JB Hi Fi's Price Matching Policy Is a Joke

misterpotatomato on 24/03/2021 - 14:17

Hey everyone,

I saw that JB had a good deal on the Sennheiser 550's yesterday as per this deal link: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/612477

I also saw that my local JB at Maroochydore had them in stock, and that JB offered a price matching policy, so I thought I would go there and try to use the price matching facility to get the headphones for $99. To be honest, the difference in price was extreme ($349 and $99) so I was expecting some resistance.

When I spoke with the guy at JB about the price match, he opined that they "could be" grey import, or it "could be" a pricing error. He said that the manager probably wouldn't approve the price match for these two possibilities. While he was making up excuses, the headset sold out, so I wound up with nothing.

I wound up emailing Maroochydore JB recapping the situation and the manager got back to me, saying that they couldn't price match because Mwave had low stock. Again, JB doesn't know about Mwave's stock levels so this is just another random reason to try and dodge a price match.

Has anyone ever had success at JB price matching when the difference has been so great? Or just been rebuffed with similar excuses. It just frustrates me when businesses don't do the thing they say they will do. I don't know why JB just doesn't abandon the price matching policy altogether if they are so keen on dodging it.

Not that it matters now, but is anyone aware:

Was the mwave deal grey stock, or a pricing error?
Did they have low stock when the deal went up?

No MS Paint drawing of the refusal process, unfortunately.

Electrical & Electronics

Related Stores

JB Hi-Fi

Comments

GG57 on 24/03/2021 - 14:21

+25

I suppose you could just not go to JB
- dogboy on 24/03/2021 - 15:00 Comment score below threshold.
  - GG57 on 24/03/2021 - 15:04
    
    +17
    
    My advice to you is, shop elsewhere if you are not happy with JB's pricing and/or price-matching policies.
    - dmbminaret on 24/03/2021 - 16:31
      
      +11
      
      That's bullshit. They offer a service/policy, why shouldn't we shop there and take advantage of what they 'offer'? All this crap about don't shop at JB, kogan or youfoodz is garbage. Shop there and keep the bastards honest with ACCC guidelines.
      - GG57 on 24/03/2021 - 16:38
        
        +3
        
        @dmbminaret: Have JB complied with their T&Cs or not?
        
        dmbminaret on 24/03/2021 - 16:41
        
        +1
        
        @GG57: Doesn't sound like it…
        
        A JB Deal applies to identical products in stock at both the competitor and the relevant JB Hi-Fi store at the time of price matching. The competitor price must be verified by JB Hi-Fi. Online price comparisons must include any delivery costs.
        Exclusions apply for cash back offers and store credits, bonus and bundled promotions, coupon promotions, grey or direct import products not sold through an authorised Australian reseller, commercial orders, competitor advertising errors, members only or subscription prices, and competitor clearance products or products with limited or restricted quantities.
        
        Drakesy on 24/03/2021 - 17:25
        
        +2
        
        @dmbminaret: I'd say @GG57 is right
        
        JBHIFI T's&C's
        
        and competitor clearance products or products with limited or restricted quantities.
        
        Mwave's promotion
        
        Online Only. Limit 1 Per Customer. Ends 31/03/2021 or While Promotional Stock Lasts
        
        BadHorse on 27/03/2021 - 17:46
        
        @Drakesy:
        
        While Promotional Stock Lasts
        
        I'd dare say that almost all items on sale would have this clause to prevent rain checks on those items - often stores can only get a certain amount of product at that given price point to sell, so without that they would be made to see stock at a loss due to having to fulfil orders at a higher purchase cost
- pinchies on 24/03/2021 - 15:09
  
  Anyone who has tried price matching at JB before will discover this kind of thing pretty quick… they will almost never sell at a loss!
  - capslock janitor on 25/03/2021 - 12:24
    
    And complaints via website go direct to the store, so no higher action; nor investigation really.
jimbobaus on 24/03/2021 - 14:22

+6

Exclusions apply for cash back offers and store credits, bonus and bundled promotions, coupon promotions, grey or direct import products not sold through an authorised Australian reseller, commercial orders, competitor advertising errors, members only or subscription prices, and competitor clearance products or products with limited or restricted quantities.

products with limited or restricted quantities

JB have refused a price match for me before when an item was "limit 1 per customer"

They also often refused to do a price match if its being sold below cost (which this item would of been)
- misterpotatomato on 24/03/2021 - 14:23
  
  I can see the logic in that, actually, as a reason to refuse price matching. Weird that wasn't the reason given, instead the grey import/price error/low stock reason was given instead.
  - jimbobaus on 24/03/2021 - 14:24
    
    +2
    
    yeah… sales person prob just saw that the sale would not have helped his GP target and brushed you off
    - deme on 24/03/2021 - 21:30
      
      GP?
      - jimbobaus on 25/03/2021 - 07:44
        
        @deme: Gross Profit
        The margin they need to maintain to get their monthly commissions.
        
        Have to maintain a certain % and they also must reach a $ figure each month i believe
teacherer on 24/03/2021 - 14:23

+6

They turn away for below cost aswell
- misterpotatomato on 24/03/2021 - 14:24
  
  +3
  
  Is that a valid reason to turn away though, according to their policy? It doesn't seem like it.
  - jv on 24/03/2021 - 14:31
    
    -1
    
    Is that a valid reason to turn away though
    
    yes it is…
  - ThithLord on 24/03/2021 - 14:34
    
    +10
    
    Uhh, yeah? It's below what they paid for it? They don't legally have to provide the price match - you do know that, don't you?
    
    https://support.jbhifi.com.au/hc/en-au/articles/360053193014…
    
    Exclusions apply for …. clearance products or products with limited or restricted quantities.
    - misterpotatomato on 24/03/2021 - 15:02
      
      +1
      
      I do know that and I know I am entitled to nothing. I am simply saying there is a difference between selling something is below cost price and saying something is limited quantity
    - dmbminaret on 24/03/2021 - 16:39
      
      +3
      
      Uhh, yeah? It's below what they paid for it? They don't legally have to provide the price match - you do know that, don't you?
      Exclusions apply for …. clearance products or products with limited or restricted quantities.
      
      Bullshit. If mwave had restricted quantities, maybe. But how would they know?
      
      A JB Deal applies to identical products in stock at both the competitor and the relevant JB Hi-Fi store at the time of price matching. The competitor price must be verified by JB Hi-Fi. Online price comparisons must include any delivery costs.
      Exclusions apply for cash back offers and store credits, bonus and bundled promotions, coupon promotions, grey or direct import products not sold through an authorised Australian reseller, commercial orders, competitor advertising errors, members only or subscription prices, and competitor clearance products or products with limited or restricted quantities.
      
      It will be up to you to prove it is not grey import by serial number, but other than that, they should be honouring THEIR price match policy.
      - ThithLord on 24/03/2021 - 17:45
        
        +2
        
        @dmbminaret:
        
        Bullshit. If mwave had restricted quantities, maybe. But how would they know?
        
        From MWave:
        
        Online Only. Limit 1 Per Customer. Ends 31/03/2021 or While Promotional Stock Lasts
        
        Yeeeahhhh that's limited quantities, brobro.
        
        Also, it's a promise. Can you point me to any documentation stating they are legally required to enact their price match promise?
        
        If you can't, case closed. OP is free to bad mouth 'em till the cows come home
        
        TheBooleanOne on 24/03/2021 - 17:58
        
        +6
        
        @ThithLord: From choice
        
        An ACCC spokesperson told CHOICE that if a business fails to honour the terms and conditions of its price match guarantee, that may be misleading or deceptive conduct in breach of the Australian Consumer Law.
        
        dmbminaret on 24/03/2021 - 18:30
        
        +1
        
        @ThithLord:
        
        Online Only. Limit 1 Per Customer. Ends 31/03/2021 or While Promotional Stock Lasts
        
        Fair enough then (I couldn't see this on their site as OOS), but if they are trying to shirk on other price matches (as it sounds like it on this thread), I'd be taking them to task on it.
- chris666 on 06/04/2021 - 01:39
  
  Yet their staff prices are so much cheaper then their below cost…
jv on 24/03/2021 - 14:27

+6

Why didn't you order from Mwave ?
- misterpotatomato on 24/03/2021 - 14:27
  
  Because I was close to JB
  - jv on 24/03/2021 - 14:29
    
    +19
    
    You must be new here then…
    
    When you see the price drop that much on something you want, you buy first and ask questions later…
    
    Most stores will want to confirm stock before price matching such a difference, by which time it is usually too late…
  - PensionerXXL on 24/03/2021 - 14:39
    
    +7
    
    wait wait wait
    
    so the guy @ JB told you Mwave must have had low stock? then you find out Mwave sold out?
    
    Why did you not ask him for 7 random numbers and put them in play on tomorrow's Powerball draw?
    we must find this man and get him on the OzB payroll if he can accurately forecast stock, no more que bs!
- dmbminaret on 24/03/2021 - 18:31
  
  +5
  
  Why didn't you order from Mwave ?
  
  Because JB have a price match he assumed they would honour because…otherwise why have it?
  - jv on 24/03/2021 - 21:07
    
    -3
    
    he assumed
    
    Never assume…
    - dmbminaret on 24/03/2021 - 21:27
      
      +4
      
      Why not when it's plastered on their website as a thing they do? As far as assumptions go, it should be safe if they are a reputable outfit.
      - jv on 24/03/2021 - 21:39
        
        @dmbminaret:
        
        Why not when it's plastered on their website
        
        Then they should have also read:
        
        Exclusions apply for cash back offers and store credits, bonus and bundled promotions, coupon promotions, grey or direct import products not sold through an authorised Australian reseller, commercial orders, competitor advertising errors, members only or subscription prices, and competitor clearance products or products with limited or restricted quantities.
        
        dmbminaret on 24/03/2021 - 21:42
        
        +3
        
        @jv: That doesn't say anything about below cost items though which you also seem to think is a valid reason:
        
        https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/612719#comment-10250828
        
        jv on 24/03/2021 - 22:06
        
        -1
        
        @dmbminaret:
        
        That doesn't say anything about below cost items
        
        …
        
        and competitor clearance products
        
        dmbminaret on 24/03/2021 - 22:28
        
        +2
        
        @jv:
        
        and competitor clearance products
        
        https://www.mwave.com.au/product/epos-sennheiser-gsp-550-71-…
        
        Where does it say it's on clearance?
        
        jv on 24/03/2021 - 22:45
        
        @dmbminaret:
        
        Where does it say it's on clearance?
        
        Your link shows it's already been cleared.
        
        dmbminaret on 25/03/2021 - 13:58
        
        +3
        
        @jv:
        
        Your link shows it's already been cleared.
        
        They're out of stock. A clearance item will not be re-ordered. An out of stock item may be.
        
        jv on 25/03/2021 - 14:02
        
        @dmbminaret:
        
        This Product is currently unavailable.
        
        Techie4066 on 25/03/2021 - 17:04
        
        +1
        
        @jv:
        
        This Product was previously available.^
        
        ^at the time price match was actively being requested, and excuses were made outside of the terms and conditions of their price match policy. JB does not have Mwave stock information, as implied by their excuse for not providing their advertised service. That is deceptive practice.
        
        jv on 25/03/2021 - 17:10
        
        @Techie4066:
        
        and excuses were made outside of the terms and conditions
        
        it was sold on clearance.
        
        Techie4066 on 25/03/2021 - 17:12
        
        +1
        
        @jv: That was not stated as part of Mwave's sale on their website, but in hindsight that seems correct. JB, again, was not aware of this and had no grounds to circumvent offering their advertised policy of price matching. They have excused themselves from honouring customer requests outside of these circumstances, claiming for example the price is below cost - nowhere is this specified in their policy.
        
        jv on 25/03/2021 - 17:24
        
        -1
        
        @Techie4066:
        
        That was not stated as part of Mwave's sale on their website
        
        Doesn't need to be.
        
        Just call them.
        
        Why else would they sell an item below cost?
        
        Techie4066 on 25/03/2021 - 17:25
        
        +2
        
        @jv: So JB, with varying results from store to store, is allowed to use illegitimate excuses based upon fabricated information, to circumvent their own price match policy?
        
        They are obliged to sell below cost unless it is mentioned in their policy. Otherwise the ACCC and customers are unhappy because that's unlawful (deceptive) practice. Officeworks does price beats of 5%, beyond below cost.
        
        jv on 25/03/2021 - 17:28
        
        @Techie4066:
        
        is allowed to use illegitimate excuses
        
        Not selling when a competitor is clearing something below cost is a legitimate reason.
        
        jv on 25/03/2021 - 17:29
        
        +1
        
        @Techie4066: If it is bothering you so much, either sue them, or don't buy from them…
        
        Either way, I doubt they would care…
        
        Techie4066 on 25/03/2021 - 17:30
        
        +1
        
        @jv:
        
        When I spoke with the guy at JB about the price match, he opined that they "could be" grey import, or it "could be" a pricing error. He said that the manager probably wouldn't approve the price match for these two possibilities. While he was making up excuses, the headset sold out, so I wound up with nothing.
        
        They did not have any information pertaining to the Mwave stock being clearance stock, or low stock. Deceptive practice violating our laws is illegal and unsatisfactory for customers. If they don't want to match prices, their own policy which has many grey areas needs an overhaul.
        
        dmbminaret on 25/03/2021 - 18:42
        
        @jv:
        
        Why else would they sell an item below cost?
        
        Ever heard of loss leaders?
        
        It doesn't matter why it was below cost.
        
        If they choose to it is up to them. It is up to JB not to match it IF they don't have a price match policy, but they do. Therefore, they could be acting unlawfully by not honouring the price match if all other conditions have been met also.
        
        jv on 26/03/2021 - 00:56
        
        +1
        
        @dmbminaret:
        
        Ever heard of loss leaders?
        
        Wrong industry… This isn't Coles toilet paper.
        
        dmbminaret on 26/03/2021 - 06:15
        
        @jv:
        
        Wrong industry… This isn't Coles toilet paper.
        
        Bullshit. I worked at the good guys and this was common particularly on boxing day. It's a way to generate new custom and to try to engage them to purchase other items with a higher GP at the same or later time to cover the deficit of the loss leader.
        
        jv on 26/03/2021 - 09:28
        
        @dmbminaret:
        
        Bullshit.
        
        I guess you could use toilet paper for that, but it wouldn't be common.
        
        I worked at the good guys
        
        Did you give discounts for cash?
        
        this was common particularly on boxing day.
        
        Not going from $349 to $99. That would only be common on ebay to create a frenzy with maybe only 5 items available at that price.
        
        dmbminaret on 26/03/2021 - 14:41
        
        @jv:
        
        Did you give discounts for cash?
        
        In the day, yes.
        
        Not going from $349 to $99. That would only be common on ebay to create a frenzy with maybe only 5 items available at that price.
        
        It was common, particularly as I said, on Boxing Day sales. A $1000 LCD TV would be advertised nationally for ~$599 as an example and people would be lined up before opening time like USA black friday sales.
Trance N Dance on 24/03/2021 - 14:29

+1

When price differences are that big JB has always pulled the "below cost price" line on me and declined to price match.
- jv on 24/03/2021 - 14:30
  
  +1
  
  which is usually part of the price match policy…
  
  that don't match 'clearance' prices… which is fair enough…
  - Trance N Dance on 24/03/2021 - 14:49
    
    +1
    
    Sorry should've said, when price differences are big, they pull the below cost price line. I know clearance pricing is excluded so I don't even bother if it's clearance prices.
  - jsb on 24/03/2021 - 16:39
    
    +3
    
    I don't understand this comment at all.
    Please mark some words bold, so we can understand better
    - jv on 24/03/2021 - 16:52
      
      +1
      
      I don't understand this comment at all.
      
      use Google Translate…
pinchies on 24/03/2021 - 15:07

+4

JB has a "price match policy" rather than a price match guarantee. They have enough exclusions, that basically they may offer to price match at their discretion.

Officeworks is much more consistent, even when things may seem like a price error they tend to match unless there's proof.
garetz on 24/03/2021 - 15:13

+15

When you see a deep discount like that, if you really want it, you buy it asap, not try to get a price match. That is foolishness.
S2200 on 24/03/2021 - 15:56

+3

My suggestion to OP would be to call your local JB HiFi store asap and possibly try a few others around your area whenever you see a good deal that might go out of stock quickly. This way you're not wasting time going all the way to the store and end up not getting a deal. They price match over the phone as well. Ask for JB Direct. It's like they will send you an SMS with a link to the price matched item (assuming they agreed to price match) and you can click on it to make the payment right which will secure your item. Once payment is done, you can just go to the store and pick it up any time. Now, on the other hand, if they decline the price match, you have just saved yourself some time and can straight away buy from wherever else it's going cheaper.
- misterpotatomato on 24/03/2021 - 15:57
  
  JB direct is a cool idea. Didn't know about that, thanks
CyberMurning on 24/03/2021 - 16:06

jb will say sorry it way way wayyyyyyyy below our cost price
Emerald Owl on 24/03/2021 - 16:21

+1

Curious why you didn’t just buy off mwave?
- misterpotatomato on 24/03/2021 - 16:25
  
  I suppose I was just near JB and I wanted to see what they looked like before I purchased. In the past I had JB price match a deal for a $20 google home mini that I saw on OzBargain. So it varies quite widely.
  - capslock janitor on 25/03/2021 - 12:28
    
    +4
    
    I also prefer to buy from JB if possible; for ease of visit/warranty.
    
    B&M stores have a spot in my heart.
dmbminaret on 24/03/2021 - 16:33

While he was making up excuses, the headset sold out, so I wound up with nothing.

Next time get one in the hand and have the discussion at the checkout.
Drakesy on 24/03/2021 - 17:50

You can try again!
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/612751
DoctorCalculon on 24/03/2021 - 20:04

+1

JB just doesn't abandon the price matching policy altogether if they are so keen on dodging it

Not just JB Hi-Fi.

Some of the Officeworks local stores are equally rude and dismissive if you bring up the two naughty words: "price match", despite their work wear actively promotes their price match policy.
- capslock janitor on 25/03/2021 - 12:30
  
  Looks like better to Match over the phone, for both JB and OW
cheapjack on 25/03/2021 - 08:49

+3

I think JB Hi-Fi should abandon their price match promise.
I don't think it would harm their sales to abandon it.
There terms and conditions are not clear on their website.
They say they will enthusiastically match a competitors price,

But I've never had them offer to match when I've gone in.
- S2200 on 25/03/2021 - 09:29
  
  On the contrary, my experience has been positive with JB HiFi. It's my go to place when I want to get something price matched. Most recent purchase was a $229 keyboard price matched (with Amazon AU website, seller was Harris Technology) to $145 and was able to pay with a discounted gift card. So end result was I got it cheaper, faster, and with good after sales support (last time my headset broke down within warranty period, JB HiFi replaced it on the spot).
  
  Abandoning their price match policy may not affect their sales but it surely would mean consumers like me who enjoy getting best prices from them when possible would have to start paying more or looking elsewhere. Sure there may be instances when they decline a price match (eg. I got declined when I tried to price match Amazon US. Made sense since it has to be local stock) but that's when you go to the other store that's selling cheaper and give them your money.
  - capslock janitor on 25/03/2021 - 12:32
    
    +1
    
    On the contrary, they declined to match an item on AmazonAU (saying non-physical store..) so I had to use my backup price from PCCG
    - S2200 on 25/03/2021 - 12:41
      
      That's strange. I don't think non-physical store is on their terms and conditions so could be agent error. Maybe try ringing a few JB HiFi stores? I was able to price match at three different stores using Amazon AU and this was one month back. But thanks for sharing your experience hey, maybe it's not all black and white.
      - capslock janitor on 25/03/2021 - 13:53
        
        @S2200: Yea could be agent error, lack of training / misinformed, manager stinginess..
        
        Next time will try call beforehand / JB Direct thing over phone
      - Flamexio on 30/03/2021 - 17:39
        
        @S2200: Nup I got denied for Ghost of Tsushima because it was $49 on amazon but $59 in store (if I remember correctly). Same reasoning, amazon is not a physical store.
[Deactivated] on 25/03/2021 - 09:16

+5

Simplest solution it to reward the company that is offering the best price with the sale.

You didn’t want to wait for shipping but also wanted the lowest price. No sympathy from me, JB is not obligated to price match it for you and if you didn’t like their response you should have just walked out and given your money to another company.
ozbjunkie on 25/03/2021 - 10:03

+1

Vote with your cash.

EBgames is always expensive… Ok cool, I'll buy ps5 games from them, return within a week. Then buy from JB. If JB doesn't want to confirm price match over the phone, I'll just buy off Amazon. No justice, no peace!
bluesea on 25/03/2021 - 12:49

I tried to price match for lenovo duet which was on sale at officeworks price difference was around $50 the excuse JBHIFI provided the part number is different so it is a different product, pretty lame first staff didn't had idea and Manager provided the excuse although every retail store has there own part number to find stock in warehouse never trying again with JBHIFI
Techie4066 on 25/03/2021 - 16:56

JB is pretty useless, wouldn't price match $749 for the Pixel 5 advertised by Telstra because they'd be selling "below cost" - lack of stock wasn't close to an issue here. Officeworks did a price beat down to $710 without an issue and even went out of their way to find stock.

Success with any of their policies or leniency on their sales really varies store to store.
Nutrino on 27/03/2021 - 10:23

You know post like this have always popes up since the begining of time. If its not jb, its officeworks, hn, bing lee etc.
HeWhoKnows on 28/03/2021 - 08:41

Surely the answer is to just to order from mwave !!!

Price matches usually have strict conditions
One is that the item must advertised and in stock somewhere locally.
i.e. Maroochydore wont compete with an offer located in Sydney and maybe not even in Brisbane!
The retailer will always call to confirm the price and stock availablilty.
Hence Retailers generally dont compete with online offers.
Besides its no longer available at mWave
Might have been a single clearance item.
So JB HiFi is within thier rights to decline the price match.

So i say again, surely the answer is to just to order from mwave !!!

But OP wants to be difficult and has now missed out on the deal

Lesson learnt (LOL)
dfg555 on 01/04/2021 - 22:16

+1

Sometimes I can't tell if threads like these are troll or dumb people.
- Cletus vandamme on 04/04/2021 - 22:16
  
  I'd say very much both.
leeweesquee on 06/04/2021 - 06:29

+1

You can't win everything in life.
helichopta on 04/08/2021 - 12:59

I had found a new phone $1100 that was selling for $599. Jb stocked identical product. They told me they can't discount that low to sell at a loss. I guess that is fair.

The most they could do was $699.
I agreed but only if they chuck in a protective case… They agreed on that.

Depends on who you get.

In saying that I also got a sonos move for 20% off too.

JB Hi Fi's Price Matching Policy Is a Joke

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