Scanner Price Accuracy Code
The Scanner Price Accuracy Code is a Canadian retail voluntary practice managed by the Retail Council of Canada and endorsed by the Competition Bureau.[1] It was introduced in 2002 as Canadian retailers were in the midst of updating their point of sale systems with barcode readers[1] to "foster consumer confidence" with the new systems.[2] It provides consumers with compensation for incorrectly priced items.[2]
Code
The code applies only to retail shops that participate in the voluntary program.[1] If the price of an item scans incorrectly during checkout at the point of sale, the customer is entitled to request a price adjustment; if the item's price is less than $10, they receive it for free, and if the item's price is at least $10, the customer receives a $10 discount.[1] If the customer purchases more than one of that item, the first one is subject to the price adjustment, and the others are charged at the posted sale price.[1] The sale price may include that posted in the shop, in an advertising flyer, or in online advertisements.[2]
A customer unsatisfied with the cashier's point of sale resolution for a price discrepancy should first attempt to resolve it with the manager or supervisor.[1] If this does not result in a resolution, the consumer may call the Retail Council of Canada Scanner Price Accuracy Committee to register a complaint.[1] About 92% of calls received by the committee are not legitimate complaints.[1]
The code does not apply to items that are individually priced, items that are weighed (such as produce), prescription drugs, and cosmetics available only "behind-the-counter".[2] Incorrect charges for individually priced items are covered by the Competition Act, and unresolved price discrepancies reported to the Competition Bureau.[2]
Participation
There are few participating retail chains, but they represent over 7,000 shops throughout Canada, excluding those in Quebec which are covered by the provincial Consumer Protection Act.[1] Among them are Best Buy, Canadian Tire, Costco, Home Depot, Lawtons, Loblaw Companies, Shoppers Drug Mart, Sobeys, Toys "R" Us, and Walmart.[1][2]
Shops of participating merchants are required to post a sign about the code near the entrance to the shop.[2]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Colbert, Yvonne (23 February 2017). "Special code means shoppers charged full price for sale items could get them free". CBC News. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
- ^ a b c d e f g Harris, Sophia (28 November 2021). "Attention shoppers: Overcharged for an item at checkout? You might be able to get it for free". CBC News. Retrieved 28 November 2021.