Video: Negotiating a Price Match
Last week I wrote about a number of shoe styles that fell into the $100 to $300 price range. In doing so, I asked you to submit the shoes you’re currently contemplating so I could choose one for an experiment in this post. Sara commented she’s been on the fence about these dv by Dolce Vita pumps that she recently tried on at Nordstrom. I tracked them down at Shoes.com with 20% off code and decided to see if Nordstrom would match the offer…and guess what? I got the whole thing on video!
Needless to say, Nordstrom completely lived up to their name by honoring the price. Here’s a pic of the shoe for reference followed by tips and tricks for trying this for yourself!
Tips & Tricks:
- Why it’s worth it: Along with combining the instant gratification of shopping in stores with the discount benefits of shopping online, you can also feel good about giving your business to a place you trust. As an avid online shopper, I’ve found this is a way to also support local boutiques. In fact, I bought my green Pour la Victoire sandals at The Finerie in Seattle. Endless had the same pair for a $25 promotion and The Finerie was happy to match the deal.
- When you should try: If the product is over $100 and is carried by more than one retailer. You have to make sure the amount you’ll save is worth your time and in most cases, chain stores that only carry their own brand (e.g. GAP, Victoria’s Secret, etc.) will lead to a dead end.
- The process: Once you know which item you’re looking for, determine which places are selling it online. Then, try to find a coupon code for one of those places – I use sites like Grechens Codes and Retail Me Not.
- Getting the price-match: If you find a lower price, whether on sale or with a coupon code, the next step is to see if your local department store or boutique will match it. More often than not, they probably will. Someone is going to get your business regardless, so it might as well be them.
Feel free to leave questions or your own stories about price-matching!
I love how you’re like an undercover agent in this! These are great tips, and definitely worth the shot. The worst that can happen is is the store saying no, and you getting them cheaper elsewhere. This goes true if you find an item damaged at a store– if it’s missing a button, or a seem is slightly undone (& you can fix it), let them know! When I worked at UO, we’d take at least 20% off for that.
I’ve tried to do this at the optometrist– tell them that I could buy cheaper online, only to have them pull the price-match card out… But I never thought to do it at a major department store! Great idea.
Ashe – Haha, Jordan was recording me out in the open and they didn’t seem to have any concerns with it. Good point about damaged items – I’ve totally done that too!
dreamsequins – You are hilarious! Yes – get out there and try this for fun purchases! You’ll definitely have more bargaining power considering so many retailers carry the same brands.
you are so awesome
nordstrom also price-matches online, don’t they? and i think http://www.revolveclothing.com does also – or at least they’ll match codes from competitors if you e-mail them…
i will admit, i’ve never gotten “in” to price-matching – i will usually just buy wherever i find it cheaper, but i definitely see how it would be a valuable tool if you prefer to buy from stores you know/trust/have bought from before.
Brilliant! Great tips!
That’s an awesome idea since Nordstrom has such great customer’s service and return policy anyway. Better to buy it there and have to deal with online returns and all that stuff!
grechen – Yeah, I’m pretty sure they price match online…definitely if the item is on sale somewhere else. Revolve matches coupon codes if you send them an email, but they also have a lot of restricted brands. I’m like you more often than not b/c I love finding the best deal online and purchasing right away – this is something new I’ve been experimenting with though.
Eunice – Thanks! Nordstrom has amazing customer service and are so on top of new shopping trends. Who would have thought they’d match coupon code discounts? Wow!
NORDSTROM WILL ALWAYS PRICE MATCH! I feel bad that you felt you had to justify the situation to this employee. He didn’t even need to get his manager to do this for you. Nordstrom doesn’t need you to justify. You are the customer and you get what you want!
Always buy it at Nordstrom and price match. You can get your points on your Nordstrom card and you will get the outstanding customer service you can expect from Nordstrom!!!
Grechen: Nordstrom will price match online but you have to call them on Nordstrom direct. It\’s just the catalog number. I would recommend that anyway because they help you as if you were in the store if you need help. They can do price adjustments for you.
PS: Another tip for online ordering. Go into Nordstrom or call them. You can get free shipping if you have them order it for you from the store.
Anon – thanks for the great comments! Based on your knowledge and passion, I’m going to take a wild guess and say you work at Nordi’s…which would make your comments even better!
oh my… i would never have the guts to do this! both with sneaky camera, and asking for a discount. you are so good! great tips, definitely try it next time i got to nordstroms!
This is genius! You are my hero x
Genius! Maybe we should all organize a “Price Matching” secret op day and post our vids to see which stores are more willing to price match than others. Love it.
Hey, do you mind if I feature this post on my blog? I love it.
Seriously, you did such a great job on this post! I felt like I was watching a special on Dateline or something. You not only brought attention to the importance of customer service (which is important to me & my business) but that we as consumers, need to do our homework and be more conscious of what we are buying. Job well done! I’m so proud of you for taking the initiative! <3
jennine – LOL, you totally should! We should look into how we can work out magic for NYFW hotels!
Frankie – Aw, I always wanted to be a hero. LOL! Thanks so much!
Erica – Love the idea of a secret day! I bet Nordstrom would win, but it’d be cool to test in local boutiques and dept. stores in various cities on the same day! Also, of course you can repost!
Sara – Thanks love! It’s cool to hear your perspective on the business side!
That’s the Jordana I know in action! That’s why I like to take you shopping with me! AND I love those shoes!!!! Too bad I’m not rich and can’t hire you as my personal assistant!
Nordstrom has great customer service, and always price matches without hesitation…that plus their infinite, no questions ask returns policy = lots of love from me!
LOL at this employee though — I’m surprised he hesitated so much, and also, couldn’t he have just pulled out a calculator instead of fumbling around out loud? His math seems weirdly off to me — it should have been $87.20, not $88 something…oh well, just a dollar difference I guess
Great blog! I literally just discovered it like 30 minutes ago and have spent the entire time going through your archives.
New daily read!
okay…now i want to see you negotiate a price adjustment!!!!
here are the shoes on dolce vita for 25% off (code “summersale”)
http://www.shopdolcevita.com/detail.aspx?ID=864
I agree with Jennine I don’t know if I could do it.. with the camera and all and thats makes you a rockstar in my eyes.
Well done! I always plan to do things like this but end up chickening out. Way to go and getting it all on tape!
Nichelle – I think you meant personal shopper, so I’ll let that one slide. You are more savvy than you think…don’t be lazy…LOL.
anjali – Thanks for your thoughts. I think I just caught him off guard a little with the coupon code lingo.
Niki – Thank you so much! You just made my day!
grechen – OMG I’m so doing a sequel! This is why you’re the queen. Thanks so much for sharing that with me. Watch out Nordis…I’m stopping by again soon.
alixrose – Aw, thanks love. I’m hoping to turn you!
Natanya – Thanks! You should just go for it some time! It’s kind of thrilling, but maybe that’s just for me.
Well, for what it’s worth, I am glad we could “help” on this. Too bad you didn’t buy the shoes from us, but at least you’re stylin’ some new sexy Dolce Vitas Ping me next time, and I’ll cut you a deal. Better yet, tell us about the shoes (that you bought there) on our blog: http://sole.shoes.com
ciao,
dave
My heart pounds a little bit every time I ask someone to price match, but it’s so worth it! I’m glad that you posted this video so other people can see how it’s done.
This might be the most awesome thing I have seen yet on LClutch22 – well done. Oh, other than my name winning that prize before, lol.
Can you believe it?! I’m just getting the chance to check out the much talked about price-match video! Such an amazing idea & you did so great! Way to be!
I genuinely love the age we live in, when consumers can just bust out their phone and bring up the website of where they can find the product for cheaper! *sigh* How did people used to survive?!
The shoes on the picture are absolutely gorgeous. I like your article. Very informative. Thanks for the tips in negotiating prices when you buying fabulous fashionable stuff.