If you have done a lot of holiday shopping, you might want to check your receipts to be sure that you paid the correct price.
Most retailers do a fairly good job of making sure that consumers are charged properly. But, there can still be problems. Some of the most common issues are register errors, discounts that do not get applied and retailers who charge more for an item in-store than they do online. There are also some tricky situations where you think you are buying an item that was advertised, only to learn that you are paying more because it has a slightly different model number.
If you believe that you were overcharged, here is how you can take action:
Most important, make sure that you have your receipt and a copy of an ad or screenshot to prove your case. If you paid with a credit card, some merchants can make an adjustment via phone. However, in many cases, you will need to return to the store to get things corrected.
If you experience a problem, ask for help from a manager. Sometimes they can offer adjustments that customer service or an associate cannot offer. If you paid with a credit card, some card issuers offer a price protection benefit, but you may need to do some leg work to get the better price. You might also want to consider returning the item if you find a better deal. If you believe that a merchant is conducting unfair sales practices, file a complaint with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection.
Some of these price differences can really add up. It is important to not only pay attention to the price at check out, but also look over your receipts to be sure that you got the best deal.
