Behind the Scenes of Budget Retailing: Startling Discovery in Smith's Chips Multi-Pack Raises Questions
By
- Replies 19
There’s no denying that we all love a good bargain. When it comes to looking for deals, many savvy shoppers consider ALDI a go-to shopping destination due to its reputation for providing quality products at affordable prices.
But did you know that there's a savvy business strategy behind those wallet-friendly deals?
Thanks to the globalised economy, outsourcing has become a popular method for companies to cut expenses and boost efficiency.
By handing off parts of their operations to external suppliers, businesses can save on labour, materials, and overhead costs.
This is especially true for budget retailers like ALDI, who count on cost-effective production methods to keep prices reasonable for their customers.
Proof of this strategy in action may have been found by an unsuspecting customer who made a startling discovery inside their Smith's chips multi-pack that they purchased from a supermarket that wasn’t ALDI. The shopper did not confirm whether they bought this multi-pack at Coles or Woolworths.
‘Smiths scam! I just opened a packet of Smith's original chips and found a pack of ALDI brand chips in there!’ the baffled shopper wrote in their post on Reddit.
'Obviously Smith's also manufacture the ALDI brand, which is significantly cheaper! Is this a thing?!'
Keen social media users were quick to share their own experiences, explaining that outsourcing production is a prevalent practice in the industry.
One user wrote: 'Yes, it's a thing. I used to work in a fruit processing factory; we made stuff for ALDI, weight watchers, and a few other companies, all came down the same line.’
'It's the same for bread too. I used to work at Tip Top Bakery in Dandenong. All the packaged supermarket bread is Tip Top bread,’ another said.
‘The only difference is the supermarket brands were bagged first, so technically the Tip Top brands were a few hours fresher.'
Cheese lovers might be interested to know their indulgence could also be a part of this practice.
'Can confirm this is true for brie and camembert cheese there. Same product, just different packaging,' chimed in another user.
A former confectionery manufacturer worker also supported the claim, sharing that outsourcing production is a customary practice in almost every product.
They wrote: '100 per cent, I used to work at an Australian confectionery manufacturer. The exact same product goes into our own branded product as what goes into ALDI.'
'ALDI sells them cheaper. ALDI guarantees its sales, buys in bulk, and cuts out all the extra charges like rebates that other major retailers or independent supermarkets include. These things allow for a cheaper price from the manufacturer.'
The revelations led to numerous discussions on the benefits of purchasing ALDI products. One person pointed out: 'If that's actually true, then you've just discovered that buying the product at ALDI is cheaper for the same content.’
While ALDI and Pepsico Australia – the company that makes Smith's chips – have yet to comment on the matter, it's fascinating to learn about the behind-the-scenes practices that allow consumers to save money.
So, members, it’s important to do your research when it comes to budget shopping. Always compare the prices and ingredients to know you are getting the best value for money.
Have you ever had a similar experience before? Share your stories with us in the comments below!
But did you know that there's a savvy business strategy behind those wallet-friendly deals?
Thanks to the globalised economy, outsourcing has become a popular method for companies to cut expenses and boost efficiency.
By handing off parts of their operations to external suppliers, businesses can save on labour, materials, and overhead costs.
This is especially true for budget retailers like ALDI, who count on cost-effective production methods to keep prices reasonable for their customers.
Proof of this strategy in action may have been found by an unsuspecting customer who made a startling discovery inside their Smith's chips multi-pack that they purchased from a supermarket that wasn’t ALDI. The shopper did not confirm whether they bought this multi-pack at Coles or Woolworths.
‘Smiths scam! I just opened a packet of Smith's original chips and found a pack of ALDI brand chips in there!’ the baffled shopper wrote in their post on Reddit.
'Obviously Smith's also manufacture the ALDI brand, which is significantly cheaper! Is this a thing?!'
Keen social media users were quick to share their own experiences, explaining that outsourcing production is a prevalent practice in the industry.
One user wrote: 'Yes, it's a thing. I used to work in a fruit processing factory; we made stuff for ALDI, weight watchers, and a few other companies, all came down the same line.’
'It's the same for bread too. I used to work at Tip Top Bakery in Dandenong. All the packaged supermarket bread is Tip Top bread,’ another said.
‘The only difference is the supermarket brands were bagged first, so technically the Tip Top brands were a few hours fresher.'
Cheese lovers might be interested to know their indulgence could also be a part of this practice.
'Can confirm this is true for brie and camembert cheese there. Same product, just different packaging,' chimed in another user.
A former confectionery manufacturer worker also supported the claim, sharing that outsourcing production is a customary practice in almost every product.
They wrote: '100 per cent, I used to work at an Australian confectionery manufacturer. The exact same product goes into our own branded product as what goes into ALDI.'
'ALDI sells them cheaper. ALDI guarantees its sales, buys in bulk, and cuts out all the extra charges like rebates that other major retailers or independent supermarkets include. These things allow for a cheaper price from the manufacturer.'
The revelations led to numerous discussions on the benefits of purchasing ALDI products. One person pointed out: 'If that's actually true, then you've just discovered that buying the product at ALDI is cheaper for the same content.’
Key Takeaways
- ALDI and other budget retailers rely on cost-effective production methods to keep prices low for their customers.
- A customer discovered a packet of ALDI's brand chips inside a Smith's original chips multi-pack, which led to a discussion on Reddit about product outsourcing.
- Redditors shared their experiences of working in various industries where the same products were manufactured for different brands, highlighting that the only difference between them is the packaging and branding.
- ALDI is known for selling products cheaper due to its guarantees on sales, bulk buying, and cutting out extra charges that other major retailers include, thereby offering the same content at a lower price.
While ALDI and Pepsico Australia – the company that makes Smith's chips – have yet to comment on the matter, it's fascinating to learn about the behind-the-scenes practices that allow consumers to save money.
So, members, it’s important to do your research when it comes to budget shopping. Always compare the prices and ingredients to know you are getting the best value for money.
Have you ever had a similar experience before? Share your stories with us in the comments below!