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.

 

[Jkaretai]

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 made a profit last year of over $1billion. That's a thousand million dollars!!!!! Go to Farmers' markets and fruit and vegie shops, go to butcher shops and bakeries instead. We have purchasing power...don't forget that.

 

[sharkfin1]

I think it's about time to ban Coles and Woolworths they are getting out of control. Bring back shops like Franklins and other small businesses to keep the competition going that's how it used to be the big companies are just getting too bloody greedy.

 

[elaine41]

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.

 

[amandaloisjupp1961]

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.

It is shrinkfation people

 

[Kman]

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.

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?

 

[IAN3005]

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

 

[trakn]

Fuel prices are currently lowest in 12 months .Don't and won't see any drop in prices.
Coles have just made a big deal about lamb prices , their lamb leg prices are $2.50 a kilo dearer than woolworths .
More competition is unlikely as it is too expensive to set up in Australia that's why German company Liddal pulled out.

 

[Annna]

Coles made a profit last year of over $1billion. That's a thousand million dollars!!!!! Go to Farmers' markets and fruit and vegie shops, go to butcher shops and bakeries instead. We have purchasing power...don't forget that.

Farmers' markets aren't always great.

Some have sellers selling:

1. fruit and veg for higher prices (unit pricing) than Coles and Woolies (you'd think pricing would be lower given the market stall holders' lower operating expenses, but no) the; and

2. Fruit and veg sold a bit cheaper but where a lot of the stock is visibly going off.

That's not a viable alternative.

 

[Sue's]

Go to the market instead

 

[sharkfin1]

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?

Count on that

 

[Lizzie1149]

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 always check the per kg price and the weight. Also check the per litre price for drinks. Most of the made up stuff I have found has added sugar, starches and other stuff I don't want to eat, so I pretty much make my own. I do buy the best mince

 

[Lizzie1149]

Fuel prices are currently lowest in 12 months .Don't and won't see any drop in prices.
Coles have just made a big deal about lamb prices , their lamb leg prices are $2.50 a kilo dearer than woolworths .
More competition is unlikely as it is too expensive to set up in Australia that's why German company Liddal pulled out.

Yes I got a couple of lamb products from Coles but the loin chops were $22 a kg and same at Woolworths. that is daylight robbery

 

[Leigh54]

These supermarkets could afford to absorb some of these so called fuel and wages rises. They don't have to make a billion dollars profit!!! Remember when the prices would go up by a few cents and then it was five or ten cents or maybe twenty cents now it is the dollars!!!

 

[Lizzie1149]

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?

Most weights have a e on them in front of or behind the product weight. That means approximately. They get you every time

 

[carolearmstrong]

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 effort?

 

[carolearmstrong]

I think it's about time to ban Coles and Woolworths they are getting out of control. Bring back shops like Franklins and other small businesses to keep the competition going that's how it used to be the big companies are just getting too bloody greedy.

Absolutely!!! Spot on!!

 

[Robbo3006]

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.

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.

 

[Grahamclarke]

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.

How can they continue to say that the rising cost of food is down to transport cost when fuel has come down in price. Checking the packet size is a must. Look at shopping around Aldi may not have all the items you require but tinned items and vegetables seem to be cheaper

 

[Grahamclarke]

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.

Not been to Cole’s since 28 December Ordered our flyby gift cards in November received notification 10 December that had been actioned did not receive them until 7 January ( (stamped dated 2 January not what I call good customer service