchases and with several important conditions. If you’re shopping in a physical Walmart store and find a better price on Amazon, you may be able to get that price matched. However, it’s essential to meet the following criteria:
- The product must be sold and shipped directly by Amazon, not a third-party seller on Amazon Marketplace.
- The item needs to be in stock on both Amazon and Walmart at the time of the price match.
- The product must be exactly the same, including all details like size, model number, and color.
While Walmart’s in-store policy does include Amazon, it’s limited. If you’re shopping on Walmart.com, there is no price matching with Amazon or other online competitors.
How to Request a Price Match at Walmart
If you’ve found a lower price for an item on Amazon and you’re shopping at Walmart, you can follow a few simple steps to request a price match. Here’s how:
- Find the item on Amazon: First, make sure the product is sold and shipped directly by Amazon, not a third-party seller.
- Show the price to a Walmart associate: At checkout, present the Amazon price on your phone or bring a printed copy to show the associate.
- Verification by Walmart: The Walmart associate will verify that the item is identical and in stock at both retailers.
- Enjoy the savings: If everything checks out, Walmart will adjust the price to match Amazon’s.
Limitations and Exclusions in Walmart’s Price Match Policy
While Walmart’s price match policy can help you save money, there are several important limitations and exclusions to be aware of. These rules help Walmart manage its policy effectively and ensure fairness. Here’s what you need to know:
- No Price Matching for Third-Party Sellers
Walmart only matches prices for items sold and shipped directly by Amazon. This means that if a product is being sold by a third-party seller on Amazon’s Marketplace, it won’t be eligible for price matching. Many people mistakenly assume all items on Amazon qualify, but this is not the case. - Limited to Identical Items
The item must be exactly the same as the one sold at Walmart, including the brand, model number, size, and color. Even a slight difference in packaging or a model version will disqualify the product from being price-matched. - No Matching for Special Offers
Walmart will not price match during special promotions like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, clearance sales, or limited-time discounts. These promotions are typically designed to offer huge savings, but Walmart excludes them from their price match policy. - In-Stock Items Only
Both Walmart and Amazon must have the item in stock at the time of the price match. If the item is out of stock at either retailer, Walmart will not match the price, even if all other criteria are met.
These limitations are important to understand because they can impact whether or not you qualify for a price match. Always double-check the details before you attempt to request a price match to avoid disappointment.
Why Walmart’s Policy on Price Matching Amazon May Change
As e-commerce continues to evolve, it’s possible that Walmart’s price match policy could change in the future. Retailers like Walmart and Amazon are constantly competing for customers, and price matching policies are one way they try to stay ahead of the competition.
Walmart’s price match policy used to be more flexible, including online price matching for Walmart.com, but this was phased out in recent years. Similarly, the conditions around which online retailers they match have been fine-tuned over time.
Potential future changes might include:
- Expanding or reducing eligible retailers for price matching as competition grows.
- Adjusting price match exclusions during holiday seasons or special events like Black Friday, to remain competitive with Amazon and other retailers.
- Reintroducing online price matching based on customer demand or shifts in shopping behavior.
While Walmart’s current policy limits price matching to in-store purchases with specific conditions, it’s always a good idea to check the latest information. Retailers frequently update their policies to reflect the competitive retail landscape.
Best Practices for Getting the Best Price at Walmart
Even though Walmart’s price match policy has limitations, there are other strategies you can use to ensure you’re getting the best possible price. These tips can help you save even more money whether you’re shopping in-store or online.
- Use Price Comparison Tools
Price comparison tools like Honey or CamelCamelCamel are useful for checking prices across multiple retailers, including Amazon. These tools track price histories and can notify you if an item’s price drops on Amazon, giving you more insight into whether to ask for a price match or wait for a sale. - Shop During Sales
Walmart frequently offers discounts through its Rollback deals, which can be comparable to Amazon’s discounts. Timing your purchases around these sales or events like Prime Day, Back-to-School, or End-of-Season Sales can help you snag the best prices without needing to rely on price matching. - Check the Walmart App for Exclusive Offers
Walmart’s app often features exclusive deals and online discounts that might not be available in the store. These special prices can sometimes be lower than what you’d find on Amazon, and using the app can help you spot additional savings opportunities. - Use Coupons and Loyalty Programs
Another smart strategy is to combine price matching with other forms of savings. Walmart accepts coupons and offers special rewards through programs like Walmart+, which gives members free shipping and access to special deals. Stack these savings with price matching when possible to maximize your discount. - Keep an Eye on Walmart’s Weekly Ad
Walmart’s weekly ad highlights discounted items, especially for grocery and household goods. These offers can sometimes beat Amazon’s prices, so it’s worth checking out what’s on sale before requesting a price match.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does Walmart price match Amazon for online orders?
No, Walmart.com does not offer price matching for online purchases, including from Amazon. Price matching is only available for in-store purchases under specific conditions.
Can I price match Amazon in all Walmart stores?
Yes, you can request a price match for Amazon in any Walmart store, but the product must meet all eligibility criteria (identical product, sold by Amazon, in stock, etc.).
What should I do if the associate refuses to price match Amazon?
If you believe your item qualifies for a price match but the associate refuses, politely ask to speak with a manager. If the item meets all the necessary conditions, the manager may be able to honor the price match.
Can I use Walmart’s app for price matching?
While the Walmart app doesn’t have a built-in price matching feature, it’s useful for finding exclusive deals and discounts that might be lower than Amazon’s prices. You can show the app in-store for any price adjustments or deals available.
Conclusion
To wrap things up, Walmart’s price match policy can be a great way to save money, especially if you find a lower price on Amazon. However, it’s essential to keep the rules in mind: Walmart only price matches Amazon for in-store purchases, and only if the item is sold and shipped directly by Amazon, not third-party sellers. The product must be identical in every way, and it needs to be in stock at both retailers at the time of the request.
For those shopping on Walmart.com, price matching is no longer available. If you’re hoping to save money on your online purchases, exploring Walmart’s app for special deals or waiting for sales like Rollback promotions can help you find competitive prices without relying on a price match.
Key Takeaways
- Walmart does price match Amazon, but only for in-store purchases and with strict conditions.
- Items must be sold directly by Amazon and must be in stock at both Amazon and Walmart.
- Walmart does not price match Amazon for online orders through Walmart.com.
- There are several exclusions to Walmart’s price match policy, including third-party sellers, special promotions, and clearance items.
- Shoppers can still save money by using price comparison tools, checking Walmart’s weekly ads, and leveraging exclusive deals in the Walmart app.
Whether you’re shopping in-store or online, always keep these tips in mind to ensure you’re getting the best price. While Walmart’s price match policy is helpful, combining it with other savings strategies will help you maximize your budget.
Final Thought
Remember that Walmart’s price match policy, like many retail policies, is subject to change. Retailers are constantly adjusting their strategies to stay competitive, especially with giants like Amazon. Always double-check Walmart’s official price match policy before heading to the store, and use the strategies outlined here to ensure you’re getting the best possible deal.
By staying informed and combining price matching with other savings strategies, you can shop smarter and keep more money in your pocket!
