The Scanner Accuracy Division employs Scanner Accuracy Examiners who are responsible for surveying and inspecting businesses in Erie County. Scanner Accuracy Examiners assist business owners in determining the item pricing option that would work best for them.
Options for the stores regarding pricing:
- Price each item as required by law.
- Request to be exempt from item pricing (applicable to businesses that employ fewer than three full-time, non-family members).
- Apply for a waiver from item pricing, as long as the business could prove that their scanning system is at least 98% accurate.
From that survey, businesses are classified into:
- Item pricing stores
- Exempt stores
- Waivered stores
Scanner Accuracy Examiners then conduct inspections of "Item Pricing" stores to make sure that they are complying with the law. Violations are noted, and the business is instructed to correct the violations and adhere to the law.
Businesses that apply for a "Waiver" from item pricing must pay an application fee. This fee covers the cost of performing two inspections. Scanner Accuracy Examiners inspect all stores that have applied for a waiver from item pricing. Items that scan incorrectly are noted. The business must then correct the overcharges in the system. Each business' scanning system must average at least 98% accuracy over two consecutive inspections each year. If they fail, they must re-apply for the waiver. Stores that continue to fail may be forced to place item prices on all their inventory.
Each time a store that has a valid waiver has an over-charge, it must refund the amount of the over-charge, plus any applicable sales tax. They must also fill out a form to report to the Bureau Weights & Measures and issue a "Super Refund”. For more information on this, please refer to the additional resources on our website.
If you have questions on Scanner Accuracy and Item Pricing or need assistance with an over-charge, please contact the Bureau of Weights and Measures at 716-825-1310 or by email to weightsmeasures@erie.gov.
