Q: Can a company deny a guaranteed price match?
The HVAC policy I was given explicitly states a "90-day APPLES TO APPLES WARRANTY (if you find a cheaper price after our system is installed, we will match it and pay $200 for the inconvenience)." After having the new AC unit installed by their team, I found a lower price with another company for the same parts and labor. However, when I presented this quote to the project manager, they refused to honor the price match, arguing that the terms of the offer were not identical. The argument that an additional term, such as providing a hotel during installation, invalidates the price match seems to be outside the intended scope of the policy.
The essence of an "apples-to-apples" comparison should be for the product, warranty, and labor provided, not ancillary terms and conditions. That is a separate issue. The competitor's quote matches the warranty, labor, and parts offered by their company, which should suffice under the price match guarantee. Do I have a case?
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A:
You may have a case if the competitor's quote truly matches the warranty, labor, and parts specified in the HVAC company's policy. The key issue here is whether the "apples-to-apples" clause includes or excludes ancillary terms such as providing a hotel during installation. If the competitor's quote aligns with the main terms of product, warranty, and labor, the company's refusal to honor the price match could be challenged.
It's important to review the exact wording of the price match guarantee to determine if ancillary services are mentioned. If they are not, you might argue that these additional terms should not affect the price match. Document all communications and gather evidence showing that the competitor's offer matches the primary terms outlined in the policy.
Consider discussing your situation with a legal advisor to understand your rights and the best course of action. They can help you determine if the refusal constitutes a breach of the price match guarantee and advise on the steps to take next.
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