Did You Know? – Scanner Price Accuracy Code

Did You Know? – Scanner Price Accuracy Code

A price checker upgrade can greatly enhance the overall shopping experience for your clientele, while allowing staff to focus on more intricate needs, thus increasing customer relations and profitability.

Here are some frequently asked questions that apply to your business, so you and your staff are prepared.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Scanner Price Accuracy Code?

The Scanner Price Accuracy Code, implemented in June 2002, is a voluntary code to ensure scanner price accuracy for consumers.

This Code applies to all scanned merchandise sold in all participating stores with a Universal Product Code (UPC), barcode, and Price Look-Up (PLU). It does not include price-ticketed items or goods not easily accessible to the public. This code does not apply to retailers in Quebec because government has regulated scanner accuracy.

What rules apply to me if I run a business in Quebec?

Quebec law requires merchants to indicate the prices on all the products or product packaging. Merchants who opt out of the individual labelling rule must indicate the price of the items on the shelves and use an optical scanner.

How can a customer apply the Scanner Price Accuracy Code to incorrectly scanned items?

If they notice that an item scans incorrectly, they should notify the cashier, who will follow your store’s procedures in resolving the issue. If the item is applicable for the code, they should either be given the item for free, or $10 off the displayed price.

• If the display price is less than $10, the customer should receive the item for free. If more than one of the same items is being purchased, the customer receives the first one for free, and subsequent items with the same UPC should be priced according to the display.
• If the display price is more than $10, the customer should receive $10 off the displayed price. If more than one of the same items is being purchased, the customer receives $10 off the first item, and subsequent items with the same UPC should be priced according to the display.

Does the Scanner Price Accuracy Code apply to sale items (including clearance items)?

Yes, but only if there is just a UPC on the item. If there is a price tag on the item, it is considered a price-ticketed item and is no longer applicable to the code.

If there is a barcode and price tag on the item, is it still considered for the Scanner Price Accuracy Code?

No. If there is a price on the item, it is considered a price-ticketed item and does not apply to the code, even if the item is scanned.

Do gift cards apply to the Scanner Price Accuracy Code?

No, because the value of a gift card is directly written on the item, it is considered a price-ticketed item and will not be considered for the code.

There is an expiry date clearly written on the shelf label. If an updated price scans at the cash register instead of the expired price, is it still valid for the Scanner Price Accuracy Code?

No, because the shelf label clearly states the dates for which the price is valid.

An item was placed in the wrong shelf. Can a customer claim the Scanner Price Accuracy Code on this item?

No. To be eligible for the code, the product must match the product description on the corresponding shelf tag.

If an item does not scan at the cash register, can a customer claim the Scanner Price Accuracy Code?

No, because the item didn’t scan higher than the displayed price. In order for the code to apply, an item would have to scan at a price higher than the displayed price.

There wasn’t a displayed price for an item. Does the customer get this item for free?

No. If a price isn’t displayed for an item, a customer should ask staff for the price.

Do weighed items apply to the Scanner Price Accuracy Code?

No, only items that are scanned using a UPC are valid for the code.

If an item is priced lower in the store’s flyer or online than on the shelf, and the item scans at the shelf price, does the Scanner Price Accuracy Code apply?

If the flyer or webpage specifically says it applies to only certain locations and the location in question is not listed, the code does not apply; however, if the location is listed, it applies. If there is no mention of which stores the flyer or webpage is applicable to, it is assumed to be applicable to all stores and the code would apply.

Is it time to replace your price checker?

If it’s time to upgrade, we are now offering the new Zebra CC-series model, which comes with a graphical and customizable display. To read more on how a price checker improves the overall shopping experience, have a look at our recent article.

Please contact your account manager for more information.