Scanning Code of Practice (SCOP)
What is the Scanning Code of Practice (SCOP)?
If the scanned price of a non-price ticketed item is higher than the shelf price or any other displayed price, the customer is entitled to receive the item free, up to a $10 maximum. When the item has a price tagged, the lowest price applies. When identical items are incorrectly priced, the second one will be sold at the correct price.
What happens if two or more identical non-price ticketed items are incorrectly scanned?
• Customers are entitled to the first item free (up to a maximum of $10) and the subsequent item(s) at the correct price.
Will the cashier give me the product free without mentioning the SCOP?
• It is likely that you will have to ask the cashier to apply the Scanning Code of Practice. If the store is a participant they must give it to you for free or $10 off if the priced scanned is higher than the shelf or other displayed price.
Stores that accept SCOP:
Atlantic Superstore, Costco, No Frills, Independent, Zehrs, Fortinos, Real Canadian Superstore, Metro (Quebec & Ont), Loblaws, Valu-mart, Maxi, Maxi & Cie, Dominion, Walmart, Giant Tiger, Toy R US, FreshCo, Foodland, and others.
It is important that you pay attention to the prices of the items you’re purchasing and what they scan for when you’re checking out. A discrepancy in the price at checkout will always be to your benefit, even if it rings in at under the advertised price. That wouldn’t qualify for SCOP, but you’re still getting an item for less than you expected. When it rings through at higher, and the cashier doesn’t say anything, ask her to stop putting your items through and check the price of the item that went through incorrectly (at a higher price), as that item might qualify for SCOP.
In the FAQ on the Retail Council Website you will find answers to many of your questions with respect to how SCOP is handled in stores and what qualifies.
To read more about it CLICK THIS LINK HERE
Some important details in the FAQ:
What is the Scanner Price Accuracy Code?
The Scanner Price Accuracy Code, implemented in June 2002, is a voluntary code to ensure scanner price accuracy for consumers.
This Code applies to all scanned merchandise sold in all participating stores with a Universal Product Code (UPC), bar code, and Price Look-Up (PLU). It does not include price-ticketed items or goods not easily accessible to the public. This code does not apply to retailers in Québec because government has regulated scanner accuracy.
Since its creation, over 7,000 stores across Canada have joined the Scanner Price Accuracy Code.
How do I tell whether a store is a part of the Scanner Price Accuracy Code?
Click here to see a list of stores that are a part of the Scanner Price Accuracy Code.
If you are unsure about a store, look for a poster/sticker at the door or stickers beside the cash register. Participating stores will have a sticker with information about the code at each cash register.
How do I apply the Scanner Price Accuracy Code to incorrectly scanned items?
If you notice that an item scans incorrectly, you should notify the cashier. Once the cashier is notified, the cashier should follow the store’s procedures in resolving the issue. If the item is applicable for the code, you should either be given the item for free, or $10 off the displayed price.
If the display price is less than $10, the customer should receive the item for free. If more than one of the same item is being purchased, the customer receives the first one for free, and subsequent items with the same UPC should be priced according to the display price. If the display price is more than $10, the customer should receive $10 off the displayed price. If more than one of the same item is being purchased, the customer receives $10 off the first item, and subsequent items with the same UPC should be priced according to the display price.
You can also contact the store or their customer service department after a purchase has been made. A receipt will be required if you are claiming the Scanner Price Accuracy Code after a completed purchase.