What to know as stores switch to digital price tags

(InvestigateTV) — Shoppers are starting to see more digital price tags at the grocery store, replacing the paper stickers traditionally found on shelves. Chains including Walmart, Kroger and Whole Foods are adopting the digital labels.

Kyle James, a writer for ConsumerAffairs, said some shoppers are concerned stores could use the technology to change prices more frequently or overcharge at checkout. James said stores maintain they are not using the tags to adjust prices by time of day or day of the week, and he believes that is currently accurate — but he cautioned it is still worth watching, since a system that can change prices instantly also makes it easier for errors to occur.

James recommends reviewing receipts after every purchase to confirm the prices charged are correct.

“I always recommend checking your receipt after you complete your purchase to make sure that it looks right,” James said. “And also, if you see a really good price, a sale price, and it’s something you need, it’s probably smart to make that purchase, because when you see digital price tags, they can change that price quickly. Before, a sale might last a week — well, now it may only last 24 hours.”

For larger purchases, James suggests photographing the digital price tag as a record.

“You can actually create a little folder on your phone for things you buy regularly and add a little price tag picture to that folder, and you can kind of start collecting these and quickly look back every time you shop,” James said. “And you can kind of see if stores are messing with you a little bit or changing the price around a lot.”

James said this simple habit can help shoppers track price changes over time and confirm they are getting a genuinely good deal. He also recommends using store apps to double-check prices before checking out.