THE SCAM!

Here's how the scam works.

The big retail chain, let's call it "Big Bargain", tells you it will match any competitor's price - even offers to match LESS 10% OFF - so long as it is the identical model number. Sounds fair. You wouldn't expect them to match the price of some lesser or generic brand on a similar name brand item. You write down the number on the display model and set off to see if the competition offers it for less.

Searching on line, Google tells you it can't find an EXACT match, but will show you something similar. Checking on that "similar" item, you discover it is identical to the item viewed at "Big Bargain", with a slightly modified model number. Go to "Big Bargain's" website. Type in both model numbers - the one displayed on the merchandise in their store and the one every other retailer AND the product's manufacturer uses to identify the item. The commonly used model number is listed as a "special order" item, at a retail price 8-9% higher than the exact same item, listed under their "unique" model number.

The point is: you will NEVER find a competitor selling the exact same model number at a cheaper price because the model number is ONLY sold by "Big Bargain".

If you do your homework in advance and get the manufacturer's model number, you can still use the manipulative big chain's price as leverage to bargain on the price at another retail establishment. (I saved 8.5%.) But don't salivate over the "Less 10%" claim, because you'll never see it.

Lesson learned...