Retail FAQs
Q: If retail goods are marked lower than the price on the register, shouldn't I pay the lower price?
A: No, the retailer is not obliged to sell it to you at the lower price. The retailer can withdraw the goods from sale until the problem has been rectified. It is up to you to decide if you want to buy the goods at the higher price.
Q: I purchased an item at a store and when I returned home I received a call from the store manager who told me that the salesperson sold it to me at the wrong price and that the goods were actually more than I paid. He demanded that I pay the extra or he would take it off my credit card. Can he do that?
A: No. The salesperson is a representative of the company and therefore had the authority to sell the item to you. There was an invite to treat, the steps of the contract were made and the transaction was completed. The fact that the salesperson made a mistake was not your problem. The manager cannot take the extra from your card without your permission because it would be considered credit card fraud.
Q: I put a down payment on an item totaling half the cost. The item I wanted was not in stock. When the item arrived, the manager told me that it would cost more than I was initially told. Do I have to pay the higher balance?
A: The item’s cost may have increased due to shipping charges, currency exchange, and import duties. If you had not agreed that your sale was based on a fixed price, if you wish to keep the item, you will have to pay the higher balance. In order to avoid this happening in the future, at the time you make a down payment, establish if the price is fixed.
Q: I went to buy goods from a store and the manager refused to sell me the goods. Can he do this?
A: Yes, you can be refused service as long as it is proven not to be because of anything covered under the Human Rights Act.
Q: I went to a restaurant for a meal. The waiter presented me with the bill that was significantly higher than I thought right. Can I refuse to pay?
A: No, you cannot refuse to pay after the completion of the seller’s obligations. In this case the transaction was completed when you accepted the delivery of the food and ate it. It is up to you to ask the price of an item before you purchase it. If the price is not to your liking, don’t buy it. However, you can demand to speak to the Manager to question your bill if bill was incorrect or you were charged for items that you did not receive.
Q: Am I obligated to accept a store credit if I return a product I do not want.
A: Yes. The only time a retailer has to refund your money is for a faulty or defective product.