Consumer reports says you can make price-matching work for you, but you've got to know the rules and play by them.
"Be sure to bring in the actual ad showing the lower price. Don't bring a copy. Also don't cut it out. Bring in the whole circular," Lisa Lee Freeman said.
Be aware, finding a better deal online often doesn't count. You've got to find the better deal in a store. And there are plenty of other limitations.
At target, for example, you must find the cheaper price at another retailer within seven days of your purchase. And as with many other price-matching policies, the competing store must be in the same local area.
At Best Buy, like many other stores, clearance items are not covered.
And at Home Depot, it's up to the store manager to give you the difference.
But if you're successful, you might get an additional 10 percent off for your trouble.
"All in all, though, price-match guarantees can save you money. And if you do your research ahead of time, the store might even be willing to drop the price before you make the purchase," Freeman said.
Nina got a great deal on her gas grill that way. Home Depot dropped the price immediately when she brought in a 10-percent-off coupon from a competitor.
Another way to save money is to watch to see if an item you've purchased goes on sale shortly after buying it. Ask to get a refund on the price difference and depending on the store policy, you just might get it.
