Massachusetts overcharge rights
In Massachusetts, an overcharge can pay you back more.
You pay the lowest price shown on the shelf, sticker, or sign. If that price is $10 or less, the first item is free. If it's more than $10, you get $10 off the first item.
Check my receipt →Example in Massachusetts
Shelf $3.48 → charged $3.98
The first item free: $3.98 back.
Massachusetts item pricing rules (202 CMR 7.07)
- Covers food and grocery-type goods: pet supplies, paper goods, soap, cleaners, laundry products, light bulbs.
- Tell the store at the register or customer service. It fills out a price accuracy report.
Who checks price accuracy in Massachusetts
Massachusetts Division of Standards
1000 Washington Street, Suite 510, Boston, MA 02118
(617) 727-3480
Agency website →How to get it back
- 1. Snap the shelf tag before checkout. Digital tags can change later.
- 2. Snap the whole receipt before you leave, or screenshot the digital one.
- 3. Go to customer service with the words Checkout Cop gives you.
What does a store in Massachusetts owe me if I'm overcharged at the register?+
You pay the lowest price shown on the shelf, sticker, or sign. If that price is $10 or less, the first item is free. If it's more than $10, you get $10 off the first item. Covers food and grocery-type goods: pet supplies, paper goods, soap, cleaners, laundry products, light bulbs. Tell the store at the register or customer service. It fills out a price accuracy report.
Who checks price accuracy in Massachusetts?+
Massachusetts Division of Standards, (617) 727-3480. Weights and measures offices inspect scanners and shelf prices.
Do I need to talk to a manager?+
Usually not. Customer service or the self-checkout attendant fixes price errors. Ask for a manager only if they say no.
General information, not legal advice. Laws change; check the official source.