Do the math on your store receipts

**Mamaw** · 02-07-2010, 03:44 PM

A funny thing happened to me today.

I had been to the local Giant Eagle to get a few sale items that I had coupons for as well as a couple needed items.

Once I got home, I decided to review the receipt ( which I normally never do) to calculate the percentage saved with coupons.

I took the time to actually add up the total cost of the items I had bought (28.64) then subtracted the coupons used (14.00)

Can you imagine my surprise when the math indicated I should have been charged 14.64 and my receipt showed I was charged 18.73? A difference of 4.09.

I called the store and the manager was able to find the transaction on the master receipts for today. She walked through and did the math with me on the phone and got the same result. She is having another supervisor do the same thing right now and will call me back.

Funny, I always checked to be sure the sale price rang up and that my coupons were deducted but I had never bothered to do all the math before..... Maybe I should have!

Heads up all....take the time to really check those receipts!

**dcompton** · 02-07-2010, 03:46 PM

That's really strange since it's the computer doing the math. I guess we need to check once in a while. Grocery store receipts are especially complex, with BOGOs and coupons and specials and other discounts.

**mauimagic** · 02-07-2010, 03:52 PM

Mahalo!! While I always check the individual items, I only to a rough guesstimate on the total. Shall check the addition now too!!

**frugalfriend** · 02-07-2010, 03:54 PM

I check every receipt for every store . . . you would not believe the number of mistakes I've found! It has been in the news over the years, the huge profit the stores are making at the customers expense and most don't even notice! I agree, check your receipts!!!

**JoJoBean8** · 02-07-2010, 06:32 PM

I bring a calculator to the store with me and add everything up so I know what the total is before I ring it up. I never have added it up but I check to make sure the correct price rang up. At the grocery store I use if they ring up the incorrect price they refund you the whole price so you end up getting it free. I have received many free things by doing this.

**NikoSan999** · 02-07-2010, 07:02 PM

Man, another thing to have to watch out for...Maybe that's why some receipts don't show the total BEFORE the coupons are taken off.

**ladytoysdream** · 02-07-2010, 07:32 PM

I keep a running total in my head as I put things on the belt. I figure if my estimate is within a $ 1 of the final tally, it is a good thing. If the total is more than that, I re-add in my head. I will have the cashier explain it to me if it is way off.
One time........we were $ 20 apart.....we finally figured it out...she had hit the key for cigarettes. I said, you need to void this ...and re total. I'm not paying for cigarettes when I don't smoke............

**Neeley** · 02-07-2010, 07:57 PM

I add the cost of each item as I put it in my cart. Our tax on food is 10%. Once I have put everything in the cart, I figure the tax then subtract the coupons (we are taxed on the pre-coupon price). Also, DH does the shopping with me. As he unloads the buggy I watch every item ring up. If an item rings up wrong, I stop the cashier. I am always within a few cents of the actual total.