New survey suggests people should check receipts before leaving grocery stores
Dalhousie University researchers conducted a survey earlier this month to learn more about shoppers' habits when it comes to their grocery store receipts.
They surveyed more than 5,500 Canadians from coast-to-coast. The poll revealed that the most common mistake reported is when the price of something in the aisle doesn't scan the same at the register.
Researchers said more than 75 per cent of people caught those discrepancies when they checked their receipts before leaving the store.
“If you look at your receipt every single time you go to the grocery store you’ll save $50 to $75 per year, which might not seem like a lot – but these days again – we need all the help we can get," said Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, director of Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University.
CTV News asked shoppers in Timmins, Ont. if they checked their receipts – most said it is not something they considered.
“Never thought about it,” said one shopper.
“You just take it for granted. Pay your bill, you walk out, put your groceries away and that’s it.”
Other shoppers said they have just accepted that grocery prices have gone up and even for the little bit you get you to have to pay a lot.
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
Another frequent error people found is on 'Enjoy Tonight' daily deals (items close to their best-before date), or when the cashier scanned an item too many times.
Charlebois said a receipt can also reveal other important details such as what foods are taxed.
“If you buy a box of granola bars and they went from 6 to 5 granola bars, that box is now a ‘snack’ and is taxable,” he said.
“Those are the things you want to know.”
Charlebois told CTV News that most Canadians complained when they noticed errors and were satisfied with the way grocers handled complaints.
Officials said the survey was done to encourage grocers to do better.
The full results of the customer service survey can be found here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Live updates as Stormy Daniels testifies at Trump hush money trial
Adult film star Stormy Daniels will take the stand a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump’s hush money case continues in Manhattan. Follow live updates here.
NEW Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Defence attacks Stormy Daniels' credibility as she returns to the stand in Trump's hush money trial
Stormy Daniels will return to the witness stand Thursday in Donald Trump's hush money trial as the defence tries to undermine the credibility of the porn actor's salacious testimony about their alleged sexual encounter and the money she was paid to keep quiet.
With contactless screening tech, this Toronto startup hopes to catch breast cancer early — and save lives
Amid evidence of rising breast cancer rates among young women in Canada, one Toronto startup is offering a contactless and radiation-free device that can help doctors identify suspicious changes in breast tissue. The company, Linda Lifetech, says this can lead to earlier detection of breast cancer.
Tornadoes tear through southeastern U.S. as storms leave 3 dead
Forecasters warned a wave of dangerous storms in the U.S. could wash over parts of the South early Thursday, a day after severe weather with damaging tornadoes and large hail killed at least three people in the region.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.