Posted: 11.30.2010

“25% OFF!”

“BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE!”

Wisconsin consumers are being bombarded by the traditional holiday sales. Newspaper, radio, and TV advertisements, along with in-store promotions, are promising discounts at the checkout. However, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection knows there can be a difference between the price you think you are paying – and the price you actually pay.

"Wisconsin law requires stores to charge the lowest advertised price and refund any overcharge," said Janet Jenkins, Administrator of the Trade and Consumer Protection Division. “Consumers need to watch for possible price discrepancies.”

“Most overcharges are unintentional and the result of human error,” Jenkins added. “For example, updated pricing information might not be entered into a store’s computer system as timely as it should be. However, regardless of the reason, the law always benefits the consumer.”

The Bureau of Consumer Protection offers these tips to help avoid price scanner errors this holiday season and throughout the year.

• Write down prices or special sales as you shop.
• Bring store ads with you.
• Watch display screens as items are being scanned.
• Speak up if you think you are overcharged.
• Demand any refund due you while still in the store.
• Report pricing errors to state or local weighs and measures inspectors to prevent other shoppers from being charged too much.

Last year, state weights and measures inspectors tested more than 25,000 items for price accuracy in stores all around the state. The total price scanner accuracy rate for 2009 was 98.4%. That percentage includes both overcharges and undercharges. Seven companies agreed to pay civil forfeitures totaling nearly $300,000 as a result of weights and measures price scanner inspections.

"Our inspectors are helping Wisconsin consumers get what they pay for," added Jenkins. "Weights and measures inspectors save the average family approximately $600 each year, according to the National Conference on Weights and Measures."

For additional price scanner information visit:
http://datcp.state.wi.us/cp/consumerinfo/cp/factsheets/pdf/WMScanners171-2.pdf

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