Every Friday consumer reporter Lynda Steele dips into the CTV mailbag to answer viewer questions. This week, Steele on Your Side examines how wrong prices can lead to a free product and expiry dates on prepaid passes.
Wrong pricing
Trisha called in to ask if it was true that retailers are required to give you a product for free if it scans at the wrong price.
Many retailers do follow something called a Scanning Code of Practice. That means if the price on the shelf doesn't match the price at the checkout, a consumer can get the product for free, up to a maximum of ten dollars.
The code does not include prescription drugs, behind-the-counter cosmetics and individually ticketed items.
Sometimes cashiers aren't even aware their company takes part in this policy, so make sure you mention it if there's a pricing error.
If you want to see what companies participate in the code click here.
Expiry dates on prepaid passes
Barb wrote us to ask about the rules around prepaid passes, like a swim pass or passes to a movie. She says she recently paid for a prepaid swim pass, but was told it was only good for a year.
Both movie and swim passes are included under B.C’s gift card laws and in this case, both would be allowed to expire as they are for a specific good or service.
If Barb had bought a "general" gift card to a recreation centre or theatre and it didn't specify the good or service then that card could not expire.
