Kroger Price Adjustment Policy 2026

Make It Right Policy at the Register

Kroger’s ‘Make It Right’ policy allows cashiers to adjust prices at the register if an item rings up at a higher price than advertised on the store’s sales tags. Under this policy, employees can honor the advertised sale price even if the register does not reflect it automatically. This is distinct from a price adjustment after purchase, since it catches the error before you leave the store.

According to Kroger employee accounts, the ‘Make It Right’ policy can also apply when a Kroger-branded item is out of stock. In that case, a cashier may substitute a higher-value name-brand product at the same price as the Kroger item would have been. This avoids charging you the higher shelf price for the substitute.

The policy applies at Kroger locations and its sister stores, which include Fry’s and Ralphs. To use ‘Make It Right,’ you must notice the pricing discrepancy at checkout and bring it to the cashier’s attention. Check price tags carefully as you shop, and watch your items ring up. If you see a difference between the shelf price or advertised sale price and what the register shows, inform the cashier immediately so they can correct it before you pay.

Scan Right Guarantee for Overpriced Items

Kroger’s ‘Scan Right Guarantee’ is a related policy that applies when an item scans at a higher price than the advertised price in the store. If the overpriced item costs less than $5, you receive the first one free. If it costs $5 or more, you receive a $5 discount applied to your total bill instead.

Like ‘Make It Right,’ this guarantee is meant to catch and correct errors at checkout rather than provide refunds for past purchases. You must identify the pricing error during your transaction and alert the cashier so they can apply the discount or free item before you complete payment.

Price Labeling Errors and What to Watch For

Kroger has a documented history of price-labeling errors. A 2025 investigation by Consumer Reports and partner organizations conducted secret shopping at Kroger and its affiliates, including Harris Teeter and Fred Meyer. The investigation found that shoppers were consistently charged full price for items marked as on sale, and in many cases, sales labels on the floor were expired, sometimes up to 90 days past their expiration date. Overall, shoppers were overcharged by approximately 18.4% per item due to these mislabeling issues.

To protect yourself, examine prices closely as you shop and take pictures of price tags if you suspect a discrepancy. At the register, pay close attention to how items ring up and compare prices to what you saw on the shelf. This vigilance is especially important given the frequency of pricing errors documented at Kroger and its sister stores.

How This Differs From Price Match and Other Policies

Kroger’s price adjustment approach differs from its Kroger price match policy, which allows you to match a competitor’s advertised price at the register. Price matching involves bringing a competitor’s ad to the store, while price adjustment typically refers to changes within Kroger’s own pricing. Additionally, Kroger’s approach is different from Costco price adjustment policy, which offers refunds on certain items within a set window after purchase.

If you purchase an item and the price drops days or weeks later, you cannot request a refund under these policies. Target price adjustment policy and Walmart price adjustment policy also have defined windows for post-purchase adjustments, whereas Kroger focuses on correcting register errors in real time.

What to Do If You Experience a Pricing Issue

If you notice a pricing discrepancy at the register, inform the cashier immediately so they can apply the ‘Make It Right’ policy or ‘Scan Right Guarantee.’ If the error goes unnoticed at checkout and you discover it later on your receipt, contact Kroger’s customer service. You can reach Kroger through its online contact form on the website, via the mobile app, or by calling 1-800-KRO-GERS (1-800-576-4377). Kroger states it will respond to email inquiries within 5-7 business days, though for immediate help, phone contact is faster.

For quick pricing questions, you can also ask a store manager or customer service desk associate while you are in the store. Bring your receipt and the item if possible to show the discrepancy. Having a picture of the advertised price tag from the shelf strengthens your case.

No Post-Purchase Price Adjustments

Kroger does not offer refunds or adjustments if you buy an item and the price drops in the following days or weeks. The ‘Make It Right’ policy and ‘Scan Right Guarantee’ are designed to prevent overcharges at the register, not to compensate for price changes that occur after your purchase is complete. If you want to explore similar policies at other retailers, Sam’s Club price adjustment policy offers a limited window for certain members, and Amazon price adjustment policy provides refunds on certain products within 7 days.

To minimize regret over price drops, consider using Kroger coupon policy options, such as digital coupons and the Boost membership program, which can lower your effective purchase price and reduce the likelihood of a significant price drop afterwards. Planning purchases around Kroger’s sale cycles and stocking up during deep discounts also helps you lock in the lowest prices.