Mum expresses shock at the price of basic bathroom staple at Woolies: ‘It's price gouging at its worst’

In an era where the cost of living is soaring, and every penny counts, it's no wonder that Australians are becoming increasingly vigilant about where their hard-earned money is going. Many of our members remember a time when the dollar stretched much further than it does today.

So, when a mum recently expressed her shock at the supermarket price of a basic bathroom staple, it struck a chord with budget-conscious shoppers everywhere.



The mum in question was left 'furious' after discovering the cost of her usual shampoo and conditioner had skyrocketed to a staggering $50.

Yes, you read that correctly—$50 for items that were once unassuming and affordable. It's a sum that would have once filled a shopping basket with a variety of goods but now barely covers two bottles of hair care products.


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A mum shared her fury at the $50 price of a bottle of shampoo and conditioner. Image source: @lauracjackel/Instagram



'It's price gouging at its worst,' the mum exclaimed, echoing the sentiments of many who feel the pinch of rising prices.

The term 'price gouging' is often thrown around, but what does it really mean? It refers to when a seller increases the prices of goods or services to a level much higher than is considered reasonable or fair, often during a demand spike or supply shortage.



This mum's experience is far from unique. Across the country, Australians are noticing that their dollar doesn't stretch as far as it used to, especially when it comes to grocery shopping.

A quick dash to the store for a few items can easily result in a bill that makes you double-take.

And it's not just shampoo and conditioner that are culprits; many everyday items have seen price hikes.

The frustration felt by this mum led her to conduct an impromptu survey on social media, where she found overwhelming agreement among her followers.

A whopping 99 per cent of the 340 respondents shared her outrage, with many questioning who would willingly pay such exorbitant prices for basic items.

‘Does anyone ever buy that at full price?’ someone asked.

Another stated: ‘Price gouging by the two supermarket giants. I’m going for the $7 for 500ml versions instead!’



The conversation around this issue is growing, with social media becoming a platform for venting and sharing stories of ‘daylight robbery’.

Just last week, a woman reported being charged $6.50 for a mini can of Coke at a cafe—a price that left many aghast.

The woman said: ‘What on earth is going on?! This is unbelievable… take-away kiosk and not even a proper full-size can of Coke!’

Based on the receipt provided, the woman paid $6.60 for a 250mL mini can of Coke and $9.35 for a 300mL bottle of juice. The total bill for the two drinks was $15.95, with an added 'handling fee' of $0.24, making the final amount $16.19.

It seems that everywhere we turn, prices are creeping up, and it's not just confined to the supermarket aisles.



So, what can we do about it? For starters, it's essential to be savvy shoppers.

Keep an eye out for specials and discounts, and don't be afraid to switch to more affordable brands when necessary.

Loyalty to a particular brand is commendable, but not when it comes at the cost of your wallet.

It's also worth considering bulk buying or shopping at discount outlets where prices tend to be more reasonable.

In these challenging times, it's more important than ever to make every dollar count.

While we may not be able to control the economy, we can control how we respond to it. By being informed, proactive, and vocal, we can ensure that we're not paying more than we need to for our everyday essentials.
Key Takeaways
  • A mother expressed her shock at the high cost of standard shampoo and conditioner at Woolworths, totalling $50, which she deems to be price gouging.
  • The mum's social media poll showed overwhelming agreement, with 99 per cent of respondents supporting her view that the prices were too high for the bathroom staples.
  • Social media has become a platform for Australians to voice their dissatisfaction with the perceived overpricing of everyday items in supermarkets and cafes.
  • This comes after an incident where a woman paid $16.19 for two drinks at a Bondi cafe, reflecting broader concerns over rising costs and pricing practices in Australia.
We'd love to hear from you, our Seniors Discount Club members. Have you noticed a significant increase in the price of your usual supermarket items? How have you adjusted your shopping habits in response? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!
 
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One ponders, if only we had bought a "Ton" of Coca Cola shares back in the early 50's. I'll have to "Google" their price on the U.S. stock markets to see what they were, if you could have bought some. I can very clearly remember when the original size bottle of coke, which was the only one size back then, for many, many moons, was a "ZAC", 6d each. Now the same bottle is about, what, $3 or so each. Now in any restaurant situation including clubs, is about anything between $4-$5 each. The old cliche, "Hindsight Is A Wonderful Thing". One would have to fully agree to that.
 
The price of olive oil is getting ridiculous and is very rarely on special. I have switched to Aldi branded olive oil. 4ltr still cost a lot but much cheaper than the big supermarkets.
 
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I make a list of things I really need and stick to it. I no longer walk around Aldi’s centre aisles where I used to find things I really didn’t need. Washing my hair with soap (it does the same job as shampoo) but I do use a conditioner. Going back to the basics we used before supermarkets became a big thing when I was a child. Yes, there’s a lot to be learned from the good old days. Maybe the circle is turning back to those days.
 
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It makes you wonder with the price's the supermarket's buy goods & the markup they put on them? For example Woolies had coffee at 50% off for all of autumn -from $10 down to $5, so what's the real markup?
 
Woolworths would still be making a reasonable if not big profit when 50% off. These prices all need to be marked down permanently not just for a few days if these supermarkets are serious about not price gouging their customers. We are spending alot less with the big 2 and I am sure many more are but J think we can all do better to send the message we are not happy with them. If they did not have customers in their stores they might get a clear message
 
I like certain brands of shampoo and conditioner but I only buy when it’s on special. Same with my washing powder and dishwasher tablets. I wait for the 1/2 price weeks. I usually find Coles and Woolies have what I need on special alternative weeks from each other and the stores are close to each other so it’s easy to swap and change
 
I personaly feel that we all have become a little pretentious and wanting, prices will keep going up as we keep wanting more examples, free fruit for the little ones and if you dont like whats in the free basket get it off the shelf , take something off the shelf to just throw it down another aisle, too lazy to go look for something demand to be taken to the item the amount of items thrown out as people open them and half eat them while they are walking the aisles and the amount of items stolen we want all these services but looks like we dont want to pay for them
 
I have noticed in the last 3 weeks prices have gone up a lot at Woolworths. I am just not buying items now as they are way overpriced.
Despite the investigation into supermarkets they are actually putting things up massively.
I feel cheated and angry.
 
It’s up to customers to vote with your money. Don’t spend it if you feel incensed. Shop around if you feel ripped off. Change brands when you feel overcharged
 
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Northern Hospital (Melbourne) charge $8 for a bottle of Pepsi Max plus 5 cents for using a card. If we have a cashless society no one will have any money to spend if this continues
 
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At Coles and Woolworths Cadburys Cherry Ripe has gone from @2.00 to $2.50 and reduced in size from 53 grams to 44 grams or a 50 56% increase in price.. When I asked I was told people wanted smaller chocolate bars.
I don't think people would have wanted a 50% plus cost increase.
 
Yes just Disgusting' how company's Will even Rip their Own Customers OFF "
just the other day I noticed that my 'Allen's ' Killer Pythons ' They used to have 9
in the packet? Now they have 8 ? ... They don't tell anyone.
As you walk out of the store 'Woolies' will put there hand in your back pocket'
and Pull a $$Tenner Out.
 
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I have absolutely noticed huge changes with quite a few products and I think it is disgraceful.
These big companies should be ashamed of themselves.
 
If you want to buy this product it is on special at Chemist Warehouse $3 cheaper! Perhaps it is the manufacturer setting the prices huh
 
This is also noticed at Cash and Carry stores,.No Frills the same . Not a lot of difference between them and the supermarkets.
June
 
If you want to buy this product it is on special at Chemist Warehouse $3 cheaper! Perhaps it is the manufacturer setting the prices huh
Maybe it is the manufacturer, but in the long run companies do set their own prices. Whichever it is, it's still a disgraceful price .
 

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