Tip of the day: Did you know that some stores support education so much to offer student and/or teacher discounts? Well, now you know :) For example, J.Crew offers teachers 15% off with a valid school ID and gives student 15% off with a valid student ID!!! Aren't you glad you are affiliated with a school now :) Always ask at any store to see what they offer you for being affiliated with a school!! You never know until you ask :)
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In times like this , with the economy going downhill, every cent saved counts. Did you know there are numerous ways to save money? Particularly with the price adjustment policy of several stores. Similarly, did you know that you don't have to stick with a merchandise for longer than you need to depending on return policies? Well, guess what?!! I'll be showcasing several stores and their policies (return and price adjustment).
Price adjustments are slightly different than return policies. With price adjustments, you can still get the difference in cost even if the product has already been opened or worn, as long as you have your original receipt. In most cases, in order to do a return, the product must still have its original labeling or tags and/or packaging. So keep your tags and receipts for at least 30 days :)
Please note that many retailers which also have websites may have different policies for in-store purchase and online purchases. In some cases, we were able to get information on both, and have posted them below. Many retailers also exclude certain items from price adjustments, price guarantees or price matching. Similarly, holiday policies tend to vary. As always, it's best to check directly with the store or website you buy from before making your purchase.
ABERCROMBIE AND FITCH -- Within 14 days of purchase
ANN TAYLOR.COM -- (may have different policies for in-store and online purchases)
http://www.anntaylor.com/Templates/Content/site_help_returns.tem#adjust
BANANA REPUBLIC -- A one-time price adjustment will be issued when an original receipt is presented within 14 days after the date of the original purchase.
http://www.bananarepublic.com/customerService/info.do?cid=1325&mlink=,128930&clink=128930
BEST BUY (in-store and online policies differ)
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?type=page&entryURLType=&entryURLID=&categoryId=cat10001&id=cat12097 select "price matching" and "in-store price guarantee"
CRATE AND BARREL - Can bring item back within 14 days of purchase, with receipt, and be refunded the difference.
GAP & GAP.COM - Stores offer a one-time price adjustment when an original sales receipt is presented within 14 days of date of purchase. Online offers a one-time price adjustment within 14 days from invoice date.
http://www.gap.com/customerService/info.do?cid=2326
JCREW - honors a one-time price adjustment within 7 days of the mail-order ship date or in-store purchase if accompanied by the original receipt.
http://www.jcrew.com/help/returns_exchanges.jsp
KB TOYS - Within 30 days of in-store purchase or online order
KOHL'S - Can return within 14 days with receipt and get the difference. 2-for-1 deals are excluded. KOHLS.COM -- If your situation meets all these criteria, you could be eligible for a price adjustment: (1) You bought the item on sale or at regular price; (2) Within two weeks (14 days) of the purchase date, the price of the item was further reduced from the final price you paid; (3) You have the original, dated sales receipt; (4) The item is not a Clearance markdown. If you bought the item online at Kohls.com and you think you're eligible for a price adjustment, e-mail us at Customer.Service@Kohls.com. Or, call Customer Service toll-free at (866) 887-8884. If you bought the item at a Kohl's Store near you, please visit the Customer Service Desk at that location with your receipt.
http://www.kohls.com/main/home.jsp
(click on "customer service" and type in "price adjustment")
MACY'S -- (differs from Macys.com policy):
If an item purchased is offered at a lower price within 10 days of your original purchase, you may receive a price adjustment. Simply present your original receipt while the item is offered at a lower price. Price adjustments are not given for coupon or savings pass discounts.
MACYS.COM -- http://www1.macys.com/service/start/safeshopping/pricing.jsp
MERVYN'S - no official response, but said generally, can bring item back within 14 days with receipt for a price adjustment.
NORDSTROM - has no written policy. Everything is dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
NORDSTROM.COM -- If the item you purchased is reduced in price, we will happily accommodate a price adjustment within 2 weeks from the date of purchase. For assistance, call our Customer Service Specialists at 1-888-282-6060.
http://about.nordstrom.com/help/our-policies/pricing-policy.asp?origin=help
OLD NAVY -- Within 14 days of purchase
SEARS - If you find a lower price on an identical branded item with the same features currently available for sale at another local retail store, Sears will match that price plus give you 10% of the difference. Just tell your sales associate at the time of, or within 30 days after, your purchase. If you find a lower price (including shipping, handling and delivery) on an identical branded item with the same features currently available for sale and delivery in your area from a local retail store's online site, Sears will match that total price Plus, give you 10% of the difference. Just print the ordering page, including shipping, handling and delivery, and bring it to your Sears store at the time of, or within 30 days after, your purchase. If you are purchasing the item from sears.com, email the information to order@customerservice.sears.com"
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/nb_10153_12605_NB_CSpricematch?adCell=AF
STAPLES - Within 14 days of purchase
TARGET - If item is returned "that week or the following week of purchase" (but not specifically 14 calendar days), they will give you the difference. (As we understand it, that means if you bought an item on a Thursday, you could only get a price adjustment Friday, Saturday or the following week.) No price adjustments on clearance items.
THE LIMITED - Within 14 days of purchase. Not offered on redline or markdown items ending in $0.99
VICTORIA'S SECRET (in-store policy differs from online policy) - Can bring item and receipt back within 14 days and receive the difference in sale price.
VICTORIASSECRET.COM - Can return item within 3 weeks of purchase and receive the difference in sale price.
One point worth mentioning though: if possible, always carry your receipts with you at all times. Get yourself a small receipt wallet or wrist-let and safe-guard your receipts. Be sure to also prevent the receipt prints from fading away. This little point may save you a significant amount of $$$ later down the road :)
Pay with credit
Extended price adjustment policies are a little-known credit card perks!! Several credit card offer you price adjustments for merchandise you purchase and find cheaper days later. For example, the Citi Diamond Preferred Rewards card,for example, offers to refund the difference in price up to $250 if you spot a better deal within 60 days of purchase. The Fidelity Investment Rewards Visa Signature card does the same.
Check for competitors' matches
It's harder to claim, but some stores will even match a competitor's price after you've made a purchase at their store. Stores like that include Circuit city and Office Depot. Some stores almost never do this willingly and with a smile, so be prepared for a bit of a battle :) Bring the competitor's ad with you, as well as a printout of the store's price matching and adjustment policies.
Sources:
ABC7news.com
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