mace (retailer) promotions

national | consumer issues | opinion/analysis

Sunday July 17, 2005 14:49

by pat lally - dis

packie at thai dot com

ballyshannon, co donegal

0877971056

Is an overcharging policy in operation??

I just want other peoples opinions, my local mace store have promotions, e.g. two for a reduced price or whatever, but these goods are charged at full regular rate at check out. Most people don't complain so i guess it goes smoothly and profitably.

To my shock this morning I complained, having being overcharged on at least one item each weekend for three weeks now. I bought surf breeze 1.1 kg, marked 2.69 on shelf, but 3.80 at till, complained after going back and checking, received a refund for the difference, but , to my amazement, that was it, no changes were made to till system, so the next person who picks up a box will be charged 3.80.

In a time when many people don't check receipts for small items, it is these little, ongoing rip offs that frustrate me. So please let me know if this policy is being practiced elsewhere, or just here.

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Comments (12 of 12)

what bugs me

by redjade

Sun Jul 17, 2005 15:31

is that many items in these Spars/Centras/etc do not even have a price on them or on the shelf, so how is one to know if you're getting ripped or not?

I have complained, but the people behind the counter are not really responsible - so not much point.

speaking of rip offs

by xman

Sun Jul 17, 2005 18:17

Yesterday I bought a video for my Da (X-Men 2). It was in a shop in a Dunnes Stores mall, and it cost £4.99.

When I gave it to my Da, he said he'd already bought it a couple of weeks back. So I said to myself: "Fine, I'll go change it for something else."

However, when I get back to the shop today and say "Sorry, but the person I bought this for already has it. Can I change it for one of the other videos in the offer?" I get told "No, sorry, but its our policy not to exchange videos who's seals have been broken... to prevent piracy." I looked at the video, and indeed the seal was broken... but not by me. It came like that!

So after a small argument (which the assistant basically said 'you have no rights'), I left.

What are my consumer rights here? Surely this can't be correct? Do the same 'anti-piracy' policies extend to books? Will you be refused an exchange in case you've secretly read the book?

I remember, back when I was about 14, before all this Celtic Tiger hubbub, when folks like me had little or no money - and once every few months I'd buy an album. But if they album was shit, I'd take it back and say "I want something else, this is awful", and usually the shop would say OK. But now, it seems, even with a legit (rather than a subjective) reason for wanting an exchange (I don't even want my money back! Just another effing video) I can't get one.

Seriously, what are my rights as a consumer on this? Do I even have any? What happened to the customer always being right? Could it be cos I have long hair and wear combats? If I was a fragile old woman would they have done an exchange? (Too bad my Grannys are dead).

Any and all relevant info appreciated. Thanks.

Ormeau Rd Mace

by Andy

Sun Jul 17, 2005 22:07

Have been overcharged and noticed it over 6 times in the last year in the Ormeau Rd (Belfast) Mace, avoid at all costs.

Overcharging

by Tony

Mon Jul 18, 2005 13:56

Simple solution is to shop at Tesco. If the price charged at the till is different from what's marked on the shelf, you keep the item and they refund the full price, not just the difference.

Overcharged 6 times?

by Dave

Mon Jul 18, 2005 15:05

And you still went back? Bizarre.

Anyway, this nameandshame is a good idea, if I am overcharged and don't believe it was an accident., I walk... leave all the stuff behind me. I tell the manager why.

If everyone did this, you bet the policy would change!

Vote with your feet.

PS Loads of people bought DVDs in tesco, watched them and returned them, that's why they have the policy of no-returns.

Buy your DVD's at play.com or in GAME or HMV where they have a 10 day no quibble return policy.

They ALL rip you off

by Seamus

Tue Jul 19, 2005 07:50

Regarding Tesco's "you get it free " if you are charged a different price at the till then advertised. This is complete rubbish, as I have complained about this on two ocassions and although they refunded the difference they certainly didnt give me the article free (razor blades as it happened). Same thing happened to me in Superquinn, and they hang signs up saying how they will give you the article for free. Thing is, Tesco have been caught not so long ago deliberately over charging people at the till. Of cours they said it was an accident, but accidents that net you milloins from suckers are nice accident s to have happen.
Check your receipt its the only way to keep wide of these scam artists.

Not getting your refund

Wed Jul 20, 2005 13:07

Seamus, if the sign in the shop says it's free if they overcharge you, and you accept anything less when you challenge them after a mistake, I can't help thinking that you're a bit of a sap. Next time, stand your ground - it'll be good for your self assertion skills.

Taighde.

by Duine

Wed Jul 20, 2005 16:49

B'fhéidir go mbeadh spéis ag an dream seo sa chás agat:

http://www.odca.ie/

celia larkin.

by %

Wed Jul 20, 2005 17:09

former beauty therapist is now your voice in consumer affairs.

Bean eile?

Wed Jul 20, 2005 17:34

celia larkin =/=carmel foley

Its Easy