As a picky shopper and retail expert, I know the importance of getting the best deal possible. One often overlooked way to save money is by taking advantage of price matching policies offered by retailers. Nordstrom, the popular luxury department store, does offer a price matching policy – but many shoppers don‘t know the details or how to use it effectively, especially when shopping online.
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll share my insider knowledge on Nordstrom‘s price matching policy, how it compares to their competitors, and tips for maximizing your savings. We‘ll dive into the nitty-gritty details and data around price matching, so you can shop smarter and save more at Nordstrom.
The Scoop on Price Matching
First, let‘s talk about what price matching is and why it matters. Price matching is when a retailer agrees to match a lower price on an identical item offered by a competitor. According to a 2020 report by RetailMeNot, 64% of retailers offer some form of price matching.[^1] For consumers, this policy ensures they‘re getting the best price possible without having to shop around at multiple stores.
Research shows that price is the top factor influencing purchasing decisions for 60% of consumers.[^2] Price matching helps mitigate the fear of overpaying and provides a sense of getting a deal. On average, shoppers save $59 per year by price matching.^3 For retailers, price matching can foster customer loyalty and encourage repeat business by showing a commitment to competitive pricing.
The Details on Nordstrom‘s Price Matching Policy
Now, let‘s zoom in on Nordstrom specifically. Here‘s what their website says about price matching:
"We are committed to offering you the best possible prices. We will match the price if you find an identical item for a lower price at a selected competitor. We will also match our own prices if an item is reduced in price within 14 days of your order date or purchase date in store."[^4]
The key details to note:
- The item must be identical in brand, size, color, and model number
- The competitor must be on Nordstrom‘s approved list (not publicly disclosed)
- The lower price must be verifiable through an advertisement or website
- Price matching is only valid within 14 days of purchase
- Nordstrom reserves the right to refuse a price match at their discretion
In practice, this means if you buy something from Nordstrom and then find the exact same item cheaper elsewhere within two weeks, you can request a price match and receive a refund for the difference. You‘ll need proof of the lower price, either a printed ad or a screenshot of the competitor‘s website.
It‘s important to understand the restrictions on price matching at Nordstrom. Sale and promotional prices are excluded, as are items sold by membership clubs, outlets, and discount retailers. Nordstrom also won‘t price match with third-party sellers on sites like Amazon or eBay.
Price Matching In-Store at Nordstrom
While price matching at brick-and-mortar Nordstrom locations is relatively straightforward, there are a few tips to ensure a smooth experience:
- Bring your original receipt and proof of the competitor‘s current lower price
- Be prepared to show the identical item on the competitor‘s website on your phone
- Go to the customer service desk rather than a cashier for price matching requests
- Remember that the store associates may need to verify the lower price and get manager approval
- Don‘t wait too long – you only have 14 days from the original purchase date to price match
Common reasons why an in-store price match may be denied include:
- The item isn‘t identical (even small differences in size or color can disqualify)
- The competitor is offering a special promotion or members-only price
- The lower price is from an unauthorized retailer
- The store associate is unable to verify the current lower price
- It‘s been more than 14 days since the original purchase
If your price match is refused and you believe it should be honored under Nordstrom‘s policy, you can politely ask to speak with a manager or call their customer service line for further assistance.
Online Price Matching at Nordstrom.com
For many shoppers, the convenience of online shopping is unbeatable. The good news is that Nordstrom extends their price matching policy to purchases made on Nordstrom.com. The process is even easier than in-store – here‘s how it works:
Let‘s say you buy a pair of Nike running shoes from Nordstrom.com for $120. A week later, you notice the identical shoes on sale at Dick‘s Sporting Goods‘ website for $99. Here‘s what to do:
- Take a screenshot of the competitor‘s website, including the date and price
- Find your order number from the original Nordstrom.com purchase
- Go to Nordstrom‘s "Price Match and Adjustment" page and fill out the form
- Enter your order number, contact information, and the details of the competitor‘s lower price
- Upload the screenshot as proof and submit the form
Nordstrom will review your request and typically issue a refund to your original payment method within 3-5 business days if approved. It‘s that simple – no need to call customer service or go back to the store.
Online price matching makes it incredibly easy for diligent shoppers to save money. With a few clicks, you can ensure you paid the lowest price, even after the fact. It‘s especially useful for online shoppers who can quickly compare prices across multiple websites.
Expert Tips for Savvy Nordstrom Shoppers
As a picky shopper myself, I‘ve learned a few tricks for always getting the best deal at Nordstrom. Here are my top tips:
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Always do a quick online search for lower prices before purchasing something at Nordstrom. A few minutes could save you money.
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Use price comparison apps and browser extensions like PriceBlink, Honey, and InvisibleHand to automatically find lower prices while shopping online.[^5]
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Keep your receipts and shipping confirmations organized. You‘ll need them for any post-purchase price matching.
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Set a calendar reminder for 13 days after a Nordstrom purchase. That gives you a heads up to do a final price check before the match window closes.
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If price matching seems like too much hassle for an item, consider if it‘s worth buying in the first place. Prioritize price matching higher-ticket items to maximize savings.
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Remember that Nordstrom offers free shipping and returns on all orders.[^6] You can buy something, ask for a price match later, and return it free if needed.
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Combine price matching with other savings tactics. Sign up for Nordstrom‘s rewards program, The Nordy Club, to earn points on purchases.[^7] Watch for holiday sales and promotional events. Use discount gift cards from sites like Raise.com.
The savviest Nordstrom shoppers take advantage of price matching and these other savings strategies to really stretch their budget and get the best value.
How Nordstrom‘s Price Matching Compares
Compared to other department stores, Nordstrom has a fairly generous price matching policy. Here‘s a quick overview of how they stack up:
| Store | Price Matches Competitors | Price Matches Own Website | Adjustment Window |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nordstrom | Yes | Yes | 14 days |
| Macy‘s | Yes (select retailers) | No | 10 days |
| Bloomingdale‘s | Yes | No | 7 days |
| Neiman Marcus | Case-by-case basis | No | Varies |
| Saks Fifth Avenue | No | No | N/A |
As you can see, Nordstrom is one of the few department stores that will price match both competitors and their own website. They also give shoppers a full two weeks to find lower prices, which is longer than most. Neiman Marcus evaluates price matching requests on an individual basis, while Saks Fifth Avenue doesn‘t offer price matching at all.
Of course, it‘s always a good idea to read the full price matching policy on a retailer‘s website before making a purchase. The devil is in the details, and exclusions vary from store to store.
The Psychology of Price Matching
Beyond the dollars and cents, price matching appeals to shoppers on a psychological level. Finding a lower price after the fact feels like "beating the system" in a way. It satisfies the urge to get a good deal and affirms to shoppers that they made a smart purchase.
For some shoppers, the thrill of the hunt for a lower price is part of the fun. They enjoy the challenge of comparing prices and submitting price adjustment requests. These shoppers see price matching as a way to outsmart retailers and gain an edge.
Others appreciate price matching as a form of insurance. It provides peace of mind that they won‘t overpay or have buyer‘s remorse if the item goes on sale later. Price matching helps shoppers feel more confident in their purchase decisions.
At the same time, even picky shoppers have to weigh the time and effort required for price matching against the potential savings. Chasing down a price match on a $20 t-shirt may not be worth the hassle. But for a $200 coat or $1,000 handbag? Absolutely.
Price matching fits into the broader context of discount-seeking shopping behaviors. In today‘s retail landscape, many consumers won‘t buy anything at full price. The proliferation of coupons, promotional codes, flash sales, and members-only discounts has conditioned shoppers to always look for a deal. Price matching is another tool in the savvy shopper‘s arsenal.
Maximizing Your Savings at Nordstrom
Ultimately, being an informed consumer is the best way to save money at Nordstrom (and any other retailer). By understanding the ins and outs of their price matching policy, you can ensure you‘re getting the best price possible.
Remember these key points:
- Nordstrom will price match identical items from select competitors if you find a lower price within 14 days of purchase
- Sale prices, special promotions, and certain retailers are excluded
- You can request a price match for online purchases through Nordstrom.com
- Having proof of the lower price and your original receipt is essential
To really maximize your savings, combine price matching with other smart shopping strategies. Earn rewards points through The Nordy Club, shop during annual sales, and use promo codes or discounted gift cards. Stay organized, do your research, and don‘t be afraid to ask for a price adjustment if you find a better deal later.
With a little effort and know-how, you can shop at Nordstrom without ever overpaying. And that‘s a savvy shopper move indeed.
[^1]: RetailMeNot, Inc. "The Ultimate Guide to Retailer Price-Matching Policies."[^2]: First Insight, Inc. "The State of Consumer Spending: Gen Z Shoppers Demand Sustainable Retail." [^4]: Nordstrom, Inc. "Price Matching." Nordstrom.com.
[^5]: Reisewitz, Chloe. "6 Best Price Comparison Apps to Save Money Shopping Online." Slickdeals.com.
[^6]: Nordstrom, Inc. "Shipping & Returns." Nordstrom.com.
[^7]: Nordstrom, Inc. "The Nordy Club Rewards." Nordstrom.com.
