How to Ask Amazon for a Price Match (Scripts & Chat Steps)
- Jenny
- Nov 6
- 9 min read
Last updated: November 06, 2025
This practical guide explains what Amazon will and won’t do, plus copy‑ready chat scripts to ask for a goodwill adjustment or to choose the smartest return‑and‑rebuy path.
TL;DR
Amazon does not offer price matching to competitors or to its own later price changes. See Amazon’s official “Price Matching” help page which says, in plain words, they don’t price match. (Amazon Help: Price Matching)
Two exceptions to know: the Pre‑order Price Guarantee (Amazon auto‑charges the lowest pre‑release price on eligible preorders) and occasional goodwill/courtesy credits a support agent may apply. (Pre‑order Price Guarantee; Courtesy credit basics)
Best “how to Amazon price match” strategy in practice: ask support for a courtesy price difference credit if the item is Sold by Amazon and you’re still inside the return window; otherwise consider return‑and‑rebuy. (Amazon Returns Policy)
Lightning Deals & Prime Day are time‑limited promotions; their prices generally aren’t honored after the window. (Lightning Deal Terms)
Want it handled for you? Task Monkey can scan your orders and automate the support chat to request a courtesy credit where appropriate. Learn more.
Looking for the full 2025 policy and scripts? See our Amazon Price Match Guide — 2025 Policy & How It Really Works
What Amazon Actually Honors (and What It Doesn’t)
Amazon publicly states it does not price match. That includes matching competitors like Best Buy or Target, or matching a lower price that appears later on Amazon itself. (Amazon Help: Price Matching) What they do have:
Pre‑order Price Guarantee — for eligible products that show the guarantee, Amazon will automatically charge you the lowest price offered between order and release. (details)
Report a lower price — on some product pages you can click “Report lower price” to alert Amazon. This doesn’t change your past order price but may influence future pricing. (Tell Us About a Lower Price)
Goodwill / Courtesy credits — at an agent’s discretion to resolve issues or dissatisfaction; they’re typically promotional credits with limits on eligible items. (Amazon: Courtesy credits)
Returns within the window — Most items can be returned within about 30 days; sometimes the smartest savings move is to return and buy again at the lower price. (Returns policy)
Lightning Deals & promos — time‑limited offers; not promises of an “ongoing price.” When the clock runs out, so does the price. (Lightning Deal Terms, How to claim a Lightning Deal)
For third‑party sellers (fulfilled by Amazon or shipped by the seller), price‑after‑purchase adjustments are uncommon. Your remedies are usually the seller’s own return policy or, when something is truly wrong (not as described, not received), Amazon’s A‑to‑z Guarantee.
Before You Start: Confirm You’re in a Winnable Scenario
To maximize success, check these conditions first.
1) Is the item Sold by Amazon?
“Sold by Amazon” is generally more flexible for goodwill credits than third‑party sellers. Look under the price for “Ships from” and “Sold by.”
2) Are you still within the return window?
If the return window is open, you have strong leverage: a return‑and‑rebuy often achieves the lower price immediately. Most items have about 30 days, though categories vary and holiday windows may be extended. (Return policy)
3) Was the lower price a Lightning Deal or limited‑time promo?
Lightning Deals and many promotions are strictly time‑boxed. Amazon does not honor those prices later, but you can still return (if within window) and rebuy during an active deal. (Lightning Deal Terms)
4) Is it a pre‑order item?
If yes, the lowest pre‑release price should be applied automatically on shipment for eligible listings. If you weren’t charged the lowest price, contact support. (Pre‑order Price Guarantee)
5) Did the price change only in your cart?
Cart prices update to the current offer; adding to cart doesn’t “lock” the price. (Cart prices update)
6) Document the price drop
Take a screenshot of the lower price (on Amazon or a competitor) and note the date/time. Optional: price‑history tools like Keepa can help you show historical lows; they don’t guarantee an adjustment, but they strengthen your narrative. (Keepa: keepa.com)
Step‑by‑Step: How to Reach Amazon Chat (Web or App)
Open Amazon Customer Service and sign in.
Go to Your Orders → find the item → click Problem with order.
Select the closest reason (e.g., “Order related” → “Other issue”).
Choose Chat (or Phone at 1‑888‑280‑4331) to reach a live agent.
Use one of the scripts below. Be friendly, brief, and specific about the price difference.
Tip: If the bot loop won’t surface a person, type “representative” or “agent,” or tap I need more help.
Copy‑Ready Scripts (Use the One That Fits Your Case)
A) Sold by Amazon, price dropped on Amazon, return window still open
Hi there — Order #{ORDER_NUMBER}. I noticed the price for the same item dropped on Amazon from ${OLD_PRICE} to ${NEW_PRICE} within my return window.
Rather than return and rebuy, would you be able to apply a one-time courtesy credit for the difference (${DIFF}) to save a return shipment?
If not possible, please let me know the best option.
B) Third‑party seller item (FBA/FBM), return window still open
Hello — Order #{ORDER_NUMBER} sold by {SELLER_NAME}. The price is now lower on Amazon.
If you’re able to offer a partial refund or courtesy credit for the difference (${DIFF}), I’d prefer to keep the item and avoid a return.
If that isn’t available, I can proceed with a return within the policy window.
C) Pre‑order item charged higher than the lowest pre‑release price
Hi — Order #{ORDER_NUMBER} is a preorder. The listing showed Amazon’s Pre-order Price Guarantee.
I believe I should be charged the lowest price offered before release, but my charge was ${CHARGED_PRICE} while I saw ${LOWEST_PREORDER_PRICE}.
Could you review and adjust per the Pre‑order Price Guarantee?
D) Lightning Deal or Prime‑event price you just missed
Hi — Order #{ORDER_NUMBER}. I saw a limited-time Lightning Deal / Prime Day price for the same item shortly after my purchase.
I understand those promotions are time-limited. If a one-time courtesy credit for ${DIFF} is an option, I’d appreciate it to avoid a return and repurchase.
If not, no worries — please confirm the cleanest way to return and rebuy.
E) Polite follow‑up if the agent declines
Thanks for checking. If a credit isn’t possible, could you confirm whether a return-and-rebuy is the appropriate route within my return window?
I want to follow Amazon’s policy and keep things simple.
If the Agent Says No: Your Best Alternatives
1) Return and re‑buy (when permitted)
Within the return window, this is often the fastest route to capture the lower price. Start the return from Your Orders and buy the lower‑priced offer. (Returns policy)
2) Ask the third‑party seller for a partial refund
Some sellers will oblige to avoid a return. If they decline and nothing is wrong with the item, you generally return and rebuy instead.
3) A‑to‑z Guarantee (only for real order problems)
Use A‑to‑z Guarantee if there’s a genuine issue like “not received,” “not as described,” etc. It’s not a price‑matching tool, but it protects you when a seller doesn’t make things right. (A‑to‑z Guarantee)
Pro Tips from Real‑world Use (and Task Monkey’s Automations)
Phrase it as courtesy, not entitlement. Agents can apply courtesy or promotional credits in some cases, but they’re discretionary and often limited to items sold by Amazon. (Courtesy credit)
Lead with specifics. Reference the exact order number, the old and new prices, and the difference.
Offer the return‑and‑rebuy alternative. Framing your request as a way to avoid a return can increase goodwill.
Keep screenshots. Capturing the lower price at a specific time helps anchor the conversation.
Prime Day & Lightning Deals come and go quickly. Consider deal alerts via Alexa and lists so you don’t miss a drop next time. (About Amazon: finding Lightning Deals)
Know competitors’ policies for context. For example, Best Buy has a Price Match Guarantee; Target has recently changed how it matches competitors, reflecting how fluid these policies can be. (Best Buy policy; Axios on Target.)
Save time: Task Monkey can automate the Amazon chat with the scripts above, request a courtesy credit when it makes sense, or guide a return & rebuy. You stay in control—no passwords are required.
FAQ
Does Amazon price match Best Buy, Walmart, or Target?
No. Amazon explicitly says it doesn’t price match competitors. (Amazon Help: Price Matching)
Can Amazon adjust my price after purchase?
There’s no blanket “price adjustment” policy. Your options are typically a discretionary courtesy credit (if offered) or a return‑and‑rebuy within the return window. (Returns; Courtesy credit)
How do I “report a lower price” to Amazon?
On some product pages, look for “Report lower price,” which lets you share a competing offer with Amazon. It won’t adjust your past order, but it’s useful feedback. (Report lower price)
Will Amazon honor a Lightning Deal price after it ends?
Generally no. Lightning Deals are limited‑time offers. If your return window is open, consider a return‑and‑rebuy while the deal is active. (Lightning Deal Terms)
What if my preorder price didn’t adjust automatically?
Contact support and reference the Pre‑order Price Guarantee. Provide the listing link and the lowest price you observed prior to release. (Guarantee details)
Desktop vs. App: Exact Navigation to Reach a Human
On desktop web
Open Customer Service.
Click Something else → I need more help.
Under Chat with us, choose Start chatting. If the bot loops, type “agent” or “representative.”
When connected, paste your script and attach your screenshot of the lower price.
In the Amazon app
Tap the ≡ menu → Customer Service.
Tap Orders → select the item → Problem with order → Other.
Scroll to Chat or Call us. The U.S. support phone is 1‑888‑280‑4331. (Support options)
Return‑and‑Rebuy: The Smart, Policy‑Aligned Way (Step‑by‑Step)
If a courtesy credit isn’t offered, this method is often fastest and entirely within policy.
Confirm the item is still within the return window (typically ~30 days, category exceptions apply). (Returns policy)
Check whether your item is non‑returnable (e.g., certain digital items, hazardous materials, some health/personal‑care). (Non‑returnable items)
Initiate the return from Your Orders and select the appropriate reason (e.g., “Found a better price”).
Place the new order at the lower price.
Pack and drop off your return promptly to avoid delays in refund timelines. (Refund timelines)
Note: If your original purchase included a limited‑time coupon or promo, the cart will reflect the current offer only; strike‑through pricing on detail pages is informational and can change. (Strike‑through pricing)
Edge Cases You Asked Us About
Coupons, promo codes, and subscribe‑and‑save
These are promotions, not guaranteed prices. Many coupons are “while supplies last” and can be modified or canceled. (Coupon terms)
Bundles and variations
Make sure you’re comparing the same ASIN, quantity, and variant (size/color). Minor differences often mean a different offer.
Digital content and devices
Digital purchases are frequently non‑returnable, and price changes can occur. Device returns usually have stricter windows. (Non‑returnable items)
How to Verify a Courtesy Credit Was Applied
After chat, look for an email confirmation and check Your Account → Gift cards, vouchers & promotional codes.
Open the promotions / credit / benefit balances dashboard to confirm the amount and eligibility. (Check balances)
Two Worked Examples (What to Say, What to Expect)
Example 1: Sold by Amazon, next‑day price drop
Situation: You bought a monitor for $199. The next day, it’s $169 from Amazon itself. You’re 10 days into a 30‑day return window.
What to say: “Order #... I noticed the price dropped from $199 to $169 within my return window. I’d prefer not to return such a large item. Is a one‑time courtesy credit of $30 possible?”
Likely outcomes: A promotional credit (sometimes accepted); or a polite decline, in which case “return‑and‑rebuy” captures the lower price.
Example 2: Third‑party seller item, weekend Lightning Deal
Situation: You purchased on Friday for $89 from a marketplace seller; on Saturday it ran as a Lightning Deal for $69.
What to say: “Order #... sold by {Seller}. I saw a $69 Lightning Deal. If a partial refund isn’t possible, I’ll start a return while the deal is still live.”
Likely outcomes: Many sellers will decline post‑purchase adjustments; return‑and‑rebuy is your practical route. (Lightning Deal terms)
Glossary: Price Match vs. Price Adjustment vs. Courtesy Credit
Price match: A retailer formally matches a competitor’s lower price. Amazon says it doesn’t offer this. (Amazon: no price match)
Price adjustment: A retailer refunds the difference when their own price drops after you buy. Amazon has no blanket policy for this.
Courtesy/goodwill credit: A discretionary promotional credit a support agent can apply to resolve dissatisfaction. (Courtesy credits)
Context: How Other Retailers Handle Price Matching
Price matching is a competitive tactic. Best Buy, for instance, publishes a Price Match Guarantee; Target changed how it handles competitor matches in 2025. Policies keep evolving, which is partly why Amazon emphasizes returns over matches. Read the current rules before you ask any retailer. (Best Buy policy; Axios coverage.)
