Price matching is an art form that takes practice to master. However, once honed, these skills can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year. The basic idea behind price matching is simple: if you find an item you want to buy advertised at a lower price, ask the store you’re in to match that price. Many major retailers like Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and Bed Bath & Beyond offer price matching guarantees. Some will match local competitors’ prices, while others will match prices from online retailers like Amazon.

Before you go shopping, do some research to find the best prices on the items on your list. Check sites like Google Shopping, Nextag, and Bizrate in addition to store websites and apps. Take screenshots or print the web pages showing the lower prices to have as evidence for the store associate. Politely explain to the associate that you found the item or a comparable product at a lower price, and ask if they will match it. Have the proof of the other price ready to show them.

If the price difference is substantial, you may be able to get an additional percentage off, usually around 10% of the difference. It never hurts to ask. Some stores will only match the exact item, while others will match comparable products. Ask about the specific policy before you start shopping to avoid confusion at checkout.

Certain exclusions typically apply, like closeout and clearance items, bundle offers, and limited-time promotions. Price matching also usually does not apply to items in the store that are already on sale. You may have the best luck price matching right when new items are released at full price.

Some additional tips for successful price matching: be polite but confident, go to customer service instead of checking out right away, have all the details of the lower price ready, and don’t abuse the policy by trying to get a price match for an unreasonable amount off. Price matching is meant to build goodwill and gain customer loyalty, not lose money for the retailer.

With some practice, you’ll be spotting deals and saving money with price matching in no time. While not every request will be granted, the savings can really add up over the course of a year. Why pay more when you can pay less for the exact same items? Price matching is a skill worth perfecting.