Walmart Prices: Shopper Beware

I had promised my daughter an iPod touch as a Christmas present. Finding one for a reasonable price that was local to my area was a challenge. I had the search narrowed down to my local Walmart. I had heard a rumor that the prices might come down the day after Christmas so with my daughter's permission we waited.

The day after Christmas I checked the Walmart website to check on prices. The price for the iPod touch with 8GB was $214. It was mentioned on the website that they were available at the store for that price. So we headed on over to Walmart. Walmart was crowded with after Christmas shoppers and the electronics section was very busy. We checked the glass display where the iPods were stored and they were priced at $225. I asked a store clerk why they were not priced with the same as the website and she told me not all items are priced the same as online. I then asked her would she match the price since there are signs all over the store stating "we match any price." She then gave me the stupidest answer I have ever heard, "sure I can.......if you want to do that."

I bought the iPod for my daughter at the $214 price but came away with the feeling that I had to almost fight for the reduced price that Walmart was offering to begin with. I then realized that I might be paying more for other items at Walmart if I don't check their own website first.

It boils down to the fact that Walmart is depending on people not to look on their website or demand that they match their own lower price. So the next time you shop in Walmart just keep your guard up and know your prices.