Connecticut State Department of Consumer Protection

We are currently experiencing issues with our voicemail system. If you are unable to leave a message, we recommend sending an email to the appropriate division/person. You can view the complete list. We apologize for any inconvenience.

The "Get One Free" Law

The “Get One Free law” protects consumers from paying for items that ring up higher at checkout than they’re supposed to.  (See also Item Pricing)
 
In Connecticut, if an item scans higher at checkout than the sticker price on the item itself or the price posted on the shelf, the shopper is entitled to that item at no cost.
 
State law requires the retailer to give the item free, up to a value of $20.
 
The shopper has to point out the error and ask for the free item.

If the product scans lower than the posted price the shopper doesn’t get the item free, but is allowed to buy one of the item at the lower, scanned price.
 
This law applies only to “consumer commodities” -- things that get “used up” or depleted over time and must be regularly replaced. A carton of milk, a loaf of bread, and a box of band-aids are consumer commodities; they get used up and we buy more. A toothbrush, a broom and a sponge are not commodities; they may wear out, but they don’t get used up and replenished.