Navigating the aisles of your local Woolworths can be a pleasant experience, with the promise of fresh produce and all your pantry staples in one place.

But what happens when the price at the checkout doesn't match the one on the shelf?

One Woolworths customer's recent experience is a stark reminder to all of us to keep our eyes peeled when we're scanning our items, especially for those of us who may not be as familiar with the self-serve checkouts.


A Woolworths shopper has advised Australians to double-check their grocery prices after nearly overpaying for a popular item.

The incident in question involved a bag of pitted prunes that scanned at a whopping $7.50, a significant leap from the $4.90 price tag displayed on the shelf.

This discrepancy not only caused confusion but also highlighted an important, yet often overlooked, Woolworths policy that could benefit shoppers.


The vigilant customer took to social media to share their story.

‘Ended up getting them for free after staff ran around and didn’t believe me,’ the customer wrote.

‘They said the price had gone up, but someone hadn’t changed the tag.’


According to Woolworths' policy, if an item scans at a higher price than the one advertised on the shelf, the customer is entitled to receive that item for free.

This policy is part of Woolworths' commitment to customer satisfaction, ensuring that shoppers are not disadvantaged by pricing errors.

It's a policy that many customers may not be aware of, but one that can save you money if you're attentive at the checkout.


Social media users chimed in with their own experiences, with some claiming they had also benefited from similar pricing errors.

‘Yeah, I've had a few items free when they've scanned the wrong price,’ one user shared.

‘Most people probably wouldn't notice, although I'm sure there would have been some that slipped past me.’

‘If you have the dockets on your phone, go to the online chat, tell them what happened, and you should get the full refund, and the store will be informed that they didn't follow policy,’ another advised.

‘Apparently, even if things are named wrong (and therefore different pricing), you get it for free,’ a third added.

‘I got a free bunch of flowers because they were labelled with a different type of flower!’


However, the conversation quickly turned to the broader issue of rising prices, with many commenters expressing shock at the significant price increase for the prunes.

‘The price of prunes, of all things, should be regular,’ one shopper commented.

‘The worst part of this post is knowing that a 500g pack of pitted prunes went up by $2.60,’ another pointed out.

‘50 per cent price rise is f*****,’ a third chimed.

Woolworths has yet to comment about the incident.


It's important to note that while Woolworths' policy can work in the customer's favour in the event of a pricing error, it also serves as a reminder to always check your receipts and question any discrepancies.

With the convenience of digital dockets and online customer service chats, it's easier than ever to follow up on any issues with your shopping.

For our members at the Seniors Discount Club, we recommend taking a moment to review your receipt before leaving the store or shortly after your shop.

If you spot a mistake, don't hesitate to approach the customer service desk or use the online chat feature to report the error.

Not only could you receive a refund or the item for free, but you'll also be helping to ensure that the pricing is corrected for future shoppers.

In a time when every penny counts, staying vigilant at the checkout is more important than ever.

So next time you're at Woolworths—or any supermarket, for that matter—keep an eye on those prices as you scan. It could just be the difference between overpaying and snagging a little unexpected bonus.


The recent incident where a Woolworths customer almost overpaid for a popular product serves as a reminder of the importance of double-checking grocery prices.

This isn't the first time such an issue has arisen; earlier this year, another case of Woolworths overcharging customers prompted widespread concern and warnings to always scrutinise receipts.

Both instances highlight the need for vigilance to avoid being overcharged at the checkout.
We'd love to hear from you, our readers. Have you ever encountered a pricing error during your grocery shop? Did you know about Woolworths' policy on mispriced items? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below, and let's help each other stay savvy at the checkout!