Be A Smart Shopper: Make Sure You Pay the Right Price

What Is the Competition Bureau?

The Competition Bureau is an independent law enforcement agency responsible for the administration and enforcement of the Competition Act, the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act, the Textile Labelling Act and the Precious Metals Marking Act. Its role is to promote and maintain fair competition so that Canadians can benefit from competitive prices, product choice and quality services. Headed by the Commissioner of Competition, the organization investigates anti-competitive practices and promotes compliance with the laws under its jurisdiction.

What Is the Competition Act?

The Competition Act is a federal law governing most business conduct in Canada. It contains both criminal and civil provisions aimed at preventing anti-competitive practices in the marketplace.

What Is a Universal Product Code?

From lollipops to laundry detergent, most everyday items bear a unique Universal Product Code (UPC). It looks like this:

Many stores in Canada make use of these codes to record sales. Each cash register is connected with the store's computer, which holds the price and other product information linked to each code.

When a cashier passes the UPC symbol on a package over an electronic scanner, a beam of light reads the symbol. The computer decodes the symbol and sends the price to the cash register. The cash register then prints the price on a receipt for the consumer and also shows it on the cash register display screen.

Is the Scanned Price Always Right?

Mistakes sometimes happen. If not detected, you could be paying more than you should.

The store may have recently adjusted its prices in its computer but failed or lacked time to post the new prices on the shelves. You should pay the lower price. Ask the cashier or manager to make an adjustment.

You can be on your guard by checking that the price shown on the display screen is the price you expect you should be paying.

What Measures Can I Take?

Although the electronic scanner rings up your purchases very quickly, it is still possible for you to spot pricing errors at the register. Here's how:

• Watch the display screen for prices. If you think you are being overcharged for a product, speak up right away. Check the store's policy on pricing errors. When you spot an error, ask the cashier to correct it before you pay.
• Bring a copy of the store's flyer or newspaper ad to the checkout counter. Some advertised discounts may not be recorded in the computer. The special price may have to be entered manually by the cashier. You can help the cashier by drawing attention to these specially priced items.
• Note prices or special discounts as you walk through the store. You may want to jot down the posted prices on packages or on a separate piece of paper to compare with the register display. If the store adds a sticker offering a special discount, make sure it is facing up when you pass the item to the cashier.
• Read your receipt before you walk away. If you notice an error, ask the cashier to adjust the total. If you have already left the cashier's lane, see the store or department manager or the customer service department to correct any mistakes.

What Else Can I Do?

If you notice a pattern of electronic scanning errors in a particular store, talk to the customer service department or the store manager. You may also want to write a letter to the store's head office. The retailer may not realize a problem exists until it is pointed out.

How Do I File a Complaint?

If you believe that someone has in some way contravened any of the legislation enforced and administered by the Bureau and you want to complain, you can telephone, fax, e-mail or write the Bureau at the numbers listed at the end of this publication.

The Bureau conducts its investigations in private and keeps confidential the identity of the source and the information provided. However, if someone has important evidence about a contravention of any of the acts the Bureau administers, that person may be asked to testify in court.

The Bureau produces CD-ROMS and publications on various aspects of the Competition Act, the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act, the Textile Labelling Act and the Precious Metals Marking Act. To find out more about our CD-ROMs and publications, contact the Information Centre: Information Centre Competition Bureau 50 Victoria Street Gatineau QC K1A 0C9
Toll-free: National Capital Region: TDD (for hearing impaired): Fax: E-mail: Web site:	1 800 348-5358 (819) 997-4282 1 800 642-3844 (819) 997-0324 compbureau@cb-bc.gc.ca www.cb-bc.gc.ca
This publication is only a guide. It provides basic information about the Competition Bureau and the acts it administers. For further information, you should refer to the full text of the acts or contact the Competition Bureau at one of the numbers listed above. This publication has been prepared by the Competition Bureau with the assistance of the Consumers' Association of Canada. It is modelled on the bulletin "Attention All Shoppers: Make Sure the Scanned Price is Right," with the cooperation of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

Cat. No. RG52-29/12-2003
ISBN 0-662-67741-2