Published Wednesday, 16 January, 2008 at 08:00 AM
Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
Accuracy of sale scanners improving: fair trading survey
A survey of Queensland retail scanners during the busy January sales period has found improved accuracy of computer pricing systems, Acting Minister for Justice and Attorney-General, John Mickel, said today.
“I asked the Office of Fair Trading to check the accuracy of scanners in Queensland retail chains after recent national media coverage suggested consumers may not be getting the discounts they bargained for.
“Fair trading inspectors have checked the accuracy of computerised pricing systems of 16 stores across the state so far this month.
“They compared the scanner price with the shelf price of more than 450 individual items, and found that more than 98 per cent of the items checked in Queensland mainstream department stores scanned accurately.
“While some inaccuracies left customers worse off, others were actually in the buyer's favour."
Mr Mickel said while the overall results were positive he was concerned by the number of stores returning at least one inaccurate price during the survey.
“Of the stores audited this month, 46 per cent had at least one inaccurate item. This is an improvement on 2007, when 56 per cent of stores checked throughout the year had at least one inaccurate item," he said.
“These stores clearly have more work to do in managing their electronic scanning processes.
“Most retailers use computerised scanners at the checkouts, and customers depend on the accuracy of scanners to charge them the correct price for each item.
“Queensland’s trade measurement inspectors conduct regular random audits throughout the year to monitor computerised pricing systems and ensure retailers are complying with the Fair Trading Act 1989.
“In 2006-07, 512 stores were inspected and almost 20,000 items were scanned and checked against their price. Four per cent of these items scanned incorrectly.
“If stores fail to sort their systems out after an initial inspection, they will be prosecuted. In 2007, stores were prosecuted and fined between $3000 and $3500.”
Mr Mickel warned customers to watch carefully when their items were scanned at the checkout, and question any prices that appeared to be incorrect.
“Keep your eyes on the scanner, check your dockets while you are still in the store, and if you find a problem, talk to the salesperson,” he said.
“If you can't resolve the problem with the store, contact the Office of Fair Trading at www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au or call 13 13 04."
Media contact: Chris Brown 3237 1944
January 16, 2008
“I asked the Office of Fair Trading to check the accuracy of scanners in Queensland retail chains after recent national media coverage suggested consumers may not be getting the discounts they bargained for.
“Fair trading inspectors have checked the accuracy of computerised pricing systems of 16 stores across the state so far this month.
“They compared the scanner price with the shelf price of more than 450 individual items, and found that more than 98 per cent of the items checked in Queensland mainstream department stores scanned accurately.
“While some inaccuracies left customers worse off, others were actually in the buyer's favour."
Mr Mickel said while the overall results were positive he was concerned by the number of stores returning at least one inaccurate price during the survey.
“Of the stores audited this month, 46 per cent had at least one inaccurate item. This is an improvement on 2007, when 56 per cent of stores checked throughout the year had at least one inaccurate item," he said.
“These stores clearly have more work to do in managing their electronic scanning processes.
“Most retailers use computerised scanners at the checkouts, and customers depend on the accuracy of scanners to charge them the correct price for each item.
“Queensland’s trade measurement inspectors conduct regular random audits throughout the year to monitor computerised pricing systems and ensure retailers are complying with the Fair Trading Act 1989.
“In 2006-07, 512 stores were inspected and almost 20,000 items were scanned and checked against their price. Four per cent of these items scanned incorrectly.
“If stores fail to sort their systems out after an initial inspection, they will be prosecuted. In 2007, stores were prosecuted and fined between $3000 and $3500.”
Mr Mickel warned customers to watch carefully when their items were scanned at the checkout, and question any prices that appeared to be incorrect.
“Keep your eyes on the scanner, check your dockets while you are still in the store, and if you find a problem, talk to the salesperson,” he said.
“If you can't resolve the problem with the store, contact the Office of Fair Trading at www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au or call 13 13 04."
Media contact: Chris Brown 3237 1944
January 16, 2008