Price Display in Supermarkets
There seems to be a problem with price display in this country, particularly since the introduction of computer codes and price scanners.
I`ve noticed this in Supervalu-used to do my main grocery shopping there until I noticed small but frequent mistakes in my receipt such as price display being lower than price charged at the till and offers, like two for one not being granted at the till.
I notice it a lot in the local convenience stores. I have been scharged more for items in our local Centra and Spar than the price given on the price display. I complained to the local Spar manager about this but ended up returning the item as he wasn`t going to give it to me at the price given on the display. And I`ve had items scanned twice at the check-out so I could`ve ended up paying on the double if I hadn`t spotted it.
Now I always do a quick mental calculation of price before reaching the till. And I don`t shop in convenience stores as much anyhow. I always check my receipts. I always complain to the shop assistant/management if I note a mistake.
Interested to read the ODCA links:
"the consumer could consider taking the matter further thorough the shop's Head Office (if it is a member of a chain), or, through the Small Claims Court".
Tried to get the complaints dept for Musgraves(supervalu`s parent company) but couldn`t locate it!
Will try harder next time though as I really do believe that the less we shoppers tolerate shoddy service the better for everyone.
Don`t imagine anyone would be bothered with the stress/hassle/time off work/publicity that the Small Claims Court could bring, for just a couple of euro.
I also feel that the price display/scanner system leaves the consumer less knowledgeable about the price of things than the old price sticker system. We can only register the price once in our memories as opposed to literally taking a constant reminder of the price home with us.
And that suits the supermarkets and shops just fine.
Pia