Some people don’t have the time and/or energy to shop multiple stores every week. If that’s you, I’d suggest Price Matching.

Both Walmart and Target are willing to Price Match. Simply bring in the store circulars and they will adjust the price accordingly for an identical item. Coupons can be combined with Price Matching.

For instance: Palmolive dish soap is on sale at CVS this week for $0.99. If they’re all sold out and you don’t want a raincheck, you can pick it up at another store for the same price.

On the surface, it sounds simple. In practice, I’ve found it can be difficult. Even so, I want to share this method because it may help. Go in with the right attitude and don’t expect perfection—especially at Walmart! Very often, the cashier can’t do it properly and will have to call a manager. While you wait, the line grows. It can be annoying and even embarrassing for some shoppers.

Fear not, Ladies! Here are my best tips:

1.  Know the policy:  Both Walmart and Target Price Match, but they do it differently. At Target, you must use the customer service area. At Walmart, you can use customer service or a regular checkout.

2.  Bring in your own flyers. Walmart claims you don’t have to, but you do! They can never find their copies when you’re checking out. Plus, I find it’s easier to match the paper than go on memory.

3.  Shop early or late. Don’t try this on a weekend afternoon.

4.  Identical truly means identical—same size, same brand, etc. Walmart doesn’t honor Buy One, Get One or % off deals. They will substitute their store brand for another generic, but it can be nearly impossibly if it’s not the same size.

Have you ever Price Matched? Was it a good or bad experience?