This information on price matching is directly from the Walmart website found HERE
Walmart Price matching
Our goal is always to be the low price leader in every community where we operate. Our customers trust us to have every day low prices … there’s no need for “special sales.”
Our unbeatable promise:
Store managers make the final decision in always taking care of our customers, but we do have guidelines for matching our competition.
- We do honor “Preferred Shopping Card” advertised prices. Must be like items, be advertised and require a competitor’s shopping card, for the discount to apply.
- We do not honor advertisements that require a purchase in order to receive the advertised price or free product.
- We do not honor “Buy One / Get One Free” advertisements.
- We do not honor double or triple coupons or percent off advertisements.
- We do not honor other retailers’ “Misprinted” advertised prices.
- We do not honor Internet Pricing.
- We do not honor competitor advertisements from outside of the store’s or Club’s local trade territory.
The information on coupon policy is directly from the Walmart website found HERE
Walmart Coupon Policy
Walmart accepts the following types of coupons (see guidelines below):
- Manufacturer coupons (Cents Off)
- Free merchandise (or manufacturer’s Buy-One-Get-One-Free) coupons
- Store coupons
- Pharmacy (Advertising and Promotional) coupons
- Internet coupons
- Soft drink container caps
The following are guidelines and limits:
- Walmart only accepts coupons for merchandise we sell and only when presented at the time of purchase.
- Coupons should have an expiration date and be presented within the valid dates. Walmart will not accept expired coupons.
- Internet coupons should be legible and say “Manufacturer Coupon.” There should be a valid remit address for the manufacturer and a scannable bar code.
- Only one coupon per item is permitted.
- Use of 40 or more coupons per transaction will require approval by Customer Service Manager.
vodreaux
Here is a suggestion for everyone:
Since Walmart has updated the coupon policy, I encourage everyone to Email, Fax and even call Walmart CEO on complimenting the change on policy. Also, please share your horrible experience with Michael Duke. Ask him for his advice on making your future shopping experience smooth as possible avoiding past experience of you and others. Lastly, share this thread, other thread and blogs.
CEO of Walmart
michael.duke@wal-mart.com
479-273-4229
Corporate contact info:
702 Southwest 8th Street
Bentonville, AR 72716
United States – Map
+1-479-2734000 (Phone)
+1-479-2734053 (Fax)
paul
The new (this week) holiday policy is described in detail here, along with the regular policy:
http://www.pricematching.us/index.php/price-matching-businesses/walmart-price-matching/
This should make price matching easier for the rest of the shopping season.
Maria Valdez
Very disappointed with a Manager that did not want to provide his last name and did not provided the CEO contact information, all of this for a price match on groceries from local store by this area at Las Vegas, NV……..Can you assist with this please?
Amanda
Walmart matches ads only. Not shelf prices. Store mgmt has the final decision. No walmart associate is encouraged to give their last name. That is personal information. The store manager’s name is on your walmart receipt. The corporate number is 1-800-walmart. If you say the associate’s first name and which store you were at, corporate will already know who it is.
rebecca griesemer
Hear lately the store in decatur al. has been giveing me a hard time about price
matching my meats & now thay are saying thay can’t match my food because it
has to be the same name bran and like I told them it is not going to be the same
because it is there store bran name. But I though if I got the wal-mart bran that wal-mart had to match the other store bran It is always been this way. I have got
to the point that I don’t what to shop at wal-mart any more.
Thank You Rebecca Griesemer
Marty
I work at the Walmart in Van Buren, Ark, and ad matching has become an issue for just a few of our customers. Most people that come in know how everything works. We do have ad’s at the registers that we can check. Customers shouldn’t have to have an ad with them but if we cannot find the ad in our paper, you can’t expect us to give you the item because we cannot check to see if your product matches that of the ad. For example, if you tell us you’re matching a t.v but we cannot find the ad in the paper how are we supposed to know that the t.v you are trying to buy is the rite brand of t.v and the rite size. Also, the Walgreen’s ads have caused a big confusion with customers. The ads say, for example, a swiffer wet jet starter kit is on sale for 19 dollars. After the register rewards coupon you get 5 dollars off leaving the end price at 14 dollars. We do not match the 14 price and then take your coupon. We match the SALE PRICE of 19 dollars. And since the coupons are in store coupons and not manufacturer coupons we do not accept those. But even if they were manufacturer coupons, the ads also clearly say that, after buying one for 19 dollars, then after that transaction has been completed you will get a coupon to use on your NEXT purchase. So the next time you buy that ONE item you will only pay 14 dollars.
kc
yes but store policy says you dont have to have the add to comp your item and thats how it should be, dont say it if your not going to do it plain and simple!
Brandy
Why do walmart employees want to argue over price adjustments? Do you own Walmart? Are they really paying you that good to constantly nag your customers? Bottom line they need to pull their ad and stop trying to beat every other company with their bogus ads. They have done this for years. They place bogus ads to bring consumers in and then turn around and pull it when they realize that consumers have caught on and their sales drop. As a consumer I will continue to put ad prices in my phone and use my list to price match when I shop at walmart until they withdrawal their phony ad. You put it out there and I will use it. Everyone should be using it. Why wouldn’t you want to save money and at the same time have walmart put their foot where their mouth is and for
Walmart employees if I were you unless you know every ad price that every competitor is offering I wouldn’t even argue and make yourself look ridiculous because honestly most of you don’t even know what the policy actually even states on the Walmart web site. Every time I have used a bogi ad not one employee even knew they were supposed to accept bogo ads. Go figure! Oh and In response to Amanda I have called corporate in reference to an employee and they do not know the last name of their employees at each store, they don’t even know their first. Actually the customer service associate asked me for a description of the person that I had a complaint about . You see that’s the great thing about Walmart …… The inconsistency!
Rondale Holloway
if anyone has any problems pricematching please listen to me it’s a quick call..you need to contact the FTC if more people will complain there can be a class action lawsuit. trust me i have called all over complaining about what happened to me. i was gonna sue but i dont think false advertisement will be heard in court UNLESS more people complain because this is obviously still happening all over!
Kathy Braun
Yes, Wal-Mart accepts BOG when the price is printed, otherwise not. Who do you think has the right to decide-you or Wal-Mart employees?
Joyce
You are right…about the store brand match…the manager needs to call corperate in Fayetteville and get his facts straight before he tries to manage a store…………besides………..the customer is always right!!!
But you really were right!!
byron
sorr joyce, it is Bentonville.
Heather Taylor
Hello Mr Duke.I am a faithful Walmart customer and have been for many years.I shop in the Delmont Pa. store.I spent a few days compiling my local sale ads and getting my grocery list together.I was very excited to be using your price matching policy for the first time.After shopping and waiting in line,I was informed by both the cashier and managerMichelle
that i was not able to do so.There was 1 customer behind me and I was told”we don’t have the time to mess with sale ads”!What a disappointment!I know you have more to do than listen to me.I would appreciate my home store assistant manager
Michelle,being updated on your price matching policy.I am going to try again,during the day shift.Thank you for your time!
shopperben
hello mr. duke,
I was reviewing your walmart price matching policy. there is however a problem that I experience between your stores. there are four walmart stores in my vicinity including a sams club.
I buy both can food and dry food for my pets and spend approx 50.00 per week.
at one store the can food is .84 cents but the dry food is approx 9.79
but at another store the same can food is .68 cents and the dry food is approx 11.00
so it seems to me that there is a conflict with providing us (loyal walmart customers) with equal pricing.
if it is possible for walmart to match prices of your competitors, then what should we do in order to get price matching between your own stores?
your advice is greatly appreciated.
ben.
shopperben
Ben,
My name is Sara Morrow and I am writing to you on behalf of Mike Duke and the executive office.
I would like to explain to you a little bit of what you may be experiencing with the price differences among our stores. It is true that each prices do vary from store to store location. Home office does assign a base price to items in which the store is able to LOWER that price but in no case is able to raise the price.
We give local store management the freedom to lower these prices based on their individual needs such as to clear out an overstocked item, to reward customers with in-store sales, or to compete with local merchants whose prices might be lower than our base retail.
I hope this email will be able to better explain the reason why our prices vary from store to store location. Please feel free to write back if there is additional questions that I can answer for you.
Thank you for your time and business.
Thanks,
Sara Morrow
Shared Services/Customer Care
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
702 Southwest 8th Street
Bentonville, AR 72716-0310
Htarr
I went into my local Wal Mart on Saturday. I bought a whole bunch of stuff, when it came to the 2 liter of Coke Wally’s was charging $1.25 the Hanaford across the street(literally) had an ad for $1 for the same 2 liter of Coke. I had seen the ads that Wallys has out for price matching. The Wal Mart here in Palmyra Maine does not do that according to the assistant manager without the ad. So for .25 cents I will be going across the street. I would have thought that for a quarter for one 2 liter when Wally’s varied their price from the 1.25 to the 1 mark all the time… Just another reason not to shop there.
mary
Sara, I am an avid coupon shopper. I prefer to only go to my local super Walmart. Can you please clarify these two situations for me, as with the new policy there seems to be some gray area that most of us do not understand. #1. If I Price match a shampoo from the Target ad, can I also use my Target store coupon for $1 off that specified item OR a manufacturers coupon for that specified item?
#2. I am an big fan of Walgreens, but willing to switch to Wally. But again, confusion at checkout with ad matching.Walgreens offers a Register Rewards Program. If I buy XXX shampoo, they will give me a register printed coupon for $2 off. This coupon does state Manufacturers Coupon. Does Walmart price match that end price of XXX shampoo. The walgreens ad states buy XXX shampoo for $4 and receive a register reward for $2 your next purchase( applies towards all merchandise except tobacco, photo, pharmacy, lotto, alcohol). Your final price is $2.
Please help us clarify. I am familar with my other local stores policies, but the Walmart one is throwing me for a loop. Thanks so much.
Olivia
I am dealing with the same issues… I got toothpaste and things last night for the final price at another drug store. But is that not correct, what price should I price match?
marc p.
Please be SPECIFIC in defining “LOCAL TRADE TERRITORY”….is it 2 mile radius, 5 mile radius, 10 mile radius…? QUITE undefined in your policy & too general to be of any help to me as a customer…..better yet, why not POST the specifics on a wall for all to see therefore eliminating heresay and arguments?
—-Marc P.
Sandra
Mark P:
I wish I knew the specifics as well. I have a store I love to price match that is less than 100 miles away because we are in a somewhat remote area and 6 mo ago they said they pricematch any store within 100 miles (after putting half my groceries away because they said that particular store was not within 100 mi….it was). Now they have “changed” their minds and are only doing 50 miles, but still pricematching “some” stores that are over 50 miles. They claim they are losing too much money price matching from Food City or Pro’s Ranch market which have the best prices on some of the grocery items found in Walmart. Doesn’t their policy “want” to offer the best prices? I am confused…
shopperben
Hello Sara,
I sincerely appreciate the assistance you and Mr. Duke are providing for my inquiry. Also, I appreciate and comprehend the explanation you provided to me as well.
Although there are variations in pricing between the Wal-Mart Stores, I think that in order for your customer’s (us) to have every day low prices, even between your stores, there should be method or process provided for those of us who would like for the price’s of products we buy at one store, matched with the low price provided at the other store. If you can do this for your competitors, then surely I think this can be done between the Wal-Mart stores too. Here is a copy of the snippet pushed all over the internet:
“Wal-Mart Price matching
Our goal is always to be the low price leader in every community where we operate. Our customers trust us to have every day low prices … there’s no need for “special sales.”
It just happens to be that in my community, i.e. 3 mile radius there are 2 super Wal-Mart’s, 2 Wal-Mart markets and 1 sams club. So in my community your own Wal-Mart stores could be competitors with each other, especially if one is offering lower prices for products than the other nearby Wal-Mart. The products that are the subject herein are pet foods from standard manufacturer’s, like Purina and others. These are never “sale” items or “special buys” nor are they “house brands”
There is another scenario with a similar circumstance but hasn’t occurred yet – at least to my knowledge. What if one of your Wal-Mart stores locally advertises a product for a low price. But that same product at another Wal-Mart store is higher. Wouldn’t that advertised price be honored where the costlier product is sold?
What is interesting is the reverse side of the coin. If I buy something at one Wal-mart, then I can return it to any other Wal-mart for a refund of the exact price I paid – even though that product is priced differently at the store giving the refund. So I think that if price’s can be matched for products being returned, i.e. coming in, then price’s can be matched between your Wal-Mart store’s for product being sold, i.e. going out.
I hope you can offer me a suggestion or implement one additional promise within your “Famous Price Matching and Coupon Policy” that can patch up this gray area.
thanks,
ben.
shopperben
Follow-up / Conclusion:
It seems that Walmart raised the prices for the products that were found originally priced lowered between the stores.
My objective was to get them to lower the prices for the producta that were found originall priced higher between the stores.
Wal-Mart and ethical standards don’t seem to work together.
MrsPriddy
I agree with the above statement 100%….it was fine though because when I went to get the Target ad to use at a WALMART store…..Because at your store there was a $10 price difference between 2 locations within a 3 mile radius (one location out of product so I drove to the other one)…….I ended up buying the product at Target and got it for only 3 cents more. Oh and I forgot to mention, I the product I got ended up being autographed and excluse to Target stores….so HA!
We normally spend between $400 to $600 each month in WALMART and are considering taking our business elsewhere.
Pam
I have begun switching my business to Target since the Walmart in my town is always higher than the one about 10 miles away.
Anonymous
They also will not match Target’s prices. Case in point. Walmart sells “Lost: Season 6″ for $44.96. Target currently has it for $19.99(unadvertised special with rest of the series for $19.99. The CSM wouldn’t override it because it would mean that Wally World would be losing about $25 off the items regular price!! What is even stranger is that they price matched “Mad Men: Season 4 ” on DVD for $19.99 at Target without the ad!! Needless to say I’m furious at them for not price match both items from the same store!! They claim they still need to see the competitors ad!! What’s even more ironic is this item is for sale this week in Target’s ad!!
How do they expect customers to price match when a lot of people don’t get the paper and get our ads via our cell phones? Or worse we can price check items in the store as we shop!! I think that Walmart has opened up a huge can of worms with this new price match gimmick or bait and switch thing going on!! Do they think that consumers as stupid or something??
Sorry this is long, I needed to vent about this!! This incident I wrote about happened on April 15,2011
Jess
I work at walmart, and im DISGUSTED with people thinking that they have the right to price match anything and everything without an ad.
How the hell am i supposed to believe you without an ad?
If there wasn’t some sort of order, people would be saying that a new $50 dvd is actually $5 at best buy, then not present an ad.
BE REALISTIC
boogs
i agree. why would expect them to price match without an ad?? if you don’t get a newspaper to catch the ad then buy one. not that deep. i do think it is crazy that they didn’t want to price match that one item that was listed in target’s ad though but the rest is your problem, not theirs.
terri
Walmart advertises that you do not need the ad in your hand. If someone asks for a comp for a reasonable amount, like the thirty cent comp I asked for and was treated like crap for and yes and because the supervisor had never heard of the store that was in the next town ……I asked why this store is different about comping prices than the other store in our same town…. the cashier said they probably have different rules …. really seriously I thought Walmart was a coporate operation where all the stores had the same coporate rules not so.
Can any one e,se hear false advertising ????
Kelli Baker
I am a cashier at wal mart and I feel the exact same way. I have people all the time trying to pull one over on me with their ridiculous ad prices. At our wal mart in TN we do not require a customer to have the ad on food items, but anything non food, we are suppose to see the ad. If we feel that the ad prices the customer gives us is not right then it is up to the csm to make the final call. In my store, 99% of the time, my csm’s will let the customer use the ad price without any proof or any questions etc. I think that is crazy!! I even think most of the time they know that the price is wrong, they just do not want to get a manager up there. Since working at wal mart I see the store and the company in a whole new light, and see that the place is ridiculous!! As soon as I find another job, I am OUT of there, ASAP!!
Elizabeth
The reason your CSM’s are letting the customers go is, most likely, that they paid attention to the customer service CBL that came out this year specifically and they know they should always err on the side of pricing integrity when it’s not more than, say, $4 off a $20 item, or a $1 price difference. I’ve seen too many cashiers stupidly reject a customer service opportunity, and here I see you gloating about it! So good to hear that you’re going to leave the company soon, you aren’t doing your job, and don’t care about long-term profits, just about always being proud, stuck-up, and right. It doesn’t matter if you save $.75 profit on an item if you lose the customer. Personally, I avoid Wal-Mart whenever I can get a better sale elsewhere, because the Wal-Mart sales aren’t good enough, and I’m tired of the people that I used to work with not caring about being a good, honest store. People like you make a liar out of corporate, which established these policies to protect their corner on the market. It isn’t your job to send the customers away– please leave the company soon. You shouldn’t be earning your wages on the backs of good workers who earn a good customer service image.
Kristin
Here is a copy of Walmarts Price Match Policy and since you work there you might want to read it at least one time. Clear as day ad is not required hmmmm so you want to see how the hell you are supposed to know there ya go. Wow so ignorant
Our Ad Match Guarantee
En Español
We’re committed to providing low prices every day. On everything. So if you find a lower advertised price on an identical product, tell us and we’ll match it. Right at the register.
We gladly match the price in the following types of ads:*
•Buy one, get one free ads with a specified price
◦Example: Buy one for $2.49, get one free (BOGO)
•Competitors’ ads that feature a specific item for a specified price.
•Preferred shopping card prices for specific items that are in a printed ad.
•For fresh produce and meat items when the price is offered in the same unit type (lb. for lb.; each for each)
*The following are guidelines and limitations:
•We will match any local competitor’s advertised price.
•We do not require customers to have the ad with them to honor a competitor’s ad.
•Items purchased must be identical to the ad (size, quantity, brand, flavor, color, etc.)
We DO NOT match the price in the following types of competitor ads:
•Items that require a separate purchase to get the ad price
◦example: “Buy [item A] to get [item B] for $C”
•Items with no actual price that require a purchase to get free product
◦example: “Buy both [items A & B] to get [item C] for free”
•Items that require a purchase to get a competitors’ gift card
◦example: “Buy [item A] to get a $B gift card
•Buy one, get one free (BOGO) ads with no actual price given
•Going out of business or closeout prices
•Percentage off
◦example: “All mascara, 40% off”
•Competitors’ private label price promotions
We do not honor:
•Ads when the actual price for items cannot be determined.
•Internet pricing
•Misprinted ad prices of other retailers
•”Going out of business” sales or “close out” prices
Kristin
Disgusted really? Well let me provide you with the store you work fors Pricematch Policy, please read and learn your job, ad is not required and it does not say except for non food items or if I do not feel like giving the consumer what they are entitled to. People working at Walmart are questionable as it is you are the type that gives Walmart a bad name.
Our Ad Match Guarantee
En Español
We’re committed to providing low prices every day. On everything. So if you find a lower advertised price on an identical product, tell us and we’ll match it. Right at the register.
We gladly match the price in the following types of ads:*
•Buy one, get one free ads with a specified price
◦Example: Buy one for $2.49, get one free (BOGO)
•Competitors’ ads that feature a specific item for a specified price.
•Preferred shopping card prices for specific items that are in a printed ad.
•For fresh produce and meat items when the price is offered in the same unit type (lb. for lb.; each for each)
*The following are guidelines and limitations:
•We will match any local competitor’s advertised price.
•We do not require customers to have the ad with them to honor a competitor’s ad.
•Items purchased must be identical to the ad (size, quantity, brand, flavor, color, etc.)
We DO NOT match the price in the following types of competitor ads:
•Items that require a separate purchase to get the ad price
◦example: “Buy [item A] to get [item B] for $C”
•Items with no actual price that require a purchase to get free product
◦example: “Buy both [items A & B] to get [item C] for free”
•Items that require a purchase to get a competitors’ gift card
◦example: “Buy [item A] to get a $B gift card
•Buy one, get one free (BOGO) ads with no actual price given
•Going out of business or closeout prices
•Percentage off
◦example: “All mascara, 40% off”
•Competitors’ private label price promotions
We do not honor:
•Ads when the actual price for items cannot be determined.
•Internet pricing
•Misprinted ad prices of other retailers
•”Going out of business” sales or “close out” prices
angela
It’s your corporate people that say you don’t have to show the ad if it’s under
20.00. Maybe you should make your complaint to them !
Jason
I am a cashier at Wal-Mart as well and customer attitude floors me at times. It is a very common occurrence to encounter customers that are attempting to “legally” steal from the store, if you had this happen to you as often as it happens to us cashiers you would understand why we are weary of customers price matching. I’ve had customers try to price-match for $7 to $20 off without the ad. I understand you customers feel as if you understand how Wal-Mart genuinely works by printing the corporate price-match policy but ultimately it is up to the store manager how we employ it. At my store we are taught by the store managers and CSMs to check ads when prices sound unrealistic, I am not going to go against my supervisors and they are not going against Wal-Mart policy because every store’s manager decides what methods are practiced at the store they are managing. If we let unrealistic price matches go by, we (cashiers) get in trouble, if we let coupons go by that do not exactly match our policy, again, our job performance is what suffers. I really wish people would be more considerate of others, no I cannot price match a baby’s jumper suit for $1.00 when it costs $7.97 at our store and you cannot provide me with an ad, it is not a vendetta against you, it is not because I want to make your experience and in turn my experience checking you out terrible, it is because I am following the rules my store has requested I follow, I am doing my job as I am supposed to. I’ve had a customer present to me the corporate policy, regardless of the fact it was already posted on my register and demand I price match a $9.97 L’Oreal hair coloring product for $1.99 without the ad, I called my CSM who also explained to her that an ad was needed who ended up having to call a salaried manager. This lady would not even provide the name of the store she was price matching from, needless to say the manager did not let it happen. He politely explained to her the ad match policy that is employed at our store. Please give us some sort of break, I know a lot of cashiers are terrible but not all of us are. I let reasonable price matches go by without an ad, because I am supposed to. But I do not let ridiculous price matches go by without proper approval from a supervisor, understand that I have a job to fulfill as well. I have never disrespected a customer and never will, but I have been stomped on by plenty. We are not animals.
Kathy Braun
>>>It’s your corporate people that say you don’t have to show the ad if it’s under 20.00<<
Where do the "corporate people" say this?
Yeah
READ YOUR OWN POLICY. WE don’t have to provide the add. You can look it up. Or better yet call the other store. Man, Wally People are rude as all get out.
Kathy Braun
Of course we tell you you don’t need the ad, because we get “local” papers, and that’s where the ads are, but if you have seen the ad, and you want to match, why not bring it to ensure yourself getting the price of the competitor? Where is your responsibility in this?
kristen
Well of course they wouldn’t price match it you said it was an UNADVERTISED price they only price match prices in the printed ad. It’s people like you who think just because you’re the customer means everything should just he handed to you get over it, you knew it wasn’t in the ad if you wanted it that bad go to the other store and get it. I work at a Walmart as a cashier and don’t act like I’m. Ring mean but it does say plain as day it has to be in the ad and I dont know about other stores but the one I work at doesn’t require the ads if the price is iffy we have ads at the register for that reason. If its not in there I’m not going to give it to you anyways
amanda
Kristen your just mad because you work at a walmart and thats all the power you have. Deal with it.
My husband works at a walmart and doesn’t feel the need to control prices. Walmart is lucky to be making that money when its cheaper somewhere else.
Twila
This is the reason I go to all big price stores myself and pay who ever can give me the better deal. I don’ t have time to argue over price it is just easier to take a rain check as long as my coupon is not going to expire. I do my own competitive shops with ads and walmart is not the lowest when it comes to using coupons it is always cvs, walgreens and meijers, krogers. I cherry pick too and would rather pay for gas if I am going to save an average of 40% off order it works great. Walmart is last place I shop they aren’t the lowest in town and most of what I want from them is not in an ad. So, I will get close to home. I don’t think the company does it own shops like it use too.
melinda burk
I am a faithful Walmart shopper. I have always made my grocery list with the competitors prices circled. When I go to Walmart I am prepared. I have learned in the past few months that I do have to have my ads from the other stores. Your policy says that the customer does not need the sales papers. Also, I was told last week by a supervisor that the store manager has decided not to match the price of any kind of meat. I have been doing this for years, and now all the sudden, no more matching the meat prices.Does the manager have this right? Or should they be complying with company policy? Thank you..
Not the first time....
I thought it was a joke when the lady at the registered told me that I was lying when I told her that Target was cheaper on a toy. I brought the item up to the register and she told me that they won’t match it without an ad.
If I remember correctly, the tv commercial that I see advertised all day long does not mention that the ad is required. The “friendly” commercial informs me to just let an associate know.
I was embarrassed for all 4 employees that I had to ask if they knew the policy. And not 1 of them knew. Nor did any of them offer to call a manager. It was “I am guessing…..” or “I am not sure” and even “I don’t think we do that”.
Did I mention that I do ALL my shopping at Walmart and spend at least $400.00 a month? I think those Walmart associates fail to realize that.
So Walmart, I think I will be shopping at the local market and will gladly pay slightly higher prices knowing that I will be treated with respect and that my business is appreciated.
momof2
Around christmas time i was trying to save money and was ad matching on my childrens toys they had a baby alive at target for 5 dollars in a weekly ad walmart had same style and color name and all for 28 dollars some barbies for 4.99 at target that were 13 at walmart they would not price match because they said it was to big of price diff i ask to speak with mang. They would not talk to me i called 1800walmart within mins my local walmart was calling telling me sorry to come back and get my things i wanted i pulled in parking lot they had 5 walmart workers waiting for me plus mangment they still act they same way
boogs
Now that is crazy but the post above you doesn’t make much since to me. Not the first time mentions that they weren’t able to price match without and ad. Well why would they price match without an ad? If that was the case they wouldn’t make any money because too many people would lie and say that they saw something for $5 when really the item cost $25. I don’t think it matters that you spend $400/month on groceries, they still don’t want you to get over on them and need the ad for proof. makes sense to me. If you want to take your business some place else then do it. I’m sure the $400 won’t break them plus I’m sure you’ll return to walmart when you find that you’re tired of spending the extra money.
Kelli Baker
To Not the first time-
At the store I work at, our ad match policy is that a customer does not have to have the ad for food items. For other items, you are suppose to have the ad, but it is not enforced, at least not in my store that often. It depends on the cashier, most cashiers at my store, will do the price override without seeing an ad if the price sounds reasonable. I do the same thing. if it sounds right then I will do it, if it seems iffy I will call the csm to make the call. I do not just leave the customer without an answer. I look at it like, I shop here too, and have for years before I started working here. I have had several occasions where there was altercations in that store in the past, before I got a job there. And now that i work there, I do not want to give the customer a hard time just because I feel like it, because most cashiers are like that. If other small town Wal Mart’s are anything like my store then if the cashier knows you they will cash a check, let you ad match, or do anything without any problems just because they know you. I think they pick on people sometimes just to do it, just to give them a hard time. I have not heard that we do not ad match Target’s prices. I have had so many different sets of rules, instructions, policies, told to me from different associates that I just had to figure it out for myself. Wal Mart does not care about their employees who are not an Assistant Manager, CSM, Department Supervisor, etc. Which is bull crap because I work a lot harder then the ones who just walk around supposedly “supervising” But I just wanted to let you know how we do things at my store.
Pam
I have had a similar experience with walmart associates not having a clue what the price match/coupon policy is. The associates do not care in the least bit about the customers.
melissa
this ad match policy states you will not honor bogo free on items, however i was recently advised that you are now honoring them and the way to ring them up is for exp if the items are bogo free $3 the cashier rings the 1st item up for $2.99 and the 2nd for .01…and that was told to me by a manager that they had sent this information down from headquaters? so has the policy now changed again? i have also been told you do NOT need the ad for another store however had a cashier deny me items because i did not have the ad? i see you say somethings are up to the store manager however is there a straight HEADQUARTER policy that all stores can please go by that says yes the ads are needed or no they are not? i also have a question about the “local” territory…you do not specifically state a mileage or distance as to what that has to be? I live in an area that walmart is the main grocery store and i have a bashas within 25miles and they will not comp them even though i do get their ad in my local paper? i guess i would just like a little more clairfication and i dont feel i should have to take my business to that store just to get thier prices wouldnt walmart want to earn my business by honoring the competitor prices? please clarify what you consider local as to me that would be local considering i live in the area and call other places “local” even if it is driving! Thank you!
Jess
Store managers constitute a ‘local’ store. It’s usually only within a few miles. And honestly, Wal-mart makes so much money, people are not going to stop going there. So your business really doesn’t make a big difference.
boogs
That is exactly what I think. people go to walmart to save money. They get mad because things don’t go their way then when they are tired of spending the extra money at other stores and when they get over the anger they once had for walmart, they will return and be regulars like they were before…
Nata
I have read your comments and I am sorry to say its people like you that make me not shop at Walmart. Walmart has HORRIBLE customer service. Sure I think that price matching should be done with an ad. No biggie. But to tell someone go spend your money some where else is just down right rude. I dont “spend more money at other stores” I tend to spend less at other stores. I believe that perhaps you should re-think your line of work. If you can be this crass online I can only imagine how you treat customers.
Wendy
I had a similair experience just last night.I went to Walmart had 2 carts of stuff and the cashier was new and didn`t know how to do a price match so she called the cranky manager over.The manager ,Teresa,said “they require the customer to bring the ads.”I said, “since when?I`ve shopped here for weeks doing my price matches and haven`t needed them.”I even had a copy from the corporate site stating we don`t need the ads and she still said i needed them so she stormed off to get hers.I had a majority of my items that i was matching with Kinney`s,whom have awesome sales and i get their ad in the mail,she said “because there is no Kinney`s in the Binghamton ,NY area,even if i DID bring an ad,they wouldn`t honor it!”I`m calling the store manager this morning!
Kathy Braun
“Local” is at the discretion of management. But, think about it…is there really a chance you will drive 30 miles to save $5? They have to figure who really is competition. In this area, Target is 50 miles away. They are not competition here.
Curtis Jennings
This morning I went to the Walmart in madison, In. I saw an ad in the local big lots ad that has reynolds recycled paper for 2.00 a roll. Your price at that store 2.96. So I went to the cashier and told her that big lots has the reynolds for 2.00 in their ad. Her response to me price “We do not match big lots ad prices because they are already a discounted store.” ??????? Some clarification please. Your ad states ANY advertised price. With no underlying small print that Im aware of.
Jason
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BUSTER YOUR BALLS
I shop at Weird Wally World all the time. (Wal Mart), my nickname for Walmart, I usually have to train the CSM’s and Managers on Wal Mart’s coupon policy and price matching policy. The Wal Mart by me, go thru people like I breathe air. Different CSM’s, different Manager’s everytime I go in, and I kid you not. I have no problems with them price matching and coupon, I just always bring the ads with me and the coupons. That way, I get out faster. It is just easier to bring the ads with you.
Yes, have had a few go arounds with new managers and new CSM’s , but once I educate them on Wal Mart policy, we have even called Wal Mart Corporate, which is saved on on my IPHONE and have conference calls with them, now when I go in, they close a registar just for me. I can get four full carts of all kinds of stuff, food, cat and dog food, meats and be out the door for less the 50 bucks, because I follow the guidelines posted by Wal Mart corporate, and if the store does not know, I have Corporate on my phone and I call.
Kelly
I guess I just assume that you have to provide an ad to get the price matched. How else would they know if you are telling the truth about the price? It is rather crazy to me that a person would think that they can just go into Walmart and say “coke is .25 cheaper across the street” without any proof and expect the price matched. They match prices as a courtesy, a very time consuming courtesy, and people need to be realistic about it. Come on people, be realistic!
Jess
EXACTLY!!
boogs
OMG!! People just don’t seem to understand that. And if it’s not advertised and it is cheaper across the street, then go across the street.
single mom
its assoc. like YOU that i would just love to drag across that belt line and just beat the holy crap out of! smart a** check out workers….. if you dont like your job and if you dont or cant work with the public, then my suggestion would be GO HOME! ya know, some ppl have very little income as a single parent…. so using comp ads is the only way i can even afford to feed my kids!! if not for these comp ads my kids wouldnt get to eat….. so just remember next time you make up your own rules! weather its a CSM or a check out clerk, think of the kids you are takin food from by makin up your own rules…. maybe the next time a comp ad gets denied i will just have to bring my kids to you and let you feed them!!!!!!! or look at their hungry faces and deny them food……
Twila
I do and take my coupon that doubles to them too. It works great for me. I am not a valuable walmart customer. The only thing I buy is gas right now because it is the cheapest in town. My town is not that big that driving around is not that big of deal for me and I do my own competitive shops too. Something walmart has forgotten how to do. On days I am well enough to drive. I am disabled and still find a way on my good days to save money no other choices at my house.
goddessoflubbock
Your post is wrong. They do match bogo as long as there’s a price listed for the first item (ie not two for $10, but yes buy one for $10 get one free).
I’ve printed out the policy from the Walmart site, I’ve had to call Bentonville while in line bc the checker tried to tell me they couldn’t match prices on Purdue whole cutup fryer bc the Walmart butcher cuts those (total lie, they come in pre-packaged).
Michelle Gex
Today I had problems at a Walmart in Katy, TX because I was price matching Walmart’s generic brand frozen 3 lb. boneless chicken breast to Fiesta’s Pilgrim’s Pride 3 lb. bag. They were trying to tell me that they couldn’t do it for all kind of strange reasons. Besides saying that they couldn’t match a name brand with their store brand (I thought they were always willing to do that… just not the other way around), the manager was trying to tell me that the Fiesta advertised boneless skinless breasts, while the walmart bag said boneless skinless CHICKEN breasts. She really was trying to convince me that she couldn’t tell from Fiesta’s flyer if what they were selling was chicken or not. I don’t know why she was trying to be so difficult. She knew it was chicken. It certainly wasn’t beef or pork. I’ve never seen turkey sold in that manner. I almost wanted to have her call the Fiesta store to ask them. It was so absurd. She was holding up a line (because I wasn’t budging) because she didn’t want to honor this price match. They didn’t have a 3 lb. pilgrim’s pride to match. They had Great Value (even cheaper). In addition, their normal chicken breasts that they usually sell (not frozen), they were out of . A worker had told me that they had been out of it for 3 days . I would have been happy to buy their normal chicken, but since I was “forced” to by this other option, I wanted at least the price match.. I found this website when I was trying to find out what the policy was for subsituting their store brand for a name brand. Does anyone know?
Kelli Baker
I work @ WM as a cashier, and they are suppose to ad match Great Value items with other store brands. That is at my store in TN though. I do not know if it is different in other stores. It seems from the stuff I have read on this site, that a lot of stores in other states, do things a bit different from the way we do things here. Makes NOOOOOO sense, they are all Wal Mart’s and they are all suppose to have the same rules and policies, that I know of, but the Manager and Assistant Manager’s have the right to refuse someone to ad match. If you have the ad, most of the time, they can not dispute that, unless they use that mileage crap. Which I do not even know what the policy is on that, because I have had someone tell me it is a 50 mile radius and others to say different. But we all have little slips at our registers that says “Wal Mart will gladly ad match other store brands for Great Value items.” Not saying you can ad match say, Dominoe’s Sugar for Great Value sugar, but you could ad match Dollar General Brand Sugar with Great Value Sugar. Just using that as an example. This is to all the other’s posting on this site, IF A CASHIER REFUSES TO AD MATCH AN ITEM FOR YOU— ASK FOR A CSM, ASSISTANT MANAGER OR THE STORE MANAGER. Do NOT settle with the cashier telling you what they do not think you can ad match because most of the time they do not know what they are talking about and it is not their decision, a CSM has the final call, and if they give you a problem, demand to speak to a manager!!! Hope this helps!!
Liz P.
Thank you Kelly. I didn’t know about the great value price matching. wish there were more walmart employees like you in the stores that actually care about the customers they deal with and offer some great money saving suggestions. That store is lucky to have you there!
Kathy Braun
Store policy is that you must match item for item, brand for brand. If the store does not have what you are wanting to match, then the store cannot/will not match the price. There are people working for Wal-Mart who think the policy means that the price has to be matched, at the discretion of the customer. Naturally, if the ad tells the item is made by Fisher Price, for example, the customer will not get that price on, say, Playskool.
If the ad is for a 3-lb. bag of apples, and the store does not have a 3-lb. bag currently, the store does not have to make you a deal.
guy
don’t try to price match at walmart they will have you arrested for retail theft. They just did it to my wife.
Duke
Awesome! She probably deserved it!
Sandra
Duke, do you even know what you are talking about? Stay off this website if you have nothing nice to say or relevant for that matter. Pricematching is not illegal and should not be treated as such. All stores should all be educated on their own policies and stick with it. Had my run ins with price matching and at my store they no longer price match some of our local stores. They claim they are losing money because the other stores prices are too low. BS, that’s what it is.
Jess
I am a cashier at Wal-Mart in Omaha. I have seen countless people LIE about price matches, so I never believe anyone unless they bring in the ad. How do I know you are being truthful? You can’t just come in and say that a Barbie is $5 cheaper at Target.
The price you are matching has to be in the weekly ads, and you have to bring the ad in to the cashier so we can see it. Otherwise, I will pull out my own supply of weekly ads, and search for it. If it’s not in there, I won’t match it for you and you’ll just have to go to Target.
Remember, Wal-Mart can stop price matching, so don’t take advantage of it or think it is your right.
Liz P.
Wow, see, it’s attitudes like yours that make it a poor environment for customers to shop at walmart. you actually just told walmart customers to go somewhere else if they don’t like it. LOL! exactly the attitude I just described in my complaint just now. thanks for proving my point.
hey
Why would a cashier from Omaha give a SH** about defending a company like Wal-mart????? Seriously!!!! Its YOUR precious company’s own policy to Ad Match. Its called CUSTOMER SERVICE!!!! Hello! If you don’t like it get into a different line of work. I’m not trying to be disrespectful but its attitudes like yours that make Walmart look bad. If you having a hard time with the policy take it up with your manager so he or she can help you through this difficult time in your life. If people lie to get a cheaper price then Walmart can change their policy AGAIN. What they are trying to do is get people to shop at their store.
Kathy Braun
Have you ever witnessed a customer abuse a cashier? It happens all the time. Abuse is not correct from either side. Wal-Mart has the right to decide what to do with the merchandise it owns. I don’t know of another store that lets customers pay the lowest local price.
option-less shopper
HA! I just find it funny that you don’t comply with your own store’s policy. I assure you, Miss Jess, that if I were to come into your store, advise you of price matched items, which I would have researched ahead of time and had a list of, I would have made an absolute fool out of you if you had the audacity to to tell me you don’t “Believe” me and that I need the ad. Having not only your customer service manager, but your store and regional managers involved in your little game would be a lot more fun for me than it would be for you. Let’s get this straight, k pumpkin? You work at Walmart, where this GIANT corporation pays important people lots of money to make policies that people like you, that make, what – $7/hour? have to comply with. Sorry to burst your bubble, or remove you from your path to your power trip, but you DO have to comply with the policy, whether you think that someone is being truthful. Goodness – the money is not coming out of your trust fund from Mr Walton, trust me on that one.
Kathy Braun
The reason the customer does not need the ad is that the ads come in the local papers, and that’s what lets you know the meaning of “local”, and “competitor”.
Sandra
Wow, remind me to never go through your line. Why would you even care to question a customer…YOUR customer….and not help them get a good deal. The policy states that you no longer need the ad. So why are you trying to make up your own rules in that regard when policy states they will match any advertised price WITHOUT an ad. You seriously need to find another line of work.
JustSaying
Its not your job to deside whether or not someone is lying. The website clearly says “no ad needed”. You do not own walmart. The money is not coming out of your pocket either way. You still get your little meager wage. Get the stick outta your a–.
Jason
She does not have a stick in her ass, she is simply following the rules employed by her store’s manager.
Jennifer
I have actually found a product in another chain of department stores and have found this item on walmart.com also. I would like to have the price matched but it says you have to pay for the item online, even if you ship to store. I do not want to pay the walmart.com price, as I have found it for a much better deal. This is not an internet price. It is one I actually found in a store. Does anyone know whether or not walmart will match the price? If so, how would I go about proving to walmart.com that it is valid?
kristen
I’ve asked managers about this before and Walmart doesn’t price match other walmarts or Walmart.com prices they aren’t considered competitors because they are all apart of one company it would be like competiting against yourself.
Kathy Braun
You can call and talk to anyone at your local store, or talk to someone with walmart.com customer service to let you know their policy. “Wal-Mart stores” and walmart.com do have different pricing for different reasons(shipping for one). Wal-Mart will do their very best to make you happy, but there is a limit.
Cris
I went into a Wal Mart today with a walgreens ad and tried to ad match with the register rewards and they refused to do it. It doesn’t make sense to me!!!!!! There was a final price in the ad so why didn’t they do it!??!! I had to stand in line and wait for them to pull up their policy and still had to wait for them to read through it and they still couldn’t figure it out. It had a final price they should of price matched it, I left the buggy there with everything. Walgreens here I come!!!!!! Walmart is not the one stop shop.
hey
Why did you SHOW them the ad? The policy clearly states you do NOT have to have the ad with you. Just say I am price matching this item to $0.99. leave it at that. If they ask you where you saw it, say Walgreens. Be honest but don’t divulge information. That complicates things and makes the cashiers’ heads spin. Not pretty….
Wendy
This does need clarifying as well,i agree.The BOTTOM line price is what i`m interested in matching.If i want to screw around with “register rewards,UP rewards and extra bucks”,i`ld shop in those stores,i literally pass by 3 of each of them stores to shop at Walmart so i don`t have to do that.Walmart needs to be consistant with every cashier,manager and store so we as customers can be prepared at the register with whatever they require.It would save a whole lot of aggrevasion for the cashier ,customers and managers!
Amy
I understand what you guys are saying and it would be really nice to be able to price match the ‘after register rewards’ price from Walgreen’s but if you have shopped at Walgreen’s and have read a register reward you will see plainly at the top that a register rewards is a ‘manufacture coupon’. How can you price match a manufacture coupon? You can’t. Fact is Walgreen’s is getting that money reimbursed to them by the manufacture, if you were to price match it at wal-mart they would not get that money back. Plus if you look at the ad it states ‘Sale Price’ this is the price you can price match at wal-mart, then it saids ‘Register Rewards good on next purchase x amount’ then states ‘like paying x amount’…. so price match the ‘Sale Price’ all you want but you can’t price match a manufacture coupon aka register reward.
Kathy Braun
The final price reads, “after reward”…Walgreens will reward you, after you get a special card from them. Or, the ad reads, “final price after $1.00 coupon”…that is not the final price. Finally, the policy is that of Wal-Mart, they get to decide, it is their policy. Really not that difficult, many people just want things their way.
TheHmc
I price match at my local WalMart all the time. Whether they say you need the ad or not, I have ALWAYS taken my ad with me- who would want to deliberately take on the hassle of a cashier that thinks you’re scamming them? I also take the time to line up all things I’m getting from each sale paper(I go every sunday and usually have at least 2 sale papers for price matching), have each item circled for the cashier for easy finding, and try to organize the items themselves so that it will be easy for the cashier(example: last week KS had Yoplait yogurt cups for 44 cents each. I got 16 cups and limited it to only 4 flavors, as the cashier would only then have to scan 4 total cups. Had I gotten 2 cups of 8 different flavors, she would’ve had to scan one of each flavor and then put the new price in-making her stop to scan 8 different cups and enter the price for each one…just time consuming not only for the cashier but for me and anyone else waiting in line- when I’m price matching and there’s a mix and match thing going on, I try to limit it if possible, just to help the cashier out a little because I APPRECIATE that they’re matching the prices at all). I don’t see why anyone *would* try to price match without an ad to prove themselves. Unless you’re trying to get one over on the cashier. If you have a problem with WalMart already then wouldn’t you try to save yourself that hassle? Also, if you get your ads via email or some other way, then can’t you save it on your smartphone or print it out when you get it so that you CAN have it available when you go to the store? heck..I have WM’s coupon policy AND their price match policy downloaded to my phone so that if i EVER have an issue at my local store(which I never have, thank goodness, for once the cashiers are on the same page) I have it right there and have no problem pulling it out.
I think a person’s best bet would be to stop at their local store with a copy of the policy(ies) and get down to the nitty gritty with a csm. Write their name on the top of your policy print out, the date you talked to them and get clarification for YOURself from YOUR local store. My nearby store may have cashiers that know the policy and Will price match from any store ad(so long as you have that ad in your hand, of course…and I always do), but cashiers at the store up North from here might have a totally different thing going on. So educate yourself as much as possible on this by getting it from the horses mouth. And if your local store is contradicting what WalMart states their policy is, then take it up with their corporate offices. If they’re advertising it as all stores following these policies and not all stores are allowing it, then that’s a problem they need to know about.
I’ve had a good experience with it, however, and it’s actually made me appreciate the store a bit more than I have for years. I literally hated them for eons but still shopped there to save a buck when I needed to.
Duke
You are a smart smart and courteous shopper. Thank you from all the other people in line.
Kathy Braun
The Hmc, you need to teach shopping 101 to all shoppers everywhere.
jbocephus
I, personally have not price matched, but my mom does all the time. I would like to know is if you buy an item(not food related) and then 2 days later see the exact same item on sale elsewhere will they refund the difference? If not, can Ireturn it, get the money back and repurchase it?
Amanda
That is something you need to ask your local walmart. It varies by store.
Kathy Braun
In our store, yes-that will vary store-to-store, manger to manager.
Liz P.
Hello, I have to say that in the 3 states I’ve lived, every walmart I’ve visited had customer service that was unbelievably poor. I can understand the cashiers being tired from a hard days work…but i don’t accept the lack of friendliness or interest in providing good customer service. I’ve had cashiers and floor workers argue with me when I tried to ask a question or submit a complaint, I’ve been accused of lying about a sale that I had an ad for in hand, argued with when two apple displays of the same brand had two different prices…I was told I had to pay the more expensive price, when I got the apples from the rack with the lower price…”because they just accidentally put up the wrong price!” LOL Wow!
Price matching – This is something I love to do. It’s the only reason that I return to wal-mart. However, when I try to use a coupon with my add to get the lowest price from all of my ads in hand, (which is the price I would get at the selling store with coupons), I am told that I can not use both. Why is that? Aren’t coupons something that the store is reimbursed on from the manufacturer? you would still be getting your money back and earning a repeat customer? I had to put back my large bag of dog food at wal-mart and go to the store that had the sale in the ad…they accepted my coupon!
Walmart would be an excellent store if the employees would actually offer the friendly customer service that is promised, honored coupons and sales ads, didn’t argue or accuse their customers of being liars, and were consistant with their pricing with in a store. I am almost ready to pay a higher price just to get the quality customer service and work harder at couponing than to continue to have to deal with the lack of service commitment and consistancy at the wal-mart stores I’ve been too, those are the only things that have been consistant that I can remember. Very sad and dissappointing. Please work on these issues.
Thank you. A frustrated Customer!
Liz P.
I forgot to mention, that currently the store I am shopping at is in El Paso, TX on Transmountain. The supervisor that accused me of lying to her was Gabby and the cashier was Norma. (regarding a sales ad and a coupon) The manager I complained to at the customer service desk was Santiago. (05.30.11)
Kathy Braun
Perhaps if you had people calling you names, and very very rarely had customers who behaved as though they valued you as a person, you would be less-than-happy/kind/fun/smiley.
jaclyn bullock
i have to print my sales ads off the computer because i dnt recieve a circular for kroger in dewitt and i live instuttgart i have had no problems when i ad match.. i just wondered if its a kroger storebrand can it be ad matched to a walmart store brand??
Kathy Braun
Yes, store brand vs store brand is the policy.
Howard
I would just like to say that until Walmart will honor extra bucks, register rewards, and +up rewards I will continue to shop at your competitor’s and will advise anyone to do the same. Thank you, hew
Kathy Braun
What else do you want Wal-Mart doing? Do you want all these stores under one tent? Ask the others maybe to change their policies, so you don’t have to do hoops and loops to get their bottom price! How’s that for a solution?
Wants wm to be her 1stop shop!
If walmart did final price after RR and EBCs I would only shop there PERIOD! So many people have had success and I want to be doing the same. Walmart still makes such an amazing profit anyway, why not help people.?
For those cashiers out there if you price match the final price from cvs and wags do u get in trouble at the end of the day? If not y not be curtious to all involved (customer at register, others in line and yourself-no hassles) and just do it. Not everyone is a couponer and will try this, so be kind to those who do the research, we r not trying to harm you or walmart by saving money for our families. Don’t get defensive for walmart, they made their policies knowing the loopholes. They have billions of dollars and hire people to make and approve these policies (it takes time and effort to make them—they know what they made. Be nice to us not defensive and mean. At the end of the day your paycheck is unaffected. And if this begins to ruin sales, which it definitely won’t, walmart will change their policy before anyone gets fired so your safe. Be nice 🙂 please reply to my question any cashier from wm.
Thank you and happy price matching and coupOning…..
(I had a dispute with a manager about price matching and she made no sense with her explanation and after about 30 min -7 with her and the rest shopPing she still did not do it. I’m going to try a cashier who has been nice toe about coupons and see what he does. Cross your fingers for me 🙂 ps I called corporate 2x before I went and 1 time there. The manager, Wendy, actually told me not to believe corporate. And she guessed at th policy made her own ideas and that was it. I would not be mad it she told me and did it this once for me so my time ea not wasted:(.
Amanda
Store management makes the final decision on ad matching. The advertisement for ad matching states “see local store for restrictions”. Cashiers can be fired over $1 ad matching. So yes they are very cautious. I apologize for experience, though. It seems the situation was not handled very well at all.
Kathy Braun
>>Cashiers can be fired over $1 ad matching.<< Really? Would like to know where that happened…I think the cashier might have a case of not reasonable termination.
Kathy Braun
>>they made their policies knowing the loopholes<< WOW
Kathy Braun
I think we should all try this with Ford…I think we should go to Ford and tell them we want them to give us better pricing, because, well gosh, they make billions!
walmat chasier
I am a cashier at walmart for 3 yrs..the new policey of not having the ad is fine for you as a customer..but i have to make the decided is this reasonable example charmin 12 pk double roll sells for 12 or so dollars..you tel me its 4.79…mmm i as the cashier can ask you what store you are ad matching..and we have the ad..it is my job and responsiablty to check that. I have been lied to yelled at..you want to save money that fine..i believe in the ad math..but do not lie to me..and coupon divas..one coupon per item..read the small print on your coupon..that is walmart store policey..you wonna be 25 mustards and ad match it with 25 coupons fine..but that is 25 seperate transactions, and the coupon may limit you to the # per day..savw money but walmart is still a business and its called profit and loss. If you have me my deat ad matching binder carrying divas its your right..but my responsibality to make sure it is the same size oz and matches thw pic on the add..
mama
When a coupon states 1 coupon per item that does not mean you must make seperate purchases, what it means is you can only use 1 coupon per item ex. 1 mustard 1 coupon 2 mustards 2 coupons you cannot buy 3 mustards and use 4 coupons. When the coupon states 1 per transaction then you have to do seperate orders. Check out coupon divas for a better explanation and understanding.
Silvia
I usually always go to walmart with my mom and do the ad match pricing most of the time. A few days ago, we went to go for our grocery shopping. We matched everything correctly(ex. ounces, lbs, limits, etc) and when we were about to pay, the cashier told us he needed the csm approval. We didn’t think much of it, until the csm looked at our total and then our amount of groceries and said the cashier had done it ‘wrong’. I checked everything as the cashier was pricing it and it was all right! After waiting for the long line and then going through our groceries, we had to take another 30mins on another seperate register with the manager. Our original total was about 98$ and the manager didn’t do all of our ad pricing putting up a lot of excuses that they weren’t right, this was wrong, only this store could do it, blah blah blah. We ended up having to pay 136$.
I know ya’ll might be too busy to even read this, but I just wanted to share this bad shopping experience.
Amanda
The store management has the final decision. The advertisement states “see local store for restrictions “. That is because due to many issues with certain ads and certain stores that we ad match store managers have the authority to quit matching certain ads. I’m sorry for your experience. This should have been explained to you at the time of your issue.
Barb
I did just recently start doing the price matching with wal mart. For instance Tidy cat is sold for 9.98 a box. Albertsons (supermarket in our area) had it on sale in the ad for 5.99. I also had a coupon for1.75 off. It was an amazing purchase for me. I saved over 50 %. I was not sure if I had to show the add or not so I made a list. Listed the grocery stores then what items i wanted and for what price on a piece of paper. Circled the items in the flyers with a sharpie. It took that sales lady no longer to ring up my purchases then if I had not used the price match. I ended up saving a total of around 80 dollars.
I came to this site because i am not totally aware of policy on meat and veggies. I was saddened to see so many complaints here. We have two super wall marts in our area. One does have prices a bit cheaper then the other. It is NOT worth the extra couple of miles to shop in a seedy neighborhood to save a few pennies.
For Christmas i bought my daughter the Suzuki Quad ride on toy. It was 20 dollars cheaper online. My bad. I didnt plan i was shopping at the last minute no time to have it delivered. I spoke to a store manager he told me he could NOT match the online price from walmart.com i was upset so he gave me free assembly. And pick up the next day!
I really dont have any complaints. Walmart gives so much to so many charities every year shopping with them is just my way of pitching in too.. Plus the money i save on gas makes it great too. ONE STOP SHOP!
Babs
jason
I have had this problem with several stores in the dallas area. I bring my policy from corporate every time I shop just so I can call the rude checker checking me out a lier when they say they don’t honor that. And as for the employees that are posting rude posts about customers on here…you act like as if your paycheck will be shorted if you comp an item. And also, if you have a problem with the policy corp has invented then complain to your CEO and quit calling your customers liarsi if everybody you angered went somewhere else to shop then you wouldn’t have a job. Walmart is gonna get sued over this and im willing to bet im gonna be the one to take them to court if someone else doesn’t sue them first. Lol
Amanda
The store manager has the final decision on ad matching. The advertisement states to check with local store for restrictions. If there have been a lot of problems with matching a certain ad then the store manager has the right to quit matching the ad. Cashiers are told to be strict because they can in fact be fired for ad matching something they are not supposed to. They are not calling you a liar by any means. They are following a set of rules the store manager has set out. Since the advertisement says “see local store for restrictions ” a lawsuit will not be possible.
Veterkins
FYI – Here is a HUGE tip for all of you:
Wal-Mart has a 1-800-WALMART or 1-800-925-6278. USE IT!
I live close to the WalMart home office, Bentonville, AR. Even when I travel to another state, I make sure they honor the WalMart policies. I’ve called the number many times and have yet to be disappointed.
My local Dollar General sells Hiland Milk for $2 a gallon. The local WalMart Express has Great Value milk for $2 but Hiland is $4+. I make them price match the Hiland Milk for $2. YES THEY WILL DO IT. I’ve had a couple of clerks inform me that there was $2 a gallon milk in the dairy case – I tell them I do not like their GV milk and want Hiland for the $2 price.
I bought cut-by-the-yard (CBTY) fabric from WalMart when JoAnne’s Fabric’s had coupons for 50% of one CBTY fabric. Yes Walmart matched the coupon. I showed it to them on my smart phone. I DID NOT HAVE TO HAVE THE PRINTED COUPON ON PAPER – ONLY ON MY PHONE.
It’s “MY” local trade territory – not “WalMart’s” local trade territory. I usually keep it within a 5/6 mile radius.
Happy Shopping – hope this helps!
Kathy Braun
>>It’s “MY” local trade territory – not “WalMart’s” local trade territory.<< wrong. "Local competitor" implies the store's locale, the store's competitor. How far are you willing to drive to get a "bargain"…10, 20 miles? If you are willing to drive that far, so be it, but Wal-Mart knows for most, local means just that.
And, that is why you don't need to bring the ads…the ads come in the local papers, that's a clue to the definition of "local", and "competitor". But, final note…the final decision is left to store management, because they are responsible for inventory and profit.
Veterkins
FYI – Here is a HUGE tip for all of you:
Wal-Mart has a 1-800-WALMART or 1-800-925-6278. USE IT!
I live close to the WalMart home office, Bentonville, AR. Even when I travel to another state, I make sure they honor the WalMart policies. I’ve called the number many times and have yet to be disappointed.
My local Dollar General sells Hiland Milk for $2 a gallon. The local WalMart Express has Great Value milk for $2 but Hiland is $4+. I make them price match the Hiland Milk for $2. YES THEY WILL DO IT. I’ve had a couple of clerks inform me that there was $2 a gallon milk in the dairy case – I tell them I do not like their GV milk and want Hiland for the $2 price. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO HAVE THE AD! WALMART POLICY!!! IF THEY ARGUE WITH YOU – CALL THE 800 NUMBER WHILE YOU ARE STANDING THERE IN THEIR LINE!! It helps to know what register number, time, who the cashier is and you can give all that while in the line!
I bought cut-by-the-yard (CBTY) fabric from WalMart when JoAnne’s Fabric’s had coupons for 50% of one CBTY fabric. Yes Walmart matched the coupon. I showed it to them on my smart phone. I DID NOT HAVE TO HAVE THE PRINTED COUPON ON PAPER – ONLY ON MY PHONE.
It’s “MY” local trade territory – not “WalMart’s” local trade territory. I usually keep it within a 5/6 mile radius.
Happy Shopping – hope this helps!
Amanda
the store manager has the final decision. Policy states it must be a printed ad. As it as called “ad matching”. If the stores you go to match other things then that is by their own discretion, but please do not give customers the false idea that every walmart HAS to do this. That just adds to frustration.
Sarah
Does anyone know what constitutes a “local” competitor for Wal-Mart? I would have assumed it to be the ads that come in our Sunday paper, but some people are having trouble price matching at our local Wal-Mart and I was just trying to confirm as I cannot find it anywhere. Thanks!
Twila
Any other physical store selling your products. Grocery to dime to gas stations. It is all the same.
terri
Ok so now they did the same thing to my daughter. I think its time to start researching class action lawsuits. False advertising is false advertising no matter what it is.
Amanda
The store manager makes the final decision. If there has been a problem with “ad matching” a certain store the store manager can refuse to match that ad. Also remember it must be in the AD. It is “ad matching”. We do not match shelf prices.
Brenna
I am REALLY REALLY upset with Walmart right now and actually thinking about never shopping there again. I spent over an hour arguing my point of price matching with three CSM’s, one cashier, and two assistant managers. I had an ad from target and from radio shack stating that the price of a sprint cell phone was $49.99 with a new contract or upgrade. Walmart would not honor the price of either ad because it was on a contract cell phone (through Sprint). I ask numerous times to show me where in their Price Match Guarantee that it stated this and NONE of them were able to show me. They just told me to go to Radio Shack or Target and buy it if I wanted it at that price..I would have but since today is Easter Sunday they were both closed. I asked them for the number to someone that could clarify the policy and they told me to call 1-800-walmart but said I would be just wasting my time. Seriously, shouldnt it be in their policy that they dont price match cell phones. Their policy states “EVERYTHING” and I had the ad.
Amanda
The store manager has the final decision. Many times the manager will quit honoring certain ads due to problems with that particular product and the manufacturer. 1-800-walmart is never a waste of time. They contact the store almost immediately about the situation.
Kathy Braun
The policy also states, “see store for details, some restrictions apply”. The policy is theirs, they get to decide.
Sue
I am the next dream price matcher and couponer but what aggravates me are those that are ruining it for the rest of us. Does that try to cheat the stores by wanting to purchase items that are not included on the coupons. Wanting to purchase more then the required amount. An example of this White cloud toilet paper Any package except the 4 roll packages for 2 dollars off. Limit 4 packages per customer. The lady in front of me had a cart full of full of the 4 roll packages and got bad when the cashier refusedsed to let her use the coupon. The cashier was right the customer was wrong But this customer argued with the cashier all the way up to. management level. The customer lost you can’t always blame the cashier for trying to do what’s right and fair. The store does not get refund did the money for coupons that are not used properly. My understanding is there is a 4 items per price match limit with walmart
Sue
Some walmart price match alcohol and suome dont corporate told me it was each individual store managers option. They said they set their guidelines but store managers can set guidelines also. I’m just saying that we s coupon ers need to be fair and not try to cheat the companies. Cashiers can get fired if they let you use coupons inappropriately And I wouldn’t want a cashier to lose her job because I was trying to cheat her. it can be done good and it can be done right in a can be done without arguing. I’m not saying the cashier is always right because sometimes they get an attitude so they don’t want the coupon ers to use your coupons That we cando it without yelling at each other
WAPA
Here’s some info that might clarify a few things for some if not already mentioned. I myself work for walmart and have just looked into these specific issues in my own store. The thing with the customer service is as follows: if you have a bad experience with a cashier or CSM reffusing to comp a price, even if the walmart store 1 mile away does different, at the end of the day, it is completely up to the STORE MANAGER how they handle these things. In the price change policy, it states that “the store manager has the final word in customer service.”
What does this mean? That means if the store manager saw fit, they could be a little more strict on issues like comping. I also looked at transactions where almost everything is comped and let me tell you.. its not pretty sometimes.. on many transactions, the amount saved was greater than what was originally conffigurd.. this means that the store actually LOST money, because the total actual sales was less than eveen wholesale pricing. How does this affect the associates? I understand why some associates are upset at this. When transactions start causing shrink in order to provide customer service, that’s practially money out of the associate’s pockets! Although long term profits are a goal, it won’t bring back shrink when it grows that much from competitive pricing.
Playing devil’s advocate here though, that’s not to say that some associates don’t take advantage of this.. which in turn would counter the loss in income from loss of sales, but then again that would just cause a downward spiral.. a vicious cycle, if you will. I wish some store managers would step it up a notch and work for profit just a tadd bit more, but in a society where the economy is in the crapper, I can see why keeping customers is more important sometimes.. but we really should remember “low prices.. at what cost??”
Pearl
I work at a walmart in Texas. And we always make sure we have the ad’s at the registers. The ones we don’t get in the paper we bring ourselves from home. And our store manager does let us price match BOGO items even without a price. And if it isn’t a big price difference we don’t even check. If you have a lot we will check the big items just because it has to be overrided after a certain point and we need to be able to cover our butts. But otherwise we pretty much just do whatever. I work nights though but pretty sure most of the cashiers during the day do the same. I just hate when managment says yes to a customer on something then when i go to do it when i leave for the day and another manager says no. Most cashiers who worry is because they don’t want to get written up for to many price overides. (which i have heard happens). We have an ALDI’s that always has milk on sale so we just do whatever the price was in the last ad we saw as long as the customer asks. Alot of the daytime cashiers will tell you whats on sale and do it automatically for you. (that use to be against policy but most of them don’t care they do it anyway). I take full advantage of the ads. I’ve only been complained at once for checking a womens price matches on meat (but only did it cause she got half of them wrong because I had already memorized the meat prices) (she still got it 75% cheaper). We let managment decide if it’s a huge difference if we don’t have an ad because we could get in huge trouble:). mostly problems arise because we have no official CBL or other training on AD matching they just say here is the policy paper and then change the rules every other day. I know cashiers who don’t even know how to do XX for X amount/or understand how to do BOGO. example get bread at 2.49 get one free. You just do it at 2/2.49. very simple but few of them get proper training or just don’t catch on. For BOGO meat we just do each package at half the price per lb (but it really confuses some). It’s so bad and the mixed messages from managment that i’m moving away from cashier to other area.
Pearl
also another walmart near us i’m told is very strict so the customers come to ours because we are looser. And I have been told we are nicer about it. As for coupons as long as it is the right items and only one coupon per the amount designated and properly dated we take it. If it is print at home and doesn’t scan after several atempts we don’t because we can get in a lot of trouble for taking fake coupons. Cashiers need to be polite about it and also customers need to make sure coupons print clearly and are gotten from reputable sources. If a coupon isn’t working properly and the cashier refuses to take it, it is because if she forces it and it is wrong she can get written up. Also if it says on the coupon not travel size then you can’t get travel size. but i was told you do get the difference if you regardless if it is price matched (it would be the same if it was on sale). Wal-Mart doesn’t double because they do not get reimbursed if the coupons are used improperly.
pearl
and we price match store brand to store brand. Example: United’s Food Club to Wal-Mart Great Value. I don’t know if we have ever price matched brand name to store brand name (usually our store brand is cheaper).
gail shelby
i tried to match prices today at walmart, cashier said they would not match save a lot grocery, because it was a discount store. it doesn’t say that on their ad. please help. i am in tall, fl thanks gail
Amanda
The store manager makes the final decision on what stores they ad match. My particular walmart does not ad match any discount store such as save a lot or big
Lots
liz
I work at Walmart in Katy Texas
The reason most cashiers at my Walmart are so strict with AD matching IS BECAUSE WE WiLL get fired over the 3 bucks that someone lies about and we approve it just as we have patience with constant rude people complaining about long lines WHICH IS SOMETHING CASHIERS HAVE NO CONTROL OVER WE DO NOT HIRE CO WORKRS WE DO NOT MAKE THE schedule we can’t decide who calls in that day have patience while we check your ads just because you don’t make prices doesn’t mean no one does working at Walmart is being on the crinolines of society and it’s best and it’s worse I’ve seen Pepe pick up the tab for someone else who doesn’t have enough I’ve seen customers in fist fight over being to close to each in line I’ve had People tell at me over the price of milk I’ve had drunk men come in a make vile rematks and requests all in a days work all for that 7.75 try to have little understanding if you come to a register a the red carpet isn’t rolled out a little hi how are you? Back goes a long way 75% of People I greet don’t even answer me I’m currently working at Walmart because I was laid off anyway just cool your engines on the Walmart cashier hate train
liz
Also I wrote that on my phone excuse the typos
Debbie Sweatman
I went shopping found a carpet shampooer that I really liked for $129.00 everyday price not on sale, therefore there was no sale paper. I then had to pick a few things up at wal-mart well while there I looked at the same shampooer. Wal-mart price was $188.00. I took a picture on my phone as well as having my receipt that I just left the store. When I asked about the price match I was asked for a sale add from the first store. I didn’t have one but showed the picture as well as the receipt from the 1st store to show that I had just left there. Well to my surprise I was told that because they had no sale paper and I didn’t bring one they can not match the price I showed them the receipt showing I had just left and explained that the item was an everyday price at the 1st store therefore it would not be in a sale paper. The manager told me that my picture had no date and because they had no sale paper or proof that the picture had been taken the same day they were not going to price match. I was very disappointed in my local wal-mart no matter what they claim to always be here for us the consumer. That was not in this case because the no hassle price match was a BIG hassle. O I did go back to the first store and bought the shampooer from them Thanks Big Lots for my new shampooer.
Amanda
Walmart does not match shelf prices. It is “ad matching” not just “price matching”. The store manager has the final say. My particular store does not ad match Big Lots at all because it is a discount store.
areli
To what extreme are walmart management allowed to change the price match policy? I seem to be doing everything right and a cashier always gives me some excuse as to why they can’t price match the item. I’ve gotten we don’t price match that store to you can only purchase one item of the kind for the matched price. The policy as simple and easy to understand, the employees have made it difficult for a consumer to shop and recive what’s clearly noted in the policy. Whereas it seems easier to shop elsewhere. They always tell me that the management can change the rules as they please. Thanks for reading.
Hubert Hadley
I was at the Walmart in North Vernon Indiana. They told me that they no longer price match for Krogers or Marsh in Columbus Indiana since it was 10 miles away. I ask them why? They said their store manager got a big head one day and was laughing saying he loved being able to do what ever he wanted and nobody could do nothing about it. He told them the only stores they would price match was the ones in town. One Grocery store and CVS and Walgreens Drugs store, With a attitude like that. I guess I wont be going to Walmart in North Vernon very much. I’d will drive the 10 miles to Columbus 13 miles to Seymour Indiana instead Of staying in town to shop.
Amanda
That is an unacceptable response from a walmart associate. When that kind of answer is given feel free to move up the chain of command to get the entire story. The store manager does make the final decision. But there may have been problems with matching a particular stores prices. Always go up the management ladder. I’m sorry you had such a horrible experience.
registered owner
i would like to ask the Corporate Office a question? Why is it you do not have full time employees? Every cashier i talked too they seemed to only work worked part-time, Some of them often look so sad because they wished they had more hours. We all know Walmart has grown to be a Empire or as i would call it, the store on top of the pyramid. i think these employees deserve more.
Also why is it that each time i go get a shopping cart i have the terrible luck of getting one that one of the wheels either don’t turn, make a loud noise or wheels wobble..As a customer i feel i don’t have to test each cart. don’t you guys have a maintenance crew that maintains this cart to pristine condition?
Kathy Braun
Does every place you go have brand new fixtures? Do you tell them they must keep everything in pristine condition?
sue cherrier
all i want to say is if they not price mach something then that is falts ads they shouhg not say you not need and ad then.
Amanda
It isn’t advertised as “price matching” it is “ad matching”. And the store manager has the final say so on all decisions for that particular store
Mike Mccray
I had an ad for green bell peppers that said: “Green Peppers 5 lbs. for a dollar.”
When I got to the check stand the cashier refused to honor the ad by saying that Wal Mart sells Green peppers singularly.
So what is the Wal Mart policy on Green Peppers?
Amanda
Walmart does sale peppers singularly. The ad would have to be a specific price per pepper. Though the store manager has the final decision.
Kathy Braun
Everything is rung up as it is…that cannot be changed. Other stores will have their items done in another method so as to prevent your matching their ad at Wal-Mart.
jennifer t
i’m just curious about this…i’ve had no yes or no answers and it’s just out of curosity. i have a target weekly ad app on my smart phone. it give you the date the ad is for and the item and the dollar amount…is that acceptable? what is defined by the word “local” i live in a small town and the nearest target is 30 miles away, now before they switched store owners, i had no issues with price matching from target. i do know now that this particular store won’t price match any milk at all. no matter if it’s from jay c store or anywhere else. i always have my ads with me to prove the price match.
i guess what i’m wondering, is the store manager allowed to make up their own rules about the price match policy?
Amanda
You will need to talk to your local walmart manager to get specific policies on their ad matching. At my store it must be a printed ad with a date printed on it. Hope this helps!
Amanda
And yes, the store manager has the final say on all ad matching decisions.
Kathy Braun
The store manager is responsible for inventory and profit, as such, his/her discretion as to pricing on ad-matching.
Kathy Braun
“Local” is the ads that come in the local papers. That will also tell you who is a competitor. But, supervisors have discretion. As a supervisor, I was permitted letting a customer have an item for >$5 less, or >$10, depending. Cashiers have little discretion.
Amanda
I am a service desk associate for walmart. I want to clarify a few things on “Ad Matching”. We only price match ads. If it is a shelf price and not in the weekly ad then we do not honor that price. The ad must say a specific price. No percent off or bogo ads will be honored. The item must also have a specific brand and size. Store brand ads are sometimes honored depending on the store manager. (The store manager has the authority to say no). Also, the ad must have a printed date on it and must be valid for the day that you are there. The store manager also has the say on whether the ad is required by the customer or not. At our particular store, we have the local ads for our county that come in the newspaper, but if its out of our county we require the customer to have the ad.
As for coupons, if you have another store’s coupon (that says manufacturer’s coupon on it) walmart will match the price if the item is identical. All coupons must be in date. If it is a regular manufacturer’s coupon it must be the identical coupon. It must also have a barcode that our registers will scan. Cashiers are no longer aloud to type in the coupon. If the coupon doesn’t scan or our registers deny the coupon we CAN NOT accept the coupon. If this happens we will gladly void off that item so that you can purchase it at another store and use the coupon if you so wish.
As always, the store manager has the final say on all decisions of that particular store. If you are unsatisfied with your experience you can call 1-800-walmart. Corporate does in fact contact each particular store when customers complain and discuss the situation with the store manager. So don’t ever feel like you are being ignored!
*5 years experience
DFW Price Matcher
@Amanda from customer service:
Thank you for the clarifications on the Walmart ad match policy. I am an avid price matcher and have had several positive experiences with Walmart’s corporate customer service responding to concerns that I have had.
I don’t know if you’ll ever come back to this blog, but I wanted to ask–you said “The store manager also has the say on whether the ad is required by the customer or not.” I wondered if that was the policy for your particular store, or if that is the unwritten rule supported by corporate. It does seem contrary to the statement in the policy that “We do not require customers to have the ad with them to honor a competitor’s ad.”
I’d love to hear your input.
Thank you,
Carma, DFW Price Matcher
Kathy Braun
We are permitted, at the 2 stores I’ve worked, to allow a price change when it can be verified; ie if the customer has a current receipt to tell us the price paid, regardless of ad. This is why it must be understood…management has discretion per store.
Jen W
I’ve had several problems with Walmarts price matching policy but only in one Neighborhood Walmart. The Super Walmarts in my area price match with no problem. I even had a cashier say that they would lose their job if they price match without an ad. I;ve emailed the corporate office twice. The first time I emailed them the mgr called and spoke with me and said it wouldn’t happen again and I went into the store to test them a week later and they still required an ad. I understand that there are those customers who are going to be dishonest and try to get over but I don’t feel that those who are using the policy honestly should suffer. I too am in retail and as a cashier I do have to deal with customers that I know are being dishonest but we are told to follow company policy. Customers could have bought something from our store five years ago and can still bring it back. We are required to return merchandise that we know has been used for several years and thats what we do whether we like it or not. Its not our call.