You finally bought that item you were looking for. But the next morning, you received an email about an offer for that same product. If you had only waited one more day, you could have spent less.
This scenario can make you feel disappointed or even upset, but if you’re willing to put in a little effort, you may be able to get some of your money back.
Some retailers will refund the difference without a second thought. Others may even honor a sale price from another store. Or maybe you can get some of the money back through your credit card company. And if none of these options work, there may be one last option: return your purchase and buy it again at a discounted price.
We asked our audience on Twitter and in our Facebook group, Consumer 101 , if they were lucky enough to get partial refunds and it turns out that quite a few of them have had the opportunity to save money after making a purchase. Almost everyone who successfully obtained a partial refund indicated that they needed their receipt. Some said they opted to return the item at full price and buy it again while it was on sale.
So where do you start?
Check the return policy
Especially when you are buying an expensive item, it is a good idea to know the details in case plans change and you need to return or exchange your item or , in this case, take advantage of an offer or a lower price. Each retailer has its own policy, so in addition to saving your receipt, you have to pay attention to the following details:
• Duration of the return period.
• How the refund will be issued (for example, store credit or cash).
• How and where you can make the return.
• If you are responsible for the shipping costs if the return is by mail.
• If the company has a price match policy.
• Price match term length (where applicable).
Contact customer service
Some retailers have policies in place for partial refunds, but others do not. That there is no policy does not necessarily mean that there is no refund, but you may have to do a little more work to get the money back.
For example, Amazon states that it does not respect the settings of prices and partial refunds, as prices can fluctuate quite frequently. However, one of those surveyed on Facebook indicated that they were able to get some money back after contacting Amazon customer service, as they were just as easily able to return and buy it back for a lower price, so it’s always worth it. worth asking. When I contacted customer service via chat, they told me that they couldn’t just refund the difference and that I would have to return the item and reorder to get the discounted price.
In many cases, the retailer will refund the difference between what you paid and the sale price, as long as your purchase was made within a specific time period, they are often 14 days. If they are unable or unwilling to refund in the original form of payment, you may be issued a store credit. This may be perfectly acceptable when you are dealing with a retailer that you shop from frequently, but if you’d prefer to get your money back, try one of the following steps.
Contact the company of your credit card
Depending on the cards you have, the benefits of your credit card may entitle you to file a claim and get a partial refund directly from them instead of the retailer.
Details vary from company to company, but there are often limits on how much you can recover on a single claim and annual limits for claims. And the period of time you have to file a claim can vary; For example, some credit providers will accept a claim between 90 and 120 days after purchase, which is more generous than many retailer policies.
Start the return process
If customer service is a dead end and you do not have a price cap through your credit card, always You can try to return the item at full price and buy it again at the sale price.
Some retailers may only refund the current value of the item, rather than the full price paid, if you don’t have proof of what you spent (so always save your receipts and order confirmation online). This may also vary based on how long it has been since you made your purchase, if the item was removed from its original packaging or was used in some other way, and if the retailer charges a restocking fee.
You’ll also want to look at different return options, especially if you’ve ordered it online. Some retailers cover return shipping costs for items ordered online, but others may deduct it from your refund. This can make the eventual savings too minimal to be worth all the effort.
If possible, returning something to the store may be the best solution. Also, if they have the item in stock and available for the sale price, you can get a new one without having to wait that long. However, you have to consider that refunds may not be immediately credited to your account, especially if you receive the refund on a credit or debit card instead of cash or as store credit.
Stores with partial refund policies
Many major retailers will adjust the price of an item if a customer can show that it is available elsewhere for less money when you made the payment.
However, several popular stores have policies for post-sale considerations, whether you find a better price elsewhere or the item goes on sale where you bought it. Some can only price match specific retailers, others only their own prices, so it’s important to review the refund and price match policy wherever you shop.
Below, we present a more detailed analysis of the policies of some of the main retailers in the country. Please note that these are select details and that each company has additional information worth reviewing further.
Bed Bath & Beyond: You can request a partial refund up to 14 days after purchase if item goes on sale at BB&B. They will also match the price if you find the cheapest product at another retailer within the same time frame. This excludes clearance and seasonal items as well as market vendor prices.
Best Buy: Partial refunds are possible if you find an item on sale at Best Buy within the return and exchange period, which varies by product and member’s condition.
buybuy BABY: This company is owned by Bed Bath & Beyond and follow the same policy.
Costco: You have 30 days to request a partial refund if Costco drops the price of an item you purchased at Costco. com. If you made the purchase in a physical location, you will need to visit the Customer Service Department in the store to see if you can get some money back. And the store does not match the price with other retailers.
Crutchfield: After you’ve purchased an item, you have 60 days to request a match price by phone or chat if your price drops in Crutchfield. The retailer compares prices to most items sold and shipped by Amazon, Best Buy, B&H Photo Video, and Sonic Electronix, but only at the time of purchase and not afterwards.
Home Depot: If the item you purchased at Home Depot goes on sale or a competitor is priced lower , you can contact customer service for a partial refund up to 90 days to from the date of purchase. The term depends on the article; For example, Home Depot only grants partial refunds for appliances during 30 days after the purchase. And if you made your purchase online, you must request a partial refund through Home Depot’s online customer service. There are also exclusions, such as clearance and seasonal items, third-party vendor prices, and custom-ordered items, among others.
JCPenney: You can request a partial refund during 14 days after a purchase if you find the item available for less at JCPenney or another retailer. The company does not respect the prices of third-party sellers on Amazon and other markets, but everything else is valid.
Macy’s: You have only 10 days to submit a request to Macy’s for a price adjustment, and the company recommends that the request be made by email (customerservice @ macys.com). There may be restrictions on certain items. For example, Macy’s will only reimburse up to $ 100 for a mattress if you find a better price at another retailer, and Only retailers with physical stores will be considered. You will also need to provide proof of model specifications as Macy’s requires the item to be an exact match for it to qualify.
Staples: Staples will match its competitors’ prices if you can display a lower priced voucher elsewhere at checkout, or will provide you with a refund partial within 14 days after the purchase of an item that comes out for sale in store or on Staples.com.
Target: If you find a better price at Target or a qualified online competitor , Target will refund the difference up to 14 days after your purchase. You can bring proof of the lowest price to a physical location or contact customer service by phone for a partial refund for online purchases. And during the Christmas season of 2021, from October to 24 December, Target will extend its price match policy. If something you buy goes on sale for less money during this time, you can request a refund of the difference.
Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. CR does not endorse pr products or services, and does not accept advertising. Copyright © 2021, Consumer Reports, Inc.
Consumer Reports has no financial relationship with the advertisers on this site. Consumer Reports is an independent nonprofit organization that works with consumers to create a just, safe, and healthy world. CR does not endorse products or services and does not accept advertising. Copyright © 2021, Consumer Reports, Inc.