Buying new furniture is one of the most significant investments you can make for your home. Whether you are furnishing a new apartment or replacing a worn-out sofa, the costs can add up quickly. Fortunately, many savvy shoppers use a simple strategy to keep their budgets in check: price matching. By understanding which retailers offer price guarantees, you can ensure you are getting the lowest possible price on high-quality pieces without having to visit multiple stores.
Price matching allows you to request a lower price from a retailer if you find the exact same item sold for less by a competitor. This practice not only saves you money but also allows you to shop at your preferred store, perhaps one with a better delivery service or a more robust rewards program. In this guide, we will explore how furniture price matching works, which major retailers participate, and how you can successfully navigate the process to maximize your savings.
What Is Furniture Price Matching?
Price matching is a policy where a retail store agrees to meet the lower price of a competitor for an identical product. In the furniture industry, this usually applies to brand-name items that are sold across various platforms. If you see a specific dining table at a local shop and find the same model number for less on a major website, the local shop may lower their price to match.
It is important to distinguish between price matching and price adjustments. Price matching occurs at the time of purchase. A price adjustment, on the other hand, happens after you have already bought the item. If the store you purchased from lowers its own price within a certain timeframe—usually 14 to 30 days—they may refund you the difference.
Why Retailers Offer These Policies
Retailers want your business and your loyalty. In a competitive market, they would rather reduce their profit margin slightly to make a sale than lose you to a competitor. By offering price matching, they remove the incentive for you to shop around, making their store a one-stop shop for your home needs.
Major Furniture Retailers That Price Match
While not every furniture store offers a formal price match guarantee, many of the largest national chains do. Knowing which stores have these policies can help you decide where to start your search. Always check the specific terms on the retailer’s website, as policies can change based on location or season.
Target
Target is well-known for its aggressive price match policy. They will match the price of a furniture item if you find it lower at Target.com, select online competitors, or in a competitor’s local print ad. You have 14 days after your purchase to request a price adjustment if the price drops at Target or a competitor.
Walmart
Walmart offers price matching for many items, though their policy for furniture is often limited to their online store. If you find an item on Walmart.com that is cheaper than the price in a physical Walmart store, they will often honor the lower price. However, they are more restrictive about matching other retailers than they used to be, so always bring proof of the lower price.
The Home Depot and Lowe’s
For those looking for patio furniture, vanities, or kitchen cabinets, these home improvement giants are excellent options. Both stores generally offer price matching. The Home Depot often goes a step further by matching the price of a competitor and sometimes offering additional discounts, though this is usually at the manager’s discretion for large furniture items.
Ashley Furniture
As one of the largest furniture manufacturers and retailers in the world, Ashley Furniture frequently offers competitive pricing. While policies vary by independently owned showroom locations, many Ashley HomeStores will match prices found on their own website or from authorized local competitors. It is best to call your local showroom ahead of time to confirm their specific policy.
Best Buy
While primarily an electronics retailer, Best Buy has expanded significantly into the home and kitchen furniture space. Their Price Match Guarantee is very robust, covering many online retailers and local competitors. If you are buying office furniture or media consoles, this is a great place to check for matching opportunities.
How to Successfully Request a Price Match
Getting a price match is not always automatic. You must be prepared to provide evidence and follow the store’s specific procedures. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth experience at the checkout counter or when shopping online.
1. Verify the Product Details
The most common reason a price match is denied is that the items are not identical. For furniture, this means the brand, model number, color, and size must be exactly the same. Even a slight variation in fabric or finish can disqualify the match.
2. Find Proof of the Lower Price
You must provide a current advertisement or a live website link showing the lower price. Screenshots are often not accepted because they can be easily edited. Have the website open on your smartphone or bring a physical copy of the weekly circular to the store.
3. Check for Availability
Most retailers will only match a price if the item is currently in stock at the competitor’s location or website. If the competitor is sold out, the store is under no obligation to honor the lower price. Verify that the item is ready for immediate purchase before you ask for the match.
4. Contact Customer Service
If you are shopping in a physical store, head to the customer service desk or speak with a floor manager. If you are shopping online, look for a live chat feature or a dedicated price match phone number. Be polite and direct about your request.
Common Restrictions and the Fine Print
Every price match policy comes with a set of exclusions. Understanding these can save you from frustration at the register. Retailers use these rules to protect their margins during major sales events or for specific types of inventory.
- Clearance and Closeouts: Most stores will not match prices on clearance, liquidation, or “going out of business” sales.
- Marketplace Sellers: Retailers rarely match prices from third-party sellers on sites like Amazon or eBay. The item must be sold and shipped directly by the approved competitor.
- Bundled Offers: If a competitor offers a “buy one, get one free” deal or includes a gift card with the purchase, most stores will not match the base price of the item.
- Holiday Sales: Many stores suspend their price match guarantees during major shopping holidays like Black Friday or Cyber Monday.
- Shipping Costs: Some retailers will factor in the cost of shipping when calculating a price match. If the competitor’s price is lower but their shipping fee is high, the store may include that fee in the final comparison.
Other Ways to Find Discounted Furniture
If you cannot find a price match opportunity, there are still several ways to find high-quality furniture at a discount. Combining these strategies with price matching can lead to even deeper savings for your home project.
Shop During Holiday Weekends
The furniture industry follows a predictable sales calendar. Major discounts are almost always available during President’s Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday. Retailers use these weekends to clear out old styles and make room for new inventory.
Look for Floor Models
When a furniture store updates its showroom, they often sell the floor models at a significant discount. These pieces may have minor wear and tear from being on display, but they are usually in excellent condition. Do not be afraid to ask a salesperson if any floor models are currently available for purchase at a reduced rate.
Visit Furniture Outlets
Many high-end furniture brands have outlet stores where they sell overstocked items or pieces with minor cosmetic imperfections. These outlets offer the same brand-name quality at a fraction of the retail price. While selection can be hit-or-miss, the savings are often worth the trip.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect furniture for your home does not have to break your budget. By leveraging price matching policies at major retailers, you can shop with confidence, knowing you are securing the best deal available. Remember to always verify model numbers, keep your proof of price ready, and check the fine print for any exclusions. With a little bit of research and preparation, you can transform your living space while keeping your finances on track. For more tips on smart shopping and home improvement, explore our other guides on budgeting and interior design.