UPC SCANNERS

Many stores use electronic scanners to read the price at the checkout counter. These scanners are linked to a computer that reads the Universal Price Code (UPC) on the product or tag and corresponding price that has been loaded into the computer. Often, this preloaded price does not match the price posted on or near the item.

A Typical UPC Inspection

Is the store where you are shopping pricing items accurately?  Weights and Measures officials conduct scanning accuracy tests by:

- Randomly selecting a specific number of items.

- Recording the posted price.

- Proceeding to the checkout counter, scanning each item and watching the display to make sure the scanned price matches the posted price.

To comply with State Law a retailer must achieve and maintain a 98% price scanning accuracy rate, or one error in a 50 item sample.  Due to the inability to reach 98% in a 25 item sample, one error is also allowed in a 25 item sample. Stores that don't pass must fix the problems within 30 minutes or the items are taken off sale. Stores that fail can also face civil penalties ranging from $50 to $5,000 per month. Check out the UPC or Price Posting inspection results for the store where you shop.

GOOD "CENTS" SHOPPING TIPS

• BRING ADS WITH YOU WHEN YOU SHOP.

• WRITE DOWN PRICES. By law all retailers are required to provide customers with a writing instrument so they can write down prices.

• WATCH THE REGISTER DISPLAY AND MAKE SURE THE SCANNED PRICE IS THE SAME AS THE POSTED PRICE.

• CHECK YOUR RECEIPT BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE STORE.

• SPEAK UP if you find an error.

• ASK TO SEE THE STORE'S WRITTEN PRICING ERROR POLICY! State law requires all retailers to have a written pricing error policy.

Q: Can the Department get my money back if I am overcharged?

A: No, you must seek reimbursement from the retailer. However, you may file a compliant with the Department and we will schedule a UPC inspection.

Q: If I go to a store and they charge me the wrong price, are they required to give me the item for free?

A: No. Stores are not required to give you the item for free, but some stores do. Arizona law requires that all stores have a written pricing error policy that must be available to customers. Ask for it if a pricing error occurs.

Q: Is it a good idea to record prices of items I plan to buy if the price is only displayed on the shelf?

A: Yes, and the retailer is required by law to provide you with a pen.

Q: Should all items be priced?

A: Yes, either on the item, on the shelf or at the point of display.

Q: Is there anyone I can call about errors in pricing?

A: Yes, call us! According to Arizona law, a "person shall not misrepresent the price of any commodity or service sold or offered, exposed or advertised for sale by weight, measure or count or represent the price in any manner calculated or tending to mislead or in any way to deceive a person."