(also known as The 2011 Shopping Reform and Modernization Act)
The scanner law is often discussed when shoppers are overcharged for any reason. The terms of the law, however, are not quite that simple. As a Michigan shopper, it can make a difference to be educated in what this law means for you – and the bonus it can bring you for your trouble.
If you were familiar with the Michigan Scanner Law in the past, the terms were updated in 2011. The most notable change is that stores are required to display the price of items offered for sale in the store at the place where the item is located, but are no longer required to individually mark the price on the item itself (no price tags).
TIP: Print a Scanner Error Bill of Rights card to keep in your wallet or coupon organizer for reference. It’s also available in large print.
In Michigan, most items on store shelves must be clearly displayed with a price (by signage, electronic reader, price sticker, etc.). Another method of price display can be used, as long as it “clearly and reasonably” shows the price of the item and it’s at the place where the item is located.
MICHIGAN SCANNER LAW
IF an automatic checkout system (scanner) charges you more than the displayed price of an item, AND:
- The transaction has been completed AND
- You have a receipt clearly showing the item purchased and the price charged for it.
THEN, you have 30 days to contact the store (either in person or in writing). If you have found an error and have your receipt, the store may refund you the difference in pricing plus a “bonus” of ten times the difference. The bonus must be at least $1.00, but may not be more than $5.00.
- If you purchase several identical items at once and were overcharged on each, you may collect the bonus only once, but you are entitled to the refund of the difference for each identical item.
- If the seller does not pay you both the refund and the bonus, you may bring a lawsuit to recover your actual damages or $250.00, whichever is greater, plus reasonable attorney fees up to $300.00.