Price Matching Put To The Test

Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Everyone likes a good deal, but when it comes to saving money, it turns out, a lot of shoppers may be missing out on an easy opportunity to spend less.

CBS4's David Sutta took a look at how retailers are willing to give you a bargain – you just have to ask for it first.

Christine Bomben likes to shop with coupons.

"It saves a lot of money," she said.

But shoppers don't always need a sale or coupon to save money.

"They may not advertise it but a lot of stores have price matching policies," said checkbook.org Executive Director Keven Brasler.

Find an item for less at a nearby store or online and many big chains will honor the lower price.

"We bought a Kitchen-Aide food processor and I believe in sears it was $300.  We found it for $150 on Amazon so it was worth it," said shopper Madeline Bentley.

"We found it was very easy," Brasler said.

Checkbook.org sent mystery shoppers out to put these price match policies to the test and found, for the most part it, wasn't a hassle at all to get a better deal.

"We thought we'd run into problems doing this honestly and in the end we found that it was extraordinarily easy," Brasler said.

But it seems plenty of bargain hunters never even ask for the lower price once they reach the register.

"It's estimated less than 5 percent of customers take advantage of the price matching policies," Brasler said.

And here's a look at the possible savings.

Bed Bath and Beyond matched Amazon's price on a vacuum, saving $70.

Best Buy cut $140  off the price of a sound bar to match online competitor newegg.com.

Home Depot sold a $99 tool kit for the Lowe's price plus an extra 10 percent off.  But at Home Depot,

"At Home Depot we always had to get a manager on the scene sometimes our mystery shoppers on the scene had to explain to the manager what the store's own matching policy was," Brasler said.

A little more time in the store that could pay off in a big way.

"It does work and it's cheaper. You have too," Bomben told Tamra Burton.

"Really? Well, now I know. Thank you," Burton responded.

When comparing prices, make sure you are looking at the exact same item.

Also, if you are not sure what the store policy is just check the company's website.