At the grocery store, you choose products at a reduced price. But when it’s time to pay, the trader asks you for more, justifying it with inflation and labor shortages. Before you pay, here’s what you need to know.
Visible prices
Merchants must display the selling price of their products. They have the choice between displaying the prices individually on each of the products or using optical readers and barcodes.
They must also respect the rule of price accuracy: that is to say, they cannot sell their products for more than the price displayed.
Pricing error?
When prices are displayed individually on each product, the lowest price rule applies.
If there is a difference between the amount indicated on the product and that advertised in a circular or on a poster, the merchant must sell it at the lower price. You are not entitled to an additional discount.
When prices are displayed using scanners and barcodes, the Price Accuracy Policy applies:
- If the error concerns a product of $10 or less, it is returned to you free of charge.
- If the error is for a product over $10, the merchant corrects the price and adds a $10 discount.
Some exceptions
This price accuracy policy does not apply to certain products such as those without barcodes, clothing, tobacco and certain drugs. In addition, milk, beer and wine have minimum prices set by law. The application of the policy cannot cause the price of these goods to fall below these minimums. Finally, if there is a price error on identical products for the same transaction, only the first product benefits from the $10 discount.
Informative text – This text does not constitute legal advice; it is recommended that you consult a lawyer or notary for such advice. Éducaloi is a non-profit organization whose mission is to inform Quebecers of their rights and obligations in clear language.
