The price at the checkout was higher than the price on the label? Don’t be fooled and know your rights

It often happens that consumers do not know their rights in full, which is why they often agree to less favorable purchase conditions. This also applies to small items, such as food products or clothing. Meanwhile, the regulations are often on their side. What about the price difference between the price tag and the cash register?

The price at the checkout was higher than the price on the tag? What then?

When making , we often choose products that are not only necessary for us, or that caught our eye because of their nice appearance, but are also affordable. It is no wonder that we are often guided by the amount on the tag or label. Meanwhile, at the checkout, an unpleasant surprise can still await us. I guess each of us knows this situation when after filling the goods, our eyes see a much higher price. In such a case, do we have no choice but to cancel the purchase or remain silent on the issue and pay more? Well, no.

Does the product have to have a price? Are there specific guidelines?

The seller’s duties include, among other things, correctly marking the prices of the products they offer. They should ensure that they correspond to the practical state, so that the consumer is certain how much they will pay for a given product. According to the law, the price should be visible in the following way:

• unequivocal,
• beyond doubt,
• enabling comparisons with others.

It is also worth mentioning that in the case of a discount, the seller should also display information about the lowest price for a given product in the last 30 days preceding the introduction of the promotion.

Is the price on the label valid? Is the price on the tag binding? Photo: pexels.com / Kampus

Is the price on the label binding? The law is clear

According to the Civil Code, and more precisely Article 543, products put up for sale with a price assigned to them are nothing more than a sales offer. By putting them in the basket and going to the checkout, we agree to the terms, including the amount to be paid, proposed by the store. We therefore have the right to demand that it cost as much as the tag, plate, promotional poster or label affixed to it says. This issue is regulated by Article 5 of the Act on Information on Prices of Goods and Services. As we can read there, in the event of discrepancies or doubts regarding the price of goods or services, the consumer may require its sale at a price that will be more favorable. This means that if:

• the store did not change its prices after the promotion and you were tempted by a given product, according to the law you should buy it at a lower price,
• If you paid more, the store will be obliged to return the difference. In case of refusal, you have the right to withdraw from the sales contract and demand a full refund. If you’d like, please vote in our poll below.

ADVICE! If despite this you are unable to reach an agreement with the store, you can take the matter to a civil court or contact the consumer rights ombudsman.