We see them in every grocery store: “multibuy” deals like “2 for $5” or “10 for $10.” These promotions are designed to encourage you to buy more of a product. However, in a surprising number of cases, the way these deals are enforced is technically illegal. In several states and cities, consumer protection laws require that if a store advertises a multibuy price, it must also allow a customer to buy a single item at a proportional price. Forcing a customer into multibuy deals on items to get the sale price can be a violation of the law.
The Issue of “Forced” Multibuys
The legal problem arises when a store does not give you the option to buy just one. For example, if a can of soup is on a “2 for $4” deal, but a single can rings up at its regular price of, say, $2.50, that is a forced multibuy. The store is penalizing you for not buying the required quantity. In states with strong item pricing laws, this is illegal because it is a form of deceptive advertising.
State and Local Item Pricing Laws
A handful of states, including Massachusetts and Michigan, as well as some local municipalities, have “item pricing laws.” These laws require most products to have a clear price tag on the shelf. More importantly, they often include a clause that requires retailers to sell a single item from a multibuy promotion at the same unit price. Under these laws, the “2 for $4” soup must be sold for $2.00 per can, whether you buy one or two.
The Lack of Federal Regulation
The reason this issue is so confusing is that, like food date labeling, there is no federal law that governs multibuy promotions. This leaves it up to a patchwork of state and local governments to regulate the practice. As a result, a “2 for $5” deal might be perfectly legal in one state but illegal in a neighboring one, creating a frustratingly inconsistent experience for shoppers.
How Stores Get Around the Law
Even in states with these laws, retailers have found ways to get around them. They will often put a tiny disclaimer in their weekly ad that says “must buy X number” to get the sale price. They may also program their checkout systems to automatically charge the full price for a single item, knowing that most shoppers will not notice the overcharge or will not want to argue about it.
An Unenforced Right
The laws against forced multibuy deals are a powerful but often unenforced piece of consumer protection. Many shoppers, and even some cashiers, are not aware that these rules exist. Forcing a customer to buy more than they need is a deceptive practice that disproportionately affects people on a tight budget who cannot afford to stock up. It is a quiet but important consumer rights issue that deserves more attention.
Has a store ever tried to charge you the full price for a single item from a multibuy deal? Were you aware that this practice is illegal in some states? Let us know!
Read More
8 Things Parents Used to Pack in Lunchboxes That Are Basically Illegal Now
6 Foods That Are Surprisingly Illegal to Buy in California
The post Why Many Multibuy Deals Are Technically Illegal appeared first on Grocery Coupon Guide.
