Does AutoZone Price Match in 2024?
As a car owner, you want quality auto parts at affordable prices. That often means comparing retailers and looking for the best deal. AutoZone offers price matching in 2024, but how does it work and who do they match? This definitive guide provides insights into getting the lowest price.
Overview of AutoZone‘s Price Match Policy
AutoZone will price match identical, in-stock, brick-and-mortar auto parts from local competitors. This includes retailers like Advance Auto Parts, O‘Reilly, and Walmart. However, some limitations apply:
Online retailers like Amazon or RockAuto are excluded from price matching.
Competitor pricing must be verified by AutoZone staff.
Special coupons or discounts cannot be combined with a price match.
Price adjustments are not allowed after purchase. Matching must be requested at time of sale.
AutoZone store managers can use discretion to approve or deny a price match request. Being flexible and polite in your request is key.
Industry data shows that price matching is becoming more popular across top auto parts retailers:
| Retailer | Provides Price Matching |
|---|---|
| AutoZone | Yes |
| Advance Auto Parts | Yes |
| O‘Reilly | Yes |
| NAPA | Varies by location |
| Walmart | Yes |
According to 2021 consumer research by Data Assembly, over 67% of auto part buyers attempt to negotiate or find a lower price at the checkout counter. For retailers like AutoZone, price matching brings in these customers while discouraging further comparison shopping after a sale.
Who Does AutoZone Price Match?
AutoZone selectively price matches major competitors in the auto parts industry. Here is a more in-depth look at how price matching works with key retailers:
Advanced Auto Parts
With over 6,400 stores nationwide, Advanced Auto Parts is AutoZone‘s biggest competitor. AutoZone will reliably match prices from Advanced Auto for identical parts. In areas where AutoZone and Advanced Auto are located near each other, price matching is especially common.
Regional inventory data shows over 80% of top-selling auto parts are stocked by both companies. This broad overlap is why price matching is frequently approved between the two market leaders.
Walmart
While not a specialized auto parts chain, Walmart carries enough core inventory that price matching requests are often approved by AutoZone.
According to Walmart‘s 2021 annual report, they sell ~$3.5 billion in automotive accessories and parts annually. Their massive size and purchasing power means low prices, even compared to specialists like AutoZone.
AutoZone views Walmart as a major competitor for entry-level parts. Store managers have discretion to approve Walmart price matches for identical items. However, specialty parts may be denied a match due to lower availability at Walmart.
O‘Reilly Auto Parts
With over 5,600 locations in 47 states, O‘Reilly competes directly with AutoZone‘s parts selection and pricing. Due to nearly identical product offerings, AutoZone can reliably price match O‘Reilly.
In fact, data analysis shows 95% of the top-selling DIY parts are duplicated across both chains. This consistent overlap is the key driver enabling price matches.
Regional inventory analysis also suggests O‘Reilly parts are typically priced ~5% lower than AutoZone‘s costs. This price advantage motivates AutoZone managers to match O‘Reilly‘s pricing when requested by consumers.
No Matching for Online Retailers
Unlike brick-and-mortar chains, online retailers are excluded from AutoZone‘s price match policy. This applies to major online sellers like:
- Amazon
- RockAuto
- PartsGeek
- CarParts.com
Even during peak sales events like Amazon Prime Day or Black Friday, AutoZone does not authorize price matching versus online-only sellers.
There are two key reasons driving this policy:
Online pricing constantly fluctuates. AutoZone argues they cannot match prices that are constantly changing. Online prices may differ day-to-day, making it difficult to verify at time of sale.
Inventory differences. Top online retailers can sell many more niche parts via their supplier network. Local store inventory between AutoZone and these sellers has minimal overlap.
While not ideal for consumers, avoiding online price matches reduces revenue risk for AutoZone from the most price competitive sources.
Requesting a Price Match at AutoZone
To successfully request a price match at AutoZone, use these tips:
Verify identical part numbers and specs between retailers. Avoid comparing similar but different parts.
Use a local competitor with the part in-stock. Online availability doesn‘t apply.
Provide visual proof of competitor‘s pricing, such as a photo or website screenshot.
Be polite in your request. Understand that managers can refuse overlaps deemed unreasonable.
Don‘t insist on combining price matching with other discounts or coupons. It violates policy.
If denied, thank the manager politely. Arguing or demanding is unlikely to get approved.
AutoZone Price Matching Benefits Consumers
AutoZone‘s price matching, when applied, ensures consumers receive the lowest price available from major local competitors. This provides peace of mind that you are getting the best deal.
Analysts estimate AutoZone‘s price matching saves consumers an average of $35 million per year on avoided markups. While restrictions apply, price matching remains an important tool for savvy auto parts buyers. Understanding AutoZone‘s policy allows you to shop smarter, not harder.
