Reminder! Code of Practice: Scanner Price Accuracy

[amz155]

Where exactly do they post the code of practice sticker at the register? I once tried to explain the gig to a Metro cashier when something scanned wrong but she had no idea what I was talking about and it was my first time trying to apply SCOP and I wasn't entirely familiar with the terms or which stores participate so I didn't insist on the policy. It would help if I knew which stores post the sticker and where.

[zoro69]

It should be on or near the entrance, and at each cash. Some of them have removed them completely, some of them seem to deliberately place them where they aren't noticed. Here Metro had removed them from all cash lanes, and walmart had removed all traces of them (i got both to put them back). Loblaws has it placed so you rear end is pointing at the sticker while you are looking at the cashier...you'd have to somehow know to spin around 180 degrees and look down with it still hard to see while you are in the narrow lane. Futureshop has it stuck flat to the leading edge of the counter, with other items sitting on the counter. While you are paying you are already past the sticker, if someone else is in line they place their item on top of it so there is no chance to see it

Regardless, if it isn't honoured people need to complain. to either the SCOP 1-800, the store head office or both. Afterward is fine regardless if you said anything in store or not. it will be taken care of

[krs]

I wonder why some stores make such an issue of this.
It's not mandatory (except for Quebec); nobody is forcing any chain to participate, so if they do participate, the policy should be honoured without any hassles.

It almost seems as if the money to pay for SCOP comes out of the cashier's pocket.

I have a similar problem with price matching.
Nobody is forcing any store to offer that (except competitive pressures), but if the store offers price matching they really should - otherwise it becomes false and misleading advertising.

[amz155]

It should be on or near the entrance, and at each cash. Some of them have removed them completely, some of them seem to deliberately place them where they aren't noticed. Here Metro had removed them from all cash lanes, and walmart had removed all traces of them (i got both to put them back). Loblaws has it placed so you rear end is pointing at the sticker while you are looking at the cashier...you'd have to somehow know to spin around 180 degrees and look down with it still hard to see while you are in the narrow lane. Futureshop has it stuck flat to the leading edge of the counter, with other items sitting on the counter. While you are paying you are already past the sticker, if someone else is in line they place their item on top of it so there is no chance to see it

Regardless, if it isn't honoured people need to complain. to either the SCOP 1-800, the store head office or both. Afterward is fine regardless if you said anything in store or not. it will be taken care of

Thanks, I'll keep an eye out.

[Mysticdragon]

As stated in one of the first posts from 2005, I have this happen ALL the time (price scans higher) and when I mention it the cashier always plays dumb & has no idea what I'm talking about when mentioning SCOP.


I think the problem is that either at the store level or chain wide they arent informing their employees about this.

I worked at futureshop in the computer department for 2.5 years and not once was I informed from management during training or otherwise about the SCOP.
It wasnt until I started poking around on RFD that I learnt about it. And after trying to find the notice I finally found it on one of our tills behind a bunch of papers.

So if anyone had asked me about it I would have looked at them like they were ********. (i would have asked a manager and not put up a fuss, but I still would have thought you were crazy when it was first mentioned) So its not always the employee scamming you. The managers need to be held responsible for training their employees properly

[figment]

my experience w/ scop today: (natures bounty 60% off)

busy walmart, maybe 10 people with full carts per line but anywho I still attempted to do a scop (would be my first one)

The cashier at first was confused but had the scop right infront of her, she called a "pharmacy specialist" on the stores pa system however there was no response and people behind me were whining and the cashier said I should go to pharmacy first next time so i'm like okay.

I didnt purchase it at the front cashier but instead took it to the back to attempt this again, the pharmacy attendant went to confirm the price on the shelf, but insisted I stay at her cash register but I followed her anyway while my friend remained in line. She grabbed the price sticker and checked it and it was $10.xx for it while it rung up at $4.xx at the cash, there was no copy of the SCOP at the register however I tried to explain it to her, she claimed she had already talked to her supervisor but I knew this was b.s since I had been watching her since I walked up to the register, I asked for a manager and then she futher tried to deter this and again, 2-3 people behind me were whining and it hadn't even been 2 minutes in line and it became quite embarrassing so I relented and took her suggestion of dealing with this through calling walmart/scop council. Another point she had was that it was a "limited 3 day sale" which at first I asked where does it say it on the policy and she looked at me blank

This was about an hour ago, in retrospect I should have told her call a manager and then continue assisting other customers and I shouldn't have gave up so easily, it was actually two $4 dollar items but I was feeling pretty bad making others wait, even though there was this white middle aged man who started cussing which should have gave me more incentive to see it through

If anyone can confirm if the scop policy excludes limited time sales and only applies to regular price before I pursue this further it would be appreciated

EDIT: I just called 1800 walmart and the associate was able to explain things properly to me, I realize now that in my scenario it was lower and that the SCOP did not apply in this scenario despite some posters (like the thread OP) were able to get away with it being lower. Perhaps next time, but until then I'll be watching :twisted:

[krs]

EDIT: I just called 1800 walmart and the associate was able to explain things properly to me, I realize now that in my scenario it was lower and that the SCOP did not apply in this scenario despite some posters (like the thread OP) were able to get away with it being lower. Perhaps next time, but until then I'll be watching :twisted:

Glad you added this at the end.

Just remember what SCOP is intended to do - make sure that you are not being overcharged at the register for items with shelf pricing where you are unable to easily verify the price that rings up vs the price you thought you would be charged when you placed the item in your basket since there is no price sticker on the item.

[dr.slump]

Got a question for the experts here. I was at TRU the other day, I used one of those 'price check' stations to check the price of an item. It showed a price of $59.99. I went to the cash and it scanned in at $79.99. Told the cash about the 'price check' price and she call the manager and said that its actually $79.99 and $59.99 was last week price. However, they were willing to honor the sale price still. So I then proceeded to ask her about their SCOP policy, and she said it doesn't apply cause it was the price check that was showing the wrong price and not the shelve sticker and so I am was not entitled to an additional $10 off.

I am wondering if what she said is correct. That the SCOP only works for items with the wrong shelve price and not items that shows the wrong price at those 'price check' stations.

Thanks for the help.

[No Frills]

Got a question for the experts here. I was at TRU the other day, I used one of those 'price check' stations to check the price of an item. It showed a price of $59.99. I went to the cash and it scanned in at $79.99. Told the cash about the 'price check' price and she call the manager and said that its actually $79.99 and $59.99 was last week price. However, they were willing to honor the sale price still. So I then proceeded to ask her about their SCOP policy, and she said it doesn't apply cause it was the price check that was showing the wrong price and not the shelve sticker and so I am was not entitled to an additional $10 off.

I am wondering if what she said is correct. That the SCOP only works for items with the wrong shelve price and not items that shows the wrong price at those 'price check' stations.

Thanks for the help.

I dont understand how an item would scan differently at a price check station than at the cash register. They use more than one system?

[krs]

I dont understand how an item would scan differently at a price check station than at the cash register.

That's the first thing that went through my mind as well.
It's possible that the data is retrieved from two different databases but I think it's more likely that the price check was done before the data was updated and the register price was retrieved after the data was updated.

It's not a situation covered in the SCOP information on the Retail Council website, but I think SCOP still applies.
Customer selects an item based on the price seen (either on the shelf, poster, flyer) and at the cash it shows a higher price.
That's what SCOP is all about and I would equate the wrong scanned price to the wrong shelf price - no different in principle.

[b0ne]

Got a question for the experts here. I was at TRU the other day, I used one of those 'price check' stations to check the price of an item. It showed a price of $59.99. I went to the cash and it scanned in at $79.99. Told the cash about the 'price check' price and she call the manager and said that its actually $79.99 and $59.99 was last week price. However, they were willing to honor the sale price still. So I then proceeded to ask her about their SCOP policy, and she said it doesn't apply cause it was the price check that was showing the wrong price and not the shelve sticker and so I am was not entitled to an additional $10 off.

I am wondering if what she said is correct. That the SCOP only works for items with the wrong shelve price and not items that shows the wrong price at those 'price check' stations.

Thanks for the help.


It applies to a wrong price anywhere (AFAIK), including flyer, self-price scanner, shelf, etc.

I would escalate to the toys-r-us call centre (or email them), etc. Just copy/paste what you wrote above and add the store location, etc.

[dr.slump]

It applies to a wrong price anywhere (AFAIK), including flyer, self-price scanner, shelf, etc.

I would escalate to the toys-r-us call centre (or email them), etc. Just copy/paste what you wrote above and add the store location, etc.


Thanks for the recommendation. Just an update to the situation. I emailed TRU headquarters yesterday and they got back to me today by phone. The CSR said the store should have honored the SCOP and should have give me the additional $10 off. They have now resolved the situation and I feel that I should share with everyone that TRU headquarters have done an admirable job and will be back shopping there soon enough.

Thanks for the help RFD!~:)

[gunnsalute]

I find consistently on my grocery and other bills that a charge is incorrect - usually at a higher checkout price to me. Consider the hidden corporate profit each time a watermelon or a bag of chips or a box of batteries goes through at a higher price than advertised. We know that for the most part people do not look at the checkout screen as their items are scanned and do not check their bill. And they will not take the time to challenge an error. I consider this theft. This is my five cents or dollar or fifeteen dollars. I have not chosen to give it away unbenownst to me. It is my policy to challenge and correct every single error. This can involve staring down the withering looks of a cashier or the condescending admonsihment of a customer service clerk as I insist on having the store management attend to correcting the situation if necessary. I think it imperative that we take on this problem every time we shop.

[EmperorOfCanada]

I find consistently on my grocery and other bills that a charge is incorrect - usually at a higher checkout price to me. Consider the hidden corporate profit each time a watermelon or a bag of chips or a box of batteries goes through at a higher price than advertised. We know that for the most part people do not look at the checkout screen as their items are scanned and do not check their bill. And they will not take the time to challenge an error. I consider this theft. This is my five cents or dollar or fifeteen dollars. I have not chosen to give it away unbenownst to me. It is my policy to challenge and correct every single error. This can involve staring down the withering looks of a cashier or the condescending admonsihment of a customer service clerk as I insist on having the store management attend to correcting the situation if necessary. I think it imperative that we take on this problem every time we shop.

I have said something similar before. Especially when you do it multiple times for the same item. Once is a mistake, after that I agree, its pretty much stealing from customers.

[No Frills]

I find consistently on my grocery and other bills that a charge is incorrect - usually at a higher checkout price to me. Consider the hidden corporate profit each time a watermelon or a bag of chips or a box of batteries goes through at a higher price than advertised. We know that for the most part people do not look at the checkout screen as their items are scanned and do not check their bill. And they will not take the time to challenge an error. I consider this theft. This is my five cents or dollar or fifeteen dollars. I have not chosen to give it away unbenownst to me. It is my policy to challenge and correct every single error. This can involve staring down the withering looks of a cashier or the condescending admonsihment of a customer service clerk as I insist on having the store management attend to correcting the situation if necessary. I think it imperative that we take on this problem every time we shop.

I dont know where you get the idea 'they will not take the time to challenge an error' or consider it 'theft'. This practice is implemented so they do correct errors and (hopefully) take extra precautions that these errors don't occur in the first place. People do take on this problem, and these problems always happen.

For example, even the retailers themselves have to watch the product they receive from a direct source and make sure their invoices are right. There are errors all the time on those invoices too as well as looking at their piece counts. You can't really say those mistakes are theft, although sometimes it does come down to it. It happens in all levels of purchasing.

[krs]

Hi -

I went to Walmart yesterday because I remember that they had reduced the price of the ipod touch 8GB.

It sells everywhere for the pretty much standard price of $249, but I remembered a new Walmart price of $230 something in one of their flyers.

Anyway, in the store, the ipod touch is locked up in a glass cage witha price tag next to it at $249.-
I asked the sales lady about the lower price, she's dumbfounded, but she takes the unit out of the glass cage and scans it. It comes up at $249.-
I then ask her about the lower price in the flyer, she digs out the current flyer and hands it to me, I go through it - no ipod touch anywhere.
OK, I figure, maybe I made a mistake.

So back at home, I look through the flyers and sure enough, there is the Walmart flyer effective Dec 10 - 16th showing the ipod touch 8GB at $237.- and below it "was $249.-".
Now it also states "Rollback" just above the $237.- price.
To me that means that $237.- is the new Walmart price, it is not a sale price that was only effective from the 10th to the 16th and not only should I get it for $237.- but they should also take off another $10.- since they are part of SCOP.

Agree? Disagree? Sort of begs the question - how long is a Walmart price rollback good for?
I suppose they could always argue that the price has gone up again.
I'm sort of hesitant to take another trip to Walmart again unless I'm relatively sure I can get the unit at $227.-

[zoro69]

They use rollback the way other stores use sale

[krs]

They use rollback the way other stores use sale

What makes you say that?

Price "rollback" and a sale are totally different things.
The way Walmart ads on TV come across is that a "rollback" is a new lower regular price, not a sale which is of limited duration.

On that same page where it shows a "rollback" price for the ipod touch, it also shows five other items from an Wii to a 24-inch LED TV and on all five it says "Limited time offer". That to me is the same as a sale.

In a sense it doesn't really matter in this particular case because I found out I can buy the ipod touch cheaper directly from Apple on line, even at the lower price plus the $10 SCOP (if it applied), but I would still want to understand Walmarts "rollback" definition.

Anyone else comment on it - or do I need to send a query to Walmart?

[redgrandam]

What makes you say that?

Price "rollback" and a sale are totally different things.
The way Walmart ads on TV come across is that a "rollback" is a new lower regular price, not a sale which is of limited duration.

On that same page where it shows a "rollback" price for the ipod touch, it also shows five other items from an Wii to a 24-inch LED TV and on all five it says "Limited time offer". That to me is the same as a sale.

In a sense it doesn't really matter in this particular case because I found out I can buy the ipod touch cheaper directly from Apple on line, even at the lower price plus the $10 SCOP (if it applied), but I would still want to understand Walmarts "rollback" definition.

Anyone else comment on it - or do I need to send a query to Walmart?

You'd have to ask walmart. My understanding was that WAlmart doesn't do 'SALES', that way you always know (or think) you are getting the best lowest price they can give you. But since the flyer states the prices are only effective for certain dates then yes, it acts just like a sale, and SCOP would not have applied unless you were there for the active dates of that flyer. Prices fluctuate all the time, so who knows why they 'rolled back' prices. Only walmart would know or be able to tell you what their definition of a roll back is.

[krs]

So I decided to send Walmart an email with the question, but they had a 1-800 customer service number on their .ca website and I decided to call that instead.
Turns out that they don't know if you can believe that.
My question was simple - on their flyers they show some items as "Limited time offer" and some items as "Rollback" - I wanted to know specifically what "rollback" means.
First answer after checking with the supervisor was a lower price for a limited time when they get a lower price from the manufacturer.
So then my question was how does it differ from "limited time offer" - sounds like two different terminologies for exactly the same thing.
Back to the supervisor. After a while the agent comes back and asks me to send an email to Walmart "so they can forward it to the appropriate department for a reply"

WOW - I thought that was a simple question for the retailer - after all, they invented the terminology and now I find out their customer support department doesn't even know what it means.

[sprite34]

I was at Home Depot today and was charged 5 dollars more for each box of flooring I purchased. The shelf price was 54.97 and at the cash it was rung in at 59.97. I asked about SPOC and they gave me 10 dollars off the shelf price on one box(44.97) and charged the full price(59.97) for the other 3. Is that correct? I would have thought they would charge 44.97 for the first item and the other 3 at 54.97. I called HD customer service and they didn't even know. They called the store and the manager is willing to sell all 4 boxes at the 54.97 and that's it. So I guess your better off not bringing up SPOC and just asking for the shelf price. Thx for any input.

[krs]

I would have thought they would charge 44.97 for the first item and the other 3 at 54.97. I called HD customer service and they didn't even know. They called the store and the manager is willing to sell all 4 boxes at the 54.97 and that's it.

You are exactly correct with your interpretation.

The store is obligated to sell at the advertised price, ie 54.97 and on the first item you get the additional $10.- off because of SCOP.

I would get the manager's name and report this to both the Home Depot Head Office and the Retail Council.
I find it really unacceptable that the store manager doesn't understand the policy and that HD customer service doesn't know either.

I know it;s a pain to do that, but if you don't complain things never improve.

[zoro69]

This year the retail council locked the scanning committee annual report behind a member login, but this is it

http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:LTcYR9c95n4J:workbench.cacds.asitechinc.co m/lib/db2file.asp?file%3D739+grocery+council+scanning+co de+annual+report&hl=en&gl=ca&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESjENllo-ST8m6ys-gy5bK6ITvpvkPxT7UM3H8rp3-lYjbTA0Drv8oAyCWNZ4wvbaIY7cKA3b9cXFYRf-mh04-QQkBvq2uv1mYURpsWJe1bD6pan7GdvDVxvDaDznrIvpndbDGWb&sig=AHIEtbSAvNjpsTXpCXmXFPKLIxb5g32j9w&pli=1


Not that it says much. The small number of complaints to the 1-800 fell to 600 some, and all were resolved (so make sure to call to get yours resolved!) Talk of continuing to work with the stores to improve signage compliance (after 8 years...)...mentioned they recorded the compliance rate of none, some or full signage...but left the stats out. Strange, last year when they did the survey internally instead of hiring Neilson they reported that

[AppleJunkie]

Hi guys, hopefully someone can put my mind at ease with this. I went into Store X (sporting goods store) and picked up 2 items (Items A&B).

I went up to the cashier and she scanned both A&B and stated the price for both articles. I paid debit and left the store, upon arriving home I noticed that item A was scanned as $0.00 and item B was scanned at its regular price. I spoke to my wife about it and she works retail and informed me that it was an incorrect scan but stated to me that if that were to happen at her store and didn't notice it then its on the store for the error.

Being an overly moral person I have no issue going back and paying for it since I was ready to buy it for the price listed. The kicker is that later that night I received a call from the store but they did not leave a message. (They ask for your phone # when you're ready to purchase which I am in their system). '

Is it legal for them to call my personal phone # after they discovered the error and is it on me to go back to the store and fix their mistake?

Thanks!

[massonspy]

Future shop and Best buy always do that.

[redgrandam]

Hi guys, hopefully someone can put my mind at ease with this. I went into Store X (sporting goods store) and picked up 2 items (Items A&B).

I went up to the cashier and she scanned both A&B and stated the price for both articles. I paid debit and left the store, upon arriving home I noticed that item A was scanned as $0.00 and item B was scanned at its regular price. I spoke to my wife about it and she works retail and informed me that it was an incorrect scan but stated to me that if that were to happen at her store and didn't notice it then its on the store for the error.

Being an overly moral person I have no issue going back and paying for it since I was ready to buy it for the price listed. The kicker is that later that night I received a call from the store but they did not leave a message. (They ask for your phone # when you're ready to purchase which I am in their system). '

Is it legal for them to call my personal phone # after they discovered the error and is it on me to go back to the store and fix their mistake?

Thanks!
I don't know about the legalities for you, but I do know that scanning code of practice doesn't really have anything to do with your situation.

[EmperorOfCanada]

I don't know about the legalities for you, but I do know that scanning code of practice doesn't really have anything to do with your situation.

Not... entirely.. true.


If the scanned price of a non-price ticketed item is higher than the shelf price or any other displayed price, the customer is entitled to receive the item free, up to a $10 maximum. When the item has a price tagged, the lowest price applies. When identical items are incorrectly priced, the second one will be sold at the correct price.

Source (http://www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-bc.nsf/eng/01262.html)

In this case the lowest price is the price it scanned at, ie $0. I will grant you that it is open to interpretation if taken literally. It doesnt specify if the item having a price tagged is refering to the item itself or a shelf tag or if either would apply. I imagine though that either should apply.

[krs]

I don't think AppleJunkies situation has anything to do with SCOP as posted earlier.
SCOP only applies if the scanned price is higher than the shelf or advertised price (with some exceptions)

When the scanned price is lower, the scanned price always applies unless the merchant has previously clearly posted a notice of a pricing error.
That's Canadian law, has nothing to do with SCOP.
I often get to the cash and the scanned price is less than the shelf or tagged price. Happened to me just a week ago at the Bay, the scanned price was way less than the advertised sale price, in fact it was so good that I bought a few more items at the scannned price after the first one was scanned at the cash and I found out that the deal was much sweeter than I thought.
Mind you, those items didn't scan at $0.00 but that is irrelevant, the principle still applies. If the item does scan at $0.00 the merchant is obligated to sell it at that price - period.

[EmperorOfCanada]

I don't think AppleJunkies situation has anything to do with SCOP as posted earlier.
SCOP only applies if the scanned price is higher than the shelf or advertised price (with some exceptions)

When the scanned price is lower, the scanned price always applies unless the merchant has previously clearly posted a notice of a pricing error.
That's Canadian law, has nothing to do with SCOP.
I often get to the cash and the scanned price is less than the shelf or tagged price. Happened to me just a week ago at the Bay, the scanned price was way less than the advertised sale price, in fact it was so good that I bought a few more items at the scannned price after the first one was scanned at the cash and I found out that the deal was much sweeter than I thought.
Mind you, those items didn't scan at $0.00 but that is irrelevant, the principle still applies. If the item does scan at $0.00 the merchant is obligated to sell it at that price - period.

Potatos Potatoes, I simply meant that SCOP did in fact cover this situation in its materials. If anything I wanted to reassure him that he is under no obligation to go back and pay the 'correct' price for his item, other than his own moral obligations.

[redgrandam]

Potatos Potatoes, I simply meant that SCOP did in fact cover this situation in its materials. If anything I wanted to reassure him that he is under no obligation to go back and pay the 'correct' price for his item, other than his own moral obligations.

I agree with you. If it scans lower than that should be the price. No obligation to go back. I'm wondering though if the cashier somehow altered the price upon scanning it.

I'm curious, what is the approximate value of this item?

[krs]

Potatos Potatoes, I simply meant that SCOP did in fact cover this situation in its materials.

My point was that SCOP does not cover this situation.
Your quote from SCOP: "When the item has a price tagged, the lowest price applies." doesn't apply.
The situation was that one item scanned at a lower price than the customer expected, we don't even know if the item was tagged or not.
The SCOP reference means if an item is tagged and the scanned price is different than the tagged price, then the lower price of the two applies.

But in the end the conclusion is the same.

As to the question:

"Is it legal for them to call my personal phone # after they discovered the error and is it on me to go back to the store and fix their mistake?"

I don't think it's illegal for them to call you and ask for more money, but you have no legal obligation to do so.
Again - nothing to do with SCOP which is voluntary and has no legal standng.

[DavidLeR]

I realize this is one of the longer posts I've seen here, but I'm hoping people won't mind.

I've been following SCOP stories for several years, and the same questions keep coming up, year after year. So, I thought it might help to have a single FAQ that pulls everything together, along with the latest links.

I've included answer to the various topics customers get confused about. I've also added responses to the various "misunderstanding" that retailers have had.

Let me know what you think, and if there are errors, please let me know.

I've included references [in square brackets] to the Code, the SCOP Pamphlet, and to the "Facts for Cashiers" pamphlet (see links).

(BTW, I found a link to the 2010 Annual Report that doesn't need a password).

-----

Scanning Code of Practice (SCOP) F.A.Q.
=============================

1 - What is the “Scanning Code of Practice" (SCOP)?

The SCOP ("the Code") is a policy that some stores in Canada have agreed to follow. The main feature of the SCOP is the “Item Free Scanner Policy” [SCOP 1].

2 - What is the “Item Free Scanner Policy”?

When the "correct" price (i.e., the advertised or displayed price) is lower than the price that is scanned at the checkout, the customer gets the item for free, as long as the item costs $10 or less [SCOP 1.1(a)]. If the correct (i.e., lowest) price is more than $10, the customer gets $10 off the lowest price [SCOP 1.1(b)].

3 - What is the "Correct" price for an item in a store?

By law, the lowest advertised or displayed price is the "correct" price [Facts for Cashiers]. The exception is when the retailer has published or displayed a correction notice stating that the advertised or displayed price is an error. In that case, the "correct" price is the one given in the notice. [SCOP 2.2]

Note: all retailers in Canada are obligated by law to honour the "correct" price, whether or not they follow the Code.

4 - Which stores follow the Code?

In Quebec, all stores are required to follow a law that is similar to the Code. Outside of Quebec, many major Canadian retailers have agreed to follow the Code. This includes Canadian Tire, Future Shop, Costco, Loblaws, Rona, Sobeys, Metro, Pharmasave, Home Depot, Shopper's Drug Mart, and Wal-Mart. For the full list, see the "RCC" link at the end of this FAQ.

5 - What items are covered?

The code applies to merchandise with a UPC bar code. One exception is prescription drugs. Another is a “price ticketed item", which is one that has a price affixed to it [Pamphlet].

6 - I bought multiple, identical items. Does the Item Free Scanner Policy apply to all of them?

The Item Free Scanner Policy only applies to the first item [SCOP 1.2]. The "correct" (lowest) price applies to the remaining identical items.

7 - Is the Item Free Scanner Policy applied to the regular (scanned) price, or the lower, "correct" price?

The policy is applied to the lower, “correct” price [SCOP 1.1(b)].

8 - I pointed out an error, but I was offered the corrected price, and not the Item Free Scanner Policy.
9 - The cashier did not think they were allowed to apply the Item Free Scanner Policy.
10 - The cashier did not know about the Item Free Scanner Policy, and did not want to apply it.

The cashier should know about and have been authorized to offer the Item Free Scanner Policy [SCOP 7.1]. There may be a valid reason why the cashier did not agree to apply the policy. Often the Customer Service department can clarify the issue, or apply the Item Free Scanner Policy for you. You may also wish to bring this situation to the attention of the store manager, who may be unaware that the cashier needs further training.

11 - The store manager also refused to honour the Code. What should I do now?

There may be a valid reason why the manager did not agree to apply the policy. You can get information and assistance by contacting the Scanner Price Accuracy Committee at 1-866-499-4599.

12 - Can the Scanner Price Accuracy Committee do anything for me?

The committee may contact the retailer on your behalf to resolve the issue. The Committee also tracks complaints, and creates an annual report (see link below).

13 - The bar code and description don't match the item I bought, but it looks like the picture in the flier/ad.
14 - I found the item in a bin that was marked with a lower price, but the UPC doesn't match.

The code won't apply if item does not match the barcode and description on a sign or in a flyer, even if it was found in the wrong bin.

15 - I don't think the store has corrected the price, yet. If I get another one, will the Item Free Scanner Policy apply to it?

The limit of one free item only applies to a single transaction [SCOP 1.2]. When a new transaction is performed, if the error has not been corrected, the Item Free Scanner Policy should be applied again to this new transaction, and the item should be free.

16 - Does Zellers follow the Code?

No, Zellers does not follow the Code. We will have to see what happens when they are bought out by Target. However, it is still important to make a note of the advertised/displayed price, to catch errors and get the lower price. If the scanned price at Zellers is higher than an advertised or displayed price, the customer is entitled to the lowest price (unless there is a correction notice). However, if the scanner shows a higher price, Zellers does not have to follow the Item Free Scanner Policy.

17 - An item has a bar code, but also a price written on it, or a price sticker. Does the SCOP apply?

No, the SCOP does not apply to an item with a price on it, even if it also has a bar code [Pamphlet].

18 - An item scanned at a lower price. Does the Item Free Scanner Policy apply?

No, the Item Free Scanner Policy only applies when the scanned price is higher than the correct price [SCOP 1.1].

19 - I paid for the item, then found the error. The manager said the Code only applies if I point out the error BEFORE I pay.
20 - I pointed out the error before I paid. The manager said the Code only applies if I point out the error AFTER I pay.

The policy applies any time a scanning error occurrs, and the scanned price is higher. This is true regardless of when the error was pointed out, or when payment occurred. However, it is wise to point out the error as soon as possible.

21 - The manager said the Code doesn’t apply, because “head office” updated the database.
22 - The manager said the sign was left over from last week’s sale, so the Code doesn’t apply.
23 - The manager said that the sign was wrong, not the scanner, so the Code doesn't apply.

The reason for the scanning not matching the lowest price does not matter; the SCOP and Item Free Scanner Policy still apply.

24 - The manager said the sign was put up in error, so the Code doesn’t apply.
25 - The manager said the advertised/displayed price is just wrong, so the Code doesn’t apply.

The "correct" price is the advertised or displayed price, and the SCOP applies until the price is corrected.

26 - When the scanned price was wrong, I pointed out the sign. The manager pulled the sign down, and said the Code no longer applies to me.

The manager did not know about the sign until you pointed it out, so the SCOP still applies.

27 - The manager said they can’t honour the Code, because they’d lose money on the transaction.

The purpose of the Item Free Scanner Policy is to motivate the retailer to have scanner accuracy, not to protect them from financial losses.

28 - The manager said it’s a “voluntary” code, or is only a “guideline”, and refuses to honour the Code.

The store is a signatory to the Code, and cannot refuse to honour it, unless they formally do so through the Scanner Price Accuracy Committee.

29 - The manager said that the Item Free Scanner Policy only applies to items that cost less than $10. Mine cost more than $10.

You don't get the item for free, but you do get $10 off the lowest price [SCOP 1.1b].

30 - I saw a lower price on the sign, but after an employee "checked", a higher price had been substituted.

One option is to retrieve the sign from the shelf after paying, but before going to Customer Service to point out the error. Another idea is to use a cell phone or camera to take a picgture of the low-priced sign. You may wish to report an incident like this to the Scanner Price Accuracy Committee at 1-866-499-4599.

31 - Why do some retailers volunteer to follow the code?

The official answer is to “Visibly demonstrate retailer commitment to scanner price accuracy” [SCOP Purpose].

The unofficial answer is to prevent the Code from becoming law in all of Canada, as it did in Quebec.

-----

References:

Retail Council of Canada (RCC): http://www.retailcouncil.org/advocacy/national/issues/cp/scanner_accuracy02_eng.asp

CACDS (Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores) Pamphlet: http://www.cacds.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=eE_yusllrqc%3d&tabid=264

CACDS, Facts for Cashiers: http://www.cacds.com/onrecord/documents/EnglishCashierDocumentSeptember2007Final.pdf

CB (Competition Bureau): http://www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-bc.nsf/eng/01262.html

Annual Report (2010): http://www.cfig.ca/docs/feature_scanner_accuracy.pdf

[krs]

Very good!

Didn't see any inaccuracies.

[frugal_fanboy]

I realize this is one of the longer posts I've seen here, but I'm hoping people won't mind.

I've been following SCOP stories for several years, and the same questions keep coming up, year after year. So, I thought it might help to have a single FAQ that pulls everything together, along with the latest links.

I've included answer to the various topics customers get confused about. I've also added responses to the various "misunderstanding" that retailers have had.

Let me know what you think, and if there are errors, please let me know.



Fantastic summary - I had spent some time searching around and this covers everything nicely. Thanks for taking the time to compile it.

[EmperorOfCanada]

I will +1 as well. Nice summary, though there are always situations that come up in the grey area :) I didnt spot any inaccuracies either though.

[bladearts]

I regularly use the SCOP to get free items, every shopping trip I notice mispriced items and just throw them in my cart. It's unbelievable how many items are mispriced, I usually walk out with $30-$40 worth of merchandise every time. You wouldn't believe how horribly mispriced shampoos and care products are. It may not be ethical but hey, if they can't ensure proper pricing, tough luck. Who knows how many people they overcharge until I inform them of the error and it gets fixed. I think it helps if you have a no bull attitude. Don't let them lie to you, simply call for a manager or if you feel like it go to Customer service.

I recently visited my relatives in another province and a long the way I picked up over $400 worth of free stuff. Clearly stores need to step up. Judge me as you will, I've had enough of being ripped off by stores. ;)

[EmperorOfCanada]

I regularly use the SCOP to get free items, every shopping trip I notice mispriced items and just throw them in my cart. It's unbelievable how many items are mispriced, I usually walk out with $30-$40 worth of merchandise every time. You wouldn't believe how horribly mispriced shampoos and care products are. It may not be ethical but hey, if they can't ensure proper pricing, tough luck. Who knows how many people they overcharge until I inform them of the error and it gets fixed. I think it helps if you have a no bull attitude. Don't let them lie to you, simply call for a manager or if you feel like it go to Customer service.

I recently visited my relatives in another province and a long the way I picked up over $400 worth of free stuff. Clearly stores need to step up. Judge me as you will, I've had enough of being ripped off by stores. ;)

People generally look down on this kinda behavior; I however am not one of them as I have done the same.

[bladearts]

People generally look down on this kinda behavior; I however am not one of them as I have done the same.

I'd like to think I'm not overdoing it, as I'm doing my weekly shopping instead of walking in there specifically to get free stuff. I also understand how some people can see it in a negative light, as I am taking advantage of said policy. I never knew about this policy for years, I prefer to think I'm just reimbursing myself for all the money I overspent. :3

[Christina3]

I regularly use the SCOP to get free items, every shopping trip I notice mispriced items and just throw them in my cart. It's unbelievable how many items are mispriced, I usually walk out with $30-$40 worth of merchandise every time. You wouldn't believe how horribly mispriced shampoos and care products are. It may not be ethical but hey, if they can't ensure proper pricing, tough luck. Who knows how many people they overcharge until I inform them of the error and it gets fixed. I think it helps if you have a no bull attitude. Don't let them lie to you, simply call for a manager or if you feel like it go to Customer service.

I recently visited my relatives in another province and a long the way I picked up over $400 worth of free stuff. Clearly stores need to step up. Judge me as you will, I've had enough of being ripped off by stores. ;)

How do you know it's overpriced? Using one of those free-standing price checkers? or guessing and waiting until you get to the cashier?

Is it never a pain to have to wait for them to verify the prices for all the items? Nevertheless, I think I'd enjoy seeing their expressions when they realize they have to do all of those checks.

[DavidLeR]

It may not be ethical but hey, if they can't ensure proper pricing, tough luck. Who knows how many people they overcharge until I inform them of the error and it gets fixed

SCOP is a law in Quebec. Would it be unethical to ask for SCOP there?

Personally, I believe it is very ethical to ask a retailer to follow their own policies.

In fact, I think you have a moral obligation to point out incorrect prices, and ask for the Item Free Scanner Policy:

- You are preventing subsequent shoppers from being over-charged.
- You are double-checking the prices, thus increasing customers' confidence in scanner accuracy (the stated purpose of SCOP).
- The extra $10 off will encourage retailer to do their jobs better in the future, so it's better for shoppers.
- You are helping the store to save money! By using scanners, they don't have to pay to put stickers on everything.
- You are helping the retailers avoid having SCOP made into law (as was in Quebec).
- The extra $10 is your reward for the time you spent checking prices – you deserve that reward. Why cheat yourself?
- The retailer likely got extra money from previous shoppers – you are helping balance things out.
- You are teaching cashiers and staff about SCOP, so they can apply it for other shoppers (I can hear the laughter all over the internet).
- You are helping to educate your fellow customers about SCOP, to help them save money, too.
- You are keeping things fair across the rest of Canada, so that Quebec consumers don’t have an advantage, and Quebec retailers don’t have a disadvantage.

As the “Facts For Cashiers” pamphlet says, they should “Thank the customer for bringing the price discrepancy to your attention.”

In fact, I think if you fail to act on a valid SCOP opportunity, you should be ashamed of yourself! Think of the damage you are doing, to the retailer and to your fellow shoppers!

So, keep up this noble work.

(And enjoy the extra savings, guilt-free).

[krs]

How do you know it's overpriced? Using one of those free-standing price checkers? or guessing and waiting until you get to the cashier?

I was wondering the same thing.

I haven't come across a SCOP eligible item for a long time - lately the items either rings up at the correct price or at a lower price.

[bladearts]

Well one little story from my trip. While stopping at the Superstores in Manitoba every single store had a mispriced tag for chip dip that was up since the summer. I can only imagine the money they made off that or other tags that can stay up for a very long time unless someone corrects it. I agree completely Dave, by checking to ensure the price I am also ensuring other shoppers and myself are paying the correct price for our goods.
I personally believe they should hire someone extra to ensure tags are properly priced, at one very large store I did not find a single mispriced item. This was because they had a guy going around with a price checker to ensure every price was correct. I applaud that store for ensuring correctly advertised and displayed prices.
My only gripe with the SCOP is the terrible service I receive while trying to use it. They're some very rude managers out there. I have not once been denied SCOP but I've been treated very negatively by some individuals. It is unfortunate that you have to go through such hassle. I think that's the reason a lot of people don't use SCOP, they don't like confrontation, or going through the extra trouble. Only two managers were considerate and gladly followed through on the SCOP.

[hironomous]

Had a Futureshop weasel try to deny the SCOP just before Christmas. I happened to be walking by the cell phone area with a microwave. I had not received any help in selecting or picking the microwave from the shelf, but said weasle, a cell phone saleman, saw a chance to get a little commision on a slow night so he swooped in. The microwave scanned at about 50 dollars more than the sign, so I pointed this out. Weasle goes to tag and checks, correcting price on computer, but not applying SCOP despite the fact that sign is right behind him. So I point it out and he has a little tantrum, tries to argue that SCOP doesn't apply, then when he realizes he has no ground to stand on walks off in a huff, stating I need to go to customer service. So, feeling a little humiliated but now more determined than ever, I did go to customer service, got my ten dollars off and complained about weasle. Thing is if he had just been respectful and mentioned it would be really difficult to adjust the price for the SCOP, I probably would have let it slide - ten dollars is no big deal, but when he treated me like a cheap bastard, I decided to act like one.

Lesson learned: be persistent and be consistent. The SCOP is not my policy and as pointed out earlier the store signs on to it out of self interest. There is no need to feel guilty or embarassed for asking them to follow their own policies. I know for a fact that big retailers like Futureshop rarely have any compassion for the customer if the customer has an issue outside of the published policy (i.e. retuning an item a few days outside the return period), so I feel we should hold them to the same standard. If this were a small local retailer, I also wouldn't have been such a hard ass, but really Futureshop really has done nothing for my community beyond bringing in lower priced goods (in some cases) and perhaps a little more convenience. They will use whatever legal rights they have to take as much of my money as they can and get whatever concessions they can from the community (Big box malls are not built for the benefit of the city, but for the retailers that populate them). So I feel perfectly justified in using my legal rights to take whatever I can from them. Big corporations fight for the least regulation they can acheive so that they can have a survival of the fittest playing field, the law of the jungel applies.

[Jungle]

I realize this is one of the longer posts I've seen here, but I'm hoping people won't mind.

I've been following SCOP stories for several years, and the same questions keep coming up, year after year. So, I thought it might help to have a single FAQ that pulls everything together, along with the latest links.

I've included answer to the various topics customers get confused about. I've also added responses to the various "misunderstanding" that retailers have had.

Let me know what you think, and if there are errors, please let me know.

I've included references [in square brackets] to the Code, the SCOP Pamphlet, and to the "Facts for Cashiers" pamphlet (see links).

(BTW, I found a link to the 2010 Annual Report that doesn't need a password).

-----

Scanning Code of Practice (SCOP) F.A.Q.
=============================

1 - What is the “Scanning Code of Practice" (SCOP)?

The SCOP ("the Code") is a policy that some stores in Canada have agreed to follow. The main feature of the SCOP is the “Item Free Scanner Policy” [SCOP 1].

2 - What is the “Item Free Scanner Policy”?

When the "correct" price (i.e., the advertised or displayed price) is lower than the price that is scanned at the checkout, the customer gets the item for free, as long as the item costs $10 or less [SCOP 1.1(a)]. If the correct (i.e., lowest) price is more than $10, the customer gets $10 off the lowest price [SCOP 1.1(b)].

3 - What is the "Correct" price for an item in a store?

By law, the lowest advertised or displayed price is the "correct" price [Facts for Cashiers]. The exception is when the retailer has published or displayed a correction notice stating that the advertised or displayed price is an error. In that case, the "correct" price is the one given in the notice. [SCOP 2.2]

Note: all retailers in Canada are obligated by law to honour the "correct" price, whether or not they follow the Code.

4 - Which stores follow the Code?

In Quebec, all stores are required to follow a law that is similar to the Code. Outside of Quebec, many major Canadian retailers have agreed to follow the Code. This includes Canadian Tire, Future Shop, Costco, Loblaws, Rona, Sobeys, Metro, Pharmasave, Home Depot, Shopper's Drug Mart, and Wal-Mart. For the full list, see the "RCC" link at the end of this FAQ.

5 - What items are covered?

The code applies to merchandise with a UPC bar code. One exception is prescription drugs. Another is a “price ticketed item", which is one that has a price affixed to it [Pamphlet].

6 - I bought multiple, identical items. Does the Item Free Scanner Policy apply to all of them?

The Item Free Scanner Policy only applies to the first item [SCOP 1.2]. The "correct" (lowest) price applies to the remaining identical items.

7 - Is the Item Free Scanner Policy applied to the regular (scanned) price, or the lower, "correct" price?

The policy is applied to the lower, “correct” price [SCOP 1.1(b)].

8 - I pointed out an error, but I was offered the corrected price, and not the Item Free Scanner Policy.
9 - The cashier did not think they were allowed to apply the Item Free Scanner Policy.
10 - The cashier did not know about the Item Free Scanner Policy, and did not want to apply it.

The cashier should know about and have been authorized to offer the Item Free Scanner Policy [SCOP 7.1]. There may be a valid reason why the cashier did not agree to apply the policy. Often the Customer Service department can clarify the issue, or apply the Item Free Scanner Policy for you. You may also wish to bring this situation to the attention of the store manager, who may be unaware that the cashier needs further training.

11 - The store manager also refused to honour the Code. What should I do now?

There may be a valid reason why the manager did not agree to apply the policy. You can get information and assistance by contacting the Scanner Price Accuracy Committee at 1-866-499-4599.

12 - Can the Scanner Price Accuracy Committee do anything for me?

The committee may contact the retailer on your behalf to resolve the issue. The Committee also tracks complaints, and creates an annual report (see link below).

13 - The bar code and description don't match the item I bought, but it looks like the picture in the flier/ad.
14 - I found the item in a bin that was marked with a lower price, but the UPC doesn't match.

The code won't apply if item does not match the barcode and description on a sign or in a flyer, even if it was found in the wrong bin.

15 - I don't think the store has corrected the price, yet. If I get another one, will the Item Free Scanner Policy apply to it?

The limit of one free item only applies to a single transaction [SCOP 1.2]. When a new transaction is performed, if the error has not been corrected, the Item Free Scanner Policy should be applied again to this new transaction, and the item should be free.

16 - Does Zellers follow the Code?

No, Zellers does not follow the Code. We will have to see what happens when they are bought out by Target. However, it is still important to make a note of the advertised/displayed price, to catch errors and get the lower price. If the scanned price at Zellers is higher than an advertised or displayed price, the customer is entitled to the lowest price (unless there is a correction notice). However, if the scanner shows a higher price, Zellers does not have to follow the Item Free Scanner Policy.

17 - An item has a bar code, but also a price written on it, or a price sticker. Does the SCOP apply?

No, the SCOP does not apply to an item with a price on it, even if it also has a bar code [Pamphlet].

18 - An item scanned at a lower price. Does the Item Free Scanner Policy apply?

No, the Item Free Scanner Policy only applies when the scanned price is higher than the correct price [SCOP 1.1].

19 - I paid for the item, then found the error. The manager said the Code only applies if I point out the error BEFORE I pay.
20 - I pointed out the error before I paid. The manager said the Code only applies if I point out the error AFTER I pay.

The policy applies any time a scanning error occurrs, and the scanned price is higher. This is true regardless of when the error was pointed out, or when payment occurred. However, it is wise to point out the error as soon as possible.

21 - The manager said the Code doesn’t apply, because “head office” updated the database.
22 - The manager said the sign was left over from last week’s sale, so the Code doesn’t apply.
23 - The manager said that the sign was wrong, not the scanner, so the Code doesn't apply.

The reason for the scanning not matching the lowest price does not matter; the SCOP and Item Free Scanner Policy still apply.

24 - The manager said the sign was put up in error, so the Code doesn’t apply.
25 - The manager said the advertised/displayed price is just wrong, so the Code doesn’t apply.

The "correct" price is the advertised or displayed price, and the SCOP applies until the price is corrected.

26 - When the scanned price was wrong, I pointed out the sign. The manager pulled the sign down, and said the Code no longer applies to me.

The manager did not know about the sign until you pointed it out, so the SCOP still applies.

27 - The manager said they can’t honour the Code, because they’d lose money on the transaction.

The purpose of the Item Free Scanner Policy is to motivate the retailer to have scanner accuracy, not to protect them from financial losses.

28 - The manager said it’s a “voluntary” code, or is only a “guideline”, and refuses to honour the Code.

The store is a signatory to the Code, and cannot refuse to honour it, unless they formally do so through the Scanner Price Accuracy Committee.

29 - The manager said that the Item Free Scanner Policy only applies to items that cost less than $10. Mine cost more than $10.

You don't get the item for free, but you do get $10 off the lowest price [SCOP 1.1b].

30 - I saw a lower price on the sign, but after an employee "checked", a higher price had been substituted.

One option is to retrieve the sign from the shelf after paying, but before going to Customer Service to point out the error. Another idea is to use a cell phone or camera to take a picgture of the low-priced sign. You may wish to report an incident like this to the Scanner Price Accuracy Committee at 1-866-499-4599.

31 - Why do some retailers volunteer to follow the code?

The official answer is to “Visibly demonstrate retailer commitment to scanner price accuracy” [SCOP Purpose].

The unofficial answer is to prevent the Code from becoming law in all of Canada, as it did in Quebec.

-----

References:

Retail Council of Canada (RCC): http://www.retailcouncil.org/advocacy/national/issues/cp/scanner_accuracy02_eng.asp

CACDS (Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores) Pamphlet: http://www.cacds.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=eE_yusllrqc%3d&tabid=264

CACDS, Facts for Cashiers: http://www.cacds.com/onrecord/documents/EnglishCashierDocumentSeptember2007Final.pdf

CB (Competition Bureau): http://www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-bc.nsf/eng/01262.html

Annual Report (2010): http://www.cfig.ca/docs/feature_scanner_accuracy.pdf

This is amazing, thank you!!!!! MODS this should be bumpped to the first thread as a FAQ

[krs]

This is amazing, thank you!!!!! MODS this should be bumpped to the first thread as a FAQ

Agree

[krs]

Lesson learned: be persistent and be consistent. The SCOP is not my policy and as pointed out earlier the store signs on to it out of self interest. There is no need to feel guilty or embarassed for asking them to follow their own policies. I know for a fact that big retailers like Futureshop rarely have any compassion for the customer if the customer has an issue outside of the published policy (i.e. retuning an item a few days outside the return period), so I feel we should hold them to the same standard. If this were a small local retailer, I also wouldn't have been such a hard ass, but really Futureshop really has done nothing for my community beyond bringing in lower priced goods (in some cases) and perhaps a little more convenience. They will use whatever legal rights they have to take as much of my money as they can and get whatever concessions they can from the community (Big box malls are not built for the benefit of the city, but for the retailers that populate them). So I feel perfectly justified in using my legal rights to take whatever I can from them. Big corporations fight for the least regulation they can acheive so that they can have a survival of the fittest playing field, the law of the jungel applies.

Very well said.

I just had the opportunity to get an item for free at Canadian Tire because the shelf price was 30 cents less than the scanned price.
I didn't notice it until after I had paid so I went to Customer Service - took a good ten minutes - first to pointv out the SCOP policy which they had posted but the service person wasn't familiar with it, then they went through the process of going through a return and finally they "sold" me the same item for $0.00.
A bit of a hassle but I suppose that way they can keep a track of their inventory and also see how much SCOP is costing them.
CTC here has been very good in having the correct price up.
And btw - the clerk brought the wrong shelf tag to the Customer Service desk, I assume they will update it.

[thekitchenmagpie]

Superstore is really good, at least here in Edmonton, for holding up their end of the deal. I had one manager in electronics walk me up to customer service with the wrongly priced DVD's and TOLD me I was entitled to it! My jaw just about hit the floor.

I find that almost every trip to Superstore I find something wrong, but let me tell you, it takes a LOT of concentration with two kids in tow. However when you score Blu-rays for 7.99 like I did that day, it's worth it.

[beripari]

Superstore is really good, at least here in Edmonton, for holding up their end of the deal. I had one manager in electronics walk me up to customer service with the wrongly priced DVD's and TOLD me I was entitled to it! My jaw just about hit the floor.

I find that almost every trip to Superstore I find something wrong, but let me tell you, it takes a LOT of concentration with two kids in tow. However when you score Blu-rays for 7.99 like I did that day, it's worth it.

I hear you! Depending on the ages, teach the KIDS to watch for pricing! It'll give them something to do, make them feel grown up & help you out! You can give them a little "reward" for the number of SCOP's they catch! They'll have to watch the price on the shelf first though. My kid's known about it since the age of 5 and its usually HE that catches the pricing error!

[crazy4]

I hear you! Depending on the ages, teach the KIDS to watch for pricing! It'll give them something to do, make them feel grown up & help you out! You can give them a little "reward" for the number of SCOP's they catch! They'll have to watch the price on the shelf first though. My kid's known about it since the age of 5 and its usually HE that catches the pricing error!

yup, teach them young!

I find that Superstore makes a lot of mistakes, if you watch for them. I also noticed that the one time I got a deal the week I went, the tag on the shelf had been ripped off but not replaced. Shoddy work, so they deserve a hit now and again! NO price was better than the wrong price.Why not do your job properly?

[mariposaman]

How do you know it's overpriced? Using one of those free-standing price checkers? or guessing and waiting until you get to the cashier?

Is it never a pain to have to wait for them to verify the prices for all the items? Nevertheless, I think I'd enjoy seeing their expressions when they realize they have to do all of those checks.

The only place in my city that I know of with price checker scanners is the Walmart Superstore. The only way otherwise is to ask the cashier which is inconvenient even for one or two items when they are not busy, and impossible when they are busy. I usually check my receipt now before leaving the store as I am usually too busy loading the belt to watch the items ring up on the screen.

If there was a way of checking the prices as I was doing my shopping I certainly would. I know the code and have used it on rare occasions. How one would find even several items per week is a mystery to me.

[bladearts]

The only place in my city that I know of with price checker scanners is the Walmart Superstore. The only way otherwise is to ask the cashier which is inconvenient even for one or two items when they are not busy, and impossible when they are busy. I usually check my receipt now before leaving the store as I am usually too busy loading the belt to watch the items ring up on the screen.

If there was a way of checking the prices as I was doing my shopping I certainly would. I know the code and have used it on rare occasions. How one would find even several items per week is a mystery to me.
The newer stores tend to have the price scanners. I'm surprised at the amount of stuff I find sometimes, it really depends on the store. Some places you won't find a single thing and some places you'll a lot. I look for older tags of sale items. People buy these items thinking the sale is still going but in reality it ended and they didn't pull the tag.
I found a TERRIBLE store one time and found $70 worth of SCOP eligible products but the manager refused to do it. Called up the Regional Manager and was sent a gift card. He told me the store was independently owned or something along those lines. Not sure if it would have been better to phone the SCOP complaint line or if it was even viable?(Granted $70 is a lot of stuff.) They had the signs all over the tills. : /

[beripari]

What that says is that the specific store & their employees AREN'T doing their jobs! Think how many customers who go there have overpaid!

[beachlover]

Cashier only adjusted to sticker price. Right or wrong? BTW at Canadian Tire.

[krs]

Cashier only adjusted to sticker price. Right or wrong? BTW at Canadian Tire.


Depends -

If there is a price sticker on the item itself SCOP doen't apply and you pay whatever the sticker says.

If there is no price sticker on the item and the lower price was a tag on the shelf, a sign in the store or other advertisement, then SCOP applies.

[DipSheet2]

If the store doesn't correct the posted or scanned price, can you keep getting the item for free each time you visit the store by asking them to apply SCOP?

Can you just keep going back in and get another of the same item for free? (Assuming the item is less than $10.00)

I've never tried going back in to the store the same day, but have got 3 of the same items free on three different visits (on 3 different days). I guess Walmart employees don't care enough to go change the posted price.

[EmperorOfCanada]

If the store doesn't correct the posted or scanned price, can you keep getting the item for free each time you visit the store by asking them to apply SCOP?

Can you just keep going back in and get another of the same item for free? (Assuming the item is less than $10.00)

I've never tried going back in to the store the same day, but have got 3 of the same items free on three different visits (on 3 different days). I guess Walmart employees don't care enough to go change the posted price.

You have already done it, so I guess you know the answer is yes. I have SCOP'd the same item 5 or 6 times before Walmart changed the price before but that was a bit extreme, usually once or twice and they smarten up.
[Merged question into stickied SCOP thread]

[Mosty]

I just learned about this code of practice at my workplace a few days ago. I didn't think I'd get the chance to try it out any time soon, but got scanned a higher price today at Zellers. I coulda sworn I saw Zellers on the list (I was wrong) of participating stores and insisted at customer service that they were on it. Of course they didn't give it to me for free so I FAILED at my first shot, but at least the cashiers weren't mean about it.

I feel like such a cheapo doing this. I hope it works next time, whenever that may be.

[EmperorOfCanada]

I just learned about this code of practice at my workplace a few days ago. I didn't think I'd get the chance to try it out any time soon, but got scanned a higher price today at Zellers. I coulda sworn I saw Zellers on the list (I was wrong) of participating stores and insisted at customer service that they were on it. Of course they didn't give it to me for free so I FAILED at my first shot, but at least the cashiers weren't mean about it.

I feel like such a cheapo doing this. I hope it works next time, whenever that may be.

you definitely have to have a thich skin about it because some people treat you like you are scum, like the money is coming right off their paycheques or something, that or they really dont understand the rules well or were trained wrong so try to convince you that you are wrong when you arent. In your case, yeah it isnt applicable in Zellers other than in Quebec where it is provincial law.

While many places make it very hard, other places make it easy and some dont even make you ask for it they will just do it if you tell them an item scanned wrong.

Good luck in future SCOP'ing

[cliffc]

just bought something from futureshop, the manager/supervisor adjusted the price and said the $10 off was only applicable if the item was individually priced (tagged).
I was not very sure about this, so i believed her.

Now after reading this thread, I think i understand SCOP more.
should I take it back and ask for the $10? But I am sure they have already corrected the price now.

[redgrandam]

just bought something from futureshop, the manager/supervisor adjusted the price and said the $10 off was only applicable if the item was individually priced (tagged).
I was not very sure about this, so i believed her.

Now after reading this thread, I think i understand SCOP more.
should I take it back and ask for the $10? But I am sure they have already corrected the price now.

Manager told you the opposite of what it should be. If the store is not far you could go there and talk tonthe manager with he correct information. Otherwise I would be contacting head office.

[zoro69]

Fs is very good at taking care care of things like this...usually with more then you if it was done right in the first place. I would either send them a complaint(preferably to a specific person instead of the contact center), or make a complaint to the retail council over them not following the code (who will just forward it to a specific person...and virtually guarantee a gc worth more then you were out...). There is no excuse for them not knowing the code 11 years later...

[cliffc]

Manager told you the opposite of what it should be. If the store is not far you could go there and talk tonthe manager with he correct information. Otherwise I would be contacting head office.


Fs is very good at taking care care of things like this...usually with more then you if it was done right in the first place. I would either send them a complaint(preferably to a specific person instead of the contact center), or make a complaint to the retail council over them not following the code (who will just forward it to a specific person...and virtually guarantee a gc worth more then you were out...). There is no excuse for them not knowing the code 11 years later...

thanks guys.. i went back and got my $10.. didn't even have to speak to the manager... just went to the CSR

[paulo500]

I seem to have good luck with the Superstore. I'll occasionally go in and get a couple small items here and there, and sometimes there would be a price error! So, needless to say i've walked out of there with some freebies. Once you do your first SCOP, the rest comes naturally. :D

[JJpach]

I checked the RCC link and didn't see LCBO listed. I ran into the situation a few times my wine was scanned at a higher price, need to confirm that LCBO does not participate in this program, there's no sign in the store that says such thing either. Can anyone confirm?

[redgrandam]

I checked the RCC link and didn't see LCBO listed. I ran into the situation a few times my wine was scanned at a higher price, need to confirm that LCBO does not participate in this program, there's no sign in the store that says such thing either. Can anyone confirm?

Any stores that participate would be listed on the site, and 'should' have signs posted at the entrance AND clearly visible at every checkout (as per the code's rules). So based on the info you provided, they do not participate.

[bladearts]

I seem to have good luck with the Superstore. I'll occasionally go in and get a couple small items here and there, and sometimes there would be a price error! So, needless to say i've walked out of there with some freebies. Once you do your first SCOP, the rest comes naturally. :D

They are so large I could find 10+ SCOP items while shopping if I bothered looking. Not worth the manager theatrics and drama though. "10 ITEMS?!?! I'VE NEVER SEEN THAT IN 10 YEARS/SOMETHING IS FISHY HERE, ARE YOU SURE YOU DIDN'T PUT UP THESE TAGS?". Some of the tags on the shelf are months old. Someone isn't doing their job. All good though, free razors, toothbrushes, and shampoo are a-okay with me.

Did you know pretty much every store has been overcharging chip dip for the last year? I've visited over 7 stores and every single one was overcharging 20 cents on the item. I've got like 15 free dips in my cupboard.

I see at one of the stores they are testing out electronic price tags. Hopefully there will never be a mispriced item if they are incorporated nation wide.

[bladearts]

Ugh, I had them do a switcheroo on me. I went with the price checker and showed him the mispriced tag. He grabbed it but when I went back to customer service it had mysteriously disappeared and I had the manager calling me a liar. I saw the price checker grab it and confirm it was wrong... Not sure if I can call the SCOP complaint line as it's my word against theirs.

To get even I got $20 worth of lightbulbs for free.

[paulo500]

Ugh, I had them do a switcheroo on me. I went with the price checker and showed him the mispriced tag. He grabbed it but when I went back to customer service it had mysteriously disappeared and I had the manager calling me a liar. I saw the price checker grab it and confirm it was wrong... Not sure if I can call the SCOP complaint line as it's my word against theirs.

To get even I got $20 worth of lightbulbs for free.
That sucks. That's where cell phone cameras come in handy. The last scop I did I took a snap shot of the price with the product in question in the picture. Didn't really need it but was handy when I presented the error to cs.

[bladearts]

On a side not what's the opinion on more than one item of a brand scanning wrong. Say there's Johnson Vitamin C and Vitamin D scanning wrong. The manager told me because it's the same brand I can't get them both. I thought the SCOP applied to each unique UPC?

I tried to complain the next day but then he told me I HAD to do it on the same day. Very frustrating.

[krs]

I see at one of the stores they are testing out electronic price tags. Hopefully there will never be a mispriced item if they are incorporated nation wide.

Oh boy - that means one really has to take a picture right then and there.
With electronic tags they can change the shelf price in a flash.

[krs]

Ugh, I had them do a switcheroo on me. I went with the price checker and showed him the mispriced tag. He grabbed it but when I went back to customer service it had mysteriously disappeared and I had the manager calling me a liar. I saw the price checker grab it and confirm it was wrong... Not sure if I can call the SCOP complaint line as it's my word against theirs.

I would not only complain to SCOP - not so much to get my "freebee" but to have this episode on record (which I hope they keep), but I would also lodge a complaint with the headoffice of the store.
Where does the manager get off calling anyone a liar - I find that totally unacceptable and I would expect head office to investigate that thoroughly.
If he is that type of person, I'm sure others have complained as well.

[bladearts]

Oh boy - that means one really has to take a picture right then and there.
With electronic tags they can change the shelf price in a flash.

I'm assuming if they're connected to the pricing system it'll never be wrong. The scanning price will be the displayed price. Which is great.

(I have no idea how they work.)

[krs]

On a side not what's the opinion on more than one item of a brand scanning wrong. Say there's Johnson Vitamin C and Vitamin D scanning wrong. The manager told me because it's the same brand I can't get them both. I thought the SCOP applied to each unique UPC?

I tried to complain the next day but then he told me I HAD to do it on the same day. Very frustrating.

SCOP does apply to each unique UPC - the manager is full of BS.
But you only get the discount on the first item (if you buy more than one), on the others you pay the corrected price.

And having to complain on the same day is BS too. Of course that assumes the prive tag hasn't been corrected in the meantime.
But if you get home and find out you have been overcharged, you can go back the next day with the bill and get the issue taken care of.

[MacGyver]

Just a word to the wise, I got nothing but excuses at Giant Tiger this week when trying to SCOP burgers that were reg 8.97 were marked on the display as 6.97. Of course they rang up for the higher price. Cashier told me if it wasn't in the flyer it wasn't on sale, then tried to tell me it applied to a different product, then to take the cake told me it must have been another shopper switching the tags! Finally I said "Just ring up for whatever price you want, and I'll just file a complaint later." WELL, as soon as I said that, they sure changed their tune in a hurry. Manager came right over and set it straight pronto. There must be some penalty for them if I had complained, and it must have been a lot more than the price difference on a five boxes of burgers.

[sweet_katka]

Last week I wasted like 20 minutes of my life dealing with some manager at walmart in Hamilton who thought I was born yesterday. Gillette Venus Disposable razors were on sale for $5.98...in the flyer they included picture of 2 (pink and blue) out of 5 scents available, the description did not say that some scents are not on sale. So I grabbed the "orange" scent, double checked the price using their instant price check...wrong price...went to the cash register...the cashier register started persuading me that only blue and pink scents are on sale, she even called someone who agreed with her. Ok, fine...went to get the blue package, went to a different cash register, same issue, just this time the cashier agreed that they are all on sale, but still wanted to charge me so i reminded her of their Scanning Code of Practice. She called a manager who was suppose to give me the item for free...and then the fun began! The female manager looked at the item, looked at the ad (first tried telling me that I must have a wrong flyer, but didn't succeed since the dates were clearly stated)...then she disappeared for a long time and came back with yellow and some other scent and told me that these are scanning the right price therefore I should get those...so I told her no, thanks, I want the blue one which is even pictured in the ad...then she tried to persuade me that they don't have the blue "oceana" one and that scanning code of practice doesn't apply on these items...at this point I was getting pretty pissed and told her to go and bring the blue one back and compare it to the picture posted in the ad if she has such a short term memory.....so she disappeared again, must have been at least 10 minutes...finally came back with the blue one, looking very pissed, went straight to the customer service desk and told one of the girls there to ring it in as free.....like wow, "great" customer service

[Wing Nut]

Found this in a newsletter to which I subscribe. I hope it helps.


Have you ever bought something and the price at the cashier was different than the sticker or shelf price? If so, you might be able to score a discount on that item.

The Scanner Price Accuracy Code is a voluntary code of practice which seems to be pretty common in larger stores and chains.

The way it works is that if an item is scanned incorrectly, the customer is entitled to up to a $10 discount on that item. If the item price is less than $10, then it is free.

The discount can be applied to multiple unique items. If you buy three cans of Campbell’s chicken soup and the price is wrong, you only get the discount on the first can. If you buy three different types of soup and they are all incorrectly priced, the discount will apply to each unique product.

I’ve had two occasions to use this code, both times at Canadian Tire. The first time was when I bought some light bulbs on sale at 50% off, but the scanned price was the regular price. I paid for the items and then went to customer service to get my $7.38 refunded. Given that I spent about 10 minutes of my lunch hour getting that money, it wasn’t really worth it, but I wanted to check out the process. That time I had no problem getting my money back.
Recently however, I bought some camping items at Canadian Tire and there were two scanning errors. Unfortunately, I had my kids with me and by the time we got to the cash, I didn’t pay any attention to the scanned prices, since I just wanted to get the hell out of there. The bill ended up being more than I thought, so when I got home I checked the receipt and there were two items with the incorrect prices.

A cooler I bought was on sale for $24.95, but I was charged the regular price of $44.95. I also bought two small propane tanks which were supposed to be $3.89 each, but I was charged $10.98 each. After checking the website, I realized that these tanks were also sold in 3-packs which cost $10.98.

I went back to Canadian Tire the next day and asked for price corrections which they did without complaint. However, when I mentioned the Scanner Price Accuracy Code, she wouldn’t give it to me on either item.
For the cooler, she said that the sale had ended when I bought it, but she would honour the posted sale price. She also added that she couldn’t verify that the sale price had been posted on the shelf when I made my purchase.
As for the propane tanks, she said that the tanks I bought had been part of a 3-pack and had probably been broken up by another customer (I doubt it). She said there was no error because the price reflected the 3-pack price.
I disagreed – in both cases the items were on their proper shelf and had the prices below them. The fact that there were reasonable explanations for price differences and that it might have not been the fault of Canadian Tire, doesn’t change the fact that the prices I was charged were different than the posted prices and as far as I’m concerned, they should have given me the discount.

Tips for getting the scanning discount
 Look for a posted sign at the cashier station to see if the store adheres to this practice.
 Watch the prices as the scanning occurs. It’s a lot easier to prove an error at that time, rather than later on.
 Make sure you ask about the Scanner Price Accuracy Code if applicable. It’s very unlikely the cashier will mention it unprompted.

[krs]

Thanks for posting the information from the newsletter, but it turns out that the information written there is strictly speaking wrong or at least misleading.


The way it works is that if an item is scanned incorrectly, the customer is entitled to up to a $10 discount on that item. If the item price is less than $10, then it is free.

SCOP only applies if the scanned price is higher than the shelf or advertised price, not if the price scanned is incorrect, ie, the scanned price could be lower than advertised but in that case you pay the scanned price - you don't get any discount or the item for free.
For most people that may be obvious, but that question was actually raised in this thread a while back.


The discount can be applied to multiple unique items. If you buy three cans of Campbell’s chicken soup and the price is wrong, you only get the discount on the first can. If you buy three different types of soup and they are all incorrectly priced, the discount will apply to each unique product.

Again, this is not a clear as it should be. The key is the UPC code, if the three cans have the same UPC code, then SCOP applies to only the first item but if the UPC codes are different, say different sizes of Campbell's Chicken soup, then SCOP applies to each unique UPC code.


I’ve had two occasions to use this code, both times at Canadian Tire. The first time was when I bought some light bulbs on sale at 50% off, but the scanned price was the regular price. I paid for the items and then went to customer service to get my $7.38 refunded. Given that I spent about 10 minutes of my lunch hour getting that money, it wasn’t really worth it, but I wanted to check out the process. That time I had no problem getting my money back.
Recently however, I bought some camping items at Canadian Tire and there were two scanning errors. Unfortunately, I had my kids with me and by the time we got to the cash, I didn’t pay any attention to the scanned prices, since I just wanted to get the hell out of there. The bill ended up being more than I thought, so when I got home I checked the receipt and there were two items with the incorrect prices.

A cooler I bought was on sale for $24.95, but I was charged the regular price of $44.95. I also bought two small propane tanks which were supposed to be $3.89 each, but I was charged $10.98 each. After checking the website, I realized that these tanks were also sold in 3-packs which cost $10.98.

I went back to Canadian Tire the next day and asked for price corrections which they did without complaint. However, when I mentioned the Scanner Price Accuracy Code, she wouldn’t give it to me on either item.
For the cooler, she said that the sale had ended when I bought it, but she would honour the posted sale price. She also added that she couldn’t verify that the sale price had been posted on the shelf when I made my purchase.
As for the propane tanks, she said that the tanks I bought had been part of a 3-pack and had probably been broken up by another customer (I doubt it). She said there was no error because the price reflected the 3-pack price.
I disagreed – in both cases the items were on their proper shelf and had the prices below them. The fact that there were reasonable explanations for price differences and that it might have not been the fault of Canadian Tire, doesn’t change the fact that the prices I was charged were different than the posted prices and as far as I’m concerned, they should have given me the discount.

Here I agree with what Canadian Tire did.
CTC apparently sometimes honours the sale price (for up to two weeks I read somewhere) if you ask nicely - but the shopper should have gone back to the cooler display the next day to verify the incorrect sale price was still posted before asking for SCOP to be applied. If it wasn't, which is what this sounds like, she's out of luck and the CTC service rep did the right thing by refusing SCOP and also gave the correct reason.

On the propane tanks I can't really comment with the information provided.
The shopper's claim seems odd however - if tanks are sold in three-packs they would be shrink-wrapped and the UPC code would be on the package, not on the individual tank and I would think it would be obvious if each of the tanks she had bought was just one of a pack of three. Somehow the shopper's story here doesn't make sense

BTW - I don't work for CTC or have any relation whatever with them, never had never will.
I work in the High-Tech industry and run a Product Management group.

It is unfortunate that SCOP is still so misunderstood, by cashiers, store managers and customers as well.

[bratman]

On the propane tanks I can't really comment with the information provided.
The shopper's claim seems odd however - if tanks are sold in three-packs they would be shrink-wrapped and the UPC code would be on the package, not on the individual tank and I would think it would be obvious if each of the tanks she had bought was just one of a pack of three. Somehow the shopper's story here doesn't make sense




Yes, they should be shrink-wrapped. However, sometimes the shrink wrap does not entirely cover the product, leaving (for instance) the sides open. Frequently, the manufacturer will put the "package" bar code sticker on the open spot (in this case, it would be right on the propane cyllinder).

Now here is where it gets fun. Having worked at several retail establishments, including those which may offer a choice of buying a product individually or in a package, I can tell you that people will rip packaging open to take a single unit (even if it is not offered as a single unit). Individual units will go astray and even get misplaced by both staff and customers into the spot where the individual units are sold. A sharp eye might catch the wrong sticker on the product, but face it, everyone is in a rush, be it staff or customers, and it may not be noticed until someone wants to purchase it.

So, as much as I do not like Canadian Tire, their story is indeed plausible.

[tutchio]

only store i know that dosent apply that policy is Sail because they tag every price individualy

[GreedyGirl]

Perhaps I've been living under a rock and all you suave bargin hunters are full aware of this but I learned something new today... apparently in Canada there is a "Scanning Code of Conduct" retailers are not obligated to inform you of this, but if you bring it to their attention the majority of retailers honour it.

How many times have you checked out of the store when something in your basket rings in at the wrong price? You let the cashier know and they correct the price and away you go? Well next time when this happens ask if the store honours this Canadian Scanner Code of Conduct. Most do. If your purchase is $10 or less you will receive it free, if it is $10 or more you will get a discount of that $10.

For full details check out http://www.retailcouncil.org/advocacy/national/issues/cp/scanner_accuracy02_eng.asp

Happy Shopping :)

[Psubs]

SCOP right there. Surely you be jesting.

Okay, I be jesting. I suppose we know it as the "Scanning Code of Practice". People will occasionally find this and it's a YMMV and they'll post in Hot Deals as a SCOP.

One important detail is that it must be labeled cheaper on the shelf and not the sticker on the item.

[rvs007]

Yes, you have been living under a rock... :razz: There is even a sticky over at the Shopping Discussion forum about SCOP:

http://forums.redflagdeals.com/reminder-code-practice-scanner-price-accuracy-173091/

[rocking23nf]

i get free stuff at safeway almost every week from this.

lots of times its .20 - .50 cents higher then the shelf price, i ask for it free, and they do it everytime.

last time i got 8$ worth of lunch meat free cause they charge me 3.00/100gm instead of 2.79/100gm

[xalex0]

Ordered 5. Thanks!

[Aerya]

Ordered 5. Thanks!

Huh? of what?

Also, note that if you're buying multiple of the item that rings at the wrong price, only the first one with have the SCOP applied. The rest will be adjusted to the correct price only.

[Kenny Blankenship]

Another great freebie

[Fantaz]

Repost... :facepalm:

[DragOnT]

Used this SCOP a couple of times over the last year or so at Walmart and got my items free (both less than $10 each) in separate purchases.

[dealsacc]

Ordered 5. Thanks!

Ordered 5 as well, now to sell em' for twice the price on Kijiji....

[althetrainer]

Ordered 5. Thanks!


Ordered 5 as well, now to sell em' for twice the price on Kijiji....

Hoarders! Now it will soon be OOS! :lol::lol:

[Canuckerr]

Huh? of what?

Also, note that if you're buying multiple of the item that rings at the wrong price, only the first one with have the SCOP applied. The rest will be adjusted to the correct price only.

They're just trying to be smart..
But, they failed because this was not posted in the Hot deals forum. Unless it was then their posts are appropriate.

Members usually post, "ordered 5, ordered, etc" if a deal is posted in the hot deals forum and the deal is a joke, not a deal, definitely not hot, etc. Just to mock the OP.

[xalex0]

They're just trying to be smart..
But, they failed because this was not posted in the Hot deals forum. Unless it was then their posts are appropriate.

Members usually post, "ordered 5, ordered, etc" if a deal is posted in the hot deals forum and the deal is a joke, not a deal, definitely not hot, etc. Just to mock the OP.
It was posted in freebies forum, CO. Does that qualify? Also, you might want to visit that section sometimes - quite a few great freebies (unlike this one) get posted there.

[core33]

So last month i went to Walmart to buy some stuff. I bought 2 different kind of canned peaches (which look the same). I noticed that the price of both peaches were different then the rest around it. So went i went to checkout i paid attention when the peaches went thru and then scanned higher. They first didn't want to give me both of them for free becuase they thought they were the same, they were not, so after a bit of arguing they gave me them to me for free.

But that wasn't the problem. So i go back like 6 hours later near closing time because my gf wanted to do some shopping. I thought i'd just look and see if they changed the price of the peaches, they did not, so i decided to try to get some more, they shouldn't be advertising one thing and charging another. I get to the cash fine (different cashier) and they come up higher of course, so i mention that the shelve had a different price. So called for help and i accompined the guy so it would be faster. But i guess the cashier i had a problem with before saw me and told the other cashier while i was away not to give them to me because i already got that item today. So the cashier said because i already got this today and couldn't get it again. She said only one unique item per day. I asked why the price wasn't changed and she had no response. So i started to complain but then decided it wasn't worth the hassle.

Then i got home and it still bugged me, so i called the scop phone number i got online. The guy i talked to actually had never heard of this, of someone getting the same item twice in one day (obv i could have, had the cashier not noticed me). He said they are required to change the price once informed it is wrong. He said he didn't see why i couldn't get the item again for free, and that he was pretty sure you could get the same item again for free later that day.

What do you think, should they have given me the peaches again for free or no? The price still read wrong.

[krs]

What do you think, should they have given me the peaches again for free

Absolutely!

This shows pretty clearly that SCOP isn't working - at least not at Walmart.
The $10.- discount or the freebee if it's less than $10 is obviously not enough of an incentive for the manager/staff at Wamart to correct the price.

I think they have a nerve to suggest you can only get SCOP on a particular item once a day, theyare the ones who are too damn lazy to correct the pricing error after it was pointed out to them.

[bylo]

What do you think, should they have given me the peaches again for free or no? The price still read wrong.
They should have. But that's beside the point. You told them their computer was ringing up the wrong price the first time you used SCOP. They should have changed the price in the computer (or at least changed the price at the display to match the computer) so that no one else would get the wrong price. That they didn't implies they intended to defraud all the suckers who bought the product after you did.

Not to dump only on WalMart but the same thing happened to me a few years ago. I was at a Loblaws on a Saturday morning. They had jam on sale at $1 off per jar. This is something we use a lot of so I grabbed several jars. At the checkout I noticed that they'd charged me the regular price. I showed the checkout lady a copy of their flyer with the jam clearly on sale. She called a manager or supervisor who quickly gave me a refund of the difference. Later that Saturday afternoon I was at the same mall again for another reason and decided to pop into the Loblaws to get some more of that jam. The pickings were slim on the shelf, so evidently lots of people were stocking up. At checkout I discovered that this jam was still ringing up at the regular price. Again when I complained they gave me the lower price. But now it was obvious that they knew all along that they were overcharging their customers. I've regretted ever since that I didn't report them to the federal government for violating consumer protection legislation if not for outright fraud. I should have.

[EmperorOfCanada]

I loves to see me consumers who stand up for themselves and try to keep the stores honest :)

[RoughriderFan]

...Long story short...

- PC Led Outdoor Christmas lights - tiny sticker on back of box says $20 - tag on shelf says $20 ("weekly special" and price was highlighted in yellow) - photo copied typical RCSS sale piece of paper taped at various spots down the aisle says "All Outdoor Christmas Lights %30 off. Nov. 18th, 19th, and 20th"

- I purchase 3 boxes - 2 of pure white and 1 of multi coloured - the 2 whites scan correctly at $14 ($20-%30) - the multi coloured scans at regular price of $20
- I bring the error up to the cashier and she says she'll remove the multi coloured item and that I should just scan one of the other 2 boxes again to make up for it (thereby showing 3 items for $14 each) - I say no, bring up the SCOP and that the multi should be $10 off.
- she speaks to a manager - he comes over and asks me what the price on the shelf was - I say $20 and that the sign said they should be %30 off - he then explains that because the tag on the shelf was $20 and the scanned price was $20 that there was no SCOP issue because the tag price and scanned price are the same. But he will give them to me at the $14 price.
- When I read the SCOP sticker on the til, it mentions "non-ticketed" items. This one had a $20 sticker on it so does that mean that it doesn't qualify? or did I miss womething else? Is there a difference between the tag or shelf price and their little photo copied %30 OFF sign?

Comments or Suggestions please. This is not clear to me.

[redgrandam]

...Long story short...

- PC Led Outdoor Christmas lights - tiny sticker on back of box says $20 - tag on shelf says $20 ("weekly special" and price was highlighted in yellow) - photo copied typical RCSS sale piece of paper taped at various spots down the aisle says "All Outdoor Christmas Lights %30 off. Nov. 18th, 19th, and 20th"

- I purchase 3 boxes - 2 of pure white and 1 of multi coloured - the 2 whites scan correctly at $14 ($20-%30) - the multi coloured scans at regular price of $20
- I bring the error up to the cashier and she says she'll remove the multi coloured item and that I should just scan one of the other 2 boxes again to make up for it (thereby showing 3 items for $14 each) - I say no, bring up the SCOP and that the multi should be $10 off.
- she speaks to a manager - he comes over and asks me what the price on the shelf was - I say $20 and that the sign said they should be %30 off - he then explains that because the tag on the shelf was $20 and the scanned price was $20 that there was no SCOP issue because the tag price and scanned price are the same. But he will give them to me at the $14 price.
- When I read the SCOP sticker on the til, it mentions "non-ticketed" items. This one had a $20 sticker on it so does that mean that it doesn't qualify? or did I miss womething else? Is there a difference between the tag or shelf price and their little photo copied %30 OFF sign?

Comments or Suggestions please. This is not clear to me.

By posting a self price and a shelf sign for a sale IMO that overrides the price on the box. The point of the code is to promote accuracy in the system. I they want to do sticker prices then fine, but ten thy have to manually chane every item in the store individually for changes. They can't do booth when it's convenient either way. Either theydo sticker pricing or shelf pricing.

Amazing that they actually knew the code enough that they knew that tidbit, but IMO no question, you should get the $10 off the lowest price.

I would contact head office and see what they say. It's not worth pissing off a customer over $10, especially when it's surrounding a clear error on their part.

[RoughriderFan]

By posting a self price and a shelf sign for a sale IMO that overrides the price on the box. The point of the code is to promote accuracy in the system. I they want to do sticker prices then fine, but ten thy have to manually chane every item in the store individually for changes. They can't do booth when it's convenient either way. Either theydo sticker pricing or shelf pricing.

Amazing that they actually knew the code enough that they knew that tidbit, but IMO no question, you should get the $10 off the lowest price.

I would contact head office and see what they say. It's not worth pissing off a customer over $10, especially when it's surrounding a clear error on their part.

Thanks for the reply.

I thought about it on the way home then realized it being Friday night that I might have to wait til after the weekend to speak to someone. Plus the sticker on the box was about half the size of a postage stamp probably placed there at the factory.

[cheaper_than_cheap]

I had a bad SCOP experience today at Canadian Tire. Sorry if this has been covered in the previous 1100 posts; I haven't been following this thread.

I bought a litre of Mobil 1 synthetic oil marked on the shelf as $11.xx - 25% = $8.xx. It rang up as $10.49 so of course I complained to the cashier. She phoned an associate to check and the reply was that it was supposed to be $13.xx - 25% = $10.49. There was a huge line behind me so I paid the $10.49 and went to customer service.

Long story short, they stocked the wrong item on that shelf. It had a different product number and should have been in a different spot. The difference is not apparent from the shelf label (both Mobil 1 full synthetic 5W30). But the manager would not do SCOP because it "wasn't an incorrect price".

To me this is exactly the intent of the SCOP, to avoid situations exactly like this. I picked up the item, its description agreed with the shelf label, but it scanned higher than the shelf price. It's not my fault they had it in the wrong spot and there was no way for me to detect this.

Should I be complaining higher up the food chain? Is there anything in the code that covers this situation? (There was no error in their pricing/scanning system, just incorrect shelf stocking.)

[krs]

I had a bad SCOP experience today at Canadian Tire. Sorry if this has been covered in the previous 1100 posts; I haven't been following this thread.

I bought a litre of Mobil 1 synthetic oil marked on the shelf as $11.xx - 25% = $8.xx. It rang up as $10.49 so of course I complained to the cashier. She phoned an associate to check and the reply was that it was supposed to be $13.xx - 25% = $10.49. There was a huge line behind me so I paid the $10.49 and went to customer service.

Long story short, they stocked the wrong item on that shelf. It had a different product number and should have been in a different spot. The difference is not apparent from the shelf label (both Mobil 1 full synthetic 5W30). But the manager would not do SCOP because it "wasn't an incorrect price".

To me this is exactly the intent of the SCOP, to avoid situations exactly like this. I picked up the item, its description agreed with the shelf label, but it scanned higher than the shelf price. It's not my fault they had it in the wrong spot and there was no way for me to detect this.

Should I be complaining higher up the food chain? Is there anything in the code that covers this situation? (There was no error in their pricing/scanning system, just incorrect shelf stocking.)

In a case like this the UPC number and/or CTC product number on the shelf label and on the product itsel would not match so you are not entitled to SCOP.
Unfortunate that the item was stocked incorrectly and that the description was the same, but what counts is the UPC number and/or CTC product ID.

[krs]

By posting a self price and a shelf sign for a sale IMO that overrides the price on the box.

Agree - as long as the coloured lights were also 30% off and that they were is pretty obvious since the store was going to ring them up at the 30% discount price.

[jetfire33]

SCOP question for you good folks:

Canadian Tire yesterday had a wire bin full of a Christmas toy with a big red sale sign saying "$14.99, Save $10, reg $24.99 Nov 25-27". Yesterday was the 28th. Would the date range printed on the sale sign on the bin prevent it from being SCOP'd? They left up the $14.99 sign the day after the sale ended, but the sign did state the dates of the sale. Would the dates get then out of SCOP?

[bylo]

big red sale sign saying "$14.99, Save $10, reg $24.99 Nov 25-27". Yesterday was the 28th. Would the date range printed on the sale sign on the bin prevent it from being SCOP'd?
Plain common sense would suggest that SCOP wouldn't apply.

Besides, it's not a scanner issue. The price on the 28th is $24.99 and presumably that's the price that rang up.

While I agree that they should have removed the sale sign on the morning of the 28th, contrary to some RFDers, yes CTC employees are human. Mistakes happen.

[krs]

+1

[rvs007]

Plain common sense would suggest that SCOP wouldn't apply.

Besides, it's not a scanner issue. The price on the 28th is $24.99 and presumably that's the price that rang up.

While I agree that they should have removed the sale sign on the morning of the 28th, contrary to some RFDers, yes CTC employees are human. Mistakes happen.

Based on personal experience, CTC could honour the sale price if the sale sign didn't get taken down after the sale. However, they are not obligated to do so. It's just a goodwill gesture.

[y2jversion1]

Scarborough Town Centre Walmart, Armadale Square Shoppers Drug Mart and the Shoppers at Middlefield & Steeles are notorious for wrong prices.

Last week @ STC Walmart, Fresca was on sale for 3.79 from $5.29 so I grabbed 2 - they rang up at $5.29 each so I mentioned to the cashier. She was like "Oh it's a mistake they're supposed to be $5.29 and we just had the same issue with a couple other customers.." I went back, took pictures of the shelf with price, she looked at it and was a bit dumbfounded as maybe she didn't expect that. She then says "I can do you a favour and give them at that price..", to which I responded "You're not really doing me any 'favours' as that is what the price is" and pointed towards the SCOP.

She continued with the whole "doing a favour" gig, and I said to call the supervisor. I told her straight up that it's nothing personal against her, but way too many times has the cash rang up a higher price than shelf price -usually I would be satisfied with them correcting and giving me the proper price, but that night I was already in a crappy mood and was thinking of how many poor souls have been scammed outta their hard earned money with incidents like this.

Manager came by, he said to ring it at the sale price, to which I said this is a SCOP issue - he was like no problem, and told the cashier to not charge for first one and second one was at sale price.

I felt a bit bad for the cashier, but then again, she tried to lie about the price before I took pictures of the shelf.

[jetfire33]

Thanks folks - for the record I did NOT ask for SCOP or anything, was just curious as I wasn't sure about the "dates on a sign" issue.

[redgrandam]

Thanks folks - for the record I did NOT ask for SCOP or anything, was just curious as I wasn't sure about the "dates on a sign" issue.

In my experience, at loblaws they have dates small on most sale tags. However, in my experience, they will still SCOP regardless of the date. In these cases the sale sign was in place of or covering the regular price. If both were displayed, then it would be ok. But if they cover the price with a sale sign, that becomes the shelf price IMO, and SCOP should generally apply, at the very least loblaws stores never seem to argue much and at least will for sure give the sale price.

[bladearts]

In my experience, at loblaws they have dates small on most sale tags. However, in my experience, they will still SCOP regardless of the date. In these cases the sale sign was in place of or covering the regular price. If both were displayed, then it would be ok. But if they cover the price with a sale sign, that becomes the shelf price IMO, and SCOP should generally apply, at the very least loblaws stores never seem to argue much and at least will for sure give the sale price.

That's how I've been getting my SCOPs, sale shelf prices not being taken down.

I'm shopping for deals, how am I supposed to read the very small expiry dates? I know they're only human, but cmon, people buy on impulse. They see something on sale and they're more likely to purchase said item. If they don't notice the price ringing up wrong they're losing out.

If I take the sale price the retailer doesn't learn anything. By using the SCOP it encourages them to be more diligent and ensure more price accuracy.

[cornerslice]

Never new about this.. just talked to three of my co workers and they didnt know about scop either. I do recall coming across this situation many times.

[Sea]

Got chocolate chips and butterscotch chips for my Christmas baking for free at Metro. I've never had a problem having the SCOP applied at the Don Mills & Lawrence location. I was even thinking I was only going to get 1 for free, forgetting that although they were the same brand, the chocolate and butterscotch were different items, but the cashier applied it correctly and refunded both.

[y2jversion1]

Another SCOP - this time at the Walmart Superstore by Markham & Steeles.

8ft Airblown Snowman marked down from $72 to $50 on the shelf, but rang up at $72 at cash. The box also had a sticker (from manufacturer) of $72. Walked with associate to the shelf and then came back, she called a manager to do override and started punching in $50, I said this would be a SCOP issue - the lady at the cash had no clue what it was (or so claimed) and then called back the manager, who came and punched in $40 instead. From her expressions, she didn't seem too pleased, but whatever.

I was never one to bust them for SCOP before and would be satisfied with the proper price being rung up - but enough was enough and now that I've a taste for SCOP - it's like a shark got a taste of blood.. give me the opportunity and I'll SCOP ya! :twisted:

[consumerPI]

Congrats on the additional $10 off but technically, the SCOP should not have applied as there was a price on the item. However the store should have just honoured the $50 price. Read the policy and u will see what I mean.

The program's intent is to not overcharge people unknowingly - with the $72 price tag, it is assumed that a customer is not unknowingly charged a price that they are not expecting. It's that simple.

I always ask for the $10 off even if the wrong, higher price is on the item and 9 times out of 10, the manager doesn't know the policy 100% and also ends up giving me the extra $10 off but they should not.


Another SCOP - this time at the Walmart Superstore by Markham & Steeles.

8ft Airblown Snowman marked down from $72 to $50 on the shelf, but rang up at $72 at cash. The box also had a sticker (from manufacturer) of $72. Walked with associate to the shelf and then came back, she called a manager to do override and started punching in $50, I said this would be a SCOP issue - the lady at the cash had no clue what it was (or so claimed) and then called back the manager, who came and punched in $40 instead. From her expressions, she didn't seem too pleased, but whatever.

I was never one to bust them for SCOP before and would be satisfied with the proper price being rung up - but enough was enough and now that I've a taste for SCOP - it's like a shark got a taste of blood.. give me the opportunity and I'll SCOP ya! :twisted:

[redgrandam]

Congrats on the additional $10 off but technically, the SCOP should not have applied as there was a price on the item. However the store should have just honoured the $50 price. Read the policy and u will see what I mean.

The program's intent is to not overcharge people unknowingly - with the $72 price tag, it is assumed that a customer is not unknowingly charged a price that they are not expecting. It's that simple.

I always ask for the $10 off even if the wrong, higher price is on the item and 9 times out of 10, the manager doesn't know the policy 100% and also ends up giving me the extra $10 off but they should not.



I don't know about that. If the store (i.e. walmart and loblaws) use price tags on the shelfs, one assumes you are going with that. I believe their shelf tags over-rule the price on the product, unless EVERY product in the store has a tag on it. That's what the difference really is. The store doesn't individually price every item in the store. You aren't wrong, based on the wording they use, but my interpretation is if there is a shelf price lower than the price on the product, SCOP SHOULD apply. I think we discussed this a few pages back briefly.

If they want to do item pricing, they would change the price on the product, which isn't possible often, since they often print the price right into the packaging. I consider that more of MSRP if you will. Pricing individual items is something a small variety store might do.. Walmart, Loblaws, etc, all use shelf pricing as their main source of pricing information, and the whole point of SCOP is to make sure that shelf price matches the computer.

[krs]

I don't know about that. If the store (i.e. walmart and loblaws) use price tags on the shelfs, one assumes you are going with that. I believe their shelf tags over-rule the price on the product, unless EVERY product in the store has a tag on it. That's what the difference really is. The store doesn't individually price every item in the store. You aren't wrong, based on the wording they use, but my interpretation is if there is a shelf price lower than the price on the product, SCOP SHOULD apply. I think we discussed this a few pages back briefly.

There is really nothing to interpret or "to believe"
What counts are the SCOP rules that are published and they clearly state that SCOP does not apply to items that have a price sticker on them.
I think there is an aspect of SCOP you are missing - with a shelf ticket price there is no price marked on the item when one gets to the cash, so the consumer really has no easy way to verify that an item is scanned correctly and thus depends on the integrity of the system. If the buyer is overcharged he is often not that wiser.
That's the issue SCOP is trying to address.
With a price sticker on the item one has the option to compare the sticker price to what rings up at the cash. That's back to the old days when every item had a price sticker. Just because the item is now on sale doesn't change that.

[EmperorOfCanada]

There is really nothing to interpret or "to believe"
What counts are the SCOP rules that are published and they clearly state that SCOP does not apply to items that have a price sticker on them.
I think there is an aspect of SCOP you are missing - with a shelf ticket price there is no price marked on the item when one gets to the cash, so the consumer really has no easy way to verify that an item is scanned correctly and thus depends on the integrity of the system. If the buyer is overcharged he is often not that wiser.
That's the issue SCOP is trying to address.
With a price sticker on the item one has the option to compare the sticker price to what rings up at the cash. That's back to the old days when every item had a price sticker. Just because the item is now on sale doesn't change that.

For the record then, scop DOES apply even if the price posted says NOV 25-27 and you are purchasing on the 28th. I have had this clarified by someone years ago in an email. Probably still have it saved somewhere.

[redgrandam]

There is really nothing to interpret or "to believe"
What counts are the SCOP rules that are published and they clearly state that SCOP does not apply to items that have a price sticker on them.
I think there is an aspect of SCOP you are missing - with a shelf ticket price there is no price marked on the item when one gets to the cash, so the consumer really has no easy way to verify that an item is scanned correctly and thus depends on the integrity of the system. If the buyer is overcharged he is often not that wiser.
That's the issue SCOP is trying to address.
With a price sticker on the item one has the option to compare the sticker price to what rings up at the cash. That's back to the old days when every item had a price sticker. Just because the item is now on sale doesn't change that.

I'm not all the familiar with walmart, but with Loblaws stores, there are no products (aside from meat etc that is individually priced) that are 'individually price ticketed'. There are items with prices, but when the price of the item is changed, they do not go through and change the prices on these items. The problem here, is that these items technically have both. A shelf price AND a sticker price (printed on the label from the manufacturer, not stuck on by the store, some PC products come to mind in the home section, where the price is printed right into the box printing). When it has both, there is nothing about this in the SCOP.

If the item has a sticker that says $10, and a shelf price for $5, even in a flyer maybe as half price, then you are saying the store can charge whatever, because either price right for them, or are we just saying that SCOP doesn't apply, but false advertising perhaps.

[EmperorOfCanada]

I'm not all the familiar with walmart, but with Loblaws stores, there are no products (aside from meat etc that is individually priced) that are 'individually price ticketed'. There are items with prices, but when the price of the item is changed, they do not go through and change the prices on these items. The problem here, is that these items technically have both. A shelf price AND a sticker price (printed on the label from the manufacturer, not stuck on by the store, some PC products come to mind in the home section, where the price is printed right into the box printing). When it has both, there is nothing about this in the SCOP.

If the item has a sticker that says $10, and a shelf price for $5, even in a flyer maybe as half price, then you are saying the store can charge whatever, because either price right for them, or are we just saying that SCOP doesn't apply, but false advertising perhaps.

They do have to honor the lower of the two prices, but SCOP does not apply.

[consumerPI]

Actually the whole point of the Program is around the Consumer NOT being overcharged unknowingly. If an item has a regular price of $20 with a $20 sticker on the box and a shelf price complete with a matching UPC code says $12 on sale, but then scans at $20 SCOP does not apply. WHY? Because the consumer has an opportunity to NOT get overcharged as they have a price tag on the item. They get to buy it for $12.

It's very simple really, don't over think it by making any of your own assumptions/interpretations and you'll get it.

It's about the Consumer NOT about computers matching shelf prices.


I don't know about that. If the store (i.e. walmart and loblaws) use price tags on the shelfs, one assumes you are going with that. I believe their shelf tags over-rule the price on the product, unless EVERY product in the store has a tag on it. That's what the difference really is. The store doesn't individually price every item in the store. You aren't wrong, based on the wording they use, but my interpretation is if there is a shelf price lower than the price on the product, SCOP SHOULD apply. I think we discussed this a few pages back briefly.

If they want to do item pricing, they would change the price on the product, which isn't possible often, since they often print the price right into the packaging. I consider that more of MSRP if you will. Pricing individual items is something a small variety store might do.. Walmart, Loblaws, etc, all use shelf pricing as their main source of pricing information, and the whole point of SCOP is to make sure that shelf price matches the computer.

[krs]

If the item has a sticker that says $10, and a shelf price for $5, even in a flyer maybe as half price, then you are saying the store can charge whatever, because either price right for them, or are we just saying that SCOP doesn't apply, but false advertising perhaps.

As EoC stated above - the store can't charge "whatever", the lowest advertised price still applied, that's the law (and not just at Zellers :razz:), but the additional discount of SCOP does not apply.
And a reminder, SCOP is a program that stores can opt into or not - if they do opt into it they must comply and follow te rules.
That is except for Quebec, in Quebec there is consumer legislation which is essentially the same as SCOP, so every store has to comply.
Well, I don't know if there are suble exceptions over and above SCOP, but for Zellers for instance, they have not opted into SCOP but the SCOP equivalent applies to all their stores in Quebec.

[Grumpy]

To those hardcore RFDers who are experts in SCOP. If I purchased a video game at RCSS and I got charged higher than the advertised price, but I didn't check my receipt until recently, can I still go back to ask for the $10 discount based on SCOP?

[EmperorOfCanada]

To those hardcore RFDers who are experts in SCOP. If I purchased a video game at RCSS and I got charged higher than the advertised price, but I didn't check my receipt until recently, can I still go back to ask for the $10 discount based on SCOP?

We do have a thread for these kinds of questions...

Answer is: Yes you can go back after the fact, but depends are we talking days? weeks? If the displayed price has been changed since you purchased it, they would likely not honor it as they likely have no way of knowing what the previously displayed price was.

[SeeYouNextTime]

Just be careful with RCSS. I had a SCOP adjustment I wanted to make and the wanted to deny it, even when i pulled the price card display off the shelf and was plainly in front of them. They denied that it was that price even though the price card described the item exactly, with the same UPC code on the bottom of the price card. I made a big stink of it and they eventually only wanted to honour the price card price, not $10 off the price card price. I erupted after that and even had two security guards stand about 15 feet away. I eventually gave in and accepted only the price card price and didn't get $10 off. YMMV at RCSS

[jason9945]

To those hardcore RFDers who are experts in SCOP. If I purchased a video game at RCSS and I got charged higher than the advertised price, but I didn't check my receipt until recently, can I still go back to ask for the $10 discount based on SCOP?

Most of the video games I've seen in stores, including RCSS, have price tags on them. This makes them ineligible for SCOP.

[Grumpy]

We bought it last Friday (still effective on their flyer until tomorrow!)!

It's the $10 off any game over $59.99 coupon, right in their flyer. The game is listed as $59.99 (regular price) so at $10 off, it's $49.99 + tax = $56.49. I was charged a bit more than that (not significantly more, hence why I didn't notice when I first bought it).



We do have a thread for these kinds of questions...

Answer is: Yes you can go back after the fact, but depends are we talking days? weeks? If the displayed price has been changed since you purchased it, they would likely not honor it as they likely have no way of knowing what the previously displayed price was.

[Frosc]

We bought it last Friday (still effective on their flyer until tomorrow!)!

It's the $10 off any game over $59.99 coupon, right in their flyer. The game is listed as $59.99 (regular price) so at $10 off, it's $49.99 + tax = $56.49. I was charged a bit more than that (not significantly more, hence why I didn't notice when I first bought it).

Did the game scan at 59.99 on the receipt? If so it's probably an issue with how they added the coupon (eg. applying the taxes before the coupon) and not really a SCOP issue.

[petern87]

Just did my first SCOP purchase and it was exciting, oddly enough. I was looking at the WDTV live streaming media player online for a while since I just signed up with netflix and was looking for something that would allow me to stream on tv. I received a $75GC for bestbuy when I purchased the samsung galaxy ace a few weeks ago, so I was looking towards picking one up at BB. After a week or two of watching the price at BB and different retailers, I was starting to see the price go up from $99.99 to $110 or so.

I checked online at bestbuy and saw that their price went up online, so I went into the store to see that it was still $99.99 there, or so I thought. The product rang in at $109.99, however the tag on the display showed $99.99. The cashier called someone from computers to do a price check and they said it was $109.99, which made me assume that he didn't even bother to look at the display price because I found the product in the tv section and not computers. So I went to pick up the display tag myself. I picked up the tag and casually strut towards the cashier and placed it on the counter ever so gingerly. She rang it in at $99 and then I asked her if the SCOP applied, while pointing to the sign at the cashier. She took $10off with no hesitation, so it was nice to see that she was very well aware of the SCOP.

So I ended getting it for $89.99!! I was obviously excited at that point, however my girlfriend was standing along the side, looking a little embarassed because the two of us usually don't like to attract attention towards us, especially since the line was getting longer since it was just the one cashier. However the cashier was very courteous and polite and did not rush us at all. Overall a good experience and I got my WDTV for a good price!! Wooo SCOP!!

[bylo]

my girlfriend was standing along the side, looking a little embarassed because the two of us usually don't like to attract attention towards us, especially since the line was getting longer since it was just the one cashier. However the cashier was very courteous and polite and did not rush us at all. Overall a good experience and I got my WDTV for a good price!! Wooo SCOP!!
Congratulations on a successful SCOP!

There's no need for you or your GF to feel uncomfortable about this in any way. It was BB's pricing error that forced you to invoke SCOP in the first place and thus lengthen the queue. It was also some BB manager's inattention that allowed the queue to form in the first place because there was only one cashier.

[krs]

We bought it last Friday (still effective on their flyer until tomorrow!)!

It's the $10 off any game over $59.99 coupon, right in their flyer. The game is listed as $59.99 (regular price) so at $10 off, it's $49.99 + tax = $56.49. I was charged a bit more than that (not significantly more, hence why I didn't notice when I first bought it).

Hmmm........
If the coupon says: "$10 off any game over $59.99" and the game is listed at $59.99 regular price, why would you expect the coupon to even apply?
The regular game price is not over $59.99, the price would have to be $60.- or more to be over $59.99.

[milleyt]

I've read the forums for a while but figured I'd sign up to add my SCOP fun to the thread.

I was at Fresh Co today and picked up a bag of Gluten Free pretzels. Shelf price $6.99, scanned at $7.99.
I pointed it out to the cashier and she apologized and changed the price to $6.99.
Then I pointed to the sticker that was right in front of both of us and said "Do I get this item free now?"
She said "oh yeah" and removed the item but she had to call over a supervisor to authorize.
The supervisor completed the transaction and then basically threw a receipt and pen at me and said "Name, Phone number and signature"
I asked why and she replied "for the refund". I chuckled, said "I don't think so", took my receipt and left. She seemed offended but come on, asking for that info at a grocery store for a SCOP deal is a bit much.

I'd rate them pretty good at following the policy, well except for that little thing at the end where she asked for my details.

[redgrandam]

I've read the forums for a while but figured I'd sign up to add my SCOP fun to the thread.

I was at Fresh Co today and picked up a bag of Gluten Free pretzels. Shelf price $6.99, scanned at $7.99.
I pointed it out to the cashier and she apologized and changed the price to $6.99.
Then I pointed to the sticker that was right in front of both of us and said "Do I get this item free now?"
She said "oh yeah" and removed the item but she had to call over a supervisor to authorize.
The supervisor completed the transaction and then basically threw a receipt and pen at me and said "Name, Phone number and signature"
I asked why and she replied "for the refund". I chuckled, said "I don't think so", took my receipt and left. She seemed offended but come on, asking for that info at a grocery store for a SCOP deal is a bit much.

I'd rate them pretty good at following the policy, well except for that little thing at the end where she asked for my details.

That happened to me at Superstore too (I think it was for SCOP, could have just been a cashier error, I don't remember)... but it's because they did it as a 'refund' and not how they should be doing it. Most stores have a code they use to put in that they use to deduct the same value of the item, or up to $10. But you did exactly what I would have done..

Other stores do it too, depending on the cashier, and what is going on. I refuse to give my information for a 'refund' when it's their mess up.

[bylo]

I refuse to give my information for a 'refund' when it's their mess up.
I refuse to give my personal information for a refund regardless of the circumstances.

If I originally paid in cash and they didn't "need" my info at that time then they don't "need" it to give me a cash refund.

If I originally paid by credit card and they want to give me a CC credit then they can satisfy their "need" via the CC company.

[Manda03]

I apologize if this already in this thread - I tried to search but couldn't find anything. What happens if you buy something online and receive the item with a price tag that's lower than the price you've paid online?

[EmperorOfCanada]

I apologize if this already in this thread - I tried to search but couldn't find anything. What happens if you buy something online and receive the item with a price tag that's lower than the price you've paid online?

Unfortunately not applicable to SCOP.

[jandb]

Does anyone know if you have to pay the taxes if you get your item free?

[HoleyMoley]

I've read the forums for a while but figured I'd sign up to add my SCOP fun to the thread.

I was at Fresh Co today and picked up a bag of Gluten Free pretzels. Shelf price $6.99, scanned at $7.99.
I pointed it out to the cashier and she apologized and changed the price to $6.99.
Then I pointed to the sticker that was right in front of both of us and said "Do I get this item free now?"
She said "oh yeah" and removed the item but she had to call over a supervisor to authorize.
The supervisor completed the transaction and then basically threw a receipt and pen at me and said "Name, Phone number and signature"
I asked why and she replied "for the refund". I chuckled, said "I don't think so", took my receipt and left. She seemed offended but come on, asking for that info at a grocery store for a SCOP deal is a bit much.

I'd rate them pretty good at following the policy, well except for that little thing at the end where she asked for my details.

They do this to prevent fraud by employees.
Otherwise, dishonest staff would create SCOP opportunities for their friends and families. Head Office can see the correct price on the system, but there is no way to verify what the tag on the shelf actually said, so taking down your contact information serves as a deterrent.

[bylo]

Head Office can see the correct price on the system, but there is no way to verify what the tag on the shelf actually said
Actually there is. Go to the shelf and examine all stock. If they find other mislabelled items then they've also got an opportunity to correct them. If they find the tag on the shelf is wrong then they can fix it. If they find neither, then they can ask the customer some probing questions just to gauge their reaction (even if in practice they have to accept their word, in any case.)

And if they really suspect fraud they could even go to their CCTV system to see if they've got the perp on tape changing labels.

IOW, rather than waste customers' time filling out useless forms, they could actually do their jobs. What a concept!


so taking down your contact information serves as a deterrent.
That assumes they also ask for photo ID. I've grudgingly filled out forms like that, including when returning merchandise, using fake information. I've done this on many occasions. I've never been challenged.

N.B. I do this out of concern for my privacy, not to commit fraud.

[HoleyMoley]

Actually there is. Go to the shelf and examine all stock. If they find other mislabelled items then they've also got an opportunity to correct them. If they find the tag on the shelf is wrong then they can fix it. If they find neither, then they can ask the customer some probing questions just to gauge their reaction (even if in practice they have to accept their word, in any case.)
...

The OP was asking about FreshCo.
I clearly said Head Office isn't able to verify what the tag said; it is strictly based on the employee's word when SCOPs get submitted to HO, as they show up as a loss against the store's margins.


.....
And if they really suspect fraud they could even go to their CCTV system to see if they've got the perp on tape changing labels.
.....
I am not aware of any CCTV system that takes a picture of each item and the corresponding price tag in any store.



That assumes they also ask for photo ID. I've grudgingly filled out forms like that, including when returning merchandise, using fake information. I've done this on many occasions. I've never been challenged.

N.B. I do this out of concern for my privacy, not to commit fraud.

The issue in SCOP isn't dishonest customers; it is dishonest staff. If one employee submits an unusual number of SCOPs/refunds/Optimum points credited after the actual transaction was completed, it gets flagged at HO and an investigation against the employee is opened. Each transaction under that employee is reviewed and verified.

[bylo]

I am not aware of any CCTV system that takes a picture of each item and the corresponding price tag in any store.Nor did I say, or even suggest, that such a system exists. I said they could see if their CCTV may have captured someone tampering with price labels. Agreed it's a long shot, but it's still a possibility.


The issue in SCOP isn't dishonest customers; it is dishonest staff. If one employee submits an unusual number of SCOPs/refunds/Optimum points credited after the actual transaction was completed, it gets flagged at HO and an investigation against the employee is opened. Each transaction under that employee is reviewed and verified.
By all means. But asking customers to provide names/addresses isn't going to stop that kind of abuse. If store management suspects a dishonest employee they can advise them of their evidence, ask for an explanation, etc. They can even require them to get manager approval on all SCOP requests. There's no need to inconvenience/hassle customers.

[HoleyMoley]

Nor did I say, or even suggest, that such a system exists. I said they could see if their CCTV may have captured someone tampering with price labels. Agreed it's a long shot, but it's still a possibility....

Nor did I say, or even suggest, someone tampering with price labels was the reasoning behind asking you to fill out a form with your personal information. I was perfectly clear - this is about internal fraud.


..... But asking customers to provide names/addresses isn't going to stop that kind of abuse. ....

I don't think you are qualified to evaluate a retail loss prevention program.


..... If store management suspects a dishonest employee they can advise them of their evidence,....

The evidence would be the customer SCOP form that was not completed.


..... They can even require them to get manager approval on all SCOP requests. ...

milleyt clearly stated the manager approved the SCOP in this instance. And managers are not immune to fraud against their employer.


..... There's no need to inconvenience/hassle customers.

But then what would you complain about?

[redgrandam]

Does anyone know if you have to pay the taxes if you get your item free?

No, you shouldn't. If it was over 10 dollars then some taxes would be due yes, but tax on a $0 item would be $0.

[jandb]

No, you shouldn't. If it was over 10 dollars then some taxes would be due yes, but tax on a $0 item would be $0.

Grrrr! I got duped at RCSS! I got a $3.50 item free but the cashier told me that I have to pay the taxes. So I paid 0.30. Doh. Thanks for the info. Ill know for next time.

[redgrandam]

Grrrr! I got duped at RCSS! I got a $3.50 item free but the cashier told me that I have to pay the taxes. So I paid 0.30. Doh. Thanks for the info. Ill know for next time.

Iirc when I worked there they had multiple codes to be used depending on taxes. Also, just think about it. If you had an item that sticker price was $25, scanned at $100. You should get it for 25-10=$15. Should you pay tax on the 100 or the 15? Obviously thr $15. Since its the same thing for under $10 items? Only it ends up at $0. Therefore one should pay the tax on the $0, as that is the selling price.

You could follow up with head office if you wanted. Maybe not for the money, but training is STILL lacking for this.