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Introduction

Have you ever encountered a situation where a product you wanted to buy was advertised at the wrong price? This can be incredibly frustrating, but understanding your rights as a consumer is essential. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to do if you find yourself in this predicament, whether you’re shopping in-store or online.

If you need assistance, Contend is here to help. Our highly trained AI legal experts can provide you with the guidance you need to navigate these issues and ensure you understand your legal rights. With Contend, you can access the easiest legal help in the UK and resolve your concerns with confidence.

Have you ever spotted a product you want to buy, only to find out it’s advertised at the wrong price? This can be frustrating, but it’s important to know your rights as a consumer. Here’s a simple guide to help you navigate this situation, whether you’re shopping in a store or online.

What are my consumer rights if a product is advertised at the wrong price?

Shopping in a Store

Before You Buy

If you find an item in a store and the price tag is wrong, you don’t automatically have the right to buy it at the lower price. When you take the item to the checkout, if the cashier tells you that the price is incorrect, they are not legally obligated to sell it to you for the lower amount. However, you can always ask the seller if they would be willing to honor the lower price.

The same rule applies if you see a product advertised for a lower price elsewhere. Unfortunately, just because you saw it cheaper doesn’t mean you can demand that price in the store.

After You’ve Bought It

If you purchased an item and later discover it was sold to you at a lower price than intended, you don’t have to return it. The store can only ask for more money if there was a clear discussion about the price before you paid.

If you notice that you paid more than the advertised price, you can request a refund for the difference. It’s a good idea to keep evidence of the mistake, like taking a photo of the advertisement or the price tag.

Can I get a refund if I was charged more than the advertised price?
Consumer: Expert Guide: Navigating Pricing Errors In-Store & Online

Shopping Online

When it comes to online shopping, the rules can get a little more complicated because it depends on whether you have a legal contract with the seller.

Understanding Your Contract

You usually enter a contract with an online retailer when:

  • You pay for the item
  • The item is shipped to you

To know your rights, check the company’s terms and conditions. If you’re unsure, you can always try Contend’s legal expert chat for assistance. Contend’s highly trained AI legal experts will work with you to provide guidance and help you understand and resolve your legal problems.

If you have a contract and the seller realizes they made a mistake with the price, they typically cannot cancel your order. However, if it was a clear mistake that you should have noticed, they might have the right to cancel it.

If you don’t have a contract, the seller can cancel your order if they realize they’ve quoted the wrong price.

Additional Fees for International Purchases

If you bought something from a business outside the UK, be aware that you might have to pay extra fees like VAT, customs duty, or delivery charges. The delivery company will send you a bill detailing these costs. For more information on these fees, visit GOV.UK.

What can I do if my online order is canceled due to a pricing error?

Need More Help?

If you find yourself in a tricky situation regarding pricing, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Try Contend’s legal expert chat for assistance tailored to your needs. Their trained AI legal experts can guide you through your concerns effectively.

If you’re in Northern Ireland, you can contact Consumerline for support.

Lastly, if you believe a store is intentionally misleading customers with incorrect pricing, you can report them to Trading Standards.

Understanding your rights as a consumer can help you make informed decisions and stand up for yourself when faced with pricing issues.

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This material is for general information only and does not constitute
tax, legal or any other form of advice. You should not rely on any
information contained herein to make (or refrain from making) any
decisions. Always obtain independent, professional advice for your
own particular situation. Contend Inc is not regulated by the
Solicitors Regulation Authority.