Does Dicks Sporting Goods Stores Match Online Prices

Dick’s Sporting Goods does offer a price match policy that includes many online retailers, but with important conditions and limitations. While you can often get the same low price found online at a physical store, understanding the rules—such as eligible competitors, time limits, and product exclusions—is key to success.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, Dick’s Sporting Goods matches online prices: The company has a formal price match policy that includes select online retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy.
• Only identical in-stock items qualify: The product must be the exact same model, size, color, and condition, and available for immediate purchase online.
• Price match requests must be made in-store: You cannot request a price match online or via customer service—only in-person at a physical location.
• Exclusions apply: Clearance items, closeouts, refurbished products, and items from auction sites or third-party sellers are typically excluded.
• Time-sensitive offers may not count: Flash sales, limited-time promotions, and membership-exclusive deals (like Amazon Prime) are usually not eligible.
• Bring proof of the lower price: Screenshots, printouts, or mobile device displays showing the competitor’s price and availability are required.
• One price adjustment per item: You can only request a price match once per product, and it must be done at the time of purchase.

Quick Answers to Common Questions

Can I price match at Dick’s using a mobile app?

Yes, you can use your phone to show the lower price from an eligible online retailer, but the request must still be made in-store.

Does Dick’s match prices from Amazon Prime members?

No, membership-exclusive deals like Amazon Prime discounts are not eligible for price matching.

What happens if the online item sells out after I request a match?

The price match is only valid if the item is in stock at the time of request. If it sells out, the match may be denied.

Can I price match a used or refurbished item?

No, Dick’s does not match prices for used, refurbished, or open-box items.

Is the price match applied before or after tax?

The price match is applied to the item’s pre-tax price. Tax is calculated based on the adjusted total.

Does Dick’s Sporting Goods Match Online Prices? A Complete Guide

If you’ve ever walked into a Dick’s Sporting Goods store and spotted a great deal online for the same item—say, a pair of running shoes or a new set of golf clubs—you’ve probably asked yourself: “Can I get that lower price here?” The good news is, yes, Dick’s Sporting Goods does match online prices under certain conditions. But like most retail policies, it’s not as simple as showing a cheaper price and walking out with a discount.

Understanding how Dick’s price match policy works can save you real money, especially when shopping for big-ticket sporting goods. Whether you’re gearing up for baseball season, upgrading your home gym, or buying outdoor equipment for a family camping trip, knowing your options helps you shop smarter. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Dick’s Sporting Goods’ price matching—what’s allowed, what’s not, and how to make it work for you.

What Is Price Matching and Why Does It Matter?

Price matching is a retail strategy where a store agrees to honor a lower price found at a competing retailer for the same item. It’s designed to build customer loyalty and prevent shoppers from leaving the store to buy elsewhere. For consumers, it’s a win-win: you get the convenience of shopping in person with the confidence that you’re not overpaying.

In today’s competitive retail environment, where online shopping dominates, price matching has become a key differentiator. Stores like Target, Best Buy, and Walmart all offer robust price match policies. Dick’s Sporting Goods, as one of the largest sporting goods retailers in the U.S., recognizes the importance of staying competitive—especially when customers can easily compare prices on their phones while browsing the store aisles.

But Dick’s doesn’t match every online price. Their policy has specific rules to protect the business from abuse while still offering real value to customers. The key is knowing when and how to use it.

Dick’s Sporting Goods Price Match Policy: The Basics

So, does Dick’s Sporting Goods match online prices? The short answer is yes—but with important caveats. According to the company’s official policy, Dick’s will match prices from select online retailers for identical, in-stock items. However, the request must be made in-store, and you’ll need to provide proof of the lower price.

Let’s break down the core elements of the policy:

Eligible Online Retailers

Dick’s Sporting Goods matches prices from major national retailers that sell sporting goods and outdoor equipment. These typically include:
– Amazon.com (excluding third-party sellers)
– Walmart.com
– Target.com
– BestBuy.com
– REI.com
– Academy.com
– Bass Pro Shops / Cabela’s

Note that the competitor must be a legitimate, authorized retailer. Auction sites like eBay, marketplace sellers on Amazon, or liquidation websites are not eligible.

Item Requirements

The product you want to price match must meet several criteria:
– It must be the exact same item (same brand, model, size, color, and condition).
– It must be in stock and available for immediate purchase on the competitor’s website.
– It cannot be a clearance, closeout, or refurbished item.
– It must be sold directly by the retailer—not a third-party seller.

For example, if you’re looking at a Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 40 in men’s size 10, black, and it’s available on Amazon for $110 while Dick’s has it for $130, you can request a price match—provided Amazon is selling it directly (not through a third-party seller) and it’s in stock.

How to Request a Price Match

You must visit a physical Dick’s Sporting Goods store to request a price match. Online requests or calls to customer service will not be honored. Here’s how to do it:
1. Find the item in the store and note the price.
2. Use your phone, tablet, or a printed screenshot to show the lower price from an eligible online retailer.
3. Ask a sales associate or manager to process the price match.
4. The associate will verify the item and price before adjusting the total.

It’s important to do this at the time of purchase. Dick’s does not offer retroactive price adjustments after you’ve already paid.

What’s Not Covered: Common Exclusions

While Dick’s price match policy is generous in many ways, there are several important exclusions to be aware of. Understanding these can save you time and frustration.

Clearance and Sale Items

If the item you’re buying at Dick’s is already on sale or marked as clearance, you generally cannot request a price match. The policy is designed to match regular retail prices, not discounted ones. For example, if Dick’s has a tent on clearance for $80 and you find the same tent online for $75, you likely won’t qualify—even though the online price is lower.

Time-Limited Promotions

Flash sales, limited-time offers, and promotional codes are typically excluded. If Amazon has a 24-hour deal on a pair of hiking boots, Dick’s won’t match that price unless it’s the regular, non-promotional price. Similarly, membership-exclusive deals (like Amazon Prime Day discounts) are not eligible.

Third-Party Sellers and Marketplace Listings

Even if an item is listed on Amazon, if it’s sold by a third-party seller (not Amazon directly), it doesn’t count. Look for “Ships from and sold by Amazon.com” to confirm eligibility. The same goes for Walmart Marketplace or eBay listings.

International Retailers

Prices from foreign websites (even if they ship to the U.S.) are not eligible. For example, a lower price on a Canadian or UK-based sporting goods site won’t qualify.

Custom or Personalized Items

Items that have been customized—such as engraved golf clubs, monogrammed bags, or team-printed jerseys—are not eligible for price matching.

Shipping and Handling Costs

The price match is based on the item’s listed price, not including shipping, taxes, or handling fees. So if an online retailer offers free shipping but a higher base price, Dick’s will only match the base price—not the total landed cost.

Tips for Successfully Using Dick’s Price Match Policy

Now that you know the rules, here are some practical tips to increase your chances of a successful price match:

Do Your Homework Before You Go

Don’t wait until you’re at the register to start comparing prices. Use your phone or a price comparison app (like Google Shopping or Honey) to check prices from eligible retailers while you’re browsing the store. This way, you’ll know exactly what to ask for and can present the evidence quickly.

Bring Proof—Digital or Printed

Always have proof of the lower price ready. A screenshot on your phone works, but a printed copy can be more reliable if the store’s Wi-Fi is slow or your battery dies. Make sure the proof clearly shows:
– The product name and model
– The price
– The retailer’s name
– That it’s in stock and available for purchase

Be Polite and Patient

Not every associate may be familiar with the policy, especially during busy times. Stay calm, explain what you’re looking for, and offer to show them the policy on Dick’s website if needed. A little kindness goes a long way.

Know the Store’s Busy Times

Avoid requesting a price match during peak hours—like weekends or holidays—when staff may be overwhelmed. Weekday mornings or early afternoons are often better times to get personalized service.

Ask for a Manager if Needed

If a sales associate says they can’t honor the price match, politely ask to speak with a manager. Policies can sometimes be interpreted differently, and a manager may have more authority to approve the request.

Check for Price Adjustments on Recent Purchases

While Dick’s doesn’t offer retroactive price matching after you’ve paid, some stores may offer a one-time price adjustment within a short window (e.g., 7–14 days) if the item goes on sale. It doesn’t hurt to ask, especially if you bought something recently and now see a lower price online.

Real-Life Examples: When Price Matching Works (and When It Doesn’t)

Let’s look at a few real-world scenarios to illustrate how the policy plays out.

Example 1: Successful Price Match

You’re at Dick’s looking to buy a new pair of running shoes: the Brooks Ghost 15 in women’s size 8, navy blue. Dick’s has them for $140. You check Amazon and find the same shoes for $125, sold directly by Amazon and in stock. You show the associate the Amazon listing on your phone, and they verify the details. The price is adjusted to $125 at checkout. Success!

Example 2: Denied Price Match

You find a Coleman camping tent at Dick’s for $100. On eBay, someone is selling the same tent for $85. You show the listing to the associate, but they explain that eBay is not an eligible retailer—even if the item is identical. The request is denied.

Example 3: Partial Match (Not Allowed)

Dick’s has a yoga mat for $30. On Target.com, the same mat is $25, but it’s part of a “Buy One, Get One 50% Off” deal. Since the lower price is tied to a promotion, Dick’s won’t match it. You’d need to pay the full $30.

Example 4: Third-Party Seller Issue

You find a Yeti cooler on Amazon for $20 less than Dick’s price. But when you check the seller, it’s “Sold by CoolGear123 and fulfilled by Amazon.” Because it’s not sold directly by Amazon, the price match is denied.

These examples show how important it is to read the fine print and verify eligibility before making a request.

How Dick’s Price Match Compares to Competitors

Dick’s Sporting Goods’ price match policy is fairly competitive, but how does it stack up against other major retailers?

Target

Target offers a robust price match policy that includes most major online retailers and allows requests both in-store and online. They also offer a 14-day price adjustment window for items that go on sale after purchase. Dick’s is more limited in this regard.

Best Buy

Best Buy matches prices from a wide range of online competitors and allows price match requests online, in-store, or via chat. They also honor price drops within 15 days of purchase. Again, Dick’s is more restrictive.

Walmart

Walmart matches prices from select online retailers and allows in-store requests. However, they exclude marketplace sellers and require the item to be in stock. Their policy is similar to Dick’s, though Walmart sometimes offers additional savings through rollbacks and app-exclusive deals.

Academy Sports + Outdoors

Academy matches prices from major online retailers and allows in-store requests. Their policy is very similar to Dick’s, though they may be more flexible with certain promotions.

Overall, Dick’s policy is solid but not the most generous. It’s best suited for customers who value in-person shopping and want to ensure they’re not overpaying—just don’t expect the same flexibility as some big-box retailers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dick’s Price Matching

Can I request a price match online?

No. Dick’s Sporting Goods only honors price match requests in physical stores. You cannot submit a request via email, phone, or their website.

Does Dick’s match prices from local competitors?

No. The policy only covers online retailers. Prices from local sporting goods stores, even if lower, are not eligible.

What if the online price changes after I buy?

Dick’s does not offer retroactive price adjustments. You must request the price match at the time of purchase.

Can I use a coupon with a price match?

Generally, no. Most coupons and promotions cannot be combined with a price match. The final price will be the lower of the two.

Do I need a receipt to request a price match?

No. You don’t need a receipt since the request is made at the time of purchase. However, you do need proof of the competitor’s price.

Are gift cards eligible for price matching?

No. Gift cards, reloadable cards, and other financial products are not eligible for price matching.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

So, does Dick’s Sporting Goods match online prices? Yes—but only under specific conditions. The policy is a valuable tool for savvy shoppers who want to get the best deal without sacrificing the convenience of in-store shopping. By understanding the rules, doing your research, and presenting clear evidence, you can often walk out of the store paying the same low price you’d find online.

However, it’s not a guaranteed savings strategy. Exclusions, timing, and product availability can all affect your success. Use it wisely, and don’t rely on it for every purchase. Combine it with other money-saving tactics—like signing up for Dick’s Rewards, watching for seasonal sales, and using manufacturer rebates—to maximize your savings.

In the end, Dick’s price match policy reflects a broader trend in retail: the blending of online and offline shopping experiences. As consumers demand more flexibility and transparency, retailers like Dick’s are adapting to meet those needs. And for customers who know how to use it, that’s a win.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Dick’s Sporting Goods match online prices from Walmart?

Yes, Dick’s will match prices from Walmart.com as long as the item is identical, in stock, and sold directly by Walmart—not a third-party seller.

Can I get a price match on a sale item at Dick’s?

No, if the item is already on sale or clearance at Dick’s, you typically cannot request a price match, even if it’s cheaper online.

Do I need to print out the online price to show in-store?

No, a digital screenshot on your phone or tablet is acceptable, as long as it clearly shows the price, product details, and retailer.

Does Dick’s match prices from international websites?

No, prices from foreign retailers—even if they ship to the U.S.—are not eligible for price matching.

Can I combine a price match with a Dick’s coupon?

Generally, no. Most coupons and promotions cannot be used in conjunction with a price match.

What if the associate refuses my price match request?

Politely ask to speak with a manager. Policies can vary by location, and a manager may have the authority to approve the request.