At Target, for example, you must find the cheaper price at another retailer within seven days of your purchase. And as with many other price-matching policies, the competing store must be in the same local area.
At Best Buy, like many other stores, clearance items are not covered.
At Home Depot, it's up to the store manager to give you the difference. But if you're successful, you might get an additional 10 percent off for your trouble.
All in all, though, price-match guarantees can save you money. And if you do your research ahead of time, the store might even be willing to drop the price before you make the purchase.
Consumer Reports ShopSmart says another way to save money is to watch to see whether an item you've purchased goes on sale shortly after buying it. Ask to get a refund on the price difference, and depending on the store's policy, you just might get it.