From Kiplinger · · 1m
Spot Checkout Pricing Errors
Check receipts for overcharges before leaving store.
In brief
Check receipts for overcharges before leaving store. Shoppers can catch pricing errors by reviewing receipts, watching scans, and checking unit prices to avoid overcharges at checkout. Originally reported by Kiplinger.
Quick answers
- Overcharged at Checkout?
- Shoppers may pay more than shelf prices due to scanner errors or mislabeled weights.
- What is the key takeaway from Spot Checkout Pricing Errors?
- Shoppers can catch pricing errors by reviewing receipts, watching scans, and checking unit prices to avoid overcharges at checkout.
Overcharged at Checkout?
Shoppers may pay more than shelf prices due to scanner errors or mislabeled weights.
“A September Guardian investigation found pricing discrepancies at 7-Eleven and Circle K locations”
Recent Overcharge Cases
Five Below reached a $179,500 agreement with Michigan to resolve scanner overcharge allegations.
“Five Below reached a $179,500 agreement with Michigan”
How Pricing Errors Happen
Shelf tags may not match register prices, sales may not apply, or weight labels may be incorrect.
“A shelf tag might not match the register price, or a sale price may fail to ring up correctly”
State Pricing Laws
Michigan's Scanner Law allows shoppers to get the difference between displayed price and charged amount plus a 10x bonus.
“Michigan's Scanner Law allows shoppers who are charged more than the displayed price to receive the difference between the displayed price and the amount charged, plus a bonus of 10 times that difference”
Check Your Receipt
Review receipt for higher prices, duplicate charges, and missed promotions before leaving store.
“Before walking out, spend a minute reviewing your receipt”
Unit Price Check
Check unit prices while shopping to compare package sizes and avoid overpaying for weight-based items.
“It can also help to check unit prices while you're shopping”
What matters most
Shoppers can catch pricing errors by reviewing receipts, watching scans, and checking unit prices to avoid overcharges at checkout.
