Does Amazon Do Price Adjustments?
- Jenny
- Nov 12
- 7 min read
Last updated: November 12, 2025
TL;DR
Officially, Amazon does not offer price matching or a blanket post‑purchase “price protection” policy. Amazon will not automatically issue an amazon price drop refund if an item gets cheaper after you buy it. However, there are limited exceptions (like the Pre‑order Price Guarantee and some Subscribe & Save scenarios), plus workable tactics within the return window. If you see an amazon price drop after purchase, your best options are: (1) return & re‑buy at the lower price, or (2) politely ask Customer Service for a one‑time courtesy credit (not guaranteed). For ongoing automation, tools like Task Monkey can monitor orders and help you reclaim drops without the hassle.
Amazon’s stance on price adjustments (quick version)
Amazon says it simply doesn’t do price matching—either against other stores or against later prices on Amazon itself. In Amazon’s own words:
“We don’t offer price matching.”Price Matching — Amazon Customer Service
That means the answer to “does Amazon price match after purchase?” or “does Amazon price match if price drops?” is no by default. As a tech outlet summarizes it for shoppers around big sales events:
“Amazon: No price matching, but lenient return policy.”The Verge: Price‑matching policies roundup
Amazon also clarifies that putting something in your cart doesn’t lock the price:
“Adding items to your cart doesn’t lock in the price.”Shopping Cart Prices — Amazon Customer Service
So if you’re wondering “does Amazon refund if price drops?” or “will Amazon price adjust?”—the platform generally won’t, unless you fall under a listed exception or a Customer Service agent chooses to offer a discretionary credit.
Real exceptions to know (where a price drop refund can happen)
1) Pre‑orders sold by Amazon (“Pre‑order Price Guarantee”)
For qualifying pre‑orders sold by Amazon, you pay the lowest price Amazon offers between the time you order and the release date. Amazon explains:
“You’ll pay the lowest price offered between your order and the release date.”About the Pre‑order Price Guarantee — Amazon Customer Service
Fine print: the guarantee must be shown on the product page; marketplace listings and some categories may be excluded.
2) Subscribe & Save shipments
Pricing for Subscribe & Save can change between deliveries, but Amazon calls out cancellation flexibility. The terms note that subscriptions renew automatically and prices may change—you can cancel any time before the order is placed.
“Subscribe & Save automatically renews until canceled, with price changes possible. You can cancel anytime.”Subscribe & Save Terms & Conditions — Amazon Customer Service
3) Returns within your return window (practical workaround)
While not a formal “amazon price protection” policy, Amazon’s standard return policy means many products can be returned within 30 days. If your item drops in price during that window, the pragmatic move is to return and repurchase at the lower price (watch for restocking or return shipping details for the specific item).
“Most items can be returned … within 30 days of delivery.”Amazon Return Policy — Amazon Customer Service
That’s why many consumer sites advise “return & re‑buy” when you see an amazon price drop after purchase.
Note on third‑party sellers: Marketplace sellers set their own prices, and Amazon enforces a Fair Pricing Policy. Amazon itself can’t “price‑adjust” a seller’s independent offer after your purchase.
What to do when the price drops (step‑by‑step)
Step 1 — Verify it’s the same offer
Make sure you’re comparing the same ASIN, condition, fulfillment (sold by Amazon vs. a marketplace seller), color/configuration, and shipping speed. If a different seller is cheaper, Amazon won’t “price match Amazon after purchase.”
Step 2 — Screenshot everything
Capture the product page showing the lower price and the seller (“Ships from and sold by Amazon” vs. “Sold by <Seller>”). Amazon’s help pages also explain “Lowest Price in XX days” badges, which can be useful context:
“Lowest Price in XX days means the current price is lower than, or equal to, the lowest featured offer price in the past XX days.”Strike‑Through Pricing & Savings — Amazon Customer Service
Step 3 — Decide: return & re‑buy vs. ask support
Option A: Return & re‑buy. If returns are free/easy for your item, this is often the fastest path to the lower price. Check your return window and logistics first.
Option B: Ask nicely via chat/phone. Amazon has no obligation to adjust, but some customers report goodwill credits. Keep your ask short and specific. For example:
“Hi! I bought this yesterday and now Amazon’s price is lower by $18 on the same ASIN (sold by Amazon). Could you offer a one‑time courtesy credit so I don’t have to return and repurchase?”
Amazon summarizes its stance succinctly in various help pages, e.g., “We don’t offer price matching,” but polite requests sometimes succeed.
Step 4 — Automate it so you don’t miss drops
If you buy frequently, consider using automation. Task Monkey (a Chrome extension we’re building) monitors your Amazon orders after purchase and helps you recover amazon price drop refunds when viable—either by drafting A+ customer service messages or guiding return/re‑buy timing. It’s designed to be safe, privacy‑first, and to save you time.
Common misconceptions (and what’s actually true)
“Amazon has a 30‑day price protection policy.”
There is no general “30‑day price protection” across Amazon retail. Historical articles and forums make this clear, and Amazon’s current help content simply says they don’t offer price matching. Use returns or request a one‑time courtesy credit instead.
“Coupons and promos can be applied after purchase.”
Coupons and promotional codes must be applied at checkout and generally can’t be retroactively added after your order is placed.
“Verify the discount is applied before placing your order.”Promotional Codes & Courtesy Credits — Amazon Customer Service
“Price drop after purchase? Support must adjust it.”
No—support may offer a goodwill credit but is not required to. If it’s a significant difference and within the return window, the return/re‑buy path is most reliable.
Quick decision guide
Scenario | Likely Outcome | Best Action |
Pre‑order sold by Amazon drops in price before release | Pre‑order Price Guarantee applies | Do nothing — you’ll be charged the lowest price at ship time (source) |
Subscribe & Save shows a different price for the next delivery | Prices can change between deliveries | Skip/cancel before it ships; adjust quantity/date (source) |
Regular retail item sold by Amazon drops after delivery | No automatic amazon price protection | Return & re‑buy or ask for a one‑time courtesy credit (source) |
Marketplace seller item gets cheaper | Seller controls pricing | Return & re‑buy; Amazon can’t compel a seller to adjust (policy) |
Price drops during Black Friday/Cyber Monday | Amazon doesn’t do post‑purchase price matching | Use returns or try a goodwill credit; plan ahead with price‑history tools (context) |
FAQ — Amazon price adjustments & matching
Does Amazon do price adjustments?
Not as a general policy. Amazon says, “We don’t offer price matching.” Your best moves are to return & re‑buy within the return window, or request a one‑time courtesy credit.
Does Amazon refund if price drops?
There’s no automatic amazon price drop refund. For pre‑orders sold by Amazon, the Pre‑order Price Guarantee applies; otherwise use returns or ask support.
Does Amazon price match after purchase?
No general post‑purchase matching. You can try Customer Service, but success depends on agent discretion and account history.
Will Amazon price adjust if an item is cheaper on Amazon later?
There’s no universal amazon price match after purchase against Amazon’s own later price. Use return/re‑buy or ask for a goodwill credit.
Does Amazon price match if price drops at another store?
No. Amazon does not offer competitor price matching. You can still submit a “Tell us about a lower price” report to improve future pricing.
What about Black Friday or Prime Day?
Promos change fast and sell out. Amazon does not do post‑purchase matching, so plan purchases, watch price history, and lean on returns if necessary.
What if the lower price is from a marketplace seller?
That’s a different seller’s offer. Amazon won’t “adjust” your original order. Consider returning your item and purchasing from the cheaper seller, but check seller ratings, shipping speed, and return terms.
Is it okay to buy again and return the first one?
Within policy and return windows, yes. Always follow Amazon’s Returns Policy and avoid abusing returns.
Practical scripts you can copy
Ask support for a one‑time credit (if you don’t want to return & re‑buy)
“Hi Amazon! I purchased ASIN B0XXXXX yesterday. Today, the same item (ships from & sold by Amazon) is $22 lower. Could you offer a one‑time courtesy credit so I don’t have to return and re‑purchase? I can share a screenshot if needed. Thanks for considering!”
Return & re‑buy checklist
Confirm the item is eligible for return and any return shipping fees.
Check delivery timing for the replacement order—if it’ll arrive much later, ask support to help instead.
Place the new order before returning the old one if stock is limited.
Complete the original return promptly and keep your drop‑off receipt.
Why we built Task Monkey for post‑purchase savings
From our own conversations with thousands of shoppers, we saw the same pain points: prices swing, windows are short, and chatting with support takes time. Task Monkey automates the boring parts—monitoring your orders for drops, timing your returns, and drafting polite but effective messages—so you’re more likely to capture savings you’d otherwise miss.
Get started: Install Task Monkey to automatically watch for amazon price drop after purchase events and help you claim savings without the hassle.
Sources cited throughout: Amazon Customer Service pages on Price Matching, Pre‑order Price Guarantee, Subscribe & Save Terms, Returns Policy, and Strike‑Through Pricing; plus The Verge roundup for competitor comparisons.
