You finish your grocery shopping, use your coupons, check out, load your reusable bags and you’re ready to head home.
But, WAIT! Did you double check your receipt?!?
Nearly half the time I grocery shop I find errors on my receipt! Sometimes I admit it’s my error — perhaps I picked up the wrong size item. Sometimes it’s a clerk error such as ringing too many items or the wrong PLU (price look up) on produce. I’ve even been overcharged because too few items were scanned, so I didn’t qualify for a special discount.
But most of the time it’s a computer error. Stores need to input thousands of individual prices into their system every week. It’s no surprise there are occasional mistakes.
How to Review Your Receipt
So every time I finish shopping, I pull my cart out of the way and review my receipt.
- Does it include the right number of items total or per type?
- Are all volume discounts applied?
- Print and digital coupons applied?
- Correct price for all items?
If not, I head to the customer service desk and politely point out the errors. The customer service person may need to check the flyer or the shelf tag. They may need you to pull the item out of your bag. Is this a bit of a hassle? Sure. But I believe the pay off makes it worth the hassle.
“I see why you’re so scrupulous about checking your grocery receipts.”
Compliment from my D.H.
When an item rings up incorrectly due to a computer error, store policy generally dictates that you will receive one of that item for FREE. This may apply only to items in the flyer or include items that ring up higher than their shelf tag price.
Check your store’s policy to be sure. It should be visibly posted at the service desk and posted online. You may have to ASK for the free item. My local store no longer offers it unless you speak up!! Any additional items from a multiple purchase will be priced correctly and you will get a refund of the difference.
On average, I find mistakes that mean cash back for me on about 25% of my shopping trips. If I recoup even $2 for 5 minutes hassle, that’s equivalent to earning $24 an hour. I think that’s well worth my time. Don’t you?
Please subscribe to my newsletter and feel free to comment below and share your experiences.
Read more money saving posts! Earth Day Tips that will Save You Money, Save money on Utilities, and How to Survive a Financial Crisis.