The Unfair Sales Act

Wis. Stats s. 100.30, The Unfair Sales Act and Wis. Adm. Code CH. ATCP 105, Sales Below Cost

Commonly referred to as the "Minimum Markup Law," is a general trade practice regulation prohibiting sales below cost. The law considers the practice of selling below cost to attract patronage a form of deceptive advertising which diverts business from retailers who maintain a fair pricing policy, ultimately resulting in lessened competition and market disruption. The law provides the following:

• General merchandise other than alcoholic beverages, cigarettes and other tobacco products may not be sold at less than cost by either wholesalers or retailers.  “Cost” is defined as invoice cost or replacement cost whichever is lower, less all trade discounts, plus any excise taxes and any cost incurred for transportation and any other charges not otherwise included in the invoice cost or replacement cost of the merchandise.

• Alcohol or tobacco products may not be sold at less than cost by either wholesalers or retailers. The definition of “cost” includes a presumptive 3% markup by wholesalers and presumptive 6% markup by retailers.  Cost for wholesalers who operate retail outlets or retailers who purchase directly from the manufacturer includes a 9.18% markup (3% plus 6% compounded).

• S. 100.30, Wis. Stats treats motor vehicle fuel separately.  For retail sales of motor vehicle fuel, the definition of “cost” relies on the “average posted terminal price” and includes a 9.18% markup over this amount.  However, a February, 2009 court decision and order found these separate motor vehicle fuel provisions unconstitutional.  Therefore, since February, 2009, DATCP has treated wholesale and retail sales of motor vehicle fuel like the general merchandise described above.

• Violations of the law may result in a special order issued by the department or a court ordered civil forfeiture of $50 to $500 for the first violation and $200 to $2500 for each subsequent violation.  Sellers of tobacco products may file a private cause of action to seek damages if they are injured by a competitor's price.

• Exceptions to the law are made to allow for matching a competitor's price, clearance and final liquidation sales, sales of damaged merchandise and perishables, contracted governmental institution sales and for merchandise sold to charitable or relief agencies.

The Unfair Sales Act applies only to the sale of goods; services are not covered.

Fraudulent Representations

Wis. Stats. s. 100.18(8), Fraudulent Representation

• Regarding Motor Vehicle Fuel:
• At each retail place of business, a price has to be posted in a conspicuous place, most accessible to the public at his or her place of business and on every pump.

• Once a price has been posted it must remain in effect for at least 24 hours.

• It is considered deceptive advertising to advertise a sale price for retail less than the price posted on each pump     

  
Enforcement

Investigations into potential violations of the Unfair Sales Act and Fraudulent Representations are generally prompted by written complaints submitted by merchants or consumers.  Staff reviews the complaints for applicability of the statute and prioritizes the investigations based on potential market injury.  Investigations can consist of interviews with witnesses and review of financial documents, such as invoices, shipping manifests, and records of price changes.

Complaints may be filed using the forms below:
The Unfair Sales Act Complaint Questionnaire
Motor Vehicle Fuel Unfair Sales Act Complaint Questionnaire
Fraudulent Representation Complaint Questionnaire

When data collection phase is completed, investigators summarize their findings and recommend case disposition.  The recommendations may be reviewed by a supervisor and returned to the investigator for follow-up.  Follow-up may consist of drafting warning letters, preparing special orders or court papers, closing the case with no violation, etc.  Upon conclusion of the investigation, the investigator will notify the complainant of the results.  Once a case is concluded documents created or obtained through the investigative process become public record.   The complaint form record received to initiate an investigation is a public record at anytime.
 
For further information please contact the Trade Practices staff at (608) 224-4925 or (608) 224-4989 or (608) 224-4992.