Does Academy Sports Price Match? (Price Match and Adjustment Policy)

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Academy Sports often has great deals on a variety of items. But what happens if you find a better price somewhere else? Will Academy Sports price match?

Yes, Academy Sports does price match, and will even lower the price 5% below their competitors, as long as it meets certain conditions.

The item must be identical and in stock at the competitor’s store, and the customer must present a current ad or printout showing the lower price.

Photo of an off-white-colored building with the sign Academy sports above the main entrance

How to Get a Price Match at Academy Sports

In order to get a price match at Academy Sports, you’ll need to present a valid advertisement with the current price of an in-stock item by a competitor.

If prices differ on Academy.com, in the Academy app, or in the store, the company will honor the lowest price.

You also have the option to get a price adjustment if you find a lower price within 14 days of your purchase at Academy Sports.

Their price match policy considers the following stores to be eligible competitors:

  • Amazon
  • Bass Pro Shops
  • Cabela’s
  • Carter’s Country
  • Champs Sporting Goods
  • Dicks Sporting Goods
  • Eastbay
  • Fanatics
  • Ganger Outdoors
  • Hibbett Sports
  • Kansas Sampler
  • Rally House
  • REI
  • Scheels All Sports
  • Target
  • Walmart

It’s important to note that third-party sellers through Amazon and Walmart do not qualify for a price match at Academy Sports.

The Criteria for Price Matching at Academy Sports

Photo of a laptop showing an online shop website beside a mug of coffee on a wooden table

In order to get a price match, here are the criteria that must be met:

  1. The competitor’s store must be located in the same market area as the Academy Sports store.
  2. The customer must present a current digital ad or printout showing the lower price.
  3. The item must be identical, including model number, size, color, and features.
  4. The item must be in stock at the competitor’s store.

Exclusions From Academy Sports’ Price Match Policy

There are a few exclusions to Academy Sports’ price match policy. These include:

  1. Clearance items, closeouts, doorbusters, and special buys
  2. Pricing errors from the competitor
  3. Free offers, coupons, or rebates
  4. Special financing offers
  5. Bundles that cannot be unbundled
  6. Installation or assembly charges

How to Price Match at Academy Sports

A woman holding her cellphone while looking at it happily

It’s easy to price match at Academy Sports. Just follow these simple steps:

  1. Research the price of the item you plan on buying and find a lower price by one of the qualified competitors.
  2. Bring in proof of the lower price to the customer service desk at Academy Sports.
  3. If the item is eligible for a price match, Academy Sports will adjust the price to be five percent lower than the competitor’s price.
  4. If you’re requesting a price match online, go to the Academy Sports website and start a live chat with customer service.
  5. Have your proof of the lower price, preferably in a direct link, ready to show the customer service representative chatting with you.
  6. If you can’t get ahold of a representative through the chat, try calling Academy’s customer support at 1-888-922-2336.

As you can see, it’s easy to get a price match at Academy Sports. Just make sure you meet the criteria and have your proof of the lower price ready to go to make the process as smooth and quick as possible.

Does Academy Sports Have a Price Adjustment Policy?

If you have purchased an item only to discover that there is a better price available within 14 days, you can get a price adjustment.

When requesting a price adjustment in an Academy Sports store, make sure to bring both your receipt and a copy (digital or printed) of the competitor’s current ad or printout showing the lower price.

If you’re requesting a price adjustment online, start by finding the item online and getting the link to provide customer service. Then start a chat with a representative.

Have your receipt and the link to the competitor’s price ready to go.

You can also call customer service at Academy Sports to get a price adjustment. The phone number is 1-888-922-2336.

Other Ways to Save at Academy Sports

Photo showing a pair of hands on a laptop that shows the Academy Sports website with on sale items

There are plenty of additional ways to save money at Academy Sports. Over time, and especially when stacked, these deals could save you a significant amount of money.

Here are some of the best ways to save on your next visit:

1. Check the Academy Sports Website for Weekly Deals and Specials

The Academy Sports website always has a running list of weekly deals and specials. These deals are usually time-sensitive, so make sure to check back often to see what’s currently on offer.

2. Sign Up for the Academy Sports Newsletter

When you sign up for the Academy Sports newsletter, you’ll automatically receive 10% off one purchase up to $200.

So this is a good way to leverage a coupon if you have a larger purchase in mind.

In addition to the initial discount, you’ll also receive regular updates on new arrivals, deals, and more.

3. Follow Academy Sports on Social Media

Academy Sports is active on all the major social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Following them is a great way to stay up-to-date on current sales and promotions.

4. Shop During Major Sales

Black Friday, Labor Day, and Memorial Day are all major sale holidays at Academy Sports. You can usually find discounts of up to 50% off during these times, so it’s definitely worth waiting for a big sale if you have the patience.

5. Get an Academy Sports Credit Card

If you frequently shop at Academy Sports, it might be worth getting one of their store credit cards.

With the card, you’ll automatically receive $15 off your first purchase, 5% off of all future purchases, and free shipping on all orders over $15.

6. Buy Discounted Academy Sports Gift Cards

If you know you’ll be shopping at Academy Sports in the near future, it’s worth checking sites like Card Cash to see if there are any discounted gift cards available.

Gift cards are usually discounted by about 5%, so this is a great way to save on your purchase.

7. Save on Shipping with Curbside Pickup

Academy Sports offers free curbside pickup on all orders over $25. So if you don’t need your items right away, this is a great way to save on shipping costs.

8. Use the Return Policy

You have up to 60 days to return or exchange items that you’re not happy with.

So if you’re not satisfied with a purchase, make sure to take advantage of the return policy to avoid getting stuck with items you don’t really want.

The Bottom Line

Academy Sports offer an exceptional price match by offering 5% less than the competitor’s price. They also offer a great return policy, free shipping on orders over $25, and curbside pickup to save you even more money.

Overall, Academy Sports is a great place to shop for all your sporting goods needs if you’re looking to save a few bucks.

Do you have any additional tips for saving money at Academy Sports? Let us know in the comments below!

 

Photo showing a pair of hands holding an android cellphone with Academy Sports application showcasing two shirts with text overlays that read Does Academy Sports Price Match?

About Emma Healey

Emma is a recognised family finance and budgeting expert and founder of Mum's Money. Her advice has been featured in Readers Digest, Yahoo Finance, Lifehacker, The Simple Dollar, MSN Money and more.