Class Action: Consumers Unaware Canteen Vending Machines Charge More If They Pay with a Card

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Compass Group USA faces a proposed class action that alleges it has unlawfully failed to notify consumers that its Canteen vending machines charge more for items paid for with a credit or debit card. 

The 13-page complaint says that Compass, who claims to be the largest vending machine company in the country, is required to label its Canteen vending machines in a manner that informs buyers of their “two-tier” pricing structure. The items within the Canteen vending machines at issue are simply labeled with their lower cash price, leaving consumers with no indication that they will be charged more should they pay with a card, the suit claims. 

“By displaying the lower ‘Cash Price’ on the machine and not informing the consumer that they will be charged the higher ‘Card Price’ when paying with a card, Defendant deceives the consumers into paying a higher amount than listed,” the filing alleges. 

According to the suit, Canteen vending machine items paid for with a credit, debit or prepaid card generally cost $0.10 more than those paid for with cash. 

The suit alleges Compass was aware that its Canteen vending machines lacked labeling information to inform consumers that items paid for with a card cost more. 

The plaintiff, a South Carolina consumer, claims to have used a Canteen vending machine at his place of employment three times per day, five days per week, since 2017. Prior to that, the man used another set of Canteen vending machines at a different location at least three times every day while working, ever since 2010, the suit says.

The lawsuit looks to cover all persons or entities in South Carolina who, within the applicable statute of limitations period, bought an item from a vending machine owned or operated by Compass Group USA with a credit, debit or prepaid card and were charged an amount in excess of the price displayed for that item on the vending machine, except in instances where the vending machine clearly stated that charges would be increased for purchases made with a card. 

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