Price Matching Policies for Australian Store Chains that stock Toys

[griffin]

This is only a reference guide to the price-matching policies each of the different national chains (who sell toys) has in Australia. Note that these can change at any time. I will update as often as I can (with photos), and if one doesn't have an expiry date, fight for them to honour it, or ask for proof of a published retraction.

Price-Matching is a marketing element of Retailers, to act as an incentive of convenience to Consumers... basically because most Consumers are busy or lazy, and prefer to shop at the one location (hence the popularity of Supermarkets, Department Stores, Hypermarkets and those Massive Shopping Centres that just keep getting bigger).
The point of weekly Specials in mail-out catalogues is to entice you into choosing the Store that has the best Specials, while the Price-Matching policy is to prevent you from going to their competitor... which prevents you from spending more money at that competitor (the "at one location" preference above). After all, isn't that the point of the Specials - to get us in their store, and make money on the full-price items we might buy at the same time.

ALSO NOTE - Retail staff don't know every product in the store, so will sometimes be cautious by only offering to match the "sample images" in a competitor's catalogue. If the Text DEFINITELY states a size-class or group of figures, just be calm and rational when explaining the difference between a size-class and a single item from that size-class, or ask for a Manager if they don't have the authority to make that judgement call. If the Manager refuses to Price-Match, then report it here so that we know which stores to avoid, and report it to the ACCC.

(for details on returns policies, please check their websites, as most are lengthy and can change... but there are basic guarantees provided by law (http://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/consumer-rights-guarantees/repair-replace-refund))


Toys R Us (Current as of DECEMBER 2015)
- They used to be the easiest for Price-Matching, by just showing a competitor's catalogue and often matching it without question. The wording below suggests that they might still do that, but it now warns us that the TRU store might now ring up a nearby store, as an option to get out of Price-Matching an item if they really don't want to lose money on.

ToysRUs Price matching policy (http://www.toysrus.com.au/price-match-policy/w1/i1458782/):


We'll Match ANY Advertised Price*.

*Price Match available in store only. Competitor's product must be in stock at a retail outlet within the same city or town. Product must be identical (e.g. same brand, model and colour). Competitor's advertised price must be current. Price match not available when the competitor's lower price is due to category or storewide discounts, conditional sales, package deals, trade-ins, damaged stock, demonstration or discontinued lines and loyalty or third party offers.We will not match online retailers, fire or liquidation sales, clearance and warehouse outlets.
(this image from their website is very generic, probably to claim that it isn't theirs after it is taken off their website)
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/2014xtru01.jpg

Kmart (current as of MARCH 2014)
- They are likely to ring up a single nearby store, to see if it is in stock there.
(Kmart used to have a 'price-beat' guarantee to sell for less than its competitors, but now only matches prices)

Kmart Price Promise (http://www.kmart.com.au/pricepromise):


If you find a cheaper price we'll match it.
At Kmart we guarantee to match the advertised price on any identical stocked item.

Competitor's product must be in stock in the required quantities in a retail outlet located in Australia. Product must be identical (e.g. same brand, same model, same colour). Adequate confirmation of competitor's current advertised price required. We will not match online retailers, clearance or warehouse outlets. http://www.toycollectors.com.au/2014xkm01.jpg

BigW (current as of MARCH 2014 - but last updated JUNE 2012)
- Below is the Price-Matching policy from June 2012, but it is still on their website, so if they refuse to match a competitor's catalogue on the spot, bring up the link below (while it exists). Also note that they are not to ring up any competitor stores to see if it is in stock, because it is not a condition of this specific Policy. (ask them to show you a published list of conditions that allow it)
If they remove that page, use the generic version posted in this topic.
If that Policy is replaced with the previous Policy, it would have them often ringing up a single nearby store, to see if it is in stock there.
ALSO NOTE that BigW will Price-Match its own website prices, if they are different to in-store prices, like during the Mid-year toysales which start online a week before in-store.

BigW's Price Matching policy quoted on their website (http://www.bigw.com.au/offer/lowest-price-guarantee):


ALWAYS GET IT FOR LESS GUARANTEE
We guarantee Australia's lowest prices on toys because we promise to match any competitor's price - even if you've already got something on layby*.
We make every effort to match advertised prices so that you can be confident that you are paying the lowest price at BIG W.

*If by chance you should find an identical item advertised at a lower price by another store, we guarantee to match that price on the spot. Visit a BIG W store and present the competitor's current advertisement or ask an associate to verify the price, or for online purchases call our Contact Centre on 1300 244 999.

BIG W will price match any product that is identical to the same brand, the same model number or style, and the same weight.
Excludes clearance or wholesale items, online sales, soiled or damaged stock, liquidation sale offers, overseas prices, second-hand, floor stock, end-of-line, ex-demo or similar, and a price printed in error.http://www.toycollectors.com.au/2014xbw01.jpg

Alternate image from their website (below), in case they claim it was only valid during that toy sale above.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/xxxbigw.jpg
Myer (last updated September 2015)
- There is currently signage at stores, saying that they will only match items at "recognised" competitors (they used to also restrict it to the nearest store or in the same city/town, but now don't say that), AND, must be above their own cost price. (ask them to prove the "Cost Price" if they claim that it is below theirs, as some attendants have been caught out claiming that their cost price is much higher than what we know it actually is)
In the past, Myer's Official Pricing Policy was generalised by the statement, 'we will not lead the market on price', so generally, only shop there if they are the ones with a sale running, or still have something not available anywhere else.

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/2015m01.jpg


Target (last updated JULY 2013)
- Do NOT trust Target for Price-Matching (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=4851)... ever.
That link shows the vastly different Policies at 17 different stores I rang up in 2009, and a "clarification" from Head Office as to why they don't have a National Policy.
As stated by Head Office in a phone call on 6th July 2009...



It has to be currently advertised in both their (Target) catalogue and the competitor's catalogue, and has to be in-stock at both stores, BUT, price-matching is only honoured at the Store Manager's discretion.Which means, officially, THERE IS NO OFFICIAL POLICY, and if there was one, it is up to Store Managers to apply it, if they even feel like it.
So, you have to enquire at the store before you make your purchase, to see if they have a price-matching policy of any sort, and be aware that Target stores have been known to change their mind about their own policy at any time (even in the same day).

USUALLY, the Mid-year toy sale will have an advertisement of a Policy, but it will generally be valid only for the mid-year toy sale.
The July 2013 sale had signage in the stores, which had no expiry date to that particular policy, so a photo has been included in this topic for you to use to force them to adhere to.... or prove a published retraction of that policy.

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/2014xtg01.jpg

Toyworld/ToyKingdom (last updated JULY 2009)
- This is a franchise-based chain, so individual stores may have their own policies.
From the Brisbane CBD store - They would match a competitor's 'catalogue sale' price, but only on the first day of the sale, and they would still need to check if it is in stock. Because they assume that the competitor would sell out within the first day, and are not wanting to waste time ringing up stores just to be told they don't have any stock left.
(if you have any "official" Policies quoted from a store, please post it up here)


David Jones (last updated JANUARY 2013)
- As of 2013, DJs no longer stocks Transformers toys.
As for toys in general, it looks to be easier to get a Price-Match if the item is listed on the competitor's website.


Our Promise is to offer competitive prices and match those of Australian retails stores and their online sites. Should you find a lower price for the same product elsewhere, we'll happily match it. Price Matching only takes place where the product is identical and any offers made by David Jones in respect of the product are also identically available from our competitor at the competitor's price for a product in stock a their store or on their website. The David Jones Price Promise does not extend to stand-alone online retailers, auctions, fire or liquidation sales, rack clearance and warehouse outlets.(image submitted by Jaydisc)http://www.toycollectors.com.au/xxxdj.jpg

[jaydisc]

Toys R Us (has the best policy at the moment)
- Will match advertised prices in catalogues, so all you need to do is bring in the catalogue (it doesn't even need to be instock at the other store, because they don't ring them up).

I've had cases where they insist on calling, and insist that calling is the policy, but most of the time they don't.

Also, I tried to price match ROTF Deluxes at Myer yesterday, and they said that Kmart's $19 was below their cost. I said I'd take them at whatever the lowest price above their cost was, to which they said $22.

[foor]

The Toyworld here price matches with the current Big W toy sale and presumably any other sale. Hopefully that's true Australia wide.

[Sutton]

Never bothered trying before, but today I got Kmart to price match the items I put on layby before the toy sale to the current prices. At the time I was more interested in securing a Mudflap and Ravage (they only had the one of each) rather than getting them at the really low $19 price. But seeing as I was going to pick them up today anyway, I thought what the hell. See what they say.

You can either cancel the layby, then they give you the stock and you go buy it outright, or you finalise the layby and get a refund at the service desk.

From what I can read on the internets, the same policy is true at Target...so I might just go in tomorrow and layby me a Jetfire and Fallen in lieu of the toy sale, to make sure I don't miss out.

[Doubledealer]

From what I can read on the internets, the same policy is true at Target...so I might just go in tomorrow and layby me a Jetfire and Fallen in lieu of the toy sale, to make sure I don't miss out.

Be careful - I asked if I could laybuy a Jetfire and price match it when the sale began. I was told no, once you laybuy in Target you are commiting to pay the price the item is being sold for at the time of laybuying.

[nettie!]

From what I can read on the internets, the same policy is true at Target...so I might just go in tomorrow and layby me a Jetfire and Fallen in lieu of the toy sale, to make sure I don't miss out.

basically. don't.
there is a thread related purely to targets price matching "policies" and as a target layby supervisor in melb, i would strongly suggest NOT attempting this.
there a lot of factors each store and store manager will take into consideration - the main one being the region/district managers opinions and the store/regions loss prevention issues/policies.
you are better off buying a jetfire and fallen from target, buying a leader and voyager from bigw/kmart and refunding said leader and voyager at a target with the target receipt - therefore getting your jetfire and fallen for the bigw/kmart sale price.

[nettie!]

I was told no, once you laybuy in Target you are commiting to pay the price the item is being sold for at the time of laybuying.

yes that is correct. targets layby system does NOT allow prices to be overridden once they have been processed - there USED to be a manual process but since the introduction of their refund policy this doesnt/cant happen.

kmarts system ALLOWS prices to be overridden at any stage of the layby (prior to finalisation and collection)
bigw's system ALLOWS prices to be overridden at any stage of the layby (prior to finalisation and collection) as bigw have a "lowest price guarantee" their system automatically updates to the lowest price.

[Sutton]

basically. don't.
there is a thread related purely to targets price matching "policies" and as a target layby supervisor in melb, i would strongly suggest NOT attempting this.
there a lot of factors each store and store manager will take into consideration - the main one being the region/district managers opinions and the store/regions loss prevention issues/policies.
you are better off buying a jetfire and fallen from target, buying a leader and voyager from bigw/kmart and refunding said leader and voyager at a target with the target receipt - therefore getting your jetfire and fallen for the bigw/kmart sale price.

That's a good plan...

[nettie!]

That's a good plan...

:D

[Fungal Infection]

My sister-in-law tried to get TRU to price match Big W today and they refused to do so even with a catalogue. According to the store manager they only match when the item is in their catalogue as well. :confused:

[nettie!]

My sister-in-law tried to get TRU to price match Big W today and they refused to do so even with a catalogue. According to the store manager they only match when the item is in their catalogue as well. :confused:

yeah that gets claimed alot :rolleyes:

if you want a toy that bad, buy it.

[Robzy]

you are better off buying a jetfire and fallen from target, buying a leader and voyager from bigw/kmart and refunding said leader and voyager at a target with the target receipt - therefore getting your jetfire and fallen for the bigw/kmart sale price.Sorry if this has been asked before, but are there any issues with different barcodes or anything? I mean, will they accept a Prime refunded at Target with a Jetfire code?

[KaRNiV8L PRiME]

Sorry if this has been asked before, but are there any issues with different barcodes or anything? I mean, will they accept a Prime refunded at Target with a Jetfire code?

Big W and Target both use SKU codes that are generic for all individual classes eg deluxes or leaders etc on their receipts where as kmart have the actual barcode APN on its receipts. Thus taking Leader prime from Big W to target and using the Jetfire receipt will work. It did for me

[nettie!]

Big W and Target both use SKU codes that are generic for all individual classes eg deluxes or leaders etc on their receipts where as kmart have the actual barcode APN on its receipts. Thus taking Leader prime from Big W to target and using the Jetfire receipt will work. It did for me

it is actually the keycodes that are recorded
and kmart is the only one to use line descriptions ie Leader Prime
whereas bigw and target simply say Leader
iykwim

[griffin]

My sister-in-law tried to get TRU to price match Big W today and they refused to do so even with a catalogue. According to the store manager they only match when the item is in their catalogue as well. :confused:

Get the current TRU catalogue, as it has on pages 3, 7, and 9, a banner stating 'Our Price Guarantee! If you find a stocked item currently advertised elsewhere for less, just tell us and we'll match the price. We promise.'
Sounds pretty black and white to me, that they only need proof it is advertised elsewhere (the current catalogue of the competitor), and that TRU only need to have it in stock, so should price match without any additional requirements, as there were no conditions or asterisks next to that statement. So just make sure you have a TRU catalogue that states that price-guarantee, and have it on hand any time they refuse to do a straight forward price-match to a competitor's catalogue.

[jaydisc]

TRU RULES! :D

[jaydisc]

David Jones (as of July 21, 2009)

http://itfdb.com/temporary/tf/IMG_0037_1.jpg
http://itfdb.com/temporary/tf/IMG_0038_1.jpg

[bruticus]

Toys R Us (has the best policy at the moment)
- Will match advertised prices in catalogues, so all you need to do is bring in the catalogue (it doesn't even need to be instock at the other store, because they often don't ring them up). Update - as of their July Catalogue, it states that they only require a competitor's catalogue to price-match to any item they have in stock (but have a catalogue on hand that states it, to force them to honour it).


FYI,
I just tried to get Toys r us in Perth to price match with Target's sale catalogue last thursday night. Three girls stood there saying to me that they can only price match with the exact item pictured so since ROTF Voyager class Starscream (in TRU stock) does not look anything like ROTF Voyager prime (pictured in Target Catalogue) they couldnt do anything about it. i tried to argue the point that the sale is for across the entire Voyager range but they kept insisting that it must be the exact pictured item. That should teach me for trying to buy ROTF toys.

Way too much effort for this stuff hey.

[griffin]

That's stupid of them. I've never had a problem with them matching a size-class, because the people at my nearest TRU actually know how to read, so they don't have to just go by matching photos... :p

[griffin]

Bit of an update on Toyworld. When meeting up with sleeve a week ago, we asked the Toyworld in the CBD if they had a price-matching policy, and surprisingly, they do have one. It was a bit restrictive though, and may not be something every Toyworld does. Basically, they would match a competitor's 'catalogue sale' price, but only on the first day of the sale, and they would still need to check if it is in stock. She said they only match on their competitor's first sale day, because they assume that they sell out within the first day, and don't want to waste time ringing up stores just to be told they don't have any stock left.
A bit of a lazy policy, but I guess it is an option.

[kaiden]

bought battle ops bumbleebee yesterday and returned today. called up kmart and they said they would price match my receipt. so got it from kmart for $58.67 yay

[jazzcomp]

is there a deadline for refunds for items that haven't been opened?

[jaydisc]

Target and Kmart have a 30 day limit on "Change of Mind" refunds. After that, and you can only get a credit, unless it's defective. Last I checked, Myer said a "reasonable amount of time", and I'm sure about Big W. Mr Toys Toyworlds in QLD don't do refunds at all, only exchanges, and I don't know for how long.

[kaiden]

Target and Kmart have a 30 day limit on "Change of Mind" refunds. After that, and you can only get a credit, unless it's defective. Last I checked, Myer said a "reasonable amount of time", and I'm sure about Big W. Mr Toys Toyworlds in QLD don't do refunds at all, only exchanges, and I don't know for how long.

big w gave me a refund for the defective bumblebee.

[jaydisc]

Every Australian retailer selling new goods is required by law to provide a refund for defective or not as described goods.

[KaRNiV8L PRiME]

is there a deadline for refunds for items that haven't been opened?

Big W, Im sure is 1 yr

[jazzcomp]

What about TRU? I'm interested to see if I can return Ultimate BBee and buy the one from Kmart which is now at price of $67. :)

[jaydisc]

TRU is the best in my experience. I've returned 2 year old unopened items with a receipt for refunds.

[JuzMel]

Big W's Returns Policy:

3. Change of mind
If you have changed your mind, BIG W will provide you with a refund in the form of the previous method of payment, or a Returns Card as long as:

�You have clear proof of purchase, typically a receipt;
�The product and packaging is in its original condition (including manuals and accessories); and
�The product is not on the Product Exclusion List (please see below);

http://www.bigw.com.au/help/returnspolicy-content?bmUID=iJ.xTx3

[VERT]

Got the new wave of PCC from toyworld today for $7.75 each :D Showed them the Big W Catalogue and got the price :D

[nyerk]

I went to Kmart today to attempt to price-match their Generations figures with Toys R Us' price of $15. The woman said they would need to see the catalogue. But if the product isn't displayed in their rather limited catalogue, how can I do this??

Has anyone found a way around this?

[iceburn]

the question is "does the TRU catalogue shows a picture of a Generations deluxe and has the word Generations" to counter the price-match at Kmart

[jaydisc]

I've presented receipts in the past, but it doesn't always work. Also, the problem with everyone's receipts BUT Kmart's is they don't show the actual SKU, rather only their own internal code.

[nyerk]

I've presented receipts in the past, but it doesn't always work. Also, the problem with everyone's receipts BUT Kmart's is they don't show the actual SKU, rather only their own internal code.

Mmm, I wonder if I could convince them to try calling TRU? Or maybe I could take a pic of the pricetag if I was desparate...

[jazzcomp]

tried the pic thing with Big W, didn't work. Plus the condition of having the item in stock as well as on sale. Too much hassle. :(

[nyerk]

tried the pic thing with Big W, didn't work. Plus the condition of having the item in stock as well as on sale. Too much hassle. :(

Wow, stores sure don't make it easy for us do they! Thanks though, you saved me a trip. :D

[griffin]

It's meant more as a marketting/advertising gimmick, rather than something that will be applied very often. After all, if you know an item is in stock at their *nearest* competitor at that price, they would be thinking, why wouldn't you go there? I can think of a couple reasons for price-matching (rewards programs, or convenience of buying or laybuying other items together at the one location)... but realistically, if you know an item is at another store, the question this store could ask is - 'why didn't you buy it there while you were there?' Or since most will only check a nearest store to see if they have stock, often it will be in the same shopping centre, so why wouldn't a store be able to suggest, going to their store to buy it if you are only after that single item?

It would be nice to take a collection of catalogues to a single store that offers to match the cheapest current price, and not have to run to different locations, but before the internet (and our sightings forum), that's how it was done. And if you're price-matching a store that doesn't even have that item in stock, then this store has every right to say, 'nope'. And that includes other sublines of a particular size class being advertised (a Generations Deluxe shouldn't be price-matched to a Movie Deluxe).

Most stores are pretty good though, and sometimes flexible with what can be price-matched. Unfortunately you occasionally get the occasional checkout staffer who will only match the *sample* item photographed (like Bumblebee), instead of to the entire *size class* that is on sale.

[jazzcomp]

It's meant more as a marketting/advertising gimmick, rather than something that will be applied very often. After all, if you know an item is in stock at their *nearest* competitor at that price, they would be thinking, why wouldn't you go there? I can think of a couple reasons for price-matching (rewards programs, or convenience of buying or laybuying other items together at the one location)... but realistically, if you know an item is at another store, the question this store could ask is - 'why didn't you buy it there while you were there?' Or since most will only check a nearest store to see if they have stock, often it will be in the same shopping centre, so why wouldn't a store be able to suggest, going to their store to buy it if you are only after that single item?

It would be nice to take a collection of catalogues to a single store that offers to match the cheapest current price, and not have to run to different locations, but before the internet (and our sightings forum), that's how it was done. And if you're price-matching a store that doesn't even have that item in stock, then this store has every right to say, 'nope'. And that includes other sublines of a particular size class being advertised (a Generations Deluxe shouldn't be price-matched to a Movie Deluxe).

Most stores are pretty good though, and sometimes flexible with what can be price-matched. Unfortunately you occasionally get the occasional checkout staffer who will only match the *sample* item photographed (like Bumblebee), instead of to the entire *size class* that is on sale.
Yes, it's a gimmick. But since they put it out there, they should honor it.
The application of honoring varies from staff to staff/supervisor to supervisor.

I tried showing TRU staff - lasoo.com.au which shows the prices for different stores.

Bottomline, the stock varies from store to store/location. I want to buy this from your store to save me the hassle of hunting this toy down from the other store in other locations. I'm only doing this for convenience and to get the item for a significant saving. If you don't want to give me that convenience, then I won't shop here. It's better to be upfront about it though instead of offering that guarantee.

Myer or DJ has that big sign that their promise is that you won't spend more to buy things from their store. :)

It's just like when I bought some vitamins from chemist warehouse and found it $5 less on Mr. Vitamins just in front of their store after 2 mins that I stepped out of their store. I bought 2 so I could have saved $10 at least. They cannot offer the 10% less than competitor's price because I already paid. I cannot even return it buy the vitamins at the other store. :D Drugs apparently don't have a return option like toys and other merchandise have.

[griffin]

The thing with these stores though, is that even if they deny a request, and you say you'll never shop there again... chances are, you will eventually, and probably at their next sale or exclusive item.
It's not a big enough negative to their public image to draw the line wherever they want, whenever they want. We just have to take the good with the bad... the wins with the rejections, especially if it is just a toy or for a few dollars.
Some love the challenge or live by the process, but for me, it's just not worth the hassle if they reject my first request.

[griffin]

Just did some minor updates to the first post... and will look at adding a "refund/exchanges policy" listing as well (since there were a few people already noting them above).

[jaydisc]

Target currently has a "list" somewhere with at least Big W and Myer's prices. I got them to match Kmart prices too just buy showing them the catalog on my phone.

[jazzcomp]

Target currently has a "list" somewhere with at least Big W and Myer's prices. I got them to match Kmart prices too just buy showing them the catalog on my phone.
Lucky you. That phone thing never got me anywhere in Sydney

Lasoo.com.au shows catalogues and sale prices.

[jazzcomp]

The thing with these stores though, is that even if they deny a request, and you say you'll never shop there again... chances are, you will eventually, and probably at their next sale or exclusive item.
It's not a big enough negative to their public image to draw the line wherever they want, whenever they want. We just have to take the good with the bad... the wins with the rejections, especially if it is just a toy or for a few dollars.
Some love the challenge or live by the process, but for me, it's just not worth the hassle if they reject my first request.
They don't feel the effect but it does leave a bad taste for me. Enough to only buy when I'm forced to and not by preference.

[griffin]

As of today's date...

During the Target toy sale, they are advertising their annual short-lived price-matching policy.
From their website though (http://target.dynamiccatalogue.com.au/offer/advertisements/australia-s-biggest-toy-sale/4qxwapwqc.html?source=catalogue), and page 2 of the catalogue:


Toy price guarantee. If you find an identical toy advertised for less, we'll match it! Simply bring in a copy of the current advertising material and leave the rest to us. Excludes DVDs, interactive consoles and software, international advertisements and promotions. Terms and conditions apply, see online or in store for details.

Apparently that is the "Terms and Conditions", as the link on that page to "Ts & Cs" is just the same link to that page. ???
Be a bit cautious of the "leave the rest to us" bit, as it could allow them to add any condition they want, in order to avoid matching certain items. Since Target don't price-match toys throughout the rest of the year, and individual stores change their minds on the policy at a moments notice (see first post), their commitment to the policy during the catalogue dates is questionable.
(although - there is no cut-off date for this price-match statement, but after the catalogue ends, the stores will claim that the offer was only valid during that time)


BigW's Price Matching policy quoted on their website (http://www.bigw.com.au/offer/lowest-price-guarantee):

ALWAYS GET IT FOR LESS GUARANTEE
We guarantee Australia's lowest prices on toys because we promise to match any competitor's price - even if you've already got something on layby*.
We make every effort to match advertised prices so that you can be confident that you are paying the lowest price at BIG W.
*If by chance you should find an identical item advertised at a lower price by another store, we guarantee to match that price on the spot. Visit a BIG W store and present the competitor's current advertisement or ask an associate to verify the price, or for online purchases call our Contact Centre on 1300 244 999.

BIG W will price match any product that is identical to the same brand, the same model number or style, and the same weight.
Excludes clearance or wholesale items, online sales, soiled or damaged stock, liquidation sale offers, overseas prices, second-hand, floor stock, end-of-line, ex-demo or similar, and a price printed in error.

Note that it doesn't say that they reserve the right to check if a competitor has the item in stock... just the price in their current advertisement. If they try to ring up competitors, just ask them to show where the Price-Match policy says that it was a condition.
This Policy might expire when the catalogue sale ends, as the link above has the name of the Sale next to the "offer".


ToysRUs Price matching policy (http://www.toysrus.com.au/toy-sale-price-guarantee-terms-conditions/w1/i2065096/):
Lists specific requirements (has to be in-stock at the competitor's store) and only during the time frame of this catalogue sale.


Price Guarantee
Spot a lower price and we'll beat it by 10% (excludes online purchases)
Toys"R"Us Price Guarantee is available in store only on purchases during our Lowest Prices of the Season Sale. Tuesday 27 June to Tuesday 17 July 2012. Excludes nappies, wipes, baby food, baby formula, game consoles, iTunes Cards, Prepaid Cards, Gift Cards or non-merchandise goods and services. Competitor's product must be in stock at a retail outlet within the same city or town. Product must be identical (e.g. same brand, model and colour). Competitor's Advertised price mst be current. Price Guarantee is not available when the competitor's lower price is due to category or storewide discounts, conditional sales, package deals, trade-ins, damaged stock, demonstration or discontinued lines and loyalty or third party offers. We will not match online retailers, fire or liquidation sales, clearance and warehouse outlets. Competitor's price will be matched, and a further 10% discount will be taken off the matched price.


Kmart don't appear to have anything listed on their website, or in the Toy Sale catalogue about price-matching... so maybe they no longer do, or it isn't something they promote anymore (but still do, if you ask in store).

[griffin]

I found a flyer at David Jones yesterday, which detailed a (new-ish) price-matching policy, that includes matching anything on a major competitor's website (which beats having to rely on them calling up a nearby store, and not price-matching if they don't have it in stock). Just be sure to have a tablet device on hand to show the competitor's website, and the DJs flyer with the matching policy detailed.

[griffin]

It's been a year since I updated this last, so need to go through it again some time soon.

Just adding in a photo of Target's current price-matching policy... which fortunately doesn't have any dating on it to say that it was just for a particular promotion or sale.

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/xxxtarget.jpg

We should start posting up these sorts of photographic proof, so that it makes it easier for people to convince a store that they have (had) a price-matching policy, especially if it was an easy policy like this one.

I'm sure I had one from a TRU catalogue that I posted somewhere... but can't seem to find it now.

[griffin]

One from BigW that they had in their 2012 mid-year catalogue... that also doesn't say it is restricted to a date or promotion.

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/xxxbigw.jpg

And in case David Jones ever starts stocking Transformers again, this was posted up by Jaydisc a couple years back...

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/xxxdj.jpg

I'll look at doing up a new resource topic of current price-matching policies, or maybe just add it into the first post post of this topic.


Just looking back from previous toysales - found the old Kmart price-match policy from 2008, which they don't do anymore...

'If you find a cheaper price on the same product in stock at another store, when you buy it from us, we'll match the price & give you 10% of the difference.'

[Gouki]

One thing I don't get is the stores only match advertised prices? I mean, let's use a voyager. Standard RRP $38. It's that price at Big W, K-mart, where ever. I go to Target and it's on the shelf for $44, will they match it?

Technically it's not an advertised line, it's just always cheaper, so it doesn't go into a catalogue. It's just unhelpfully vague, no doubt purposefully so.

[GoktimusPrime]

Yeah, Target once told me that they only match prices if the product is IN the catalogue. I tried to get them to price match w/ Kmart once, but Kmart's catalogue at the time had NO Transformers in it, which made the policy pretty much useless. So I went to Kmart and photographed the toy on their shelf (along with the TF cap and TF toy I was carrying with me (FoC Skywarp) in the same shot to prove that it was a photo I'd just taken and not something I'd taken from the net or someone else's photo) and then showed the picture to the lady at the customer service desk at Target. She called toys and the guy gave her approval to accept the price match.

[jazzcomp]

Did you buy the same toy from Kmart at Target? Is the toy available at Kmart? If you were just price matching, what's the sense of proving with the photo.

I tried that with Target as well. Showed them the photo as well but because it was clearance at Kmart, they said they wouldn't match it. Only sale or normal price would be matched. It was sold out at Kmart that's why I was trying Target to sell me one. If it wasn't sold out, I would just've bought it at Kmart.

Once at TRU, (the Kreo sets were on sale at Target) because of the massive price difference - they will check first if the item is in stock before they price match. If it was in stock at the closest Target, then I wouldn't need to go to TRU.

[griffin]

Updated first posting with existing information, so that I can chase up any updates from retailers.
More images are to be added to first post shortly as well.

[jazzcomp]

I thought i saw 10% price beat @ TRU Parra yesterday?

[Sinnertwin]

Ahh, price matching back at Target. I don't get it so much at Kmart now (if you're in Mounty County drop by ;) ... please... ) but reading that thread about Target's Price Match policy brought back some memories.

I've never understood why bricks & mortar retailers are so pedantic about taking % off regularly priced items. Obviously, if Kmart has 80% off clearance sales you're not going to do something silly & match that, but for the sake of a few dollars (chances are that item/department will be on sale in the next few weeks anyway) why would you let a customer walk out of your store? We had all the tools available to check GP %, how much room we had to move etc... & it's that blas� attitude that staff across retailers have adopted that doesn't help their cause. Sales = Profit = Increased Wages = Less Stress & Workload. But yeah, Target baffles me.

[griffin]

First Posting updated with new images - one I took at Myer yesterday, and some others that I got last year but forgot to add them.

Just be aware that their policies can change at any time, but this resource is still useful for reminding clueless or stubborn cashiers of their employer's (promotional) price-match policy after the store quietly takes down the signage while the policy is still in place... and you might even be able to convince someone to use their discretion and price-match to make a sale.

After all, prices on products are only there to "tempt", and traditionally you can haggle or offer to pay a lower price, which they can then accept or reject... and in this case, you are just offering to pay at a competitor's rate and the retailer can accept it if they have the power or authority to do so - it just doesn't happen very often.
(but it does happen - especially with damaged products, old products, or food that is nearly out of date... a manager makes the call, but I've been able to get instant discounts on things like that, if the manager knows that it wouldn't sell for more anyway)

[jazzcomp]

Does Uncle Pete's price match?

[griffin]

New signage popping up at Myer, for their "price matching" policy, which is probably still the same, but now it remains vague and minimal, so that the staff or management can change the policy at their discretion (like at Target).

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/news/2017/032602.jpg

[CHILENO20]

New signage popping up at Myer, for their "price matching" policy, which is probably still the same, but now it remains vague and minimal, so that the staff or management can change the policy at their discretion (like at Target).

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/news/2017/032602.jpg

Its all in the wording :rolleyes:

[Magnus]

Target's current price-matching policy: https://www.target.com.au/bestprice

I managed to successfully get a price match on a Studio Series deluxe by showing Kmart's listing on Studio Series deluxes.

[Tranceblade]

Just an FYI, K-Mart do not match percentaged sale prices, or so they tell me. Was trying to match Big W's 20%, providing a catalogue page and online prices to verify that number, but no luck.

[Ralph Wiggum]

Just an FYI, K-Mart do not match percentaged sale prices, or so they tell me. Was trying to match Big W's 20%, providing a catalogue page and online prices to verify that number, but no luck.

Well that doesn?t seem right given theres nothing worded that way in Kmart?s price match policy. I?d go back and have a word with a manager.

[Krayt]

Just an FYI, K-Mart do not match percentaged sale prices, or so they tell me. Was trying to match Big W's 20%, providing a catalogue page and online prices to verify that number, but no luck.

They said that to me this morning...

But when I showed the website to them, they did it anyway

[Tranceblade]

They said that to me this morning...

But when I showed the website to them, they did it anyway

Yeah, I tried showing the Big W site listing with the retail and discounted prices. I was told unless there was a catalogue with an actual written price, they won't do it.

[Jellico]

Yeah. Hit that a few years back at Target. With more expensive items % can lead to all sorts of price drops they are not willing to take. I can respect that, though it is stupid at this level.

[Sinnertwin]

They said that to me this morning...

But when I showed the website to them, they did it anyway

Yeah, they'll always try to wiggle out of it.

T's & C's for anybody else having issues with Kmart

https://www.kmart.com.au/pricepromise

[GoktimusPrime]

I picked up a toy from Kmart today and had it successfully price matched with Big W.

[Batfan007]

Last two times i tried price matches in 2019 at big w it was refused.
I talked to the friendly employees who explained their had been some policy change / update to big w price matching.

Does anyone know the specifics on this?
Inhad the same answer at two diff stores suggesting it would have been an internal communication/msg to employees etc.

I can find kmarts policy on their website easily but can not find one on big w site have they removed it?

[Bumblebee2000]

I don't have anything in writing but I was told when they still had Titans Return on the shelf but just before they reduced them (late last year?), that it now has to be an item featured in a Big W catalogue and the store/price you are attempting to price match at the same time. Wonder who they had in mind with that system?

It was a new policy when I was told that because I had no problem maybe a week before that but again, nothing in writing and long enough ago that even could've changed again.

[Batfan007]

Yeah I'm going to ask at my local what is actually going on. And why has the policy been removed from their website.

[Sinnertwin]

Why worry? Give it time and soon all stores will be having closing down clearance sales anyway

[ChlorHex]

Why worry? Give it time and soon all stores will be having closing down clearance sales anyway
LOL ^

I've given up on wasting my time with price matching here in Perth.
Tried it with kmart and BigW but only given a flat "no" and made to feel as though you're trying to do something dodgy that no one else does.
These days i shop online (not through local big retailers) or wait for a toy fair to grab what i want... less stressful and no dramas.

[Skyfire]

I tried to price match something at Toymate, given the current 20% off various toy brands at Target. They don't price match blanket discounts or toyline discounts. So generally this would mean they only price match competitors' regular prices, unless you can show a competitor's toy is specifically reduced. They still apply the gold membership 5% discount to the matched price.

[Lucretia]

just in case anyone didn't know ebay does price matching as well, with 5% extra.
https://pages.ebay.com.au/buy/Best_Price_Guarantee/

[Skyfire]

So I went to Toymate to see if they would price match the Wave 1 Legacy Deluxes or Voyagers that were on the Target website. And they said they wouldn't because, when they checked on their computer (not sure what they were looking at), they said there was no stock at Target (I guess they look at the nearby store).

I also went to JB Hi-Fi and took an SS86 Perceptor, normally $39.98, to the counter and showed Myer's current sale price for Studio Series Deluxes ($28) on my phone, and the salesperson sold it to me without doing any more checks. So I'd recommend attempting price matching at JB Hi-Fi.

[Sinnertwin]

So I went to Toymate to see if they would price match the Wave 1 Legacy Deluxes or Voyagers that were on the Target website. And they said they wouldn't because, when they checked on their computer (not sure what they were looking at), they said there was no stock at Target (I guess they look at the nearby store).

I also went to JB Hi-Fi and took an SS86 Perceptor, normally $39.98, to the counter and showed Myer's current sale price for Studio Series Deluxes ($28) on my phone, and the salesperson sold it to me without doing any more checks. So I'd recommend attempting price matching at JB Hi-Fi.

It really depends which team member you get
Some are just enforcing policies that nobody GAFA
Others, like your JB team member know how to get your business.

[Skyfire]

Pre order from Zing they had him for $128 ?????? but the guy price matched Myers SS leaders for $59 haha even though they don't have him!

Interesting that Zing price matches, especially since they can get good stuff but at bad prices, and also matched sale price.



Underwood / Kuraby Big W didn't have Motormaster but had the Studio Series Deluxe wave with 3x Ironhide, 2x Arcee and 1x Perceptor at the normal Transformers section (not the cardboard stand), $28, but they are willing to pricematch against Myers' $23.99.

Big W is a bit annoying here - I emailed them before Toy Mania to see if they would price match Myer during Toy Mania. And the reply I got was they don't price match (the way it was worded sounded like "at all", so obviously wrong on that count). Then I took the Toy Mania catalogue to a store service desk, pointed to the Price Match blurb and asked if they price match sale prices elsewhere. "No" was the reply. And just to clarify, I said, "Only regular prices are matched, then?". The next reply was, "Yes."

[christalcase]

Big W is a bit annoying here - I emailed them before Toy Mania to see if they would price match Myer during Toy Mania. And the reply I got was they don't price match (the way it was worded sounded like "at all", so obviously wrong on that count). Then I took the Toy Mania catalogue to a store service desk, pointed to the Price Match blurb and asked if they price match sale prices elsewhere. "No" was the reply. And just to clarify, I said, "Only regular prices are matched, then?". The next reply was, "Yes."

It was actually a bit annoying this time as I had wait a while. I was hoping for a quick yes or no like usual. They had to ask another staff member, then call a manager, then confirm it was Myer, asked if it was on sale, confirmed the price, confirmed it had stock (using the stock location on the website) and then finally gave the go head for the pricematch. I wasn't in a rush so it was okay, and toys are expensive enough so $4 saved is $4 towards another figure.

[Tranceblade]

Following the above posts for context, Big W no longer price match at all.

https://www.bigw.com.au/help/faqs
"We don't do price matching at BIG W. Retailers often have differing prices and discounts on the same or similar items for reasons including the quantity of a product remaining in stock, and the length they've had a product in stock."

[griffin]

That's disappointing.
I think JB is now the best one for price-matching, for me at least.... but I don't know if that is policy, or just because I buy so much stuff from them.

[Skyfire]

I think JB is now the best one for price-matching

Yeah me too. JB has the latest figures and they can be price-matched in-store or online. I have ~70% success ratio but their policy is clear that only identical items can be matched, so actually all the "assorted" figures on competitors' websites don't qualify. I should be getting 0% success. Everywhere, actually, has the same caveat - I've been turned down on "assorted" matching at Toymate and Zing. I've had success at Kmart, who don't care about "assorted", but they are so behind JB in toy waves that I've not price-matched there for a long while.

I've also read on other forums people getting ridiculous prices at JB by using clearance prices, like Target's under-$20 Legacy Deluxes for Evolution Deluxes (currently $9.60 - can you imagine?!?) Clearance prices are certainly disqualified but I believe many JB staff members don't actually know their price-matching policy.

[griffin]

I agree, as some people are going to ruin it for the rest of us by deceiving JB staff into price-matching something that isn't equivalent (like the G2 redecos being price-matched to regular Legacy toys), or matching to clearance pricing at another retailer.

It shouldn't be about, "what can we get away with", because JB is only recently taking a chance on these toys and collectables, so if their records show a lot of sales losing them money, the last thing we want to see is them no longer wanting to stock the Brand... or them stopping price-matching (like BigW), or making it a lot harder to legitimately price-match (by saying that the exact product has to be shown online, or be physically in the other store when they call up).

[DELTAprime]

I've also read on other forums people getting ridiculous prices at JB by using clearance prices, like Target's under-$20 Legacy Deluxes for Evolution Deluxes (currently $9.60 - can you imagine?!?) Clearance prices are certainly disqualified but I believe many JB staff members don't actually know their price-matching policy.

Yeah, at work we had a price matching policy that included things like it had to be a normal price, not a sale price. No clearance items. Items had to be identical. Items had to be in stock locally. At the manager's discretion. All to stop people from pulling stunts like that.

[Skyfire]

Interesting recent bit of info behind JB's price matching from their CEO Terry Smart:

“Our direction to our staff is to take the deal,” Smart said. “We want them to take the deal and let us worry if it’s [profit margin] a bit skinnier than maybe it should be.

“But we would rather bank those dollars than let somebody else bank those dollars.”

Smart said deals offered were “up to the staff” but it was driven by how competitive the market may be.

“If they’re [customers] going into a competitor’s store, getting a price [and] bringing it into us, we tell the staff, ‘Take the deal. Move on, move to the next customer’,” he said.

Source (https://au.yahoo.com/finance/news/jb-hi-fi-boss-reveals-little-known-way-customers-can-score-a-discount-005418594.html)

[Skyfire]

Big W has updated their webpage (https://www.bigw.com.au/product/transformers-generations-legacy-voyager-class-assorted-/p/207637) to show Legacy United and Legacy Evolution images under the title of "Transformers Generations Legacy Voyager Class - Assorted". I've been waiting for a separate Legacy United listing to appear for price matching but it looks like Big W is putting all the Legacy sublines under Legacy. But now you can show other retailers those images.

The Legacy Deluxe (https://www.bigw.com.au/product/transformers-generations-legacy-deluxe-assorted-/p/207636) webpage still shows Legacy figures (not Evolution or United) currently.