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October 18, 2026

Shelf price vs till price: you pay the lower price

If the till scans higher than the price on the shelf, Section 23(6) of the CPA says the lowest displayed price applies. Here’s what to say and do.

Supermarket till with a shelf price tag and a higher scanned price

It happens every week: the shelf tag says R49.99, the till says R64.99. Under Section 23(6) of the Consumer Protection Act, a supplier may not make you pay more than the displayed price, and when more than one price is displayed, the lowest one applies.

At the till

  1. Photograph the shelf tag before it can be removed.
  2. Politely ask the cashier to call the duty manager.
  3. Show them our Section 23 notice on your phone.

If they still refuse

Keep your till slip and lodge a free complaint with the Consumer Goods and Services Ombud (CGSO) or the National Consumer Commission.

General information, not legal advice.

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