No one likes to pay more for something than they have to. For that reason, several retailers offer pricing guarantees that allow customers to receive refunds if the cost of an item changes within a certain amount of time. Amazon is no longer one of the companies offering this protection.
TechCrunch reports that Amazon quietly changed its price protection policy to exclude all products except for televisions.
Previously, the company’s policy allowed customers to request a refund if the price of a purchase dropped within seven days.
The policy change took effect in early May, but the company continued to honor price-matching requests for a period of time, TechCrunch reports.
For example, an email viewed by TechCrunch showed the typical seven-day price-match still occurring on April 28.
Days later on May 2, an email from the company described the policy change, stating: “We work hard to find the best prices out there and match them for all customers every day. Our prices do change over time. with the exception of TVs, Amazon.com doesn’t offer post-purchase adjustments.”
Under the new policy, Amazon says it will also price-match competitors’ prices for televisions.
“Customers who find a lower price on another qualifying retailer’s website within 30 days after your purchase date, let us know and we’ll refund you on an Amazon.com gift card, taking any differences in shipping and promotions into account.”
As for Amazon’s own prices on TVs, the retailer says that if it lowers its price within 30 days of purchase, customers can notify the company and obtain a refund.
With Amazon’s price-matching a thing of the past, here’s a look at price-protection policies at a number of other retailers. (Click on a store’s name to see the full policy on that retailer’s website):
| Retailer | Price Protection Policy |
| Walmart | Price adjustments will be given on prior Walmart purchases within 14 days of purchase with a valid Walmart receipt. A customer must provide the original receipt to receive the adjustment. Refunds are not given on clearance merchandise. |
| Target | Price matches are available within 14 days on qualifying items at Target when customers find the identical item for less at Target.com, select online competitors, or in Target’s or competitor’s local print ad. |
| Best Buy | Price adjustments are available on select purchases within the return and exchange period of 15 days. |
| Lowe’s | Customers who select store pickup or Lowe’s Home Delivery will receive the lower of the online store price or the price at the local Lowe’s store they are shopping at time of purchase. |
| Home Depot | Offers a price guarantee on select items and price matching with some competitor products after verification. |
| Macy’s | Price adjustments are available for 14 days after purchase. Refunds will be made for the price difference to your original form of payment. |
| Kohl’s | Price adjustments can be made within 14 days of purchase. Customers must have original receipts and the item can not be on clearance. |
| Kmart | Price adjustments will be given on select prior Kmart in-store purchases that go on sale within seven days of purchase. You must bring in your original sales receipt to receive the adjustment. |
Amazon kills its price protection policy [TechCrunch]
by Ashlee Kieler via Consumerist
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