Price adjustment
A price adjustment is a refund of the difference when a store lowers the price of something you already bought, usually within a set window.
Also called: post-purchase price adjustment, price drop refund, price protection
A price adjustment is a refund of the difference when a store lowers the price of something you already bought, usually within a set window.
What it means
A price adjustment is a store's policy of refunding you the difference when it lowers the price of something you recently bought. You show your receipt or order number and ask the store to credit the gap, usually to your original payment method. It is not the same as a competitor price match, which compares another store's price, or a return, which refunds the full purchase.
Each store sets its own window, exclusions and process. Target, for example, lets you ask for a match on its own lower price at the time of purchase or within 14 days after. It requires the original receipt or packing slip for price adjustments. Clearance, closeout and refurbished items are among its exclusions.
Policies change without notice, so check the store's current policy page before you ask.
What it means for you
If a price drops soon after you buy, ask quickly, because windows are short. Have your order number or receipt, the item's exact model or SKU, and a screenshot of the lower price with the date visible. Ask through chat or customer service, and request the credit to your original payment method. If the answer is no, ask which line of the policy applies. If the store refuses a request that fits its own policy, or never posts the credit, you can dispute the charge with your card issuer, but try the store first.
Example
Say you buy a $180 jacket, and nine days later the same jacket is $140 on the same store's website. The store's policy allows adjustments for 14 days. You chat with customer service, give your order number and a screenshot, and ask for the $40 difference. Because the item is not on clearance, the store credits the $40 to your card.
FAQ
A price adjustment refunds the difference when the same store lowers its price after you buy. A price match asks a store to match a competitor's lower price. Stores may offer one, both or neither, and each sets its own rules.
It depends on the store. Target's published policy, for example, allows requests within 14 days after purchase. Check the store's current policy page, and ask as soon as you see the lower price.
Related terms
Updated Oct 18, 2026. Plain-English definitions for general information — not legal or tax advice.