Price Mismatch: Consumer Rights in Estonia
Discovering that the price at the checkout is higher than the one displayed on the shelf is a common consumer issue. In Estonia, this is governed by the Law of Obligations Act (VÕS) and the Consumer Protection Act.
Which price is legally binding?
According to § 16 (2) of the Law of Obligations Act, displaying goods with a price tag constitutes a formal offer to sell. Therefore, the merchant is legally obligated to sell the item at the price displayed to the consumer. A technical error in the POS system or an outdated price tag does not exempt the merchant from their obligation to honor the advertised price.
Steps to take
- Notify the staff: Immediately point out the discrepancy to the cashier or floor manager. Often, this is a simple error that can be corrected on the spot.
- Demand the shelf price: You have the right to purchase the item at the price indicated on the shelf. If the merchant refuses, politely remind them of their legal obligation.
- Document the evidence: Take a photo of the price tag on the shelf. This serves as crucial evidence if the dispute requires further escalation.
- File a complaint: If the store refuses to cooperate, submit a formal written complaint to the store manager. If the issue remains unresolved, you may contact the Consumer Protection and Technical Regulatory Authority (TTJA).
Merchant's obligations
Merchants are required to ensure that price information is clear, unambiguous, and easily accessible. Providing misleading price information violates fair trade practices and may lead to regulatory sanctions. Do not be misled by excuses such as "the system won't allow it" or "the campaign ended yesterday" – if the price tag is on the shelf, the merchant is bound by that offer.
Do you need specific advice regarding your situation? Our advanced legal AI assistant is here to help. Ask your question on Legal Aid 24 today for a personalized legal analysis!