Shoppers in Michigan have strong protection against being charged more than the price shown on store shelves. If a retailer like Kroger charges too much, customers can get a refund and even a bonus payment. This rule is part of Michigan’s “Pricing and Advertising of Consumer Items Act,” designed to stop stores from overcharging.
How the Law Works
This law, often called the “item pricing act,” was first made in 1976 to protect buyers from paying more than advertised. Since 2011, stores no longer have to put price tags on every item, but they must clearly show prices nearby using signs or electronic labels.
If a customer notices they paid more than the price shown, they should keep their receipt and tell the store within 30 days. The store then has two days to refund the extra money paid.
Besides the refund, the store can pay the customer a “bounty” — a bonus between $1 and $5, which is ten times the overcharge difference. If the store refuses, the customer can take legal action to get their money back plus extra damages and attorney fees.
Kroger’s Pricing Issues
Kroger has faced many complaints from customers who say they were charged regular prices even when items were marked as on sale. Some shoppers noticed expired sale tags with old prices but were charged the higher current prices at checkout.
A Consumer Reports study found expired sale tags in 14 Kroger stores across 14 states and Washington DC. Customers were charged about $1.70 more per item on average than the sale price displayed. Products ranged from Cheerios to instant coffee.
Kroger responded by saying the study exaggerated the problem. They said pricing errors are rare given the billions of transactions they handle each year, and they work hard to keep prices accurate.
Other Customer Complaints
Besides pricing, Kroger has also been criticized for cutting some services and changing store policies, which some customers say hurt their shopping experience. One shopper reported missing out on $212 worth of essentials due to problems with Kroger’s service.
Michigan’s pricing law gives shoppers a way to protect themselves from paying too much, including getting refunds and bonuses if stores like Kroger overcharge. While Kroger says it tries to keep prices fair, customers should check prices carefully and speak up if they notice problems. Knowing your rights can help you avoid paying more than you should.