Reminder: Pay Attention to Scanners

Here's a reminder from Consumer Reports to pay attention to check-out scanners when shopping. Why? Because the price that rings up is often different (and most likely higher -- what a shocker, I know) than what is on the shelf.

This is exactly what I said a couple of years ago, but it never hurts to bring it up from time to time as a reminder. It's one of those things that many people simply take for granted -- that the scanners are always right -- but that smart shoppers know the truth about (there are far more mistakes than most people imagine.)

Just think about the likelihood of problems in your average Walmart, Target, or local grocery store. These places have tens of thousands of items, many going on and off various sales/promotions every week. The store needs to change these out quickly and accurately with ever-lower levels of staff that are often poorly trained, many times under-qualified, and sometimes lacking the motivation to do an excellent job. When you think about these facts -- it's amazing that stores get as much right as they do!

My wife is an expert at this -- especially at the grocery store. As the clerk scans the item, my wife is looking at the scanner readout. If something is different than what she thinks it should be, she'll ask the clerk about it. The course from there can go many different directions (the clerk looks at the ad, my wife is informed she took the wrong item -- one similar to but not exactly the one on sale, the clerk gives her the discount on the spot, the clerk has to call someone for verification, etc.) But in the end, the issue is usually resolved in my wife's favor, saving us a decent amount of money for simply paying attention.

Comments

[Nicki at Domestic Cents]

I think this is a great reminder. The real deterrent here for me is the clerk. The grocery store I use is staffed mainly by a crowd aged 16-20 and they don't care even a little if your item rang up wrong. When confronted with a possible price mistake you're met with a heavy sigh and an annoyed teenager goes to check on the item. It's too bad it has to be this way, but it's still worth paying attention to!

[Angie]

To be considerate I would look at the busyness of the store to determine whether to bring it up while they are checking me out or go to the service desk once they are finished. It is often easier to scan through the receipt afterwards and bring it up to the desk. Plus you won't be holding up an entire line of any walmart type shoppers. The truth of it is if the store is busy cashiers may not have anyone to check the item and have to go themselves.

Waiting may actually come to your advantage because at the service desk you will be able to get the item for free or certain amount off if the store has a policy and you specifically mention it. Example: Walmart if it scans wrong you get $3 off or the item for free. (Remember you need to specifically ask for the policy they will not automatically apply it.)

[Paula]

As I am shopping, I mentally add the costs in my head. To make it easier and deal with taxes, I round to the nearest five, so $2.12 would be come 2.10 but $2.13 is 2.15. I learned this when I was a single mom and on a very tight budget. This usually comes very close to the total. If it is way off, I know there has been a mistake and I go over my receipt after I get out of line.

[MasterPo]

You're right. And they purposely I think try to make it hard to watch the scanner as you check out!

[Andy]

I think it's more reliable to go to the self service scanners. Things still might ring up wrong, but you're more likely to be paying attention and it's hard to make certain mistakes like double scanning things since the weight has to match up. Plus, I feel like I will do a better job than the clerk at bagging things.

[Mark Framness]

MasterPo,

I have to disagree with you. Many of the stores have a scanner right in front of you giving a list of the last ten items (or so) scanned. If you one is paying attention then one should catch errors.

Paula, if I am doing as you do I usually round to the nearest quarter oft times I am within a dime of the total.

It is probably a good idea to check the tape after you are done.

Also, don't be quick to blame such mistakes on malign motives on the part of the retailer. I have worked in the IT dept of a major retailer and we do make mistakes, we all strive to do a perfect job in creating the feeds for the registers but we are only human.