The rising cost of groceries is a concern for many Australians, especially for people on fixed incomes like pensions. But what if you're paying more for less without even realising it?

A recent incident involving a Coles shopper has brought to light a seemingly underhanded tactic employed by supermarkets to subtly increase prices.

The disgruntled shopper shared photos on social media showing two nearly identical packets of beef and pork meatballs purchased from Coles.

Both packets were advertised as two for $15, but there was a significant difference in weight.

The first packet weighed 560 grams, while the second, purchased a month later, weighed only 400 grams.

The shopper pointed out the whopping 28 per cent reduction in meatballs with no corresponding decrease in price.

The first pack above, weighing 560g, cost $15, while the other one, weighing only 400g, fetched the same price. Image: Reddit

'Coles (Australian supermarket duopoly cheapskates) have the gall to do a 28 per cent shrinkage in a month,' the shopper wrote online.

'Thank God you can still get the two for $15 special?!'

The post quickly gained traction, amassing thousands of reactions and hundreds of comments.

This shopper's frustration resonated with many Australians feeling the pinch of rising food prices.

'I barely go [to Coles] anymore, and this is why,' one person wrote.

'It’s about a 25-minute drive to ALDI, but [it] more than pays for itself.'

Another commented, 'I have probably a year left before I can’t afford to buy food anymore if things keep going this way.'

‘We’re being conned and ripped off, and there's no way around it,’ someone expressed.

‘Shopping for food used to be something I really enjoyed doing and nowadays it just feels stressful and upsetting! Every time I buy something, it's a little bit more expensive and a bit s**t and smaller than it was.’

Coles declined to comment on the matter, but this incident raises questions about the pricing practices of supermarket giants.

Are they exploiting consumers to boost their profits amid rising inflation?

Professor Roberta Crouch from the College of Business, Government and Law at Flinders University believes so.

'One of the ways to try to hold the perception of the same price, but increase your price and therefore increase your margin, is to reduce the size of packaging,' she told a news source.

However, she also acknowledged that supermarkets are grappling with rising costs, such as fuel and power bills.

'Fuel is one of their inputs that they always cite. If fuel prices are high, then grocery prices tend to follow...especially perishable items like fresh fruit and vegetables. It's not like you can put it on a train and wait.'

So, what can consumers do to protect themselves from these sneaky tactics? Professor Crouch advises shoppers to be vigilant and understand how pricing works.

'Look at that label where it gives you the price per unit. Consumers have really got to be on their toes and try to understand how the pricing works, because all of these things can be manipulated in order to make it appear that a price has been held.'

The Coles meatball incident comes amid calls for greater transparency from Coles and Woolworths regarding their pricing practices.

A senate inquiry into allegations of price gouging is underway.

'There's a lot of talk going on right now about Coles and Woolies being more transparent about how much of their margin goes to the farmer,' Professor Crouch said.

'Because the farmers are always talking about the fact that they're pushed to the limit on pricing. So there are some calls for some transparency there and it'll be interesting to see if that happens.'

In the meantime, consumers must stay alert and informed to ensure they're getting the best value for their money.

While the Coles meatball incident is a stark example, it's not the only way supermarkets subtly increase prices.

Here are a few other tactics to watch out for:

1. Shrinkflation: This is when the size or quantity of a product is reduced, but the price remains the same. It's a sneaky way for companies to pass on cost increases without raising prices.

2. Changing product placement: Supermarkets often place more expensive items at eye level, where they're more likely to catch your attention. Cheaper alternatives may be on higher or lower shelves.

3. Promoting 'special' deals: Just because an item is labelled as 'on sale' or 'special' doesn't necessarily mean it's a good deal. Always check the unit price to ensure you're getting the best value.

4. Bundling products: Sometimes, supermarkets bundle products and sell them at a 'discounted' price. However, if you don't need all the items in the bundle, you might end up spending more than necessary.

5. Using 'premium' product lines: Many supermarkets have their own 'premium' product lines, which are often more expensive than their regular or budget lines. While these products may be of higher quality, they're not always worth the extra cost.

By being aware of these tactics, you can make smarter shopping decisions and get the most bang for your buck.

Key Takeaways

• A Coles shopper expressed frustration over perceived shrinkflation in meatball packet sizes, with a 28 per cent reduction over a month.
• The reduction in product size has led to customer dissatisfaction, as revealed by online reactions, amid rising food prices in Australia.
• Coles did not provide a comment on this specific case, but the practice of reducing package sizes is part of a broader strategy to increase margins without raising prices, as explained by Professor Roberta Crouch.
• There is growing pressure for Coles and Woolworths to be more transparent about product pricing and how much of their margins are passed on to farmers, with a senate inquiry into allegations of price gouging underway.
  
• There are a few tactics that supermarkets use to subtly increase prices such as Shrinkflation, Changing product placement, Promoting 'special' deals, Bundling products, and Using 'premium' product lines.

What are your thoughts on this issue, members? Have you noticed any sneaky price increases at your local supermarket? Share your experiences in the comments below.

 

[MaggieMay1948]

The rising cost of groceries is a concern for many Australians, especially for people on fixed incomes like pensions. But what if you're paying more for less without even realising it?

A recent incident involving a Coles shopper has brought to light a seemingly underhanded tactic employed by supermarkets to subtly increase prices.

The disgruntled shopper shared photos on social media showing two nearly identical packets of beef and pork meatballs purchased from Coles.

Both packets were advertised as two for $15, but there was a significant difference in weight.

The first packet weighed 560 grams, while the second, purchased a month later, weighed only 400 grams.

The shopper pointed out the whopping 28 per cent reduction in meatballs with no corresponding decrease in price.

View attachment 39256

The first pack above, weighing 560g, cost $15, while the other one, weighing only 400g, fetched the same price. Image: Reddit

'Coles (Australian supermarket duopoly cheapskates) have the gall to do a 28 per cent shrinkage in a month,' the shopper wrote online.

'Thank God you can still get the two for $15 special?!'

The post quickly gained traction, amassing thousands of reactions and hundreds of comments.

This shopper's frustration resonated with many Australians feeling the pinch of rising food prices.

'I barely go [to Coles] anymore, and this is why,' one person wrote.

'It’s about a 25-minute drive to ALDI, but [it] more than pays for itself.'

Another commented, 'I have probably a year left before I can’t afford to buy food anymore if things keep going this way.'

‘We’re being conned and ripped off, and there's no way around it,’ someone expressed.

‘Shopping for food used to be something I really enjoyed doing and nowadays it just feels stressful and upsetting! Every time I buy something, it's a little bit more expensive and a bit s**t and smaller than it was.’

Coles declined to comment on the matter, but this incident raises questions about the pricing practices of supermarket giants.

Are they exploiting consumers to boost their profits amid rising inflation?

Professor Roberta Crouch from the College of Business, Government and Law at Flinders University believes so.

'One of the ways to try to hold the perception of the same price, but increase your price and therefore increase your margin, is to reduce the size of packaging,' she told a news source.

However, she also acknowledged that supermarkets are grappling with rising costs, such as fuel and power bills.

'Fuel is one of their inputs that they always cite. If fuel prices are high, then grocery prices tend to follow...especially perishable items like fresh fruit and vegetables. It's not like you can put it on a train and wait.'

So, what can consumers do to protect themselves from these sneaky tactics? Professor Crouch advises shoppers to be vigilant and understand how pricing works.

'Look at that label where it gives you the price per unit. Consumers have really got to be on their toes and try to understand how the pricing works, because all of these things can be manipulated in order to make it appear that a price has been held.'

The Coles meatball incident comes amid calls for greater transparency from Coles and Woolworths regarding their pricing practices.

A senate inquiry into allegations of price gouging is underway.

'There's a lot of talk going on right now about Coles and Woolies being more transparent about how much of their margin goes to the farmer,' Professor Crouch said.

'Because the farmers are always talking about the fact that they're pushed to the limit on pricing. So there are some calls for some transparency there and it'll be interesting to see if that happens.'

In the meantime, consumers must stay alert and informed to ensure they're getting the best value for their money.

While the Coles meatball incident is a stark example, it's not the only way supermarkets subtly increase prices.

Here are a few other tactics to watch out for:

1. Shrinkflation: This is when the size or quantity of a product is reduced, but the price remains the same. It's a sneaky way for companies to pass on cost increases without raising prices.

2. Changing product placement: Supermarkets often place more expensive items at eye level, where they're more likely to catch your attention. Cheaper alternatives may be on higher or lower shelves.

3. Promoting 'special' deals: Just because an item is labelled as 'on sale' or 'special' doesn't necessarily mean it's a good deal. Always check the unit price to ensure you're getting the best value.

4. Bundling products: Sometimes, supermarkets bundle products and sell them at a 'discounted' price. However, if you don't need all the items in the bundle, you might end up spending more than necessary.

5. Using 'premium' product lines: Many supermarkets have their own 'premium' product lines, which are often more expensive than their regular or budget lines. While these products may be of higher quality, they're not always worth the extra cost.

By being aware of these tactics, you can make smarter shopping decisions and get the most bang for your buck.

Key Takeaways

• A Coles shopper expressed frustration over perceived shrinkflation in meatball packet sizes, with a 28 per cent reduction over a month.
• The reduction in product size has led to customer dissatisfaction, as revealed by online reactions, amid rising food prices in Australia.
• Coles did not provide a comment on this specific case, but the practice of reducing package sizes is part of a broader strategy to increase margins without raising prices, as explained by Professor Roberta Crouch.
• There is growing pressure for Coles and Woolworths to be more transparent about product pricing and how much of their margins are passed on to farmers, with a senate inquiry into allegations of price gouging underway.
• There are a few tactics that supermarkets use to subtly increase prices such as Shrinkflation, Changing product placement, Promoting 'special' deals, Bundling products, and Using 'premium' product lines.

What are your thoughts on this issue, members? Have you noticed any sneaky price increases at your local supermarket? Share your experiences in the comments below.

S

 

[NotNats]

This is why I always take the time to buy my meat from a real butchers shop.

 

[Roysta]

The rising cost of groceries is a concern for many Australians, especially for people on fixed incomes like pensions. But what if you're paying more for less without even realising it?

A recent incident involving a Coles shopper has brought to light a seemingly underhanded tactic employed by supermarkets to subtly increase prices.

The disgruntled shopper shared photos on social media showing two nearly identical packets of beef and pork meatballs purchased from Coles.

Both packets were advertised as two for $15, but there was a significant difference in weight.

The first packet weighed 560 grams, while the second, purchased a month later, weighed only 400 grams.

The shopper pointed out the whopping 28 per cent reduction in meatballs with no corresponding decrease in price.

View attachment 39256

The first pack above, weighing 560g, cost $15, while the other one, weighing only 400g, fetched the same price. Image: Reddit

'Coles (Australian supermarket duopoly cheapskates) have the gall to do a 28 per cent shrinkage in a month,' the shopper wrote online.

'Thank God you can still get the two for $15 special?!'

The post quickly gained traction, amassing thousands of reactions and hundreds of comments.

This shopper's frustration resonated with many Australians feeling the pinch of rising food prices.

'I barely go [to Coles] anymore, and this is why,' one person wrote.

'It’s about a 25-minute drive to ALDI, but [it] more than pays for itself.'

Another commented, 'I have probably a year left before I can’t afford to buy food anymore if things keep going this way.'

‘We’re being conned and ripped off, and there's no way around it,’ someone expressed.

‘Shopping for food used to be something I really enjoyed doing and nowadays it just feels stressful and upsetting! Every time I buy something, it's a little bit more expensive and a bit s**t and smaller than it was.’

Coles declined to comment on the matter, but this incident raises questions about the pricing practices of supermarket giants.

Are they exploiting consumers to boost their profits amid rising inflation?

Professor Roberta Crouch from the College of Business, Government and Law at Flinders University believes so.

'One of the ways to try to hold the perception of the same price, but increase your price and therefore increase your margin, is to reduce the size of packaging,' she told a news source.

However, she also acknowledged that supermarkets are grappling with rising costs, such as fuel and power bills.

'Fuel is one of their inputs that they always cite. If fuel prices are high, then grocery prices tend to follow...especially perishable items like fresh fruit and vegetables. It's not like you can put it on a train and wait.'

So, what can consumers do to protect themselves from these sneaky tactics? Professor Crouch advises shoppers to be vigilant and understand how pricing works.

'Look at that label where it gives you the price per unit. Consumers have really got to be on their toes and try to understand how the pricing works, because all of these things can be manipulated in order to make it appear that a price has been held.'

The Coles meatball incident comes amid calls for greater transparency from Coles and Woolworths regarding their pricing practices.

A senate inquiry into allegations of price gouging is underway.

'There's a lot of talk going on right now about Coles and Woolies being more transparent about how much of their margin goes to the farmer,' Professor Crouch said.

'Because the farmers are always talking about the fact that they're pushed to the limit on pricing. So there are some calls for some transparency there and it'll be interesting to see if that happens.'

In the meantime, consumers must stay alert and informed to ensure they're getting the best value for their money.

While the Coles meatball incident is a stark example, it's not the only way supermarkets subtly increase prices.

Here are a few other tactics to watch out for:

1. Shrinkflation: This is when the size or quantity of a product is reduced, but the price remains the same. It's a sneaky way for companies to pass on cost increases without raising prices.

2. Changing product placement: Supermarkets often place more expensive items at eye level, where they're more likely to catch your attention. Cheaper alternatives may be on higher or lower shelves.

3. Promoting 'special' deals: Just because an item is labelled as 'on sale' or 'special' doesn't necessarily mean it's a good deal. Always check the unit price to ensure you're getting the best value.

4. Bundling products: Sometimes, supermarkets bundle products and sell them at a 'discounted' price. However, if you don't need all the items in the bundle, you might end up spending more than necessary.

5. Using 'premium' product lines: Many supermarkets have their own 'premium' product lines, which are often more expensive than their regular or budget lines. While these products may be of higher quality, they're not always worth the extra cost.

By being aware of these tactics, you can make smarter shopping decisions and get the most bang for your buck.

Key Takeaways

• A Coles shopper expressed frustration over perceived shrinkflation in meatball packet sizes, with a 28 per cent reduction over a month.
• The reduction in product size has led to customer dissatisfaction, as revealed by online reactions, amid rising food prices in Australia.
• Coles did not provide a comment on this specific case, but the practice of reducing package sizes is part of a broader strategy to increase margins without raising prices, as explained by Professor Roberta Crouch.
• There is growing pressure for Coles and Woolworths to be more transparent about product pricing and how much of their margins are passed on to farmers, with a senate inquiry into allegations of price gouging underway.
• There are a few tactics that supermarkets use to subtly increase prices such as Shrinkflation, Changing product placement, Promoting 'special' deals, Bundling products, and Using 'premium' product lines.

What are your thoughts on this issue, members? Have you noticed any sneaky price increases at your local supermarket? Share your experiences in the comments below.

They also think we are complete idiots, 3 weeks ago Tooheys Extra Dry stubbies were $48 per carton, this week $92 for two cartons or $60 each, gauging at its best.

 

[Satis]

The rising cost of groceries is a concern for many Australians, especially for people on fixed incomes like pensions. But what if you're paying more for less without even realising it?

A recent incident involving a Coles shopper has brought to light a seemingly underhanded tactic employed by supermarkets to subtly increase prices.

The disgruntled shopper shared photos on social media showing two nearly identical packets of beef and pork meatballs purchased from Coles.

Both packets were advertised as two for $15, but there was a significant difference in weight.

The first packet weighed 560 grams, while the second, purchased a month later, weighed only 400 grams.

The shopper pointed out the whopping 28 per cent reduction in meatballs with no corresponding decrease in price.

View attachment 39256

The first pack above, weighing 560g, cost $15, while the other one, weighing only 400g, fetched the same price. Image: Reddit

'Coles (Australian supermarket duopoly cheapskates) have the gall to do a 28 per cent shrinkage in a month,' the shopper wrote online.

'Thank God you can still get the two for $15 special?!'

The post quickly gained traction, amassing thousands of reactions and hundreds of comments.

This shopper's frustration resonated with many Australians feeling the pinch of rising food prices.

'I barely go [to Coles] anymore, and this is why,' one person wrote.

'It’s about a 25-minute drive to ALDI, but [it] more than pays for itself.'

Another commented, 'I have probably a year left before I can’t afford to buy food anymore if things keep going this way.'

‘We’re being conned and ripped off, and there's no way around it,’ someone expressed.

‘Shopping for food used to be something I really enjoyed doing and nowadays it just feels stressful and upsetting! Every time I buy something, it's a little bit more expensive and a bit s**t and smaller than it was.’

Coles declined to comment on the matter, but this incident raises questions about the pricing practices of supermarket giants.

Are they exploiting consumers to boost their profits amid rising inflation?

Professor Roberta Crouch from the College of Business, Government and Law at Flinders University believes so.

'One of the ways to try to hold the perception of the same price, but increase your price and therefore increase your margin, is to reduce the size of packaging,' she told a news source.

However, she also acknowledged that supermarkets are grappling with rising costs, such as fuel and power bills.

'Fuel is one of their inputs that they always cite. If fuel prices are high, then grocery prices tend to follow...especially perishable items like fresh fruit and vegetables. It's not like you can put it on a train and wait.'

So, what can consumers do to protect themselves from these sneaky tactics? Professor Crouch advises shoppers to be vigilant and understand how pricing works.

'Look at that label where it gives you the price per unit. Consumers have really got to be on their toes and try to understand how the pricing works, because all of these things can be manipulated in order to make it appear that a price has been held.'

The Coles meatball incident comes amid calls for greater transparency from Coles and Woolworths regarding their pricing practices.

A senate inquiry into allegations of price gouging is underway.

'There's a lot of talk going on right now about Coles and Woolies being more transparent about how much of their margin goes to the farmer,' Professor Crouch said.

'Because the farmers are always talking about the fact that they're pushed to the limit on pricing. So there are some calls for some transparency there and it'll be interesting to see if that happens.'

In the meantime, consumers must stay alert and informed to ensure they're getting the best value for their money.

While the Coles meatball incident is a stark example, it's not the only way supermarkets subtly increase prices.

Here are a few other tactics to watch out for:

1. Shrinkflation: This is when the size or quantity of a product is reduced, but the price remains the same. It's a sneaky way for companies to pass on cost increases without raising prices.

2. Changing product placement: Supermarkets often place more expensive items at eye level, where they're more likely to catch your attention. Cheaper alternatives may be on higher or lower shelves.

3. Promoting 'special' deals: Just because an item is labelled as 'on sale' or 'special' doesn't necessarily mean it's a good deal. Always check the unit price to ensure you're getting the best value.

4. Bundling products: Sometimes, supermarkets bundle products and sell them at a 'discounted' price. However, if you don't need all the items in the bundle, you might end up spending more than necessary.

5. Using 'premium' product lines: Many supermarkets have their own 'premium' product lines, which are often more expensive than their regular or budget lines. While these products may be of higher quality, they're not always worth the extra cost.

By being aware of these tactics, you can make smarter shopping decisions and get the most bang for your buck.

Key Takeaways

• A Coles shopper expressed frustration over perceived shrinkflation in meatball packet sizes, with a 28 per cent reduction over a month.
• The reduction in product size has led to customer dissatisfaction, as revealed by online reactions, amid rising food prices in Australia.
• Coles did not provide a comment on this specific case, but the practice of reducing package sizes is part of a broader strategy to increase margins without raising prices, as explained by Professor Roberta Crouch.
• There is growing pressure for Coles and Woolworths to be more transparent about product pricing and how much of their margins are passed on to farmers, with a senate inquiry into allegations of price gouging underway.
• There are a few tactics that supermarkets use to subtly increase prices such as Shrinkflation, Changing product placement, Promoting 'special' deals, Bundling products, and Using 'premium' product lines.

What are your thoughts on this issue, members? Have you noticed any sneaky price increases at your local supermarket? Share your experiences in the comments below.

I rarely go to coles or woolworths except when they have specials. For example they had a 50% special on my favourite coffee. So I bought 6 tins. Should last me a fair while.
This is the best way to save.

 

[geraldt]

If we all get together and boycott one of the giants for a month it will bring them into line, one month without 1 million shoppers will hurt them badly enough to rethink what they're doing, corporations don't care about us, let's show them. Like they did in America with bud light beer.

The ACCC tell us that if we don't like something we should vote with our feet. All we need to do is follow their advice and do as sharkfin1 and Robbo3006 suggest. Join me in boycotting both Coles and Woolworth's for the month of February. Use other supermarkets, specialty stores, fresh produce markets etc. and I'm sure we'll see a drastic change in attitude from these giants. It may cost a bit more in the short term but hopefully save us more in the long run. We are 200,000 strong. We can make a difference.

 

[David567]

Coles & WW have become the biggest SCAMMERS of all. One week they jack the price of a popular item by 50 in every store and make a massive profits and next week it's on special for 50c off so people buy extra, them the next week it's back to the original price. I've seen this many times.

 

[Singomate]

The rising cost of groceries is a concern for many Australians, especially for people on fixed incomes like pensions. But what if you're paying more for less without even realising it?

A recent incident involving a Coles shopper has brought to light a seemingly underhanded tactic employed by supermarkets to subtly increase prices.

The disgruntled shopper shared photos on social media showing two nearly identical packets of beef and pork meatballs purchased from Coles.

Both packets were advertised as two for $15, but there was a significant difference in weight.

The first packet weighed 560 grams, while the second, purchased a month later, weighed only 400 grams.

The shopper pointed out the whopping 28 per cent reduction in meatballs with no corresponding decrease in price.

View attachment 39256

The first pack above, weighing 560g, cost $15, while the other one, weighing only 400g, fetched the same price. Image: Reddit

'Coles (Australian supermarket duopoly cheapskates) have the gall to do a 28 per cent shrinkage in a month,' the shopper wrote online.

'Thank God you can still get the two for $15 special?!'

The post quickly gained traction, amassing thousands of reactions and hundreds of comments.

This shopper's frustration resonated with many Australians feeling the pinch of rising food prices.

'I barely go [to Coles] anymore, and this is why,' one person wrote.

'It’s about a 25-minute drive to ALDI, but [it] more than pays for itself.'

Another commented, 'I have probably a year left before I can’t afford to buy food anymore if things keep going this way.'

‘We’re being conned and ripped off, and there's no way around it,’ someone expressed.

‘Shopping for food used to be something I really enjoyed doing and nowadays it just feels stressful and upsetting! Every time I buy something, it's a little bit more expensive and a bit s**t and smaller than it was.’

Coles declined to comment on the matter, but this incident raises questions about the pricing practices of supermarket giants.

Are they exploiting consumers to boost their profits amid rising inflation?

Professor Roberta Crouch from the College of Business, Government and Law at Flinders University believes so.

'One of the ways to try to hold the perception of the same price, but increase your price and therefore increase your margin, is to reduce the size of packaging,' she told a news source.

However, she also acknowledged that supermarkets are grappling with rising costs, such as fuel and power bills.

'Fuel is one of their inputs that they always cite. If fuel prices are high, then grocery prices tend to follow...especially perishable items like fresh fruit and vegetables. It's not like you can put it on a train and wait.'

So, what can consumers do to protect themselves from these sneaky tactics? Professor Crouch advises shoppers to be vigilant and understand how pricing works.

'Look at that label where it gives you the price per unit. Consumers have really got to be on their toes and try to understand how the pricing works, because all of these things can be manipulated in order to make it appear that a price has been held.'

The Coles meatball incident comes amid calls for greater transparency from Coles and Woolworths regarding their pricing practices.

A senate inquiry into allegations of price gouging is underway.

'There's a lot of talk going on right now about Coles and Woolies being more transparent about how much of their margin goes to the farmer,' Professor Crouch said.

'Because the farmers are always talking about the fact that they're pushed to the limit on pricing. So there are some calls for some transparency there and it'll be interesting to see if that happens.'

In the meantime, consumers must stay alert and informed to ensure they're getting the best value for their money.

While the Coles meatball incident is a stark example, it's not the only way supermarkets subtly increase prices.

Here are a few other tactics to watch out for:

1. Shrinkflation: This is when the size or quantity of a product is reduced, but the price remains the same. It's a sneaky way for companies to pass on cost increases without raising prices.

2. Changing product placement: Supermarkets often place more expensive items at eye level, where they're more likely to catch your attention. Cheaper alternatives may be on higher or lower shelves.

3. Promoting 'special' deals: Just because an item is labelled as 'on sale' or 'special' doesn't necessarily mean it's a good deal. Always check the unit price to ensure you're getting the best value.

4. Bundling products: Sometimes, supermarkets bundle products and sell them at a 'discounted' price. However, if you don't need all the items in the bundle, you might end up spending more than necessary.

5. Using 'premium' product lines: Many supermarkets have their own 'premium' product lines, which are often more expensive than their regular or budget lines. While these products may be of higher quality, they're not always worth the extra cost.

By being aware of these tactics, you can make smarter shopping decisions and get the most bang for your buck.

Key Takeaways

• A Coles shopper expressed frustration over perceived shrinkflation in meatball packet sizes, with a 28 per cent reduction over a month.
• The reduction in product size has led to customer dissatisfaction, as revealed by online reactions, amid rising food prices in Australia.
• Coles did not provide a comment on this specific case, but the practice of reducing package sizes is part of a broader strategy to increase margins without raising prices, as explained by Professor Roberta Crouch.
• There is growing pressure for Coles and Woolworths to be more transparent about product pricing and how much of their margins are passed on to farmers, with a senate inquiry into allegations of price gouging underway.
• There are a few tactics that supermarkets use to subtly increase prices such as Shrinkflation, Changing product placement, Promoting 'special' deals, Bundling products, and Using 'premium' product lines.

What are your thoughts on this issue, members? Have you noticed any sneaky price increases at your local supermarket? Share your experiences in the comments below.

Coles have reduced the price of 300 items
Let me point out the essential items1 Soft drink fizzy sugar about 20 different varieties
2 Crisps about the same amount of varieties do you get where I'm coming from, it's bloody rude and insult to our intelligence

 

[Clancieblue]

One thing I hate seeing in their advertising is the cost of a pack of meat. Nowhere do they say what the weight of a pack is. Another sneaky way of increasing their profit margins.

The weight is on the pack, it shrunk from 560g to 4oog.

One thing I hate seeing in their advertising is the cost of a pack of meat. Nowhere do they say what the weight of a pack is. Another sneaky way of increasing their profit margins.

 

[Macarj]

I thought it was mandatory that the weight was put on the pack. I wonder if the weight of the packaging is also a part of the final weight?

Probably because it doesn't say net weight

 

[Macarj]

I buy my meat at a butcher and veg at a market

 

[June E]

Woollies and Coles......PFFFT...... Wouldn't shop there , haven't done so for oner 20 years BOYCOTT.

So Ian3005 can I ask where do you shop ?

 

[June E]

The ACCC tell us that if we don't like something we should vote with our feet. All we need to do is follow their advice and do as sharkfin1 and Robbo3006 suggest. Join me in boycotting both Coles and Woolworth's for the month of February. Use other supermarkets, specialty stores, fresh produce markets etc. and I'm sure we'll see a drastic change in attitude from these giants. It may cost a bit more in the short term but hopefully save us more in the long run. We are 200,000 strong. We can make a difference.

I’d really like to know where all these other supermarkets are. I’ve lived in a few different places and have only ever come across Coles Woolies IGA which never feel clean to me or Aldi where you can’t get everything you need. We could do with a few more different ones for competition.

 

[relljube]

Had to buy on line from Coles - they lost me - unavailable items not refunded from price - crap quality with rotten potatos in package - no more & Woolies is even worse. Aldi or find specialist outlets (baker, butcher greengrocer etc)

 

[starrysnan]

As I no longer have a car I did an online order on Sunday. I ordered the 200 pack Dilmah teabags (on special but they were out of stock, The person who picked my order gave me a 100 pack instead - still charging me for the 200 size. After getting nowhere with their automated system. I rang and insisted on speaking to a real person. After a brief wait I did speak to a pleasant young man in Esperance who agreed the situation should be rectified and offered me a $5 credit for my next order. My point being how many people could not be bothered over a small amount and Coles is pocketing the money which would add up to a considerable amount over 12 months.

 

[bluetang]

Absolutely!!! Spot on!!

 

[bluetang]

Had to buy on line from Coles - they lost me - unavailable items not refunded from price - crap quality with rotten potatos in package - no more & Woolies is even worse. Aldi or find specialist outlets (baker, butcher greengrocer etc)

Franklins was bought by Woollies and closed down. Shrinkflation on frozen scallops went from 500g packet to 375g same price. IGA is 500g packet and cheaper. I have noticed that the onions from Coles are almost rotten or have less than a week on them Unfortunetly when you live in a rural town there is only Woollies or Coles. If we have to go to Cairns then we have a better choice of butchers and supermarkets.

 

[IAN3005]

There should be a small discount if customers at Coles etc use self serve. If everyone stopped using self serve imagine the long queues, disgruntled customers and the havoc it would cause, especially in peak hours. If the customer does the work why not a 1% discount payment for your eff

So Ian3005 can I ask where do you shop ?

I shop at Aldi for the imported canned food (far superior to the local stuff), Toatoes $.95 (Italian), Chicken Maryland off the bone $11.49, occasionally at IGA and all my greengrocery I get from the local greengrocers far cheaper than Aldi and better quality (picked up a styrene box of sweet corn for $8.00)
Tomatoes $2.50, Cos lettuce$0.95 for a huge head, Desiree potatoes $2.99, cucumbers $2.99, bananas $1.99 (Aldi $3.99), Strawberries $1.99, nectarines $1.99 (Aldi $4.99), Gapes $2.99 (Aldi $6.99), 10kg bag of Onions $9.99. All good quality. I get there around 7:30am as they are restocking the shelves so I can count on the freshness, not mauled by the customers.
I don't buy anything in a box.

 

[Kman]

I shop at Aldi for the imported canned food (far superior to the local stuff), Toatoes $.95 (Italian), Chicken Maryland off the bone $11.49, occasionally at IGA and all my greengrocery I get from the local greengrocers far cheaper than Aldi and better quality (picked up a styrene box of sweet corn for $8.00)
Tomatoes $2.50, Cos lettuce$0.95 for a huge head, Desiree potatoes $2.99, cucumbers $2.99, bananas $1.99 (Aldi $3.99), Strawberries $1.99, nectarines $1.99 (Aldi $4.99), Gapes $2.99 (Aldi $6.99), 10kg bag of Onions $9.99. All good quality. I get there around 7:30am as they are restocking the shelves so I can count on the freshness, not mauled by the customers.
I don't buy anything in a box.

I shop at our local foodland

 

[Kinsley]

The rising cost of groceries is a concern for many Australians, especially for people on fixed incomes like pensions. But what if you're paying more for less without even realising it?

A recent incident involving a Coles shopper has brought to light a seemingly underhanded tactic employed by supermarkets to subtly increase prices.

The disgruntled shopper shared photos on social media showing two nearly identical packets of beef and pork meatballs purchased from Coles.

Both packets were advertised as two for $15, but there was a significant difference in weight.

The first packet weighed 560 grams, while the second, purchased a month later, weighed only 400 grams.

The shopper pointed out the whopping 28 per cent reduction in meatballs with no corresponding decrease in price.

View attachment 39256

The first pack above, weighing 560g, cost $15, while the other one, weighing only 400g, fetched the same price. Image: Reddit

'Coles (Australian supermarket duopoly cheapskates) have the gall to do a 28 per cent shrinkage in a month,' the shopper wrote online.

'Thank God you can still get the two for $15 special?!'

The post quickly gained traction, amassing thousands of reactions and hundreds of comments.

This shopper's frustration resonated with many Australians feeling the pinch of rising food prices.

'I barely go [to Coles] anymore, and this is why,' one person wrote.

'It’s about a 25-minute drive to ALDI, but [it] more than pays for itself.'

Another commented, 'I have probably a year left before I can’t afford to buy food anymore if things keep going this way.'

‘We’re being conned and ripped off, and there's no way around it,’ someone expressed.

‘Shopping for food used to be something I really enjoyed doing and nowadays it just feels stressful and upsetting! Every time I buy something, it's a little bit more expensive and a bit s**t and smaller than it was.’

Coles declined to comment on the matter, but this incident raises questions about the pricing practices of supermarket giants.

Are they exploiting consumers to boost their profits amid rising inflation?

Professor Roberta Crouch from the College of Business, Government and Law at Flinders University believes so.

'One of the ways to try to hold the perception of the same price, but increase your price and therefore increase your margin, is to reduce the size of packaging,' she told a news source.

However, she also acknowledged that supermarkets are grappling with rising costs, such as fuel and power bills.

'Fuel is one of their inputs that they always cite. If fuel prices are high, then grocery prices tend to follow...especially perishable items like fresh fruit and vegetables. It's not like you can put it on a train and wait.'

So, what can consumers do to protect themselves from these sneaky tactics? Professor Crouch advises shoppers to be vigilant and understand how pricing works.

'Look at that label where it gives you the price per unit. Consumers have really got to be on their toes and try to understand how the pricing works, because all of these things can be manipulated in order to make it appear that a price has been held.'

The Coles meatball incident comes amid calls for greater transparency from Coles and Woolworths regarding their pricing practices.

A senate inquiry into allegations of price gouging is underway.

'There's a lot of talk going on right now about Coles and Woolies being more transparent about how much of their margin goes to the farmer,' Professor Crouch said.

'Because the farmers are always talking about the fact that they're pushed to the limit on pricing. So there are some calls for some transparency there and it'll be interesting to see if that happens.'

In the meantime, consumers must stay alert and informed to ensure they're getting the best value for their money.

While the Coles meatball incident is a stark example, it's not the only way supermarkets subtly increase prices.

Here are a few other tactics to watch out for:

1. Shrinkflation: This is when the size or quantity of a product is reduced, but the price remains the same. It's a sneaky way for companies to pass on cost increases without raising prices.

2. Changing product placement: Supermarkets often place more expensive items at eye level, where they're more likely to catch your attention. Cheaper alternatives may be on higher or lower shelves.

3. Promoting 'special' deals: Just because an item is labelled as 'on sale' or 'special' doesn't necessarily mean it's a good deal. Always check the unit price to ensure you're getting the best value.

4. Bundling products: Sometimes, supermarkets bundle products and sell them at a 'discounted' price. However, if you don't need all the items in the bundle, you might end up spending more than necessary.

5. Using 'premium' product lines: Many supermarkets have their own 'premium' product lines, which are often more expensive than their regular or budget lines. While these products may be of higher quality, they're not always worth the extra cost.

By being aware of these tactics, you can make smarter shopping decisions and get the most bang for your buck.

Key Takeaways

• A Coles shopper expressed frustration over perceived shrinkflation in meatball packet sizes, with a 28 per cent reduction over a month.
• The reduction in product size has led to customer dissatisfaction, as revealed by online reactions, amid rising food prices in Australia.
• Coles did not provide a comment on this specific case, but the practice of reducing package sizes is part of a broader strategy to increase margins without raising prices, as explained by Professor Roberta Crouch.
• There is growing pressure for Coles and Woolworths to be more transparent about product pricing and how much of their margins are passed on to farmers, with a senate inquiry into allegations of price gouging underway.
• There are a few tactics that supermarkets use to subtly increase prices such as Shrinkflation, Changing product placement, Promoting 'special' deals, Bundling products, and Using 'premium' product lines.

What are your thoughts on this issue, members? Have you noticed any sneaky price increases at your local supermarket? Share your experiences in the comments below.

 

[mylittletibbies]

I thought it was mandatory that the weight was put on the pack. I wonder if the weight of the packaging is also a part of the final weight?

I don't know about the advertising, but the weight has always been on every pack of meat I have bought.