How NOT To Price Match
Often companies have very complex rules regarding price matching, but it hardly seems to justify some of the reported actions of a Circuit City manager toward a consumer named Emmett. All this poor guy wanted was a price match on a GPS from Circuit City, and he ended up running out of the store before the police could arrive to kick him out, or possibly arrest him.
Here’s his story:
“...I drove down to the store, brought the GPS and the Costco ad to the checkout. The teller called for a manager to override the price. The manager declined to do so. So I asked to speak with the store manager. I was introduced to Brad, who later refused to give his last name.
I explained the situation to Brad, and he said he would not match the Costco price because it was a club. I told him that I looked on the CC website and that it didn't say club prices were not eligible; and I reminded him that one of his employees ensured me that the price would be matched.
Brad said there are more limitations to the policy in a pamphlet. I asked to see the pamphlet and he refused. He then said it didn't matter what the pamphlet stated, because he made the rules in “his store.”
I persisted.
I asked again to see in writing where club prices wouldn't be matched. He told me there was no way he was going to match the price and that I should leave. I said I would gladly leave once he proved to me that the club portion of the policy existed.
His response: he called the police!
I was there with my 5 year old son, who became very scared by Brad's irrational behavior. Of course, out of concern for my child, we left immediately.”
We can't be 100% certain that this story is completely accurate, and we’re watching the source to see if a Circuit City spokesperson responds. We can see why CC wouldn’t compete with a club or other pay-for association, but the response does seem to be over the top.
