Shocking social media post reveals Woolworths workers insulting customers - 'Do your own shopping!'
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We know how important it is to find the right balance between convenience and value for money. We’re often working within a budget, while also trying our best to keep our independence.
That’s why online grocery shopping is such a great option — more supermarkets are offering online delivery and collection, which is especially helpful for those who have health or mobility concerns, or simply don't have the time to do their grocery shopping.
We rely on supermarkets to provide us with the highest quality products.
However, we are also aware of the disadvantages of online shopping, including receiving some items that do not match our expectations.
And for this reason, shoppers often make special requests in their online orders.
Recently, social media users discovered posts from Woolworths workers who were being dismissive of customer requests for quality products when it comes to online orders.
The posts in question came from an unofficial Facebook group for Woolies workers, which showed staff discussing requests from shoppers like asking for 'firm' blueberries, ice cream from the back of the freezer or even 'pretty' coloured fly swatters.
Instead of taking these requests seriously, the Woolworths team members appeared to be mocking the customers’ requests, with one employee rudely suggesting that customers should 'do [their] own d*mn shopping.'
The worker who posted the thread continued to brag about turning down another request from the customer, who had similarly bought 10 cucumbers and written a note requesting that the freshest be chosen.
As shoppers, we expect that all our requests will be taken seriously, even if those requests are extra-specific.
'I didn't. No way I was wasting my time,' the employee wrote.
Others poked fun at the shopper who requested the 'firm' blueberries, with one person saying: 'Should've eaten a few to make sure they were OK too.'
Some pointed out that they would do the opposite of the requests.
Woolies customers appeared to have a shared concern with the selection of freshly stocked produce and meat, as seen by another Facebook post that asked that the freshness of the beef mince be 'double checked'.
However, one employee sarcastically said that seeing notes like this is the 'best way' for customers to guarantee they won't get the freshest things available.
In response to the issue being brought to light, a Woolworths spokesperson issued a statement saying that while there are instances where particular requests made in connection with online orders cannot be met because of unexpected circumstances, every effort is taken to guarantee that customers receive what they request.
They also reminded customers of the company's Fresh or Free Guarantee and encouraged them to keep in touch with the retailer if they have issues with their purchases.
'We expect our team members to always meet the specific requests customers place in their orders but we know that due to supply or stock issues, this is not always the case. If a customer is unhappy with their order, they're encouraged to contact us so we can look into it,' the representative said.
Woolworths website even suggests leaving ‘personal shopping notes’:
‘Leaving a Personal Shopper note against any item is the best way to let them know exactly how you’d pick those items in store, especially fresh fruit and veg. You could also ask them to pick a specific size or weight, green or ripe produce, or even choose certain items by their use-by-date.’
Hmm, now who is going to tell the staff members?
We feel strongly that if you're paying hard-earned money for a service, it's only reasonable to expect that a business should follow through on its delivery of that service. That's why we take a dim view of poor customer service.
So, members, don’t forget you can demand quality products! Just make sure you stay vigilant when it comes to asking for a little extra attention - and don’t be discouraged from making those special requests by discouraging words from a few staff.
Members, what do you think? Do you think these comments from the staff members are insensitive to shoppers?
That’s why online grocery shopping is such a great option — more supermarkets are offering online delivery and collection, which is especially helpful for those who have health or mobility concerns, or simply don't have the time to do their grocery shopping.
We rely on supermarkets to provide us with the highest quality products.
However, we are also aware of the disadvantages of online shopping, including receiving some items that do not match our expectations.
And for this reason, shoppers often make special requests in their online orders.
Recently, social media users discovered posts from Woolworths workers who were being dismissive of customer requests for quality products when it comes to online orders.
The posts in question came from an unofficial Facebook group for Woolies workers, which showed staff discussing requests from shoppers like asking for 'firm' blueberries, ice cream from the back of the freezer or even 'pretty' coloured fly swatters.
Instead of taking these requests seriously, the Woolworths team members appeared to be mocking the customers’ requests, with one employee rudely suggesting that customers should 'do [their] own d*mn shopping.'
The worker who posted the thread continued to brag about turning down another request from the customer, who had similarly bought 10 cucumbers and written a note requesting that the freshest be chosen.
As shoppers, we expect that all our requests will be taken seriously, even if those requests are extra-specific.
'I didn't. No way I was wasting my time,' the employee wrote.
Others poked fun at the shopper who requested the 'firm' blueberries, with one person saying: 'Should've eaten a few to make sure they were OK too.'
Some pointed out that they would do the opposite of the requests.
Woolies customers appeared to have a shared concern with the selection of freshly stocked produce and meat, as seen by another Facebook post that asked that the freshness of the beef mince be 'double checked'.
However, one employee sarcastically said that seeing notes like this is the 'best way' for customers to guarantee they won't get the freshest things available.
In response to the issue being brought to light, a Woolworths spokesperson issued a statement saying that while there are instances where particular requests made in connection with online orders cannot be met because of unexpected circumstances, every effort is taken to guarantee that customers receive what they request.
They also reminded customers of the company's Fresh or Free Guarantee and encouraged them to keep in touch with the retailer if they have issues with their purchases.
'We expect our team members to always meet the specific requests customers place in their orders but we know that due to supply or stock issues, this is not always the case. If a customer is unhappy with their order, they're encouraged to contact us so we can look into it,' the representative said.
Woolworths website even suggests leaving ‘personal shopping notes’:
‘Leaving a Personal Shopper note against any item is the best way to let them know exactly how you’d pick those items in store, especially fresh fruit and veg. You could also ask them to pick a specific size or weight, green or ripe produce, or even choose certain items by their use-by-date.’
Hmm, now who is going to tell the staff members?
Key Takeaways
- Woolworths employees have been discovered mocking customers in an unofficial Facebook group for workers.
- Employees laughed at shopper’s requests such as asking for 'firm' blueberries, or for ice cream 'from the back' of the freezer.
- Woolworths staff suggested customers ordering online should not expect to receive the freshest products available.
- A Woolworths spokesperson said staff make every effort to fulfill customer requests, and encouraged unhappy customers to contact them.
We feel strongly that if you're paying hard-earned money for a service, it's only reasonable to expect that a business should follow through on its delivery of that service. That's why we take a dim view of poor customer service.
So, members, don’t forget you can demand quality products! Just make sure you stay vigilant when it comes to asking for a little extra attention - and don’t be discouraged from making those special requests by discouraging words from a few staff.
Members, what do you think? Do you think these comments from the staff members are insensitive to shoppers?