You spot a sale sticker on the shelf, grab the item, but then at checkout it rings up at full price (surprise!).<\/p>\n
That kind of mismatch is exactly what local inspectors are working to catch.<\/p>\n
CBS News Philadelphia tagged along with Bucks County Weights & Measures inspectors as they checked prices and scales at a ShopRite in Warminster, part of a routine effort to make sure shoppers are charged what they see.<\/p>\n
Using a handheld scanner, inspector John Devito selects items throughout the store and compares the shelf price to what comes up at the register.<\/p>\n
“We try to do this as random as possible,” Devito said.<\/p>\n
Bucks County inspects hundreds of retailers every year, according to Michael Bannon, the county’s consumer protection director. On a pricing inspection, he said inspectors typically check 50 items chosen at random. To pass, a store must be at least 98% accurate.<\/p>\n
During this visit, inspectors didn’t find a single pricing error.<\/p>\n
Bannon said the work is especially important as food prices remain high.<\/p>\n
“When prices go up like they are now, people really pay attention to what they spend on food,” Bannon said. “If you don’t inspect on a regular basis, businesses can get sloppy over time.”<\/p>\n
If a store repeatedly fails inspections or doesn’t correct problems, the county can impose fines.<\/p>\n
Inspectors also test the accuracy of store scales, from the produce department to self\u2011checkout stations.<\/p>\n
“If you buy two pounds of apples, you want to make sure you’re getting two pounds,” inspector Jason Garriston said.<\/p>\n
Scales that pass inspection receive a sticker showing they’ve been checked and approved for the year.<\/p>\n
“When customers see that seal, they know the scale is good,” Garriston said.<\/p>\n
Bannon said shoppers should feel confident inspections are happening.<\/p>\n
“Rest assured in Bucks County, we’re out there checking on a regular basis,” he said.<\/p>\n
There are some limits. Inspectors can only check prices at stores that post prices on shelves. In Pennsylvania, shelf pricing is not required by law, unlike in New Jersey.<\/p>\n
If you do notice a price error, always head to customer service. By law, you’re entitled to pay the lower advertised price, according to Mary Bach, a consumer advocate with AARP Pennsylvania. Some stores may even give the item to you for free.<\/p>\n
Bach said that’s why it’s always a good idea to double\u2011check your receipt before you leave the store.<\/p>\n
If you’re unable to get an issue resolved, you can file complaints with your local county or state consumer protection division.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Here’s where you can contact those offices:<\/p>\n
You can use the CBS News price tracker to see how much food and other costs are rising<\/a>.<\/p>\n Looking for help with a consumer issue?\u00a0Click here<\/a> to submit your complaint to In Your Corner.<\/p>\n