Shoppers from all over the country have been sending Consumer NZ their experiences with dodgy or confusing supermarket specials in response to its Dodgy Deals Campaign. Among the deals was a $13.10 ‘great price’ for dog food, listed next to its usual selling price of $12.50, Cheese on ‘special’ for $4.90 when it is usually $4.80, and another dog food priced at $2.79 had an extra low offer for two at $6.
“The supermarkets understand the persuasiveness of a ‘special’ or ‘everyday low’ price – recent Consumer NZ polling found only five percent of respondents don’t bother with specials. It’s important the supermarkets are honest with shoppers about their pricing. Shoppers should be able to confidently compare products and know they are getting a good deal when purchasing a product on special,” said Gemma Rasmussen, Consumer’s Head of Communications and Campaigns.
“We received some concerning examples of misleading pricing and promotions across all three of our big supermarket chains, and we think it’s unacceptable that these pricing errors seem to be happening on a regular basis.”
Earlier in the week, Countdown admitted some of the specials advertised on its website were incorrect and had customers paying more than expected at the checkout.
“As well as the examples of dodgy specials, we have been contacted by some shoppers who regularly cross-check their receipts and frequently find they’ve been charged more than the advertised price.”
“At Consumer, we are not confident that supermarkets will step up and do the right thing. There is a strong spotlight on the sector and yet pricing errors continue to happen, so we asked for shoppers to be our eyes on the ground. We’re not convinced the supermarkets are going to change their ways without pressure from the public.”
