How To Haggle With Online Retailers
(CBS) -- This holiday season it seems that more and more retailers are willing to match a competitor's Internet prices in the store.
But savvy consumers have found a way to get the same deals without ever stepping a foot out of their own homes. CBS 2's Dorothy Tucker shares the online shopping secrets that will save you a bundle.
Many shoppers brave frigid temperatures to bring in the ad that prompts the stores to match an online price.
But Alison Ray gets the same deal from the comfort of her home just by calling customer service and asking if the retailer will match a price she saw online.
Sounds easy, so CBS 2 tried it.
Tucker saw a tablet at Best Buy's website for $169, with free shipping. Amazon's price was $10 cheaper.
When she asked Best Buy to match that price, they did.
Kohl's was also willing to match the much lower price at Carson's on a Guy Fieri pan. Savings: $40.
Ray pushes for price-matching at her favorite store websites for good reason. She earns cash back for large purchases.
Filling up your online shopping cart -- but not buying right away -- could snag you a discount at certain retailers.
Online deal-finder Brad Wilson of bradsdeals.com says they'll send you a marketing message by email if you leave their website. You might get a free shipping offer, for example.
"To get you to take that last step is a lot easier than starting from scratch and finding someone new," Wilson says.
With so many stores offering free shipping, consumers don't like to pay for it. So when Macy's wanted to charge $9.95 to ship a sweater, a simple call led to the charge being waived.
After a few online searches, a couple of phone calls and a little bit of time, Tucker saved almost $60 on purchases.
This won't work for every store in every situation.
Wal-Mart has a written policy stating they don't match Internet pricing. Macy's also wouldn't price-match a competitor's online prices.
None of the retailers we called were willing to honor competitors' online coupon codes or gift card offers.
