Package labels give consumers helpful information. The amount of the product or the net quantity in the package is marked on the label.

The quantity is shown as a weight, measure or count, such as ounces, pounds, quarts, liters or square feet.

Net weight: 1.02 lb
Unit prices per pound: $3.99
Total price: $4.07

Many stores use the electronic scanners to figure the price at the checkout counter. These scanners are linked to a computer that reads the price of the item. Some scanners are hand-held and the clerk runs the scanner over the price tag. Other scanners are on a counter and the items are passed over an electronic reading device. The scanner reads a code on the product or the tag and the computer computes the price.

Many weights and measures officials inspect scanners to make sure you are charged the correct price. If the scanners are inaccurate, consumers and businesses can both lose money.

What You Can Do

  • Watch as the price of the item shows on the checkout register.
  • Ask the clerk to check the price if you think the scanned price is incorrect.
  • If the scanned price does not agree with the posted price, ask the store manager to correct it.
  • Save the cash register receipt in case you have questions or a problem later on.
  • If the problem is not resolved, contact you local weights and measures office for help.

 
Accurate measurement is important when you buy gasoline and motor fuel. A computer in the gasoline pump calculates what you owe based on the amount and the unit price of the gasoline. When comparing prices, be sure to compare gasoline with the same octane rating. Usually, the higher the octane rating, the higher the price.

Inspectors from the Consumer Department's Weights & Measures Division regularly check gasoline pumps for accuracy. This video shows how an inspection is conducted. In many areas, they also check gasoline storage tanks to be sure that stations are selling the octane level advertised. If violations are found, the seller can be fined and the product removed. Look for the Weights & Measures Seal on the pump.

Gasoline stations may offer a discount if you pay with cash instead of using a credit card. This "cash discount" is at least cents per gallon lower than the credit price. On most gas pumps, you are able to push a button to automatically show the discounted price. In some cases, the attendant must figure out the cash discount and deduct it from the price showing on the pump.

What You Can Do

  • Be sure that you or the attendant is using the correct pump. The octane rating and the price per gallon should be clearly marked on each pump.
  • Be sure the pump is set to zero before any gasoline is pumped.
  • Check the price by multiplying the number of gallons by the unit price. Be sure this shows the total due.
  • Figure the cash discount, if any. Check that you are charged the right amount.
  • If using a credit card, check the receipt to be sure the amount billed is the amount on the pump.

If you have a problem or question that is not resolved with at the gas station, contact Weights and Measures at  or call (914) 995-2155.

 

 

 

Home heating fuel and propane are also sold by volume or weight. When these products are delivered to your home, the seller must give you a "delivery ticket" showing the name and address of the buyer and the seller, the delivery date, the amount and type of fuel delivered.

The unit price of the fuel should also be on the delivery ticket unless you have a special arrangement with the seller.

When you buy apples in a plastic bag, you should only pay for the weight of the apples. If you buy potato salad at the deli counter, you should pay only for the salad, not the weight of the container.

In many stores, the electronic or computerized scales used at the checkout counter are set to automatically deduct the weight of the packaging. On other scales, the sales clerk must adjust the scale to deduct the packaging materials.

Scales must be placed so you can see the weight. If you have a question, ask to have the package weighed again before you buy. Ask if the weight of the packaging has been deducted.

Weights and measures officials often visit stores to inspect and weigh prepackaged products. They also check the accuracy of the scales being used.

What You Can Do:

  • Watch the scale and the amount registered. The scale should be placed so you can see the weight, price and other information displayed.
  • Make sure the scale shows a zero or minus sign before anything is weighed. Pay ONLY for the product. NOT the packaging.
  • If you have any questions about how a store weighs or measures products, ask the manager for information first. He or she should answer your questions.
  • If the problem is not resolved, contact your local weights and measures office for advice or assistance.

 

  1. Weights and Measures