Grocery shopping has become a costly affair for Australians, with prices skyrocketing across the board.

From everyday essentials to specialty items, the cost of filling up your shopping cart can quickly add up.

It's getting harder and harder to make ends meet, and one mum has had enough.

One shopper, who goes by the username @rhondasane, took to TikTok to share her recent experience at Woolworths, where she went in for just a few items and was shocked by the prices she saw.

In her basket were 10 items, including staples like bread and instant noodles and treats like dumplings and energy drinks. She even managed to snag a special deal on dishwashing tablets. Or so she thought.

But the total bill left her reeling when she got to the checkout.

​

'How much do you reckon that cost me?' she asked before revealing the receipt total was $90.

Her post garnered a lot of attention from shoppers, with opinions split on the validity of her claim.

Many shoppers could relate to the rising costs of everyday items, and felt sympathetic to her situation.

On the other hand, some expressed scepticism about the total cost of her grocery items.
However, the mum quickly addressed the doubts by sharing a follow-up video where she showed her receipt and labelled the pricing as a 'daylight robbery'.

A shopper accused Woolworths of overcharging their customers. Credit: TikTok/@jawjah21.

According to the receipt, the most expensive item was the pack of dishwashing tablets, which she alleges were advertised as ‘on sale’ in the store.

'Who buys fairy tablets full-price? Nobody. Ridiculous,' she said before sharing that she had initially believed she was purchasing the item for $10.

After becoming suspicious that the scanned price of $36 was wrong, she later checked the price of the product online and was disappointed to learn that it was indeed retailing for $18.
The shopper continued: ‘So they didn't scan as a special.’

'It doesn’t matter that they weren’t $10, but they were still only $8 more and I still paid nearly $40 for f***ing dishwashing tablets.’

Since the follow-up video was uploaded, a number of other viewers have suggested alternatives, such as Woolworths’ own brand or searching other store brands at other outlets such as ALDI or the Reject Shop.

In response to the woman's claim that the dishwashing pods had been scanned at the wrong price, a representative from Woolworths advised customers to seek assistance from a staff member if they notice any pricing discrepancies.

The spokesperson said: 'If there's an issue of something scanning incorrectly, then our advice to customers is always let the team know so it can be rectified.’

'Also, our 100-tablet box of Strike dishwashing tablets at $12.80 is excellent value, working out to be less than 13 cents a tablet.'

Key Takeaways

• A shopper went to Woolworths for only a few items but was shocked by the bill that came to just shy of $90.
• The most expensive item was a pack of dishwashing tablets that were advertised as on sale in the store, but the shopper later discovered the actual price of the item online.
• The shopper accused Woolworths of ‘daylight robbery' for the excessive prices on essential groceries.
• Woolworths advised customers to seek assistance from a staff member if they notice any pricing discrepancies and suggested its own brand of dishwashing tablets at $12.80, which works out to be less than 13 cents per tablet.

Members, this story does raise an important point about the need to shop around for the best deals and compare prices, especially when it comes to those extra items like dishwashing tablets that may cost more than you think.

Alternatively, you might consider switching to a less expensive brand if your go-to brand’s price exceeds your budget.

Be sure to dedicate some time to research and read reviews to make sure that the alternative you’re purchasing is worth the money.

What are your thoughts on this, folks? Have you ever experienced a similar situation at your local supermarket? Share your stories in the comments!

 

[DebbieC62]

Re refund don’t take it they will try it it is policy employees most don’t know yes they will try anything to avoid it ask for the store manager be aware of company policy

I am so sick of items scanning at the wrong price - or being double scanned. Nothing worse than feeling like you’re being ripped off when doing your grocery shop - Coles is just as bad.

 

[MaggieAmalia]

Most prices i am familiar with and i take a photo of items that are on special or reduced so that i can compare later... sometimes there is an error made but i pay it and say nothing there rather than hold others up at the cashiers point.. i used to Point it out in the past but it takes too much drama and adjustment time their at the till. So i pay and then go to information and point out the believed error... i go with them to the actual items on the shelf as i have had experience when I havent done so and where the price is removed and I am told the price charged is correct.. so now I produce the photo and still guy with them to the items and my photos and they're visual siting is the proof of their error... in general the staff are very respectful and always refunds the full money... for that i an indeed grateful i am also very conscious that they are perhaps under work and shoppers pressure and are
on their feet standing for hours.

 

[Tervueren]

Goodness I did not realise dishwasher tablets were so expensive!! (no dishwasher) but if I did have one I would certainly go back to washing my dishes in a large bowl and use the liquid. That price is ridiculous for what it is and does.

 

[Tervueren]

Most prices i am familiar with and i take a photo of items that are on special or reduced so that i can compare later... sometimes there is an error made but i pay it and say nothing there rather than hold others up at the cashiers point.. i used to Point it out in the past but it takes too much drama and adjustment time their at the till. So i pay and then go to information and point out the believed error... i go with them to the actual items on the shelf as i have had experience when I havent done so and where the price is removed and I am told the price charged is correct.. so now I produce the photo and still guy with them to the items and my photos and they're visual siting is the proof of their error... in general the staff are very respectful and always refunds the full money... for that i an indeed grateful i am also very conscious that they are perhaps under work and shoppers pressure and are
on their feet standing for hours.

Very wise words and great helpful advice!

 

[MaggieAmalia]

Goodness I did not realise dishwasher tablets were so expensive!! (no dishwasher) but if I did have one I would certainly go back to washing my dishes in a large bowl and use the liquid. That price is ridiculous for what it is and does.

 

[Monty M]

Woolworths has been taking advantage of customers for quite some time now. Since COVID hit a lot of products that used to bein their catalogues for half price have now either been taken off the specials list altogether OR have been cut back to e.g. 20% off the RRP.
Staple items like toilet rolls or frozen pies are no longer advertised at half price. Cooking oil has doubled in price and no, it can't be because of the war in Ukraine as ALL oils have doubled. Ukraine doesn't supply all oils to the world. The cost of common oils has doubled over the past couple of years resulting in half price going from $9 to $18. SERIOUSLY..... $36 normal RRP for cooking oil!

I particularly note that most of the specials nowadays are on discretionary items or are those which had little or no place in supermarkets, in the past. Woolworths has decided to move into the general goods market in a big way. I don't want to buy these items from them, I simply want basic supermarket items at fair prices.
I also note that the promotional strategy the big two supermarkets have adopted is this lesser discount approach to pricing. As a point of difference, if I were Coles I would revert to the old model and watch the profits soar as customers register their disapproval of Woolies pricing with their feet.

The public demand for compensation from the federal government in response to the current increases in supermarkets is unrealistic. This radical change in pricing is not driven by the government and any attempt at recompense will only further drive up the huge debt incurred by the former government.
It is the supermarkets themselves that are changing tack, to generate more, a lot more, profit.

As a pensioner, I will be cutting back on unnecessary purchases which, if other customers follow suit, will lead to some manufacturers or wholesalers closing down. I regret this very much but, for me, the ability to purchase basic items far outweighs discretionary spending.

Regarding refunds, they were stopped altogether during the pandemic. However, now that the mad panic buying is over, Woolworths will now only let you return a product if you replace it with another "similar" item. Coles on the other hand will let you return a product for a full refund when you show your receipt. I know where I will be doing most of my shopping in future and it won't be Woolworths.

 

[Tervueren]

Woolworths has been taking advantage of customers for quite some time now. Since COVID hit a lot of products that used to bein their catalogues for half price have now either been taken off the specials list altogether OR have been cut back to e.g. 20% off the RRP.
Staple items like toilet rolls or frozen pies are no longer advertised at half price. Cooking oil has doubled in price and no, it can't be because of the war in Ukraine as ALL oils have doubled. Ukraine doesn't supply all oils to the world. The cost of common oils has doubled over the past couple of years resulting in half price going from $9 to $18. SERIOUSLY..... $36 normal RRP for cooking oil!

I particularly note that most of the specials nowadays are on discretionary items or are those which had little or no place in supermarkets, in the past. Woolworths has decided to move into the general goods market in a big way. I don't want to buy these items from them, I simply want basic supermarket items at fair prices.
I also note that the promotional strategy the big two supermarkets have adopted is this lesser discount approach to pricing. As a point of difference, if I were Coles I would revert to the old model and watch the profits soar as customers register their disapproval of Woolies pricing with their feet.

The public demand for compensation from the federal government in response to the current increases in supermarkets is unrealistic. This radical change in pricing is not driven by the government and any attempt at recompense will only further drive up the huge debt incurred by the former government.
It is the supermarkets themselves that are changing tack, to generate more, a lot more, profit.

As a pensioner, I will be cutting back on unnecessary purchases which, if other customers follow suit, will lead to some manufacturers or wholesalers closing down. I regret this very much but, for me, the ability to purchase basic items far outweighs discretionary spending.

Regarding refunds, they were stopped altogether during the pandemic. However, now that the mad panic buying is over, Woolworths will now only let you return a product if you replace it with another "similar" item. Coles on the other hand will let you return a product for a full refund when you show your receipt. I know where I will be doing most of my shopping in future and it won't be Woolworths.

Thanks for drawing my attention to the refunds available at Coles. I will be shopping there from now on, as often errors are 'discovered' on my shopping receipt at Woolies.... cheers for helpful, wise advice.

 

[Theo tulk]

Always wise to use self service machines can see any overprice errors immediately

 

[Tervueren]

Always wise to use self service machines can see any overprice errors immediately

What a marvellous way of preventing and double-checking the prices! Thank you for sharing!

 

[Kimrus]

It happened to me in Coles. Admittedly it wasn’t a huge thing but I questioned the price that came up on my checkout. It was dog food but the fact I saw the price on the shelf at $1.95 couldn’t read any of the other printing on label way too small. Once it scanned it showed up as $2.90. I got it checked and the service girl told me it was the price for the smaller can but again I questioned it and was told that the staff had put the box of food on the wrong shelf. I told her that the shelf had always stocked it like that and it was something that had been in the same position previously. On checking it again yesterday the same cans of dog food were still in the same position with the same price shown. I never got it any cheaper so now I will bypass Coles supermarkets they can stick it right where the sun doesn’t shine in their anatomy

 

[margaretritchie48]

My dear oid mother told me to always check your dockets before you leave the store for wrong prices which I do. It's amazing how many times I've discovered mistakes almost every week

I always check mine. Have found there is no problem getting a refund. I shop at Woollies.

 

[gordon1940]

Being overcharged for items at the supermarkets, big variety stores and even multi store clothing chains happens all the time. Most people just deal with it directly with the store concerned and don’t post it all over social media seeking their “two minutes of fame”, if everyone did that social media would be totally clogged up with totally unnecessary ? “Wanna be ers “

Own the problem....Fix the problem.

 

[Ricci]

What a lot of people don't seem to appreciate is that to do your shopping you have to engage your brain. Shopping can't be done on autopilot. You have to take the time to read labels, price tickets and use by dates. You have to be aware of what's on special and discounted prices.
You cannot do your shopping properly if you constantly have your phone growing out of your ear or if you are just grabbing things off the shelves.
Don't blame others for your shortcomings, nobody has a gun to your head telling you what to buy, it's your choice and you should do it wisely, the only way to do that is to be fully informed.

 

[Niecy]

I don't think they stuff it up, they do it on purpose, it's a money thing...you are not going to go home and come back in two days.

Especially now when they want you to go paperless, so then you don’t have a docket in your hand to immediately check. I won't go paperless for anything. I had a similar thing happen at BigW but I noticed it as soon as I left and went straight back to the store for a refund.

 

[Niecy]

What a lot of people don't seem to appreciate is that to do your shopping you have to engage your brain. Shopping can't be done on autopilot. You have to take the time to read labels, price tickets and use by dates. You have to be aware of what's on special and discounted prices.
You cannot do your shopping properly if you constantly have your phone growing out of your ear or if you are just grabbing things off the shelves.
Don't blame others for your shortcomings, nobody has a gun to your head telling you what to buy, it's your choice and you should do it wisely, the only way to do that is to be fully informed.

What really annoys me the most, is no prices marked on the items or shelves. Constantly trying to find a staff person to ask what the price is and especially in stores that don't have a price-check machine available.

 

[Mark1]

The 1/2 price specials at Woolworths and Coles aren't always right they are supposed to start on a Wednesday I've got the wife to call in to get items on her way home in the afternoon on Wednesday to get the specials only to find that they haven't been marked down usually I find them marked a day or two later it passes me off that these supermarkets stuff it up regularly arseholes

No need for that language.

 

[midgemills]

Totally agree with that girl, and I was reading an article about Dilmah taking Coles and Woolworths to task over pricing so much so that Dilmah are looking at removing their products from the shelves. About time someone stood up to these Supermarkets.

I use Dilmah teabags and read this article today. Not only are they ripping off customers but also their suppliers. These bullying tactics should be illegal. The supermarkets do this to lure us in with specials that they don't even finance and know that we need to buy most of our groceries from them at rip off prices. I do most of my shopping at Coles. That might have to change even if I pay more from independant stores.

 

[midgemills]

I use Dilmah teabags and read this article today. Not only are they ripping off customers but also their suppliers. These bullying tactics should be illegal. The supermarkets do this to lure us in with specials that they don't even finance and know that we need to buy most of our groceries from them at rip off prices. I do most of my shopping at Coles. That might have to change even if I pay more from independant stores.

P.S If you buy Dilmah teabags check out the little brochure which is inside the box. It tells the Dilmah story including how they put back many support programs into their workers and community. Also inflation is over 50% in Sri Lanka currently. It's totally unfair that our supermarkets think that they can dictate their prices for a quality product. Dilmah has sold their tea to Australian supermarkets at a loss for several years which is totally unsustainable.

 

[Freeby60]

Grocery shopping has become a costly affair for Australians, with prices skyrocketing across the board.

From everyday essentials to specialty items, the cost of filling up your shopping cart can quickly add up.

It's getting harder and harder to make ends meet, and one mum has had enough.

One shopper, who goes by the username @rhondasane, took to TikTok to share her recent experience at Woolworths, where she went in for just a few items and was shocked by the prices she saw.

In her basket were 10 items, including staples like bread and instant noodles and treats like dumplings and energy drinks. She even managed to snag a special deal on dishwashing tablets. Or so she thought.

But the total bill left her reeling when she got to the checkout.

​

'How much do you reckon that cost me?' she asked before revealing the receipt total was $90.

Her post garnered a lot of attention from shoppers, with opinions split on the validity of her claim.

Many shoppers could relate to the rising costs of everyday items, and felt sympathetic to her situation.

On the other hand, some expressed scepticism about the total cost of her grocery items.
However, the mum quickly addressed the doubts by sharing a follow-up video where she showed her receipt and labelled the pricing as a 'daylight robbery'.

A shopper accused Woolworths of overcharging their customers. Credit: TikTok/@jawjah21.

According to the receipt, the most expensive item was the pack of dishwashing tablets, which she alleges were advertised as ‘on sale’ in the store.

'Who buys fairy tablets full-price? Nobody. Ridiculous,' she said before sharing that she had initially believed she was purchasing the item for $10.

After becoming suspicious that the scanned price of $36 was wrong, she later checked the price of the product online and was disappointed to learn that it was indeed retailing for $18.
The shopper continued: ‘So they didn't scan as a special.’

'It doesn’t matter that they weren’t $10, but they were still only $8 more and I still paid nearly $40 for f***ing dishwashing tablets.’

Since the follow-up video was uploaded, a number of other viewers have suggested alternatives, such as Woolworths’ own brand or searching other store brands at other outlets such as ALDI or the Reject Shop.

In response to the woman's claim that the dishwashing pods had been scanned at the wrong price, a representative from Woolworths advised customers to seek assistance from a staff member if they notice any pricing discrepancies.

The spokesperson said: 'If there's an issue of something scanning incorrectly, then our advice to customers is always let the team know so it can be rectified.’

'Also, our 100-tablet box of Strike dishwashing tablets at $12.80 is excellent value, working out to be less than 13 cents a tablet.'

Key Takeaways

• A shopper went to Woolworths for only a few items but was shocked by the bill that came to just shy of $90.
• The most expensive item was a pack of dishwashing tablets that were advertised as on sale in the store, but the shopper later discovered the actual price of the item online.
• The shopper accused Woolworths of ‘daylight robbery' for the excessive prices on essential groceries.
• Woolworths advised customers to seek assistance from a staff member if they notice any pricing discrepancies and suggested its own brand of dishwashing tablets at $12.80, which works out to be less than 13 cents per tablet.

Members, this story does raise an important point about the need to shop around for the best deals and compare prices, especially when it comes to those extra items like dishwashing tablets that may cost more than you think.

Alternatively, you might consider switching to a less expensive brand if your go-to brand’s price exceeds your budget.

Be sure to dedicate some time to research and read reviews to make sure that the alternative you’re purchasing is worth the money.

What are your thoughts on this, folks? Have you ever experienced a similar situation at your local supermarket? Share your stories in the comments!

I went in for a few items which were on special for half price and also my weekly things and I came out with not even 3 woolworths bags and it cost $180.00. Total shock ??? as I have always budgeted my groceries and the only meat I bought was a kilo of mince.

 

[Sharon55]

The 1/2 price specials at Woolworths and Coles aren't always right they are supposed to start on a Wednesday I've got the wife to call in to get items on her way home in the afternoon on Wednesday to get the specials only to find that they haven't been marked down usually I find them marked a day or two later it passes me off that these supermarkets stuff it up regularly arseholes

This happened to me last Wednesday, I found my 2 half price items I wanted from the cleaning aisle but they didn't have the specials price so I asked a Coles lady to check with her scanner and they both came up with the special price, she said thy hadn't got around to putting the tickets on yet - it was around 11.30am. But not to have them changed in the system is worse !