Do price-match guarantees lower prices?
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The Trick: What can a "we'll match any price" promise do to prices?
Discourage rivals from cutting prices at all. Economists note that if rivals know any cut will be matched, there's little point cutting, which can keep prices higher. Source: Wikipedia – Price adjustment (retail)
Why It Works: Why do shoppers love the promise anyway?
It saves the effort of comparing. The guarantee signals "we're cheapest" so you stop searching, and few people actually claim. Source: Wikipedia – Price adjustment (retail)
How to Spot It: What's the catch to watch for?
Exclusive model numbers that can't be matched. Retailers often sell slightly different model numbers so identical items can't be compared. Source: Wikipedia – Price adjustment (retail)