• The Universal Product Code (UPC) is like a price tag that only the store's computer can read.
• The store's computer reads the price when the clerk passes the UPC over a scanner.
• The price at the register may not always be the same as the price on the shelf.
• Tell the clerk if the scanned price is different than the price on the shelf.
• Some stores charge you less or give you the item free if the price is wrong.
• The prices on sale items may be wrong more often than prices on other items.
• If you want to check the price of an item, you can have it scanned before you check out.

Prepared by Brenda Cude, Extension Specialist, Consumer & Family Economics

Fact Sheet 10
1997

Consumer and Family Economics
Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics
University of Illinois Extension
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign