Another price on the shelf, another at the cash register? You have the right to buy goods at a lower price!

It happened to each of us at least once. You put a product in the basket, encouraged by the attractive price on the label, and at the box office you get a bad surprise – the scanner shows a much higher amount. Many people in this situation quit buying or, feeling the force of the queue, reluctantly pay more. This is simply a mistake. Under Polish law, in specified a situation you have the right to request the sale of goods at a price on the shelf. This is not a substance of the goodwill of the seller, but of his legal duty. In a time of rising inflation and ubiquitous promotion, awareness of their rights becomes a key tool for protecting the home budget. In this article, prepared for 2025, we will clarify step by step what rules to invoke, how to effectively enforce your rights straight in the store and what to do erstwhile the seller refuses to sale at a lower price. Knowing these rules is your real gain.

Why is the price on the shelf binding? Right on your side

A key rule that protects consumers in specified situations is the explanation of the civilian Code. According to Article 543 of the civilian Code, display of items at the place of sale at the public view with a price indication shall be considered as a sale offer. This means that the store, placing the product on a shelf with a circumstantial price, makes you a binding offer. erstwhile you take this product and go to the registry with it, you accept this offer. The transaction, i.e. the purchase-sale contract, is concluded at the minute erstwhile you express your desire to acquisition at the price of the offer – the 1 on the shelf.

The seller cannot at the last minute, at the cash register, unilaterally change the terms of this agreement. The price in the cash registry system, which is higher, is an interior problem of the store (e.g. worker error, deficiency of updates), and its consequences cannot be borne by the customer. In addition, Goods and Services Price Information Act imposes an work on sellers to supply clear, clear and correct information on prices. The discrepancy between the price on the shelf and the 1 in the registry is simply a violation of this obligation.

Step by step: What to do erstwhile the price at the registry is higher?

Theory is 1 thing, but store practice can be stressful. To effectively enforce your law, it is worth to act methodically and assertively. Here's a proven pattern:

• Stay calm and be polite: Nerves are a bad advisor. A calm but firm attitude is much more effective than aggression. Remember that the cashier is frequently the first line of contact and may not be aware of the problem.
• Pay attention to the cashier: erstwhile you announcement the difference, delight inform the service immediately. Be clear: “Sorry, but on the shelf this product has a different, lower price. I would like to buy it at this price.”
• Take a image as evidence: This is simply a key step in 2025. Before the price is fixed by the service, have proof. Take out your smartphone and take a clear image of the price description on the shelf, preferably so that you can see the product itself. That's your most crucial argument.
• Refer to your rights: If the teller says that “there is simply a different price in the strategy and there is nothing he can do”, politely, but powerfully invoke your rights. You can say, “In accordance with Article 543 of the civilian Code, the price on the shelf is simply a binding offer for you and I have the right to acquisition this product for that amount.”
• Ask for an interview with the manager: If the cashier is incapable to solve the problem, ask for a call from the change manager or store manager. Those in higher positions are usually better trained in consumer rights and entitled to a manual price adjustment.

When the store refuses. Where to find help?

Unfortunately, there are situations where even the store manager insists on his, refusing to sale at a lower price. What then? You have a fewer options. First, you can quit the purchase. Second, you can pay a higher price, necessarily keeping the receipt and the previously taken price photoand then assert your rights after the fact. It's a solution for the more determined.

If the store has violated your rights, you can study the case to the applicable institutions. Your main ally is Commercial Inspection (IH). You can file an authoritative complaint with her, including evidence. The inspection may carry out a check at the store and impose severe financial penalties on it for incorrect pricing. Legal assistance will besides be provided to Urban or Regional Consumer Ombudsman and on the consumer hotline conducted by Office for Competition and Consumer Protection (OCT).

Traps and exceptions – what to watch for in 2025?

Although the law is on your side, there are any nuances. The most crucial exception is the so-called. obvious error. If the fresh smartphone worth PLN 5000 is mistakenly marked with a price of PLN 5,00, the store has the right to trust on an mistake and refuse to sell. The court would most likely agree with the seller, considering that the client acted in bad religion in an effort to exploit an apparent error.

Watch out, too. self-service cash register. There nobody will pay attention to the mistake – you should be double alert and control each scanned position on your screen. Pay attention to complex promotions, which are frequently regulated by additional conditions (e.g. "price is valid erstwhile buying 2 pieces" or "only with a loyalty card"). Make certain you meet all the conditions before you start enforcing the promotional price.

In conclusion, as a consumer you have a powerful tool in your hands. The right to acquisition the goods at the price of the description is undeniable. The key to success is awareness, assertiveness and skillful usage of available evidence. Don't let store mistakes hit your wallet. cognition of their rights is the most effective investment in smart and economical shopping.