ACCC issues appeal over 'misleading' supermarket practices
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Are you tired of feeling like you're being taken for a ride every time you shop at Coles or Woolworths? Do you suspect that you're being overcharged at the checkout?
If so, now is your chance to do something about it.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has called on supermarket customers to share their shopping experiences, particularly if they've encountered anything they believe to be 'confusing or misleading'.
The ACCC's public appeal comes as part of its investigation into supermarket pricing practices. This is a golden opportunity for consumers to voice their concerns and potentially influence future supermarket policies.
Recently, social media has been abuzz with disgruntled customers expressing their frustrations over high supermarket prices.
One father's post went viral after he shared his disbelief at paying nearly $200 for a small trolley of groceries at Coles.
Another customer expressed shock at Woolworths charging $16.90 for two organic red capsicums.
There have also been complaints about misleading discounts. Customers have reported lifting a 'special' price tag only to find that the numbers don't add up.
Coles recently had to apologise to customers after it incorrectly increased some of its 'locked' prices.
The ACCC is not only interested in hearing from customers.
They also called for submissions from farmers, wholesalers, retailers, and other interested parties.
'We know that consumers and suppliers alike have a range of concerns about Australia’s major supermarkets, and this is their chance to have their say,' ACCC Deputy Chair Mick Keogh stated.
'We will be using our legal powers to compulsorily obtain data and documents from the supermarkets themselves, but consultation with consumers and grocery-sector participants is an important first step in our inquiry.'
Customers are invited to complete an anonymous 10-15 minute survey on the ACCC’s website.
'We want to hear from you about how you choose where to buy your groceries, and which products you buy. We also want to hear about any particular concerns that have arisen for consumers in relation to supermarkets,' the ACCC reiterated.
The ACCC is also keen to hear about 'confusing or misleading' practices, such as 'was/now' pricing or 'shrinkflation'.
'Was/now' pricing can be misleading if a supermarket advertises a product discount but has actually raised the price of the item just before the sale.
'Shrinkflation' refers to reducing the size of a product while its price remains the same, or sometimes even increases.
Grocery supply chain participants and other interested parties can make submissions via the ACCC’s consultation hub.
The deadline for both the survey and submissions is April 2, 2024.
This is the first comprehensive inquiry into the grocery sector by the ACCC since 2008. The inquiry, which will last 12 months, is being conducted at the direction of the federal government.
It is separate from the federal senate inquiry into supermarket prices and a review of the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct.
What are your thoughts on supermarket pricing practices? Have you ever felt misled or overcharged? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
If so, now is your chance to do something about it.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has called on supermarket customers to share their shopping experiences, particularly if they've encountered anything they believe to be 'confusing or misleading'.
The ACCC's public appeal comes as part of its investigation into supermarket pricing practices. This is a golden opportunity for consumers to voice their concerns and potentially influence future supermarket policies.
Recently, social media has been abuzz with disgruntled customers expressing their frustrations over high supermarket prices.
The ACCC has called on supermarket customers to share their shopping experiences. Image source: Shutterstock.
One father's post went viral after he shared his disbelief at paying nearly $200 for a small trolley of groceries at Coles.
Another customer expressed shock at Woolworths charging $16.90 for two organic red capsicums.
There have also been complaints about misleading discounts. Customers have reported lifting a 'special' price tag only to find that the numbers don't add up.
Coles recently had to apologise to customers after it incorrectly increased some of its 'locked' prices.
The ACCC is not only interested in hearing from customers.
They also called for submissions from farmers, wholesalers, retailers, and other interested parties.
'We know that consumers and suppliers alike have a range of concerns about Australia’s major supermarkets, and this is their chance to have their say,' ACCC Deputy Chair Mick Keogh stated.
'We will be using our legal powers to compulsorily obtain data and documents from the supermarkets themselves, but consultation with consumers and grocery-sector participants is an important first step in our inquiry.'
Customers are invited to complete an anonymous 10-15 minute survey on the ACCC’s website.
'We want to hear from you about how you choose where to buy your groceries, and which products you buy. We also want to hear about any particular concerns that have arisen for consumers in relation to supermarkets,' the ACCC reiterated.
The ACCC is also keen to hear about 'confusing or misleading' practices, such as 'was/now' pricing or 'shrinkflation'.
'Was/now' pricing can be misleading if a supermarket advertises a product discount but has actually raised the price of the item just before the sale.
'Shrinkflation' refers to reducing the size of a product while its price remains the same, or sometimes even increases.
Grocery supply chain participants and other interested parties can make submissions via the ACCC’s consultation hub.
The deadline for both the survey and submissions is April 2, 2024.
This is the first comprehensive inquiry into the grocery sector by the ACCC since 2008. The inquiry, which will last 12 months, is being conducted at the direction of the federal government.
It is separate from the federal senate inquiry into supermarket prices and a review of the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct.
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