Consumer Affairs
Tips for Consumers
Read the Label
Package labels provide valuable information. Find the net contents declaration so you know how much you are buying.
Find the Unit Price
Most items sold in grocery stores are required to display unit prices (e.g., price per pound, price per pint). This information helps consumers make value comparisons. The lowest unit price is the cheapest price.
Pay for Products, Not Packaging
The weight of the product by itself is the net weight. Packaging materials are tare and their weight is not included in the net weight declaration on the package label.
Economy Size
Large size packages are not necessarily a better value than smaller packages of the same product. Sometimes the small packages have a lower unit price - particularly if the item is on sale.
Bulk Foods
Not all food items sold from bulk are a better value than the same product sold in package form. Compare unit prices.
Price Scanning
At the checkout stand, some packages may scan at a different price than the price displayed on the shelf tag. There can be several reasons for this. One common reason is that store employees failed the take down sale signage after a promotion is over.
Complaints
If you suspect that you received short measure (e.g., cord of firewood, fill up at the gas station) or that you have been overcharged by a price scanner system, please save your receipts and contact the Consumer Affairs Unit. Usually complaints are investigated within 24 hours.
We welcome your comments. If you have a specific question you would like answered, please send us E-Mail at: seattle.consumer-affairs@seattle.gov
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