Unlike some competitors, Kroger has made a deliberate choice not to match prices from other retailers. According to third-party reporting, the company prefers to set its own competitive pricing rather than being tied to competitor pricing. However, Kroger does not publish a full official policy on this topic, so the details below come from employee accounts and consumer reporting rather than an official retailer statement.
Kroger’s Make It Right Policy and Scan Right Guarantee
When an item rings up at a higher price than the advertised sale tag, Kroger’s Make It Right policy allows cashiers to adjust the price at the register to honor the advertised price. This is the primary tool available to correct pricing errors.
Related to this is the Scan Right Guarantee. According to employee forum posts, if an item scans at a higher price than advertised, you can receive the first item for free. If the item costs more than $5, you get a $5 discount on your entire transaction instead.
To use these policies, alert the cashier when you notice a price discrepancy at checkout. Bring or show the cashier the sale tag from the shelf that shows the advertised price. The cashier should then adjust the charge at the register.
Why Pricing Errors Happen at Kroger
Kroger has a documented history of pricing errors. A 2025 investigation by Consumer Reports found that during secret shopping at Kroger and sister stores like Harris Teeter and Fred Meyer, expired price tags were still displayed on shelves, some up to 90 days past expiration. Shoppers were consistently charged full price for items marked as on sale, resulting in overcharges averaging 18.4% per item.
This widespread mislabeling is the reason the Make It Right policy exists and why you should verify prices as you shop.
What to Do Before and During Checkout
To protect yourself from overcharges at Kroger:
- Check price tags as you shop and take photos of them for reference
- Watch your items ring up at the register and listen for the price the cashier announces
- Stop the cashier immediately if an item rings up higher than the advertised tag price
- Request the adjustment or the Scan Right Guarantee discount on the spot
Unlike Walmart price match policy, which is limited to matching Walmart.com, or Target price match policy, Kroger’s approach is focused only on correcting its own internal pricing errors rather than matching any competitor prices.
How to Confirm the Policy at Your Store
Because Kroger does not publish a complete official policy on this topic, the specific terms of Make It Right and Scan Right Guarantee may vary by location or have been updated. To confirm what applies at your local store:
- Ask a cashier or customer service desk staff member directly about the Make It Right policy
- Call your local Kroger store and ask about price adjustment procedures
- Contact Kroger through its online contact page, mobile app, or call 1-800-KRO-GERS (1-800-576-4377)
- Check your receipt after shopping to verify all charges matched advertised prices
Unlike retailers such as Costco price match policy or Aldi price match policy, which have published guidelines, Kroger’s pricing policies are not formally documented on a public page, so asking at your store is the most reliable way to understand what will be honored.
Companion Policies on Returns and Discounts
Pricing adjustments are separate from other Kroger policies. If you need to return a product you purchased, refer to the Kroger return policy for time limits and conditions. Kroger also runs regular sales and promotions throughout the year and offers digital and in-store coupons, which are separate ways to save beyond price correction at checkout.
If you are considering other retailers with stronger price match options, Sam’s Club price match policy and Amazon price match policy may be worth comparing based on your shopping habits and membership status.
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