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Ivan Medina
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Woolworths shopper furious after paying $18 for one fruit: ‘It’s ridiculous’
It goes without saying that we are forever looking for amazing deals and discounts to help stretch out our wallets a little further. After all, every dollar counts when inflation hits the market.
However, no matter how good bargain hunters we are, we know for a fact that some customers get a bad deal while out shopping!
Such is the case for one Woolies shopper, who recently recorded a video of her outrage after paying a whopping $18 for one single variety of fruit. The video showed the woman chucking her receipt away after being charged such an exorbitant amount of money for a packet of grapes.
'Okay, I know I complain a lot but, like, $18 for a bag of grapes,' she said. 'Let that sink in. $18 for a bag of grapes.'
A Woolies shopper was enraged after buying a grape for $18. Image: TikTok / @kyrralily
The video shocked users on social media, with one commenter saying, ‘That’s almost an hour's work at minimum wage, that’s ridiculous.’
The shopper who posted the video said she still purchased the pricey product, saying: ‘It was too awkward to say I didn’t want them anymore.’
According to Woolworths’ website, grapes should currently be selling for around $14.16 a bag.
But it is also understood that no physical Woolworths store in Australia is currently selling grapes for $14.16.
After the video went viral, a Woolworths representative explained why the fruit may have been unusually expensive.
'Due to adverse weather conditions in our growing regions, the supply of grapes has been impacted over recent months,' the spokesperson said.
'Pleasingly, the new season has just begun, and we’re already seeing increased availability and lower prices for our customers,' they continued.
As time goes by, it's particularly important for us to make the most out of our money without compromising our quality of life. That's why a price hike like this can seem particularly unfair.
It's a good thing that the spokesperson said prices will go down since the new season has started in Emerald, Queensland, and Carnarvon in Western Australia, and we hope that Woolworths honours the promise.
On Woolworths' website, a grape only costs $14.16! Image: Woolworths
But as consumers, what can we do when we face such sticker shock? Are we at the mercy of the retailers, or do we have any rights up our sleeves?
Australia has strong consumer laws when it comes to pricing. The Australian Consumer Law (ACL), which is enforced by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), ensures that businesses display correct and accurate prices for their goods and services.
Under this law, businesses must not make false or misleading claims about the price of goods or services or change prices without a valid reason. Any drastic price increases must also be justifiable. If a business fails to adhere to these regulations, it could land in some serious trouble.
In the case of Woolworths, it appears that they had a valid reasoning that relates to the supply chain. However, it is vital that businesses continuously communicate such price changes to their consumers transparently, whatever the condition may be.
It is also encouraged for consumers to report any dubious pricing practices to the authorities for investigation. While we can't help being victims of fluctuating market prices, knowing your rights and reporting unfair practices, do help to regulate unjust pricing.
You can watch the shopper’s full video below:
In the meantime, if you're looking to get the best value for money, it is recommended to double-check prices across different grocery stores. Members, have you seen overpriced items recently? Let us know in the comments below!
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