Michigan Price Scanner Bill of Rights

The Michigan Price Scanner Bill of Rights, formally known as the Shopping Reform and Modernization Act (SRMA) or Scanner Law, is designed to protect consumers from being overcharged at the point of sale. This law requires that most retail items in Michigan display a clear and accurate price at the point of sale, whether through price stickers, signage, electronic readers, or any other method that clearly conveys the cost to the customer.

Key Provisions of the Michigan Price Scanner Law

• Price Display Requirement: Retailers must display prices on most items through tags, signs, or electronic systems that clearly communicate the price to consumers.
• Overcharge Refund Policy: If a customer is charged more than the displayed price at checkout, the customer may be entitled to a refund and a bonus.
• Exceptions to Price Display Requirements: Certain items, including live plants, unpackaged food, and motor vehicles, are exempt from individual price display requirements.

What to Do If You Are Overcharged in Michigan

If you discover that you were charged more than the advertised price for an item, you have the right to a refund and a potential bonus. Here’s how the process works:

• Notify the Retailer: You must notify the retailer of the overcharge within 30 days of the transaction, either in person or in writing. Make sure to keep your receipt as proof of purchase.
• Refund and Bonus Eligibility: If the retailer acknowledges the error within two days of your notice, they may refund you the difference plus a bonus amount, which is ten times the difference, with a minimum of $1.00 and a maximum of $5.00.
• If the Retailer Refuses: If the retailer refuses to provide the refund and bonus, you have the right to file a lawsuit to recover either your actual damages or $250.00, whichever is greater, along with reasonable attorney fees up to $300.00.

Items Exempt from Price Display

• Items sold by weight or volume without a package (e.g., bulk produce)
• Items in coin-operated vending machines
• Prepared food intended for immediate consumption
• Items purchased through mail or catalog orders
• Unpackaged food items
• Items weighing less than 3 ounces and costing less than 30 cents
• Live plants and animals
• Motor vehicles and their parts
• Packs of 20 or fewer cigarettes
• Greeting cards with coded prices
• Gift items shipped directly to the recipient

How to File a Complaint About a Price Scanner Error

For more information on consumer rights and protecting yourself from overcharges, visit the Michigan Insurance Fraud Authority for additional resources.