Even when budgeting carefully, there are unplanned expenses that can pop up out of nowhere. From air conditioners to tackle summer heat to gardening supplies, these costs add up quickly. Naturally, the goal is to spend the least amount possible while still optimizing convenience. Some save money by shopping online, others focus on discount items or buying in bulk. Another popular way to keep your bank account in balance is to consider price-matching.
Price matching is when one store advertises a product at a specific price point and competitors will match that price at checkout. Though not all stores observe this policy, it’s a great approach if you want the quality and versatility of stores like Canadian Tire, while still sticking to a budget. You can consult both online resources and mailers to see prices. Then when you find an item you want, you can hold Canadian Tire to its price-matching model and save a few bucks all while putting in minimal effort.
Now a massive retail chain, Canadian Tire has humble Toronto roots, with founders purchasing Hamilton Tire and Garage in 1922. Incorporated in 1927, it commenced operations as the Canadian Tire Corporation. While it remains headquartered in Toronto, it now features 1,700 locations across Canada. It also acts as an umbrella corporation for big names like Mark’s Work Wearhouse, Sport Chek, and Helly Hanson. Traded under the ticker symbol CTC, it has a reasonably steady history on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
Canadian Tire may have originated as a supplier of automotive equipment, tires, and fluids, it has substantially expanded its repertoire since the mid-20th century. Now offering everything from decor to outdoor supplies, sports equipment, to cleaning products and kitchen supplies, it is popular largely due to its product diversity.
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For something that can save you a good amount of money, price matching is surprisingly easy to do. When you go to make a purchase at Canadian Tire, simply show them the competitor’s advertisement either digitally or with a paper flyer. If the ad is in effect, and the item qualifies by matching the ad exactly, then the associate will lower the price to match it.
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If you’ve already purchased a Canadian Tire product and learned that a local competitor is currently retailing it at a lower price, there is a grace period. Products bought from different chains are granted a period of 30 days, while price-matching against other Canadian Tire locations has only a 14-day grace period.
During this time, you can provide proof of purchase via your receipt. You must also show the local competitor’s advertised rate for the exact same item. Both digital and flyer ads are accepted. Provided that the price-match lines up, you will be refunded the equivalent amount for the purchase.
In order to offer price-matching at its 1,700 locations across Canada, this business has strict rules on what applies to its price matching policy. There are two key measures it keeps in force to make sure all price-matching is done ethically.
The first necessary box to check when using price match is ensuring that the items themselves are the same in every way. This extends from the model number, any warranties, the manufacturer, and any features. The product must be in its original packaging. If you are using price-matching from e-shopping, the price must also include the cost to ship the item to the Canadian Tire location at which the request is being made. The price-match calculation also includes any relevant exchange rates and taxes.
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Because Canada is so vast, there is a location limit on where you can apply price matching. The first requirement is that it be a retail store in Canada, no further than a 200-kilometre radius from the Canadian Tire location. You can apply price-matching to products from any Canadian Tire store across the country. Conveniently, the local competitor list applies to any online retailer with a website ending in “.ca”. When it comes to tires and wheels, the local criteria extends to retailers ending with “.com”.
Provided you are confident that the product in question meets the above two necessary criteria, you can be fairly confident the price match will apply. So long as it isn’t classified as an exclusion, you can take advantage of the price-match feature.
While the vast majority of items are compatible with the price-match policy, there are some exclusions. By familiarizing yourself with these different exclusions, you can be certain whether or not your item qualifies. Exemptions to the policy include:
Basically, as long as the advertisement is correct, the product’s intact, and you aren’t stocking up on propane, the price matching will most likely apply.
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Though Canadian Tire is a popular store with price-matching, it is far from the only retailer with this incentive. Among the several Canadian stores that feature price-matching are:
One of the best-known furniture retailers in Canada, this company offers a guaranteed refund for the price matched differential within 30 days. On large appliances, they pay 20 percent of the difference. On mattresses, the company pays out ten percent of the difference. Partnered with the Desjardin Brick Visa Card, if you enrol in the payment protection plan, the price match benefits extend for a full 100 days.
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A consumer electronics store, Best Buy offers price-matching up to 30 days after your purchase. If you find a lower price through either a retailer or authorized online dealer, show customer service the proof of advertised price and your receipt (if you’re noticing the difference after your purchase). You will be refunded the difference.
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Home Depot beats the competitor’s price by an impressive ten percent, but only at the point of sale. If you’re comparing an online retailer, they will match but not beat the competing price.
A consumer electronics and office supply store, Staples offers price-matching for a period of 14 days after the point of purchase, whether it was made online or in-person. Staples stands out in its reaction to competitor bonuses. It will match any perk-with-purchase from the competitor ad with offers for gift cards.
A popular store for home renovations and construction supplies, this company deals with expensive items. As such, their price matching policy is adjusted proportionately. If you’re getting a match on a large appliance, Rona will beat the cost by ten percent of the difference. Available both online and in-store, you can apply this feature to a maximum of 15 items.
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Given the wide window of opportunity, there is no downside to price matching at Canadian Tire. This saving technique is useful whether you’re considering a new purchase or have already invested in something. When making large purchases especially, checking the competition is a critical part of the research process. The gift of the Canadian Tire price match is that it gives you a 30-day second chance at savings.
If you’re looking for discounts where price-matching is most useful, think seasonally. During spring, it’s gardening, landscaping and construction while air conditioner and cooling units take the cake in the summer. As long as you plan ahead and keep your eyes peeled for deals (both online and on paper flyers), you can drastically reduce the cost of major purchases.
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Corrina Murdoch has been a dedicated freelance writer and editor for several years. With an academic background in the sciences and a penchant for mathematics, she seeks to provide readers with accurate, reliable information on important topics. Working as a print journalist for several years, Corrina expanded her reach into the digital sphere to help more people gain insight into the realm of finances. When she's not writing, you can find Corrina swimming and spending time with family.
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