A Coles employee has claimed clients are being “gaslit” whereas talking concerning the barrage of questions frontline employees can cop from buyers about rising costs.
Sharing a current incident wherein a buyer was apparently confused and indignant concerning the value of Tim Tams, the girl recalled how she needed to clarify that head workplace units the costs, not the shop.
“The customer said to me, ‘Whoever does the prices at the store should be ashamed of themselves’,” she stated in a video shared on TikTok.
“But what he was complaining about as well, was a packet of Tim Tams,” she continued.
The buyer had apparently purchased an enormous packet of Tim Tams for $7.50. The employee claimed she then seen the smaller packs have been priced at $3, making them considerably higher worth for cash.
“So I think as a collective, as people, as human beings, we need to start looking at those type of things and looking at grams and seeing what is worth our money,” she stated.
“Don’t get me wrong, $7.50 for Tim Tams is absolutely crazy,” the Coles employee stated. “I understand it sucks. And it sucks working for a company that, you know like, they get their money … but all I’m doing is earning money so I can pay my bills so I can afford to take my daughter to daycare.
“But thought I’d do a PSA [public service announcement] to double test … see if you will get one thing cheaper for the grams you are shopping for, do not simply go off what’s handy.”
How supermarket shoppers can get the best value
Professor Nitika Garg from the School of Marketing at the University of New South Wales has previously urged customers to do the same.
“I counsel customers to take a look at the unit value for no matter theyâre shopping for â whether or not it is flour, sugar, spices, fruits â as a result of it is vitally tough to at all times assess by the bundle what the value is,” she told Yahoo News recently after a Coles customer questioned the legitimacy of certain unit pricing displayed in store.
“It’s not as if entrepreneurs and retailers are out to get you,” she added. “Obviously they use sure ways to make you spend and purchase sure merchandise, however in case you are fairly cautious, which is you checking the unit value, it does not take that a lot.”
‘The supermarkets are now gaslighting us’
In a follow-up video, which she has since deleted, the same Coles worker said the next time she went into the store the price had changed, and the cost of two packets had risen to $8.
“I really feel just like the supermarkets are actually gaslighting us,” she said.
Yahoo understands major supermarkets have reprimanded staff in the past for making video content about their workplace and has decided to keep the woman’s identity concealed.
At the time of writing, the large 365g packet of Tim Tams was for sale at Coles online for $6, down from $7.50. Meanwhile the single row packet is priced at $4.5, down from $6.
Yahoo approached Coles for comment over the worker’s claim but the supermarket did not respond.
Aussies debate price hikes on unhealthy non-essentials
Many Aussies admitted to feeling less sympathy for customers feeling frustrated by price hikes on items such as Tim Tams, which many people deemed unnecessary.
“If cash is a matter then you do not want Tm Tams,” one person commented.
“They are usually not a necessity,” another agreed.
In the since deleted clip the Coles worker said such a position was “completely legitimate … however some folks simply need that further deal with. It’s prefer it’s a little bit privilege for the onerous work you have been doing.”
Potential class action suits against Coles and Woolies over pricing tactics
Coles and Woolworths shoppers could claim up to $5,000 back from the supermarket giants if they are found to have deceived shoppers with their pricing tactics.
Carter Capner Law is the second Australian law firm investigating whether a potential class action suit against the supermarkets is viable alongside the ACCC-led government inquiry.
“Early estimates recommend that households may declare between $2,000 and $5,000, relying on the quantity spent and the affect of the misleading pricing,” law director Peter Carter said.
Both supermarkets are accused of violating Australian client legislation by the buyer watchdog after allegedly making misleading discount pricing claims on a whole bunch of extensively offered grocery store merchandise by elevating costs earlier than decreasing them with their “Prices Dropped” and “Down Down” sales campaigns.
Many consumers have lost trust in supermarket pricing while suppliers have said they are forced to agree to unfavourable terms, according to the ACCC’s interim report.
A final report on the inquiry is due to be delivered to the government by February.
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