How a Price Adjustment Policy Works

Estimated reading time: 15 minutes

Discover how to save money with Canadian stores’ product price adjustment policy. Learn how to get money back on your purchases.

Are you aware that some Canadian big box and shopping stores have a product price adjustment policy?

If you are, you know about the significant savings you can pocket if you keep your eyes open after purchasing.

Today, I will review the product price adjustment, how it works, and Canadian stores that offer this perk.

Product Price Adjustment Policies Save Canadians Money

If you’ve never heard of this excellent Canadian policy, you’ll learn how to put money back in your pocket. 

Although it’s not the law, this policy allows customers to catch a sale after they’ve purchased an item at full price or a lower price.

How To Return Products To A Store

Generally, we all know that returning products or purchases are accepted across Canada.

Most stores offer a return policy for rotten, inedible, unopened, unused, or defective products; however, not all offer cashback.

For example, if you shop at Value Village and return an item with your receipt, you only get a store credit.

Once you have finalized a purchase at the point of sale, it is your product unless you need to return it.

Not all stores allow returns, so it’s best to ask before you pay.

Why Canadians Return Purchases

You might want to return a product because:

• It wasn’t what you expected
• The product is defective
• You already have one, and it was gifted to you.
• It doesn’t fit
• The product was the wrong colour
• Food may be expired, tastes off, moldy, or has health concerns from Health Canada.
• Product recalls
• Wrong product

On a cautionary note, be aware of a possible restocking fee.

Typically, stores have anywhere from 30-90 days for the return policy, but again, you’ll want to read their website or ask customer service.

This is strictly for returning products to the store.

However, if you want to keep the product you just bought but found it cheaper the following week, you may be entitled to some money back.

This is called a product price adjustment in Canada.

Product Price Adjustment 101

What is a Product Price Adjustment Policy?

Most people don’t know the Product Price Adjustment Policy for most stores, also known as a Price Protection Policy.

If you buy a product and the exact product goes on sale cheaper than what you purchased, you may be able to apply the store policy.

Remember the price adjustment policy time frame is based on individual store management.

It is always essential to keep your receipts, and reading the front and back is imperative.

You’ll also locate information on company websites and at the bottom of most paper flyers delivered to your home.

Price Match Vs. Price Adjustment

A price match policy and a price adjustment policy are two different things.

Don’t get these two mixed up or believe there’s only one policy.

A price match is when a store offers you the same price or lower than a competitor.

This typically happens as you are cashing out your order.

A price adjustment is when you buy a product, and the same store offers a lower price within a specified time limit.

This happens after you’ve paid for your order and a new flyer sale.

How To Ask For A Product Price Adjustment

If you spot a product you purchased in the timeframe allowed for an adjustment, bring your receipt and the flyer to the store.

The store often has the flyer or ability to look up the product on their computer.

I’d bring all the relevant information so you aren’t going back and forth to get what you need.

All you need to do is explain to customer service that you purchased an item that was x amount of dollars during a specific period, and it’s on sale now.

You let the cashier know you’d like it if they could apply their price adjustment policy to the item.

You get the difference between what you paid for the product and its sale price.

Example Of A Produce Price Adjustment

For example, if you buy a BBQ for $799.00 and it goes on sale next week for $399.00, you would get an adjustment of $400.

Typically, when you ask for a price adjustment, they will refund the difference in whichever tender you purchased the product.

An example would be if you paid by credit card, the adjustment will return to the same credit card.

Also, be aware that policy terms vary from store to store, so the easiest way to find out is to call the store.  

Product Price Adjustments Are NOT the Law

Many stores in Canada offer product price adjustments, such as Wal-Mart and Canadian Tire.

If the price of a product drops after I buy it, can I get a refund for the difference? 

Within 30 days (with receipt), if a customer has purchased an item from any Walmart store that is now offered at a lower Walmart price, the store will refund the difference of the price for the customer. Important: the refund excludes items that are on Clearance.

Walmart Canada – Look under Terms of Sale 2024

You may even find you can get a product price adjustment at certain grocery stores.

However, as mentioned above, I would call the store to verify before heading over.

** Remember that these stores can change their price adjustment policy anytime.

I’m updating this post now in 2024.

Toys R Us Canada Price Adjustment

If you find a lower price on our web site, instore or print, we will do a price adjustment.

• We will offer a price adjustment if we lower the price for the item you bought within 30 days of the purchase date with the original receipt.
• The item must be identical.
• We do not offer price adjustments to other retailers’ prices.

Our price adjustment policy DOES NOT apply to the following:

• Offers with limited quantity/door crashers
• Advertising errors and/or misprints
• Special Sale prices including Online only offers, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Friends and Family, or Boxing Day/Week
• Rebates or free/bonus/gift card offers
• Coupons/Saving cards
• Bundled offers
• Clearance items

Read The Full Toys R Us Canada Policy.

London Drugs Price Adjustment

Do you offer price protection for online purchases?
We strive to have competitive pricing on all our products.

However, if you find a lower price on an identical product after your purchase, return the product and your original receipt to any London Drugs location within 30 days, and the difference will be refunded. 

Some conditions apply*

Price Protection can also be done online for orders placed on Londondrugs.com within 30 days by submitting an electronic form on our Contact Us page or contacting Customer Care at 1-888-991-2299

Read the London Drugs Policy.

Footlocker Canada

We will be happy to give you a price adjustment on items purchased from Footlocker CA .com within 10 days of the order date for any item with a price reduction.

Footlocker will not honor price adjustments after the 10 days or the sale expiration date. 

We are also unable to match the price between our stores and website.

Read the full Footlocker Canada Policy.

Microsoft Canada

If you find the price of the exact item is now lower at the Microsoft Store or at an eligible retailer, and the item is still in stock, your product may be eligible for a price adjustment. See terms for more details.

Read the full Microsoft Canada Policy.

The Bay Canada

If you have already purchased the item from us and find it at another retailer, visit a store associate, call, chat, or email us within 7 days of your purchase, and we will gladly adjust the price.

Read the full, The Bay Canada Policy.

Decathlon Canada

Customers can request a one-time price adjustment if an item is marked down within 14 days of the original purchase date.

Please ensure that all such requests are submitted within this 14-day window, and note that the lower price must be in effect when your request is made.

To qualify for a price adjustment, you must provide proof of purchase.

We’ll then credit the price difference back to your original payment method.

Read the full Decathlon Policy.

Sporting Life Canada

If the price of an item you recently purchased has been reduced, we will happily perform a one-time sale adjustment at your request.

For qualifying items purchased online, please get in touch with the Customer Care team within 14 days of placing your order.

The item must still be in stock and available in the same colour and size.

In-store purchases requiring a price adjustment must be completed at one of our retail stores.

Read the full Sporting Life Canada Policy.

Staples Canada

If you find a lower price on a new identical item, show us the lower price when you buy the item at a Staples store, and we’ll match the price.

If you purchase an item from Staples store and tell us within 14 days that you found that item at a lower price in our stores or at staples.com, we’ll refund the difference.

Costco Canada

Costco.com purchases: Select the Request a Price Adjustment button below and complete the form.

Once approved, credits are typically issued within 5 to 10 business days to the original form of payment. 

Check if a promotional price has already been deducted from your order.

Old Navy, Banana Republic, Athleta And The Gap

We offer a one-time price adjustment if an item is marked down within fourteen (14) days of your purchase date.

To obtain a price adjustment on an online purchase, you must call 1.800.427.7895 within the fourteen (14) day window.

If you are within the deadline, we’ll refund you the difference in your original form of payment.

Items purchased with a promotional discount are not eligible for price adjustments.

However, items purchased with rewards certificates or free shipping promotions are eligible for price adjustments.

A price adjustment for an online purchase will not be made in a Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, or Athleta store.

We will not make price adjustments on online purchases for items featured in clearance pricing events in Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, or Athleta stores.

Read The Gap Policy.

Sport Check Canada

Note: Not available for online purchases.

Before purchase, if you find an item available for sale at a lower advertised price by our competitors, or within 15 days of purchase, if you find your item advertised at a lower price by our competitors or at our store, we will gladly match the price.

Read the full Sport Check Policy.

The Brick Canada

If within 30 days of delivery or pick up of your purchase, you find the same brand and model currently advertised in a flyer or print ad, on TV or radio, online, or displayed in store by either The Brick or a competitor at a lower price with identical terms and conditions, we will refund you the difference in the same tender with which you paid.

Just bring proof of the lower advertised price to be verified.

Read the The Brick Canada Policy.

Gymboree

Price adjustment requests will be honored when items are purchased at FULL RETAIL price and if the merchandise is discounted within 7 days after the original purchase date.

Sale and discounted items are not eligible for price adjustments.

Price adjustments can only be processed with the receipt.

Read the full Gymboree Policy.

Leon’s Furniture

At Leon’s, you don’t just buy a piece of furniture; you buy peace of mind! With our 30-Day Price Guarantee, you can shop confidently knowing that if you find the same brand and model, currently advertised by either Leon’s or an authorized Canadian retailer, at a lower price within 30 days of purchase, we’ll refund you the difference.

Bring us proof of the lower advertised price, and we’ll verify it for you.

Read the full Price Guarantee by Leon’s Furniture.

Ikea Canada Price Adjustment

If you have purchased a product within the last 45 days and it is now reduced in price, you can claim your Ikea price adjustment in-store or online, depending on where you made the purchase.

The price adjustment time frame is extended to 90 days for Ikea Family Members.

Also, note that this requires that the purchase was made using your Ikea Family card.

Read the full Ikea Canada Policy.

Walmart Canada Price Adjustment

If the price of a product drops after I buy it, can I get a refund for the difference?

Within 30 days (with receipt), if a customer has purchased an item from any Walmart store that is now offered at a lower Walmart price, the store will refund the difference in the price for the customer.

Important: the refund excludes items that are on Clearance.

Read the full Walmart policy.

Best Buy Canada

Best Buy Canada

With our Low Price Guarantee, you can shop knowing you’ll find the best price at Best Buy all year round.

If you find a lower price with another retailer or authorized dealer online, in-store, or in print, we’ll gladly match that price before you buy or within 30 days of your purchase.

Should our price be reduced after your purchase, present us with your original receipt within 30 days of purchase, and we will match the price and refund you the difference.

Read the full Best Buy Price Adjustment Policy

Mountain Warehouse

you buy online from Mountain Warehouse and then find the same product at a lower price on a competitor’s website, we promise to refund the difference and give you 10% off your next purchase.

This applies up to 30 days from buying online at Mountain Warehouse!

Read the full Mountain Warehouse

Roots Canada

Roots offers a one-time-only price adjustment on items purchased at regular prices within 7 days of purchase.

We may run promotions where a price adjustment will not be available.

If a price adjustment is unavailable on any given promotion, it will be stated in the promotion terms and conditions.

Price adjustments will be made to the original method of payment.

All returns and price adjustments are subject to validation and approval at Roots’ discretion.

Read the full Roots Canada

Home Hardware

We will gladly offer a one-time price adjustment when you present your original sales receipt within 7 days of purchase (some exclusions apply; see below*). Price adjustments for promotional pricing such as flyers or events may only be claimed while the promotion is still valid. Price adjustments within 7 days of a Scratch and Save event will receive a 10% discount*.

Read the full Home Hardware.

Toys R Us Canada

If you find a lower price on our website, in-store or print, we will do a price adjustment.

• We will offer a price adjustment if we lower the price for the item you bought within 30 days of the purchase date with the original receipt.
• The item must be identical.

Read the full Toys R Us Canada Product.

Rudsak Canada

Price Adjustment Policy

RUDSAK offers a one-time price adjustment within 7 days of a purchase. The item must have been purchased at regular price.

Price adjustments do not apply to promotions, online exclusives, or short-term sales events like Black Friday or Boxing Day. Sample Sales are excluded from price adjustments.

Read the full Rudsak Canada.

Saks Fifth Avenue

If you find an item you purchased at a lower price on Saks.com or a competitor, please submit a price adjustment request above, and we will gladly review your request.

Our ability to price match or adjust sale prices is subject to the following terms and conditions.

• Adjustments must be requested within 7 days of your order placement.
• The item must be in stock in the same size and color as a Saks competitor for a price adjustment to be considered.
• Calculated based on the item price shown on the saks.com website on the requested date.
• The item must be in stock in the same color at a Saks for price adjustment to be considered.

Read the full Saks Fifth Avenue.

Bath And Body Works

You will find two product price adjustments for Bath and Body Works one for online shopers and in-store purchases.

Online Purchases

A one-time price adjustment from the original selling price to the current selling price can be issued within 14 days after the date of the original purchase:

• Price adjustments for online purchases cannot be completed in stores.

To receive a price adjustment for online purchases, locate your order number and the current selling price on BathandBodyWorks.ca and contact us.

In-Store Purchases

A one-time price adjustment from the original selling price to the current selling price will be issued for in-store purchases when the original receipt is presented within 14 days after the original purchase date. 

Flash Sales, select promotions lasting 48 hours or less, Candle Day event pricing, and email offers are not eligible for price adjustments.

Read the full Bath and Body Works.

Canadian Tire

Unfortunately, I received an email back from Canadian Tire corporate about their price adjustment policy.

Dear Mr. CBB,

Thank you for contacting Canadian Tire Corporate Customer Relations.

I am sorry to hear you may have a product that went on sale after you purchased it. I can certainly understand firsthand how disappointing this can be.

Unfortunately, due to the recent volatility in pricing, Canadian Tire has decided to suspend the Price Match and Price Variance Guarantee programs.  

Canadian Tire prides itself on offering our customers quality products at competitive prices, and we offer further value by having regular weekly sales promotions.

Please check out the selection of weekly promotions on canadiantire.ca, the Canadian Tire mobile app, or our weekly flyer.

In addition, as a Triangle Rewards member, you’ll collect Canadian Tire Money® on almost everything at our banner of stores, receive personalized weekly offers, and enjoy exclusive Triangle Rewards Bonus Events.

These are just some of the ways Canadian Tire is Made for Life in Canada.

Any considerations and decisions regarding the new directive will be evaluated and made by the management team at the store.

Thank you for taking the time to contact us.

With kind regards,

Sandi | Corporate Customer Relations
Canadian Tire Corporation Limited
1-800-387-8803              

Grocery Store Price Adjustment Policies

Costco: You have 30 days to return a purchase, so if you notice a price drop, return the item with your receipt and ask them to price adjust.

Although not widespread, grocery stores may offer a price adjustment on frozen or fresh items.

Ideally, you’ll want to call ahead to confirm before you go back to the store with a receipt.

I’ve been unable to find any grocery store price adjustments. However, you must abide by The Scanning Code of Practice.

There are also limited grocery stores that price match, such as No Frills, IGA, Maxi, Real Canadian Superstore (RCSS), Giant Tiger, FreshCo, and Save On Foods.

Importance of a Product Price Adjustment

Why is the Adjustment Policy in place?

This extended price policy, as I like to call it, is a good gesture in hopes of retaining customers who might be unhappy.

Don’t be a scammer, though, as it costs the company time and money.

I’ve heard of people getting upset, buying the product at a cheaper price and using the original receipt to return the first product.

I’m just happy the retailer is thinking about the consumer’s pocketbook, even a small gesture like this.

In 2011, we saved over $300 in price adjustments by watching the weekly prices on the flyers.

One of our best adjustments was a Swordfish UV Filter System, for which we paid $157.99 plus tax, and then it went on sale for $89.99 plus tax the following week.

So there you have it, saving more money in the budget!

Discussion: What is the best Product Price Adjustment you have ever received?

Please leave your comments below.

Thanks for reading,

Mr. CBB

Related articles

• Til Death Do Us Coupon, Are you doing it?
• Top Seven Budgeting Mistakes
• Top Ten Ways to Cut Your Grocery Budget
• Using Vinegar to Clean up your Budget