What You Can Do: Scales
Watch the scale and the amount registered. The scale should be placed so you can see the weight, price, and other information displayed. Make sure the scale shows a zero or minus sign before anything is weighed. Pay only for the product. not for the packaging. If you have any questions about how a store weighs or measures products, ask the manager for information first. He or she should answer your questions. If the problem is not resolved, contact your local weights and measures office for advice or assistance.
What You Can Do: Unit Prices
Look for unit price labels on shelves or signs near the item. Compare the unit prices of similar products to find the best buy. If the unit price is incorrect or missing, report it to the store manager. Ask the manager to post or correct the unit price information. If the problem is not resolved, contact your local weights and measures office for help.
What You Can Do: Checkout
Watch as the price of the item shows on the check-out register. Ask the clerk to check the price if you think the scanned price is incorrect. If the scanned price does not agree with the posted price, ask the store manager to correct it. Save the cash register receipt in case you have questions or a problem later on. If the problem is not resolved, contact your local weights and measures office for help.
What You Can Do: Gasoline
Be sure the attendant or you are using the correct pump. The octane rating and the price per gallon or liter should be clearly marked on each pump. Be sure the pump is set to zero before any gasoline is pumped. Check the price by multiplying the number of gallons or liters by???? ?a?º? the unit price. Be sure this shows as total due. Figure the cash discount, if any. Check that you are charged the right amount. If using a credit card, check your receipt to be sure the amount billed is the amount on the pump. Take your card and any carbon paper from the credit slip. If you have a problem or question that is not resolved with the gas station, contact your weights and measures office for advice.
What You Can Do: Firewood
When you buy firewood, ask the seller to stack the wood (you may have to pay extra for this service) or stack the wood yourself. Get a receipt which shows the seller's name, address, and phone number, and the price, amount, and kind of wood purchased. Write down the license number of the delivery vehicle. Measure the wood before using any. Take a picture of the stack if you think there is less than a cord. If you feel you have a problem, contact the seller before you burn any wood. If the problem cannot be resolved, contact your weights and measures office before you burn any wood.
Look For Seals
Weights and measures officials test weighing and measuring devices such as gasoline pumps and scales. A seal is usually put on to show that the equipment was tested and found correct. The seal may vary from state to state, but always look for a seal. If you do not see one, ask the store manager. Contact your weights and measures office if seals are missing.
Do Your Part
If you have a problem with a weights or measures issue: Talk with the store manager or owner. Give the manager or owner a chance to correct the problem. If the manager can't or won't resolve the problem or answer questions to your satisfaction, contact your local weights and measures office.
City of Greenfield
Office of Weights & Measures
14 Court Square
Greenfield, MA 01301
(413) 772-1566
Massachusetts Division of Standards
One Ashburton Place Room 1115
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 727-3480
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