Item price and scanning accuracy rate problems as perceived by consumers in Sterling Heights, Michigan

This inductive and empirical exploratory study examined how Michigan consumers perceive item-price-scanning overcharges. Michigan's Item Pricing Law (1976) is one of the strongest consumer protection bills in the United States. The law provides consumers with a way to be indemnified for scanning overcharges and encourages retailers to accurately item-price products. Although two retail chains recently scored 100% accuracy rates across the state, a first in Michigan, studies estimate consumers are overcharged more than a ;A sample of Michigan registered voters (N = 188) was sent mail questionnaires. Ten respondents participated in follow-up telephone interviews. Ninety-nine percent of respondents reported that an electronic scanner at the checkout counter had overcharged them on one or more occasions. While 90% of participants responded that the scanning accuracy rate should be 100%, 51% of respondents would not reject a shelf pricing system, and 99% reported that they have a right to shop in retail stores without being overcharged at the checkout counter.;Give the high incidence of reported overcharges, the results may interest consumers, retail executives, and others who purchase goods in Michigan. Further, Michigan lawmakers who have proposed to change the law have expressed a desire to receive a copy of this study's findings, as has the MRA.