ALDI shopper notices $20.60 charge on receipt: ‘I don’t really know what I’ve paid for’
- Replies 41
As we navigate the aisles of our favourite supermarkets, we're often focused on the prices displayed on the shelves, trusting that when we reach the checkout, those numbers will faithfully translate to our final bill.
However, an incident at an ALDI store has served as a stark reminder that it pays to be vigilant, even after the groceries are bagged, and we're heading for the exit.
An ALDI shopper was bewildered when her receipt revealed a puzzling extra charge of just over $20.
The charge, cryptically described as 'groceries 10 per cent', appeared on her bill, totalling $269.25, which included the mysterious $20.60 fee.
‘The GST is different and goes at the bottom. I don't really know what I have paid $20.60 for,’ she said in her post.
This discovery, shared on social media, has sparked a wave of concern and curiosity among consumers, prompting a broader discussion about the importance of receipt scrutiny.
The shopper's initial confusion was echoed by responses by others, with some speculating whether the charge was related to Goods and Services Tax (GST), which is typically itemised separately at the bottom of a receipt.
An ALDI store manager suggested that the charge was likely the result of a cashier's error.
‘A button has been incorrectly pressed. Take the receipt back, and you will be given a refund,’ she said.
Another ex-employee explained, ‘There is a small button on our register that says 10 per cent GST and another 10 per cent GST. These buttons are hardly used but can be mistakenly pushed during scanning or punching in codes for produce. Take the receipt back to the shop and they will refund.’
ALDI declined to comment on the matter, but the company has previously encouraged customers with pricing queries to reach out through their help centre.
It's worth noting that ALDI, like many retailers, may use bespoke codes for certain items, such as clearance products.
Christine Seib, Editor-in-Chief at Canstar Blue, weighed in on the issue, emphasising the importance of accepting and checking receipts.
‘About a third of shoppers already choose to check out their own groceries, according to Canstar Blue’s latest research,’ Seib said.
‘Self-service lets you see and assess the cost of each item and remove it or query the cost before it goes in your shopping bag. If you’re not already doing so, it could be worth considering if being incorrectly charged is a concern. Likewise, if you buy your groceries online, your receipt will be stored in your online account for review at any time.’
For those who prefer a digital approach, Seib suggested opting for emailed receipts.
These options not only reduce paper waste but also help keep your receipts organised and easily accessible.
Further comments from ALDI staff on the original post suggested that the extra charge could be related to a manually entered Special Buy or a meat product without a barcode.
‘If you purchased meat of the same value, we sometimes have to process it using a button on our registers if the barcode or code isn't working. Check your meat items first and see what it is that you could've been charged for,’ another employee said.
Another added, ‘It is a meat pack that's not scanning or something in the special buys without a barcode. If they don't have a code, you can push this button and manually put the price in. It happens a lot with the free-range chicken,’ another wrote.
In a similar story, ALDI shoppers noticed a peculiar ‘warranty’ reference on their receipts when purchasing tins of sliced beetroot.
This reference has been found on several receipts and shared on social media, causing confusion and humour among customers. You can read more about the story here.
Have you ever encountered a mysterious charge on your receipt? How did you resolve it? Share your experiences in the comments below, and let's help each other stay savvy at the supermarket.
However, an incident at an ALDI store has served as a stark reminder that it pays to be vigilant, even after the groceries are bagged, and we're heading for the exit.
An ALDI shopper was bewildered when her receipt revealed a puzzling extra charge of just over $20.
The charge, cryptically described as 'groceries 10 per cent', appeared on her bill, totalling $269.25, which included the mysterious $20.60 fee.
An ALDI shopper was shocked to see a $20.60 charge on her receipt. Credit: Facebook
‘The GST is different and goes at the bottom. I don't really know what I have paid $20.60 for,’ she said in her post.
This discovery, shared on social media, has sparked a wave of concern and curiosity among consumers, prompting a broader discussion about the importance of receipt scrutiny.
The shopper's initial confusion was echoed by responses by others, with some speculating whether the charge was related to Goods and Services Tax (GST), which is typically itemised separately at the bottom of a receipt.
An ALDI store manager suggested that the charge was likely the result of a cashier's error.
‘A button has been incorrectly pressed. Take the receipt back, and you will be given a refund,’ she said.
Another ex-employee explained, ‘There is a small button on our register that says 10 per cent GST and another 10 per cent GST. These buttons are hardly used but can be mistakenly pushed during scanning or punching in codes for produce. Take the receipt back to the shop and they will refund.’
ALDI declined to comment on the matter, but the company has previously encouraged customers with pricing queries to reach out through their help centre.
It's worth noting that ALDI, like many retailers, may use bespoke codes for certain items, such as clearance products.
Christine Seib, Editor-in-Chief at Canstar Blue, weighed in on the issue, emphasising the importance of accepting and checking receipts.
‘About a third of shoppers already choose to check out their own groceries, according to Canstar Blue’s latest research,’ Seib said.
‘Self-service lets you see and assess the cost of each item and remove it or query the cost before it goes in your shopping bag. If you’re not already doing so, it could be worth considering if being incorrectly charged is a concern. Likewise, if you buy your groceries online, your receipt will be stored in your online account for review at any time.’
For those who prefer a digital approach, Seib suggested opting for emailed receipts.
These options not only reduce paper waste but also help keep your receipts organised and easily accessible.
Further comments from ALDI staff on the original post suggested that the extra charge could be related to a manually entered Special Buy or a meat product without a barcode.
‘If you purchased meat of the same value, we sometimes have to process it using a button on our registers if the barcode or code isn't working. Check your meat items first and see what it is that you could've been charged for,’ another employee said.
Another added, ‘It is a meat pack that's not scanning or something in the special buys without a barcode. If they don't have a code, you can push this button and manually put the price in. It happens a lot with the free-range chicken,’ another wrote.
In a similar story, ALDI shoppers noticed a peculiar ‘warranty’ reference on their receipts when purchasing tins of sliced beetroot.
This reference has been found on several receipts and shared on social media, causing confusion and humour among customers. You can read more about the story here.
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