You should receive accurate and transparent pricing every time you make a purchase. Ohio law shields you from pricing strategies that mislead or coerce you into paying more than you intended. When a seller advertises a discount or promotional price that isn’t genuine, the Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act (CSPA) provides legal protection.
What deceptive pricing looks like
According to Ohio Revised Code §1345.02(B)(8), a seller breaks the law if they promote a price advantage that does not actually exist. This includes fabricated sale prices, misleading “compare at” values, or supposed discounts that have never been available to the public. Such tactics create a false impression of savings.
Fake “free” offers
Ohio Administrative Code 109:4-3-04 outlines that “Buy one, get one free” promotions must reflect a legitimate price for the first item. The regular price must be consistent with prior listings, and the free item must maintain standard quality. If the seller raises the original item’s price to disguise profit or downgrades the quality of the free item, the offer becomes deceptive.
Other pricing tricks to watch out for
Sellers may advertise discounts based on represented prices which don’t reflect actual prior prices. For instance, advertising a regular price that was never charged can manipulate your perception of a deal. Substituting part of the main product with a lower-quality “bonus” item or tying rebates to complicated redemption steps are also tactics used to mislead consumers about real savings.
What you can do if misled
You may file a formal complaint with the Ohio Attorney General or seek recourse through private legal channels. When courts determine that a seller has violated the CSPA, you could be entitled to reimbursement, legal fees, and possibly three times your actual damages.
Approach dramatic discounts with scrutiny. Question whether the markdown is authentic, if the so-called regular price has a legitimate history, and whether any included “free” items match expected standards. Staying informed helps you avoid paying more under the guise of a discount. Our attorneys can assist you if have been taken advantage of by a company through deceptive pricing.
