Without any exaggeration at all – EVERY time I go to Walmart, Loblaws or No Frills, at least one item will scan in at the wrong price. And guess what? If it’s under $10, I don’t just pay the correct price…. I pay $0.

If you’re not familiar with the Scanning Code of Practice, please read the very useful (and valuable!) information below. Knowing what items cost before they scan in can save you hundreds annually. My SCOP savings for 2009? $76.88.

What is the Scanning Code of Practice?

The Scanning Code of Practice is a voluntary code that nearly every major retailer in Canada adheres to. It promises the customer accurate price scanning at the register on all UPC scanned or Price Look Up (PLU) merchandise. If an item scans in at a price higher than the shelf price the customer gets it for free (or $10 off if the item is more than $10).

The scanning code is endorsed by The Competition Bureau of Canada was created from the collaborative efforts of the Retail Council of Canada, the Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores, the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers and the Canadian Council of Grocery Distributors.

FAQ’s ABOUT SCOP

Who participates in the SCOP?

Nearly every major retailer in Canada participates in voluntary Scanning Code. For a list of all participating retailers click here.

If the store does not have the sign do they participate in the SCOP?

Although all participating retailers are suppose to display the Scanning Code of Practice sign, not all do. See the link above for a full list of participating stores and chains.

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. If the store will not apply the code, call 1-866-499-4599 and register a complaint.

How about if I more than one of an item that scans in wrong?

If you buy three identical items you are entitled to the first item free, the following items will be adjusted to the lower price.

How about if I buy many different items that scan in wrong?

You are entitled to the first item free per unique UPC, so if each item has a different UPC each item is free. You are entitled to one item free per unique UPC code.

The product had a price tag on it does the SCOP apply?

No, the Scanning Code only applies to non-price ticketed items.

The displayed price was expired, does the SCOP apply?

Yes, if any displayed price for that item is lower than the price the item scans for Scanning Code applies.

The item was on clearance, does the SCOP apply?

If the item is not ticketed with a price and the mark down was only by a sign or display than yes, the scanning code applies.

My item was more than $10 – do I get it free?

No, if your item is more than $10 you will get $10 off the price of your item.

Here’s a great little segment on SCOP from CBC’s Marketplace.