H-E-B Customer Reports Frequent Overcharging, Claims Prices Change at Checkout

An H-E-B customer, frustrated after being overcharged again, took to social media to share their irritation.

This is not the first time the customer has faced this issue, sparking broader concerns among shoppers about price accuracy at checkout.

H-E-B Pricing Frustrations Surface on Social Media

A shopper expressed frustration with H-E-B on Twitter, highlighting a recurring issue where the checkout price was higher than the promotional price displayed. They described a $4 cheese promotion being billed as $6 at the register.

The shopper noted they only realized the discrepancy after leaving the store and hadn't received a refund. This incident marks the fifth similar occurrence for them this year.

Other users echoed this sentiment, sharing their experiences of pricing inconsistencies at H-E-B and other stores like Kroger. One user suggested the issue might be due to promotional tags not being updated timely.

The U.S. Sun reports that despite the pricing issues, one customer preferred H-E-B overall but advised others to watch their charges closely.

In response to the complaints, H-E-B's social media team acknowledged the issue and encouraged further communication through direct messages. Still visibly unsatisfied, the original poster replied with a less-than-impressed emoji.

Meanwhile, a customer reported being overcharged during a shopping trip at H-E-B in 2019, as per Kingwood. Upon returning home, the shopper discovered they had been charged $1.47 per pound for McIntosh apples instead of the advertised $0.67.

Additionally, they were billed for two cans of H-E-B French Fried Onions when they only purchased one, which should have included free beans. The receipt erroneously added an extra $2.24 for the second can and $0.78 for another item.

Despite these errors, the receipt indicated that the shopper saved $45.82 overall, leaving mixed feelings about the experience. This incident has sparked customer conversations about the accuracy of H-E-B's pricing and checkout processes.

Also Read: Kroger Shopper Overcharged $60, No Refund Offered Despite Complaints

Ensuring Accurate Pricing at Checkout

Steve Troxler, North Carolina's commissioner of agriculture, emphasized the importance of verifying that the price on an item's shelf label matches the price at the register. KTLA 5 noted that he advised customers to report discrepancies to a manager.

This advice was part of a press release issued earlier this month to encourage consumer vigilance.

Authorities in Marin County, California, have provided additional guidance for shoppers, especially in verifying the accuracy of checkout scale readings. They recommend resetting the scale at the register to zero before items are weighed.

This is crucial at self-checkouts, where the weight should be visible on the screen. Marin County officials also suggest checking for any obstructions affecting the scale's accuracy.

Further, the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs states that if a sale sign is still displayed, the store must honor the advertised price, even if the promotion has officially ended.

If a customer is overcharged, they should address the issue immediately. In Wisconsin, for instance, the law requires that customers be refunded the difference. Alternatively, the retailer may offer the overcharged item for free.

Marin County officials noted, "Most businesses strive to be honest, but errors can occur. Alert consumers are essential in preventing and addressing pricing mistakes."

Meanwhile, H-E-B has been named the top U.S. grocery retailer, outperforming Amazon, Trader Joe's, and ALDI.

The U.S. Sun revealed that this recognition, awarded by Dunnhumby in its annual Retailer Preference Index, highlights H-E-B's outstanding value, digital convenience, and diverse product assortment.

Related Article: Costco Shoppers Feel Scammed by Little-Known Membership Pricing Rule