Price matching, how far will they go?

Retailers often advertise and promote 'Price match' or 'We will match the competitors price and beat it by x%'.  I am always one of those people who refuse to pay retail and always looking for a deal.  This allowed to put retailers to practice.

Being in Victoria, BC - i dived into the new Uptown shopping center which features retailers such as : Walmart, Futureshop, Best Buy and Shoppers Drug Mart.



Future shop had the Sony Giiq Headband Headphones (MDRPQ2Z)on sale for $9.99 from $59.99.  I took the advertisement and browsed around the mall to find Walmart had the same item for $54.99.  They looked at the ad, confirmed model numbers and the bill was $9.00 + applicable taxes.  Great! I was in and out in less than five minutes.

I browsed around walmart and found a Logitech Webcam C270 was on sale for $15.00 where Futureshop had it for $49.99.  I then applied the same shopping tactic and went to Futureshop.  Since this item was not on the weekly, I went online and printed the item out as an advertisement and took a few pictures with my phone having my drivers license next to it so it does not look like a random picture online.

I've quickly located the item and went to the cashier at Futureshop.  The cashier was very hesitant in applying the item and called a supervisor.  They then started browsing online at walmart which showed the item at the price of $15.00 and called the store.  After waiting for 5 minutes of idle time, I just had to say something and a different manager came over.  The manager indicated that Walmart was selling it under cost and would only match the price for me @$15.  Futureshop had banners all over the store indicated they will beat the competitor by 10%.  I was expecting $49-$15=$34 difference multiple by 10% which should be $3.40 of savings bringing the total to $15-$3.40 = $11.60 + applicable taxes.  Futureshop did not honor their slogan and I had to wait even though i provided the advertisement and stock was available at the competitor store.

Summery of Price Match Experience.

: Great, would do it again..

: Waited a long time, did not honor full price match.  Customer service was polite though.  I do not think i'll do this again at this store.  I still bought the item so I can keep the receipt as reference as a failure.  This was store outlet #10.  False advertisement experience.