Dosh dilemma: Can Nigel get a refund for a birthday present he overpaid for?

Nigel wanted to buy his wife some new underwear for her birthday. Like many people, he didn’t feel totally comfortable browsing the lingerie department, so when he spotted a fancy-looking set that seemed like a good deal, he grabbed it.

Just to be safe, Nigel left the price tag on the present in case his wife wanted to change it. As it turns out, that was a good move.

His wife loved the set, but she told Nigel she’d actually seen the same one somewhere else for quite a bit less money. And Nigel, like most of us, doesn’t like the feeling of being ripped off.

He wants to know, does he have any grounds to get some money back?

The good news

Well Nigel, you might be in luck.

Many UK retailers run price-match or price-promise policies, which are designed to reassure shoppers they’re getting a competitive price.

Some go a step further and will refund the difference if you find the same item cheaper elsewhere, even after you’ve bought it.

How price matching usually works

Each retailer has its own rules, but they tend to follow a similar pattern. For example, John Lewis offers customers up to seven days after purchase to claim a refund on the difference if they find the item cheaper at another retailer.

There are a few important conditions:

• the cheaper item must be exactly the same, that’s the same brand, size, colour and specification
• it must be in stock and available for delivery
• it can be part of a normal sale or seasonal promotion, but it can’t be:
• a clearance item
• a multi-buy deal
• a members-only price
• a flash sale
• discounted with a promo code
• an exclusive or trade price
• the item must be sold directly by the retailer, not a third-party or marketplace seller

What Nigel should do next

Providing the underwear hasn’t been worn and is the same condition as when it was bought, Nigel should head back to the retailer and explain he’s seen the same item cheaper elsewhere. Bringing proof, like a screenshot or link, can help.

At best, he could get some money refunded. At worst, the retailer says no, but it costs nothing to ask.

After all, when it comes to saving money, sometimes, if you don’t ask, you don’t get.