You know we love a good cuppa here at the Seniors Discount Club. These days, our taste preferences span from traditional black tea to herbal options and, of course, a steaming mug of instant coffee.

Nescafé, in particular, has been a go-to choice for many of us, especially when we need the occasional caffeine boost.

In addition to keeping us alert and awake, instant coffee has become a staple for many budget-conscious households. It's common to see supermarket promotions featuring Nescafé at a discounted price.

However, an analysis of Woolworths' pricing tactics suggests that these bargains might not be as good as they seem.

Typically, Woolworths would have 180g Nescafé Gold on offer for around $14, but there have been occasions when they briefly hiked the price up to a staggering $22. However, they quickly rectified this by reducing the price again as part of their 'prices dropped' promotion. Image by amiraxgelcola from pixabay

Newcastle resident, Rachel King, observed a series of sharp price swings for the well-known Nescafé Gold range at Woolworths. Becoming increasingly suspicious, she documented these fluctuations.

Rachel said, 'They are playing with people—it's such a lack of respect. We all need supermarket products, so just don't screw around with customers.'

According to her findings, the 180g Nescafé Gold product could regularly be found in the 'prices dropped' campaign for around $14. However, the price would occasionally jump to $20 or $22 for a brief period before being reduced and promoted as a sale item.

For instance, in early 2023, the price shifted from $14 to $22 and was then discounted to $15. Woolworths claimed this was a sale despite being more expensive than the price charged only weeks earlier.

A spokesperson for Woolworths argued that the company endeavours to be transparent with product pricing.

They explained, 'We endeavour to be very clear in our pricing so that customers can see the benefit of the shelf price reductions in our seasonal “prices dropped” program, whether through our catalogue, in-store or online.'

Woolworths and Coles have both faced scrutiny for potentially using the pandemic and subsequent cost-of-living crisis to boost profits from sales. Critics argue that their efforts amount to inflationary profiteering.

However, the supermarket giants dispute this, stating that their promotional items protect customers from price increases.

Woolworths and Coles have faced criticism for their alleged exploitation of the pandemic and the resulting cost-of-living crisis to maximise their profits from sales. Image by Sangeeth_n from pixabay

Woolworths has also highlighted how suppliers largely fund their promotional program. A spokesperson explained, 'For each product, that funding is negotiated and agreed between Woolworths and the relevant supplier—and, if agreed, Woolworths then sells that product at a lower retail price, as part of the “prices dropped” program.'

As for Nescafé Gold, could these price swings be attributed to supplier Nestlé? Well, a spokesperson for the coffee giant said that while they have increased some supplier prices in the past 18 months, they don't control the prices at which supermarkets resell their product.

'Retailers set the price at which they resell our products to consumers, at their discretion,' the Nestlé spokesperson said.

This tangled web of pricing manipulation has led to calls for reform in the sector and increased competition, with some suggesting a government-ordered inquiry into supermarket pricing.

Key Takeaways

• Instant coffee has been a popular pandemic item, regularly featured in supermarket sales promotions.
• An analysis of Woolworths' prices of Nescafé Gold reveals occasional price bumps before being reduced and promoted as on sale.
• A Woolworths spokesperson said the company tries to be transparent with product prices and that the promotional program is significantly funded by suppliers.
• The ability of supermarkets to generate high returns during a cost-of-living crisis has prompted calls to reform the sector and increase competition.

For us bargain lovers, this insight into the reality of supermarket pricing is frustrating and enlightening. It shows that we need to be vigilant when scanning those promotional catalogues and be aware of potential pricing tricks sneaking into our shopping trolley!

So, members, next time you fancy a Nescafé or any other product on promotion, scrutinise the price before believing you're bagging a bargain. Stay savvy, and happy shopping!

What are your thoughts on this issue? Share your opinions and insights with us!

 

[Jarred Santos]

You know we love a good cuppa here at the Seniors Discount Club. These days, our taste preferences span from traditional black tea to herbal options and, of course, a steaming mug of instant coffee.

Nescafé, in particular, has been a go-to choice for many of us, especially when we need the occasional caffeine boost.

In addition to keeping us alert and awake, instant coffee has become a staple for many budget-conscious households. It's common to see supermarket promotions featuring Nescafé at a discounted price.

However, an analysis of Woolworths' pricing tactics suggests that these bargains might not be as good as they seem.

View attachment 22054

Typically, Woolworths would have 180g Nescafé Gold on offer for around $14, but there have been occasions when they briefly hiked the price up to a staggering $22. However, they quickly rectified this by reducing the price again as part of their 'prices dropped' promotion. Image by amiraxgelcola from pixabay

Newcastle resident, Rachel King, observed a series of sharp price swings for the well-known Nescafé Gold range at Woolworths. Becoming increasingly suspicious, she documented these fluctuations.

Rachel said, 'They are playing with people—it's such a lack of respect. We all need supermarket products, so just don't screw around with customers.'

According to her findings, the 180g Nescafé Gold product could regularly be found in the 'prices dropped' campaign for around $14. However, the price would occasionally jump to $20 or $22 for a brief period before being reduced and promoted as a sale item.

For instance, in early 2023, the price shifted from $14 to $22 and was then discounted to $15. Woolworths claimed this was a sale despite being more expensive than the price charged only weeks earlier.

A spokesperson for Woolworths argued that the company endeavours to be transparent with product pricing.

They explained, 'We endeavour to be very clear in our pricing so that customers can see the benefit of the shelf price reductions in our seasonal “prices dropped” program, whether through our catalogue, in-store or online.'

Woolworths and Coles have both faced scrutiny for potentially using the pandemic and subsequent cost-of-living crisis to boost profits from sales. Critics argue that their efforts amount to inflationary profiteering.

However, the supermarket giants dispute this, stating that their promotional items protect customers from price increases.

View attachment 22055

Woolworths and Coles have faced criticism for their alleged exploitation of the pandemic and the resulting cost-of-living crisis to maximise their profits from sales. Image by Sangeeth_n from pixabay

Woolworths has also highlighted how suppliers largely fund their promotional program. A spokesperson explained, 'For each product, that funding is negotiated and agreed between Woolworths and the relevant supplier—and, if agreed, Woolworths then sells that product at a lower retail price, as part of the “prices dropped” program.'

As for Nescafé Gold, could these price swings be attributed to supplier Nestlé? Well, a spokesperson for the coffee giant said that while they have increased some supplier prices in the past 18 months, they don't control the prices at which supermarkets resell their product.

'Retailers set the price at which they resell our products to consumers, at their discretion,' the Nestlé spokesperson said.

This tangled web of pricing manipulation has led to calls for reform in the sector and increased competition, with some suggesting a government-ordered inquiry into supermarket pricing.

Key Takeaways

• Instant coffee has been a popular pandemic item, regularly featured in supermarket sales promotions.
• An analysis of Woolworths' prices of Nescafé Gold reveals occasional price bumps before being reduced and promoted as on sale.
• A Woolworths spokesperson said the company tries to be transparent with product prices and that the promotional program is significantly funded by suppliers.
• The ability of supermarkets to generate high returns during a cost-of-living crisis has prompted calls to reform the sector and increase competition.

For us bargain lovers, this insight into the reality of supermarket pricing is frustrating and enlightening. It shows that we need to be vigilant when scanning those promotional catalogues and be aware of potential pricing tricks sneaking into our shopping trolley!

So, members, next time you fancy a Nescafé or any other product on promotion, scrutinise the price before believing you're bagging a bargain. Stay savvy, and happy shopping!

What are your thoughts on this issue? Share your opinions and insights with us!

Speaking of marketing tactics, completely by chance, member Jan G. sent in a related message:

'Coles and WW (perhaps others as well), use the tactic, “Two for $5. One for $3.”'

'Yesterday, WW had 600gr chipolatas “2 for $12 or $7 each” - 16 in the packet.

'While for a group, two could be used in one go, my style could be say eat 4 fresh then freeze two lots of 4. I don’t have freezer area to store quantities. I bought none!

'This marketing is detrimental to both pensioners and those buying only what is needed for one meal.

'I draw your attention to this, to me, an annoying marketing scheme.'

 

[Bill MacL]

You know we love a good cuppa here at the Seniors Discount Club. These days, our taste preferences span from traditional black tea to herbal options and, of course, a steaming mug of instant coffee.

Nescafé, in particular, has been a go-to choice for many of us, especially when we need the occasional caffeine boost.

In addition to keeping us alert and awake, instant coffee has become a staple for many budget-conscious households. It's common to see supermarket promotions featuring Nescafé at a discounted price.

However, an analysis of Woolworths' pricing tactics suggests that these bargains might not be as good as they seem.

View attachment 22054

Typically, Woolworths would have 180g Nescafé Gold on offer for around $14, but there have been occasions when they briefly hiked the price up to a staggering $22. However, they quickly rectified this by reducing the price again as part of their 'prices dropped' promotion. Image by amiraxgelcola from pixabay

Newcastle resident, Rachel King, observed a series of sharp price swings for the well-known Nescafé Gold range at Woolworths. Becoming increasingly suspicious, she documented these fluctuations.

Rachel said, 'They are playing with people—it's such a lack of respect. We all need supermarket products, so just don't screw around with customers.'

According to her findings, the 180g Nescafé Gold product could regularly be found in the 'prices dropped' campaign for around $14. However, the price would occasionally jump to $20 or $22 for a brief period before being reduced and promoted as a sale item.

For instance, in early 2023, the price shifted from $14 to $22 and was then discounted to $15. Woolworths claimed this was a sale despite being more expensive than the price charged only weeks earlier.

A spokesperson for Woolworths argued that the company endeavours to be transparent with product pricing.

They explained, 'We endeavour to be very clear in our pricing so that customers can see the benefit of the shelf price reductions in our seasonal “prices dropped” program, whether through our catalogue, in-store or online.'

Woolworths and Coles have both faced scrutiny for potentially using the pandemic and subsequent cost-of-living crisis to boost profits from sales. Critics argue that their efforts amount to inflationary profiteering.

However, the supermarket giants dispute this, stating that their promotional items protect customers from price increases.

View attachment 22055

Woolworths and Coles have faced criticism for their alleged exploitation of the pandemic and the resulting cost-of-living crisis to maximise their profits from sales. Image by Sangeeth_n from pixabay

Woolworths has also highlighted how suppliers largely fund their promotional program. A spokesperson explained, 'For each product, that funding is negotiated and agreed between Woolworths and the relevant supplier—and, if agreed, Woolworths then sells that product at a lower retail price, as part of the “prices dropped” program.'

As for Nescafé Gold, could these price swings be attributed to supplier Nestlé? Well, a spokesperson for the coffee giant said that while they have increased some supplier prices in the past 18 months, they don't control the prices at which supermarkets resell their product.

'Retailers set the price at which they resell our products to consumers, at their discretion,' the Nestlé spokesperson said.

This tangled web of pricing manipulation has led to calls for reform in the sector and increased competition, with some suggesting a government-ordered inquiry into supermarket pricing.

Key Takeaways

• Instant coffee has been a popular pandemic item, regularly featured in supermarket sales promotions.
• An analysis of Woolworths' prices of Nescafé Gold reveals occasional price bumps before being reduced and promoted as on sale.
• A Woolworths spokesperson said the company tries to be transparent with product prices and that the promotional program is significantly funded by suppliers.
• The ability of supermarkets to generate high returns during a cost-of-living crisis has prompted calls to reform the sector and increase competition.

For us bargain lovers, this insight into the reality of supermarket pricing is frustrating and enlightening. It shows that we need to be vigilant when scanning those promotional catalogues and be aware of potential pricing tricks sneaking into our shopping trolley!

So, members, next time you fancy a Nescafé or any other product on promotion, scrutinise the price before believing you're bagging a bargain. Stay savvy, and happy shopping!

What are your thoughts on this issue? Share your opinions and insights with us!

They have all been doing that for years. Put it up 25% drop it down 20% nothing new there.

 

[Liz49]

You know we love a good cuppa here at the Seniors Discount Club. These days, our taste preferences span from traditional black tea to herbal options and, of course, a steaming mug of instant coffee.

Nescafé, in particular, has been a go-to choice for many of us, especially when we need the occasional caffeine boost.

In addition to keeping us alert and awake, instant coffee has become a staple for many budget-conscious households. It's common to see supermarket promotions featuring Nescafé at a discounted price.

However, an analysis of Woolworths' pricing tactics suggests that these bargains might not be as good as they seem.

View attachment 22054

Typically, Woolworths would have 180g Nescafé Gold on offer for around $14, but there have been occasions when they briefly hiked the price up to a staggering $22. However, they quickly rectified this by reducing the price again as part of their 'prices dropped' promotion. Image by amiraxgelcola from pixabay

Newcastle resident, Rachel King, observed a series of sharp price swings for the well-known Nescafé Gold range at Woolworths. Becoming increasingly suspicious, she documented these fluctuations.

Rachel said, 'They are playing with people—it's such a lack of respect. We all need supermarket products, so just don't screw around with customers.'

According to her findings, the 180g Nescafé Gold product could regularly be found in the 'prices dropped' campaign for around $14. However, the price would occasionally jump to $20 or $22 for a brief period before being reduced and promoted as a sale item.

For instance, in early 2023, the price shifted from $14 to $22 and was then discounted to $15. Woolworths claimed this was a sale despite being more expensive than the price charged only weeks earlier.

A spokesperson for Woolworths argued that the company endeavours to be transparent with product pricing.

They explained, 'We endeavour to be very clear in our pricing so that customers can see the benefit of the shelf price reductions in our seasonal “prices dropped” program, whether through our catalogue, in-store or online.'

Woolworths and Coles have both faced scrutiny for potentially using the pandemic and subsequent cost-of-living crisis to boost profits from sales. Critics argue that their efforts amount to inflationary profiteering.

However, the supermarket giants dispute this, stating that their promotional items protect customers from price increases.

View attachment 22055

Woolworths and Coles have faced criticism for their alleged exploitation of the pandemic and the resulting cost-of-living crisis to maximise their profits from sales. Image by Sangeeth_n from pixabay

Woolworths has also highlighted how suppliers largely fund their promotional program. A spokesperson explained, 'For each product, that funding is negotiated and agreed between Woolworths and the relevant supplier—and, if agreed, Woolworths then sells that product at a lower retail price, as part of the “prices dropped” program.'

As for Nescafé Gold, could these price swings be attributed to supplier Nestlé? Well, a spokesperson for the coffee giant said that while they have increased some supplier prices in the past 18 months, they don't control the prices at which supermarkets resell their product.

'Retailers set the price at which they resell our products to consumers, at their discretion,' the Nestlé spokesperson said.

This tangled web of pricing manipulation has led to calls for reform in the sector and increased competition, with some suggesting a government-ordered inquiry into supermarket pricing.

Key Takeaways

• Instant coffee has been a popular pandemic item, regularly featured in supermarket sales promotions.
• An analysis of Woolworths' prices of Nescafé Gold reveals occasional price bumps before being reduced and promoted as on sale.
• A Woolworths spokesperson said the company tries to be transparent with product prices and that the promotional program is significantly funded by suppliers.
• The ability of supermarkets to generate high returns during a cost-of-living crisis has prompted calls to reform the sector and increase competition.

For us bargain lovers, this insight into the reality of supermarket pricing is frustrating and enlightening. It shows that we need to be vigilant when scanning those promotional catalogues and be aware of potential pricing tricks sneaking into our shopping trolley!

So, members, next time you fancy a Nescafé or any other product on promotion, scrutinise the price before believing you're bagging a bargain. Stay savvy, and happy shopping!

What are your thoughts on this issue? Share your opinions and insights with us!

Personally I would not touch Nestle with a barge pole but the truth is they get at you. I have now had the following issue twice. Went shopping, spent quite a deal of money at Woolworths only to come home and get an email saying if I spend this much by this date I will get thousands of extra points. As a person on a pension with is quite impossible. So I had a whinge and they gave me the points. It then happened again a couple of weeks ago. Now tell me that is not them trying to con people into spending more than they really can afford just to get the extra large amount of points. Had to have been by the use of the rewards card. Haven't had it since

 

[Cheezil]

You know we love a good cuppa here at the Seniors Discount Club. These days, our taste preferences span from traditional black tea to herbal options and, of course, a steaming mug of instant coffee.

Nescafé, in particular, has been a go-to choice for many of us, especially when we need the occasional caffeine boost.

In addition to keeping us alert and awake, instant coffee has become a staple for many budget-conscious households. It's common to see supermarket promotions featuring Nescafé at a discounted price.

However, an analysis of Woolworths' pricing tactics suggests that these bargains might not be as good as they seem.

View attachment 22054

Typically, Woolworths would have 180g Nescafé Gold on offer for around $14, but there have been occasions when they briefly hiked the price up to a staggering $22. However, they quickly rectified this by reducing the price again as part of their 'prices dropped' promotion. Image by amiraxgelcola from pixabay

Newcastle resident, Rachel King, observed a series of sharp price swings for the well-known Nescafé Gold range at Woolworths. Becoming increasingly suspicious, she documented these fluctuations.

Rachel said, 'They are playing with people—it's such a lack of respect. We all need supermarket products, so just don't screw around with customers.'

According to her findings, the 180g Nescafé Gold product could regularly be found in the 'prices dropped' campaign for around $14. However, the price would occasionally jump to $20 or $22 for a brief period before being reduced and promoted as a sale item.

For instance, in early 2023, the price shifted from $14 to $22 and was then discounted to $15. Woolworths claimed this was a sale despite being more expensive than the price charged only weeks earlier.

A spokesperson for Woolworths argued that the company endeavours to be transparent with product pricing.

They explained, 'We endeavour to be very clear in our pricing so that customers can see the benefit of the shelf price reductions in our seasonal “prices dropped” program, whether through our catalogue, in-store or online.'

Woolworths and Coles have both faced scrutiny for potentially using the pandemic and subsequent cost-of-living crisis to boost profits from sales. Critics argue that their efforts amount to inflationary profiteering.

However, the supermarket giants dispute this, stating that their promotional items protect customers from price increases.

View attachment 22055

Woolworths and Coles have faced criticism for their alleged exploitation of the pandemic and the resulting cost-of-living crisis to maximise their profits from sales. Image by Sangeeth_n from pixabay

Woolworths has also highlighted how suppliers largely fund their promotional program. A spokesperson explained, 'For each product, that funding is negotiated and agreed between Woolworths and the relevant supplier—and, if agreed, Woolworths then sells that product at a lower retail price, as part of the “prices dropped” program.'

As for Nescafé Gold, could these price swings be attributed to supplier Nestlé? Well, a spokesperson for the coffee giant said that while they have increased some supplier prices in the past 18 months, they don't control the prices at which supermarkets resell their product.

'Retailers set the price at which they resell our products to consumers, at their discretion,' the Nestlé spokesperson said.

This tangled web of pricing manipulation has led to calls for reform in the sector and increased competition, with some suggesting a government-ordered inquiry into supermarket pricing.

Key Takeaways

• Instant coffee has been a popular pandemic item, regularly featured in supermarket sales promotions.
• An analysis of Woolworths' prices of Nescafé Gold reveals occasional price bumps before being reduced and promoted as on sale.
• A Woolworths spokesperson said the company tries to be transparent with product prices and that the promotional program is significantly funded by suppliers.
• The ability of supermarkets to generate high returns during a cost-of-living crisis has prompted calls to reform the sector and increase competition.

For us bargain lovers, this insight into the reality of supermarket pricing is frustrating and enlightening. It shows that we need to be vigilant when scanning those promotional catalogues and be aware of potential pricing tricks sneaking into our shopping trolley!

So, members, next time you fancy a Nescafé or any other product on promotion, scrutinise the price before believing you're bagging a bargain. Stay savvy, and happy shopping!

What are your thoughts on this issue? Share your opinions and insights with us!

I think I'd prefer to believe this customer who's done the research than believe a "Woolworths spokesperson" - someone's not telling the truth here! It's pretty obvious who!

 

[rehandra]

You know we love a good cuppa here at the Seniors Discount Club. These days, our taste preferences span from traditional black tea to herbal options and, of course, a steaming mug of instant coffee.

Nescafé, in particular, has been a go-to choice for many of us, especially when we need the occasional caffeine boost.

In addition to keeping us alert and awake, instant coffee has become a staple for many budget-conscious households. It's common to see supermarket promotions featuring Nescafé at a discounted price.

However, an analysis of Woolworths' pricing tactics suggests that these bargains might not be as good as they seem.

View attachment 22054

Typically, Woolworths would have 180g Nescafé Gold on offer for around $14, but there have been occasions when they briefly hiked the price up to a staggering $22. However, they quickly rectified this by reducing the price again as part of their 'prices dropped' promotion. Image by amiraxgelcola from pixabay

Newcastle resident, Rachel King, observed a series of sharp price swings for the well-known Nescafé Gold range at Woolworths. Becoming increasingly suspicious, she documented these fluctuations.

Rachel said, 'They are playing with people—it's such a lack of respect. We all need supermarket products, so just don't screw around with customers.'

According to her findings, the 180g Nescafé Gold product could regularly be found in the 'prices dropped' campaign for around $14. However, the price would occasionally jump to $20 or $22 for a brief period before being reduced and promoted as a sale item.

For instance, in early 2023, the price shifted from $14 to $22 and was then discounted to $15. Woolworths claimed this was a sale despite being more expensive than the price charged only weeks earlier.

A spokesperson for Woolworths argued that the company endeavours to be transparent with product pricing.

They explained, 'We endeavour to be very clear in our pricing so that customers can see the benefit of the shelf price reductions in our seasonal “prices dropped” program, whether through our catalogue, in-store or online.'

Woolworths and Coles have both faced scrutiny for potentially using the pandemic and subsequent cost-of-living crisis to boost profits from sales. Critics argue that their efforts amount to inflationary profiteering.

However, the supermarket giants dispute this, stating that their promotional items protect customers from price increases.

View attachment 22055

Woolworths and Coles have faced criticism for their alleged exploitation of the pandemic and the resulting cost-of-living crisis to maximise their profits from sales. Image by Sangeeth_n from pixabay

Woolworths has also highlighted how suppliers largely fund their promotional program. A spokesperson explained, 'For each product, that funding is negotiated and agreed between Woolworths and the relevant supplier—and, if agreed, Woolworths then sells that product at a lower retail price, as part of the “prices dropped” program.'

As for Nescafé Gold, could these price swings be attributed to supplier Nestlé? Well, a spokesperson for the coffee giant said that while they have increased some supplier prices in the past 18 months, they don't control the prices at which supermarkets resell their product.

'Retailers set the price at which they resell our products to consumers, at their discretion,' the Nestlé spokesperson said.

This tangled web of pricing manipulation has led to calls for reform in the sector and increased competition, with some suggesting a government-ordered inquiry into supermarket pricing.

Key Takeaways

• Instant coffee has been a popular pandemic item, regularly featured in supermarket sales promotions.
• An analysis of Woolworths' prices of Nescafé Gold reveals occasional price bumps before being reduced and promoted as on sale.
• A Woolworths spokesperson said the company tries to be transparent with product prices and that the promotional program is significantly funded by suppliers.
• The ability of supermarkets to generate high returns during a cost-of-living crisis has prompted calls to reform the sector and increase competition.

For us bargain lovers, this insight into the reality of supermarket pricing is frustrating and enlightening. It shows that we need to be vigilant when scanning those promotional catalogues and be aware of potential pricing tricks sneaking into our shopping trolley!

So, members, next time you fancy a Nescafé or any other product on promotion, scrutinise the price before believing you're bagging a bargain. Stay savvy, and happy shopping!

What are your thoughts on this issue? Share your opinions and insights with us!

Always check the "unit" price before grabbing that so called "special". I always buy more than one if it is a good buy.

 

[Jennylolo]

They have all been doing that for years. Put it up 25% drop it down 20% nothing new there.

and not only in supermarkets either.

 

[Macarj]

Speaking of marketing tactics, completely by chance, member Jan G. sent in a related message:

'Coles and WW (perhaps others as well), use the tactic, “Two for $5. One for $3.”'

'Yesterday, WW had 600gr chipolatas “2 for $12 or $7 each” - 16 in the packet.

'While for a group, two could be used in one go, my style could be say eat 4 fresh then freeze two lots of 4. I don’t have freezer area to store quantities. I bought none!

'This marketing is detrimental to both pensioners and those buying only what is needed for one meal.

'I draw your attention to this, to me, an annoying marketing scheme.'

Yeah I have seen it too on many products I don't want 2 they should just reduce the price for 1

 

[mitchellowe]

You know we love a good cuppa here at the Seniors Discount Club. These days, our taste preferences span from traditional black tea to herbal options and, of course, a steaming mug of instant coffee.

Nescafé, in particular, has been a go-to choice for many of us, especially when we need the occasional caffeine boost.

In addition to keeping us alert and awake, instant coffee has become a staple for many budget-conscious households. It's common to see supermarket promotions featuring Nescafé at a discounted price.

However, an analysis of Woolworths' pricing tactics suggests that these bargains might not be as good as they seem.

View attachment 22054

Typically, Woolworths would have 180g Nescafé Gold on offer for around $14, but there have been occasions when they briefly hiked the price up to a staggering $22. However, they quickly rectified this by reducing the price again as part of their 'prices dropped' promotion. Image by amiraxgelcola from pixabay

Newcastle resident, Rachel King, observed a series of sharp price swings for the well-known Nescafé Gold range at Woolworths. Becoming increasingly suspicious, she documented these fluctuations.

Rachel said, 'They are playing with people—it's such a lack of respect. We all need supermarket products, so just don't screw around with customers.'

According to her findings, the 180g Nescafé Gold product could regularly be found in the 'prices dropped' campaign for around $14. However, the price would occasionally jump to $20 or $22 for a brief period before being reduced and promoted as a sale item.

For instance, in early 2023, the price shifted from $14 to $22 and was then discounted to $15. Woolworths claimed this was a sale despite being more expensive than the price charged only weeks earlier.

A spokesperson for Woolworths argued that the company endeavours to be transparent with product pricing.

They explained, 'We endeavour to be very clear in our pricing so that customers can see the benefit of the shelf price reductions in our seasonal “prices dropped” program, whether through our catalogue, in-store or online.'

Woolworths and Coles have both faced scrutiny for potentially using the pandemic and subsequent cost-of-living crisis to boost profits from sales. Critics argue that their efforts amount to inflationary profiteering.

However, the supermarket giants dispute this, stating that their promotional items protect customers from price increases.

View attachment 22055

Woolworths and Coles have faced criticism for their alleged exploitation of the pandemic and the resulting cost-of-living crisis to maximise their profits from sales. Image by Sangeeth_n from pixabay

Woolworths has also highlighted how suppliers largely fund their promotional program. A spokesperson explained, 'For each product, that funding is negotiated and agreed between Woolworths and the relevant supplier—and, if agreed, Woolworths then sells that product at a lower retail price, as part of the “prices dropped” program.'

As for Nescafé Gold, could these price swings be attributed to supplier Nestlé? Well, a spokesperson for the coffee giant said that while they have increased some supplier prices in the past 18 months, they don't control the prices at which supermarkets resell their product.

'Retailers set the price at which they resell our products to consumers, at their discretion,' the Nestlé spokesperson said.

This tangled web of pricing manipulation has led to calls for reform in the sector and increased competition, with some suggesting a government-ordered inquiry into supermarket pricing.

Key Takeaways

• Instant coffee has been a popular pandemic item, regularly featured in supermarket sales promotions.
• An analysis of Woolworths' prices of Nescafé Gold reveals occasional price bumps before being reduced and promoted as on sale.
• A Woolworths spokesperson said the company tries to be transparent with product prices and that the promotional program is significantly funded by suppliers.
• The ability of supermarkets to generate high returns during a cost-of-living crisis has prompted calls to reform the sector and increase competition.

For us bargain lovers, this insight into the reality of supermarket pricing is frustrating and enlightening. It shows that we need to be vigilant when scanning those promotional catalogues and be aware of potential pricing tricks sneaking into our shopping trolley!

So, members, next time you fancy a Nescafé or any other product on promotion, scrutinise the price before believing you're bagging a bargain. Stay savvy, and happy shopping!

What are your thoughts on this issue? Share your opinions and insights with us!

You think thats bad
try buying FANCY FEAST cat food
Since the pandemic FANCY FEAST cat food has jumped from 80 cents per tin to $2 a tin at woolies and if u have 2 cats who only eat fancy feast my cat food bill including cat mince has jumped from$32.40 per fortnight to$71 Thats a big jump out of my pension ITS CHEAPER sometimes to buy mince for humans and some tins of fish for humans especially as cat food is generaly made from scrap products not fit for human consumption.THATS A FACT AND PURE GREED BY WOOLWORTHS as WELL AS COLES .I HAVE CHECKED COLES AS WELL

 

[mitchellowe]

I do not know a single product i buy now that has not increased by at least ^%60 since the panddemic started .E.G..Milk 3 years ago $2.80 now $4.40 [3 ltre] bread $1.80 now $3,40 coffee INTERNATION ROAST $8 a tin now $14 .00 and i can go on and on .THE other thing i noticed is why does'nt inflation follow suit WHERE DOES THE GOVT GET THERE INFORMATION ON INFLATION AS FAR AS PENSIONS GO
EVERY THING GONE UP A LOT MORE THAN PENSIONS BUT TO ME IT ALL REMAINS SIMPLE GREED AND USING THE PANDEMIC AS AN EXCUSE TO LIE AND FORCE YOU EITHER T O GO WITHOUT

 

[rehandra]

Yeah I have seen it too on many products I don't want 2 they should just reduce the price for 1

Agree....I will not purchase when they do that!

 

[trevorrh]

Speaking of marketing tactics, completely by chance, member Jan G. sent in a related message:

'Coles and WW (perhaps others as well), use the tactic, “Two for $5. One for $3.”'

'Yesterday, WW had 600gr chipolatas “2 for $12 or $7 each” - 16 in the packet.

'While for a group, two could be used in one go, my style could be say eat 4 fresh then freeze two lots of 4. I don’t have freezer area to store quantities. I bought none!

'This marketing is detrimental to both pensioners and those buying only what is needed for one meal.

'I draw your attention to this, to me, an annoying marketing scheme.'

The Supermarkets don't give two shits about their customers, they screw the customers all the time then tell you a load of bullshit on how they keep the prices low....biggest load of bullshit ever.....Aldi's are starting to go the same way.....the customer will never win

 

[Ronloby]

Example - Pack of 12 small bottles of Coke $11 one week next week $17 next week "special" $11.

 

[Loubeauxarts]

Speaking of marketing tactics, completely by chance, member Jan G. sent in a related message:

'Coles and WW (perhaps others as well), use the tactic, “Two for $5. One for $3.”'

'Yesterday, WW had 600gr chipolatas “2 for $12 or $7 each” - 16 in the packet.

'While for a group, two could be used in one go, my style could be say eat 4 fresh then freeze two lots of 4. I don’t have freezer area to store quantities. I bought none!

'This marketing is detrimental to both pensioners and those buying only what is needed for one meal.

'I draw your attention to this, to me, an annoying marketing scheme.'

That is standard retail practice. It's a form of bulk buying, similar to Costco etc. It also applies to the difference in wholesale and retail prices and, in essence, is why supermarkets put so many small businesses out of action.
I know it doesn't seem fair but it has always been that way, even at farmer's markets. Buy 100gm of something you pay one price, buy a kg of the same item it is cheaper per 100gm. Buy a sack full it is cheaper again.
The only way to overcome this is to band together with a small group of friends and pool your resources, buy in bulk and split the purchase. Aka a co-operative.

 

[IAN3005]

They take the public for mugs..... the advertised price is the 'REAL' price. Even the regular price is extortionate.