Note: It is a good idea to bookmark this article, just in case next time you’re standing at the checkout line with a manager over a pricing error. You can also access this page by memorizing and typing this in a web browser: “TinaLikes.com/error“
Glitches and pricing errors can be fantastic little “surprise deals” when you’re able to get them from your stores. However, the “when you’re able to get them” is the biggest hurdle to overcome. Luckily, if you live in California (or one of several other states), you have the law on your side!
In this article, I’m going to talk about how pricing error laws work to the benefit of the consumer, and how to use them. I’m going to focus specifically on how this law works in California, but you can check the full list of states to see if yours participates.
When this happens (weather it’s a display price tag or ringing up at the price scanner), what I do is take a picture of the signage and show it to cashier at checkout. They will usually bring a manager over to resolve the issue. When they don’t, that’s when I will recite the CA Pricing Error Law below.
When you see Free Stuff Finder posting deals on pricing errors (such as this KitchenAid deal at Target) we always mention false advertising laws. This is because many states have specific laws that protects consumers from paying a higher price than from what is advertised on the shelf. So, if you see a price tag on the shelf that seems way lower than what it should be, keep in mind that your store may have to honor it or face fines and penalties!
I’ve never had a store not honor display price errors. One time (Star Wars Dolls ringing up for $0.99 in January 2016) the manager tried to refuse, I simply pulled out the following law and read it to her. She stepped away and allowed me to buy several of the toy. Hope this comes in handy for you. Let me know in the comments below if you know of such a law in other states.
Specifically, California’s Business and Professional Code states this (Also see this code here and additional discussion here):
California B&P Code #12024.2.
(a) It is unlawful for any person, at the time of sale of
a commodity, to do any of the following:
- (1) Charge an amount greater than the price, or to compute an
amount greater than a true extension of a price per unit, that is
then advertised, posted, marked, displayed, or quoted for that
commodity.- (2) Charge an amount greater than the lowest price posted on the
commodity itself or on a shelf tag that corresponds to the commodity,
notwithstanding any limitation of the time period for which the
posted price is in effect.
(b) A violation of this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a
fine of not less than twenty-five dollars ($25) nor more than one
thousand dollars ($1,000), by imprisonment in the county jail for a
period not exceeding one year, or by both, if the violation is
willful or grossly negligent, or when the overcharge is more than one
dollar ($1).(c) A violation of this section is an infraction punishable by a
fine of not more than one hundred dollars ($100) when the overcharge
is one dollar ($1) or less.(d) As used in subdivisions (b) and (c), “overcharge” means the
amount by which the charge for a commodity exceeds a price that is
advertised, posted, marked, displayed, or quoted to that consumer for
that commodity at the time of sale.(e) Except as provided in subdivision (f), for purposes of this
section, when more than one price for the same commodity is
advertised, posted, marked, displayed, or quoted, the person offering
the commodity for sale shall charge the lowest of those prices.(f) Pricing may be subject to a condition of sale, such as
membership in a retailer-sponsored club, the purchase of a minimum
quantity, or the purchase of multiples of the same item, provided
that the condition is conspicuously posted in the same location as
the price.
This means that if you find a pricing error at your local store in California, they have to give it to you. If they don’t, they’re breaking the law. Additionally, there are other participating states where you have a good chance of being able to get it at that price, as well. Make sure you check the list of participating states to see if you one of the lucky states included in this!
The store I go to puts a sale sign over the stuff that is not on sale. Like homemade cookies on sale. They put the sign above the 12 pack of cookies but the sale is on the thirty pack of cookies. Can’t stand it
Oh no, that doesn’t sound good. Wish they wouldn’t do that. 🙁
Curious, let’s say a store in California has a vacuum for sale of $89.99 and it’s says it’s for such and such vacuum but the item pictured is not that vacuum, the pictured item is a different vacuum of $249.99. Then what, do you ask for the vacuum pictured ($249.99) at $89.99?
Hey Jennifer. I’m not quite sure what would happen in that case. The description on the tag has to match the item from what I understand. I’m not sure if they would honor that or not.
Thank you
Today I was at a Target store and they had a product without a price tag, but on the shelf they had a price tag for another product that curiously had the same “generic name” name, like “in ear headphone”. They refused to sell me the non priced product at the tag price saying that the price bad code corresponded to other product. Any idea on what to do in those cases?
Hey. In this case it would be really tricky to get them at that price. The tag needs to match the exact description of the product. So sorry that they wouldn’t give them to you. 🙁
What if there are no price tag, but when you price check the items, its a different price? Do they have to honor it?
Hey. They should honor the price that it rings up as, but sometimes they try and argue with you. 🙂
What if they refuse to sell
Hi Ana. If they refuse then you can show them the law and even get law enforcement involved. 🙂 Hopefully it won’t go that far though.
Texas was on the list but had N/A on it……not like Texas for that.
Hi Christina. The laws do vary by state. Thanks for the heads up though. 🙂
Your very welcome
How do you enforce it. I have places that might at me and st ill refuse. I am in CA
Hi Sara. I guess you could get law enforcement involved if you wanted to really push it. The stores should honor it and be required to follow the laws. 🙂
I was buying a small toy from toys r us in
California a few years ago. The sticker
Said it was like $2.50 but found out at regi
It was wrong. I requested a manager and
Everyone refused to let me have the sticker
Price
What about when it’s purchased online? “Glitches” what are the laws for them? Do stores have to honour them or can they just refund your money.
Hi Sammi. These pricing errors don’t really apply to online errors or glitches. Some stores honor them, while others do not. Hope that answers your question. 🙂
I’m not seeing anything on PA list it only list things about certification and inspection does this mean my state doesn’t have the law for pricing errors or is the link wrong???
Hi Melissa. Some states don’t have really specific laws on these issues. Did you try googling to see if you could find anything for your state?