Tesco break the law

MadsL

<In case no-one reads the stickies>

Law on unit price display..

I've almost given up trying to convince Tesco that they should actually do this.

1. I spotted that their beer by the case was not priced. Told a staff member. Said they would deal with it.

2. Next day went in, not priced. Told a staff member. Said they would deal with it.

3. Two days later still not done, spoke to the Asst Manager, said he would deal with it. I pointed out that it should be priced per unit too or they risked a 3000 euro fine. He said he would deal with it. I also pointed out that his tomatoes, toilet paper and dish washer tablets also had no unit pricing and that the tomatoes were confusingly (misleadingly) priced. He told me they were sorting it out with the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs.


4. Was back about three days later. The beer was priced, but not per litre. Nothing else sorted out. Rang tesco head office and the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs, Tesco said they would look at it and the Trading standards officer said he would investigate and report back to me.

5. Back into Tescos a few days later. I start to see more violations (almost all the pre-package 'finest' fruit/vegetables has no unit pricing - tomatoes are twice the price pre-packed!!) I speak to the manager again - he says that Trading Standards have given them the all clear.

6. Tesco head office send me an email that states that all their shelf edge labelling complies with the law.

7. I have still had no response from trading standards.


In the meantime it seems that Tesco (and I have now checked several stores) have decided that they are above the law when it comes to certain pre-packed vegetables and fruit. Why is that Tesco?...is it perhaps that your profit margin is MASSIVE on pre-packaged class 1 goods?? Is it because you charge twice the loose price for some items? Is it a coincidence that every store I have checked has the same 'mistakes' in price labeling or blatant policy.

This is the largest retailer in Ireland. Trading Standards should be all over them.

kensutz

U obviously have some time to spend. Jeez if we could all do that in Superquinn, Dunnes and M&S's the world will be a better place,

MadsL

Not that much time. I do my shopping in Tesco.

3 conversations in Tesco.
2 phone calls.

If everybody did this there would be no way that Tesco could get away with breaking the law this blatantly.

But the real point is we shouldn't have to. I've pointed this out to trading standards and NOTHING has been done. what do I have to do next - ring the gardai???

jesus_thats_gre

SAD

MadsL

Well fu.ck you jesus, that's a typical bloody attitude...the I can't be arsed to complain even though I'm being screwed right in front of my nose...

I'll just pay over the odds for anything then will I...my food, my rent, car insurance, internet access, I lie back and not say a word about having any rights as a consumer, you shaft me all you want, I'll pay it, sure lets go for an pint, sure I haven't a clue how much it will cost me, nah I don't need a receipt. You just charge me what you like and I'll look the other way, OK?

Now THAT is sad. Perhaps when you grow up and move out of your mammy's you'll know the value of money. Until then shut the fcuk up.

jammy_dodger

I'll just pay over the odds for anything then will I...my food, my rent, car insurance, internet access, I lie back and not say a word about having any rights as a consumer, you shaft me all you want, I'll pay it, sure lets go for an pint, sure I haven't a clue how much it will cost me, nah I don't need a receipt. You just charge me what you like and I'll look the other way, OK?

Are you one those people, Who have to turn a light switch, on and off 17 times everytime they enter a room, otherwise evryone you know and love .........will DIE.

yankinlk

buy from LIDL

nahdoic

Originally posted by yankinlk
buy from LIDL

Absolutely. Take your business else where. That'll wake tesco up more than just complaining to them. But fair play for trying to get them to change. But you're facing an uphill struggle.

The good value things in tesco are

a) milk at 1.14 for 2L - best price *ever*I only ever buy my milk in tesco

b) ice cream - tesco soft scoop - you get a huge tub and it's only 1.xx (can't remember but it's great value)

c) wallis paracetamol (12 tablets) pack for 0.99

d) their orange juice used to be great value, but then they put the price up. but it was quite funny, they put the price up, then put a huge sign beside it saying "great value", and they were sold out.

Don't buy any fruit/veg/meat in tesco unless you like being fleeced blind.

Where I live (in blanch) we have a great fruit and veg shop called Justins in the Blanch village, they sell really cheap fruit and veg. We'd get all our fruit and veg there. They do a great business.

I'm not mad on a lot of Lidl products, but they have some really high quality ones at good prices. Haven't been shopping there long enough to remember the prices, but look out for

a) light cheddar cheese - this is the nicest cheese i've ever had, and about half the price of tesco

b) big 1.5 L orange juice, lovely stuff

c) wafer thin smoked turkey breast - this is the most gorgeous high quality meat I've ever gotten, i just wouldn't go through the week without this in my fridge, you have to try it.

d) coleslaw - good price and nice

mmm I'm hungry now.

MadsL

The point I'm making...(perhaps too longwindedly or pedantically for 19 year old students)...is that;

1. Tesco are breaking the law, not just Irish law but also EU law.
2. Trading standards have effectively told them that's ok.
3. WTF????

jesus_thats_gre

I would just loved to have seen the face on the manager you spoke to in Tesco's.. I reckon he would have fell over laughing after you left. I worked there for 4 years in the past, I would have dragged you out of the shop if you bitched about it to me.

As a 19 year old student you have 50 more important things to worry about. I have just completed a 4 year computing degree and I still dont have time to worry about nonsence like that. I mean complaining that they are showing the cost per unit on their shelf talkers.. Like come on, a 90 year old homeless granny wouldnt even complain about it.. Do the maths for god sake!

Regarding them breaking the law and you not standing for it.. Have you ever broke a petty law, I reckon ya have and you wouldnt appreciate some snotty nosed student reporting you for breaking the law!

If trading standards have said it is ok, then it is ok. Buy from LIDL my arse too!!!!!

jesus_thats_gre

Also this would fall under the category of civil law and not criminal law..... Thus you cant call the Gardai.

Regarding learning the value of money, I have been working from the day I turned 16. Worked through my Junior Cert every night, through 5th year, Leaving Cert, Cert, Diploma and now Degree.. So ****kkkk off..

You probably dont even have a job, and if you do you probably wont work more than 10 hours a week, only work Saturdays and have never paid for anything in your life... Monkey!!!!!

Value of money, my arse!

nahdoic

Yes, only 19 year old students get bored with long winded statements and pedantics.

So your point is that you don't mind being fleeced on price, just once they fleece you in accordance with the law. Right, well why exactly haven't you been back onto your Trading standards officer?

... last time I try to help some crazy person save on their shopping bill.

spongebob

Originally posted by jesus_thats_gre
Also this would fall under the category of civil law and not criminal law..... Thus you cant call the Gardai.
Regarding learning the value of money, I have been working from the day I turned 16. Worked through my Junior Cert every night, through 5th year, Leaving Cert, Cert, Diploma and now Degree.. So ****kkkk off..
You probably dont even have a job, and if you do you probably wont work more than 10 hours a week, only work Saturdays and have never paid for anything in your life... Monkey!!!!!
Value of money, my arse!

Hmmm. Bit stressed out then JtG , take some happy pills before you emerge again as an economic commentator.

Madsl pointed out that Tesco were in widespread breach of trading standards and that he had tried to do something about but was not getting much backup from officialdom, fortunately there are some public mided people such as your good self around to shoulder the burden

Had I read this earlier I might have caused some grief in my own local Tesco as well ....must remember next week:D

Have you thought of Joe Duffy or Marian Finucane then Madsl, you have done the research for them if ya see what I mean.

Nice One, Played

M

rational_bloke

You are all obviously failed businessmen that are bitter of the success of corporate giants such as Tesco and I think you all need to realise that you will never emulate their success in the market place without out-smarting the lowest common denominator and making them over-spend as much as possible.

Why don't you all just keep the law and be nice to fluffy bunnies and the like and spend the rest of your lives on the dole, because if you keep your current attitude it's all you'll ever amount to!

Bloody students!!!

jesus_thats_gre

With all due respect, we all have more important things to worry about. The poor bunnies like!

spongebob

Originally posted by rational_bloke
You are all obviously failed businessmen that are bitter of the success of corporate giants such as Tesco and I think you all need to realise that you will never emulate their success in the market place without out-smarting the lowest common denominator and making them over-spend as much as possible.

You learn how the English language works first seeing as your first post is a risible concoction. Stick to short constructs initially. I agree or I don't agree would do in your case.

Then try to pretend you are rational. Love the sig, muppet.

M

rational_bloke

I think it's also important to note that most of the people posting on this board (with the noted exception of Jesus_thats_great) will have to leave soon to hug all their trees before bedtime!!

19 year old student, should you not be out having a good time instead of annoting some poor tesco manager? You really need to get laid.....and soon for the good fo mankind.

rational_bloke

A man that calls himself Muck and believes in the power of the Almighty Joe Duffy is trying to disrespect me?

I laugh at the thought!

Get back to the dole Q mate!!

jesus_thats_gre

I seriously can't believe a 19 year old student is so concerned about this. I can just imagine what he will be like in 30 years time. I reckon he will be chasing kids away from the front of his house or calling the garda because kids are playing football on the street. Just enjoy your life while you still have one dammit!!!!

:ninja:

segadreamcast

JtG and Rational_Bloke - what the hell is your vendetta with this guy? Your last posts have seemingly had nothing to do with the topic at all, you're just laying into him for the sake of it now.

He's complaining about a law that's being broken. Oh my god, he's not the typical Irish moaner-who-doesn't=actually-do-a-damn-thing - burn him at dawn.

Honestly, it's you two who need to get lives instead of picking on 19 year old students and defending the "poor tesco managers".

As yankinlk said: shop in LIDL

As nahdoic said: Buy the 1.5L orange juice, it's really nice.

Give 'em hell over this one... hell, they're already in hot water over false advertising aren't they? Might as well make it worse .

sceptre

Originally posted by rational_bloke
You are all obviously failed businessmen that are bitter of the success of corporate giants such as Tesco and I think you all need to realise that you will never emulate their success in the market place without out-smarting the lowest common denominator and making them over-spend as much as possible.

Why don't you all just keep the law and be nice to fluffy bunnies and the like and spend the rest of your lives on the dole, because if you keep your current attitude it's all you'll ever amount to!

Bloody students!!!

WTF?

Madsl is making a fair point. They're breaking the law. They're not pushed about it. The ODCA doesn't seem to be that pushed about it either and that's a serious problem.

Originally posted by NoelRock
As nahdoic said: Buy the 1.5L orange juice, it's really nice.

Mmmm, I've three litres of the stuff here.

rational_bloke

There are reasons that there is nothing being done about these laws being broken.

The fact that Tesco is making so much money from the lowest common denominator means that the governement is taking in 21% of this. So as opposed to the Government WASTING PUBLIC MONEY by suing a huge company like Tesco (and most probably losing) they are happy enough to sit back and watch that VAT roll in!

And personally, as a working tax-payer and firm believer in capitalism and globalisation (unlike you smelly hippy student types), I think they are absolutely right to do so.

Both politically and economically!

After all, where do you think your dole/grant money comes from?

nahdoic

Why would someone call themselves rational bloke and then produce some of the most irrational statements I've seen in a while.

spongebob

he couldnt sign up as arsehole or gob****e because those usernames are already taken '

M

Kappar

I think it's unfair also, mabey you should complain about the ODCA to the Ombudsman or whoever will listen.

mr_angry

Sorry Jesus-Thats-Great and Rational-Bloke, but I'm forced to agree with Muck here. I too have been a helpless victim of Tesco's evil pricing regime.

I run a small terrorist outfit in the countryside, and frequently in the past I have been forced to buy guns and ammunition from my local Tesco outlet. I am simply appalled by the lack of standardisation in their pricing, and their inability to declare the price of symtex and ammunition by the pound\clip. I have tried reasoning with the manager several times, only to be told that I am a worthless piece of whining sh*t, and that he will personally "blow my f***ing knees off!". Understandably I am a little upset by Tesco's lack of customer service in this regard. Also, I find their incredible rip-off prices for crack cocaine quite surprising in the current economic climate.

In my efforts to redress the balance towards the small-psychopathic-terrorist-leader, I have contacted the Gardai and informed them as to the scandalous behaviour of Tesco in this regard. However, I was told by the Garda in question that I was in danger of being arrested, and they'd find out who I was, and lock me away for a long time. This is just another example of a state body siding with the large conglomerate against the small businessman!!! I think it is a disgrace, and I believe my next move will be to inform the Garda ombudsman. I have every confidence that I will eventually achieve my goals of becoming the most pedantic small-time terrorist leader in the world!

Did I forget to mention that I live in my own crazy little world with nothing better to do than complain about Tesco's shocking pricing system for 3 (YES 3!!!) distinct products? Well, there you go.

And to think I call myself a hippy! Some people are a disgrace to the entire movement... *sigh*

spongebob

You have my sympathies if 9mm mutates into "full nine inches" on the back of the pack Mr_A . Tesco would consider this consistent labelling of course.

Have you asked Tesco to help sponsor your most recent decommissioning campaign...maybe in their car park on a saturday afternoon? They like to help the local community or so they say.

M

mr_angry

What's the deal with all this anyway Muck? It's my working theory that you MUST be some kind of really pissed off ex-Tesco employee with a mammoth grudge that you just want to get off your chest, but you just can't figure out how...

My personal suggestion is about 50lbs of symtex. It does exactly what it says on the tin. That is, if you can trust the tin. Perhaps Tesco have cunningly repackaged the tin in a coup against my activities. Perhaps the non-priced Tomatos are part of a covert plot to force us into buying Florida tomatos instead. Perhaps its Tesco's aim to de-value the Euro against the Dollar, so they can clean up on the currency exchange, and make billions whilst laughing at us poor plebs with our lower-grade, over-priced Florida tomatos. My God, its all starting to make sense! Tesco were the "men behind the grassy knoll"! Osama Bin Laden is a Tesco employee!!!! AAAARRRRRRRAAAAAAAGGGGGGGHHHHHH!!!

I say shoot yourself - its the only rational way to escape the impending evil of Tesco ruling the known world.

car

fair play, for someone out there noticing that the supermarkets are overpricing us and actualy doing something about it. Keep up the good work .

spongebob

its not overpricing as such

Tesco is big enough to get 375g cornflake packs from kelogg when centra gets 400g packs (this is an EG example). Dunnes may have a 425g pack for example.
To provide a basis for comparison between themselves and centra and dunnes they are supposed to print price per 100g along with the item price on the label. That is the new law and the reason behind it.

Madsl had pointed out that this was not happening (fair play) and for some reason this has brought out a scutch of obnoxious muppets to attack him/students etc....one or two of whom are probably guilty of sharp practice themselves.

As for me Madsl, I just shop around and buy the SAME beer off Lidl cheaper (the tesco orange pack and the dunnes white pack are smaller and dearer than the Lidl red pack) the beer is all brewed in a brewery in Calais so it is directly comparable.

M

ferdi

the irish public are being ripped-off in every single sector to insane proportions be it property (caused by arsehole invetors buying houses for their darling children and driving the prices skyward for the rest of u + tax), services or retail eg: tesco. shop at aldi or lidl. Irish people must look like complete chumps to the rest of Europe. if someone i germany was charged 80euro for a meal for two and a bottle of house wine in a mediocer restaurant, they just wouldnt pay.

tesco's questionable pricing strategy is just another symptom of greed-culture ireland.

MadsL

Some support at last, Thanks.

OK, those who think this is ridiculous consider this;

This law was passed in order that you can clearly see the price and don't have to stand there and multiply 2.31 by 0.45 in your head to get the price per kilo or whatever.

Now you shouldn't have to do that, so you can shop and see what is best value, right...everybody, from the 19 yr students to the eighty year old homeless grannies mentioned here.

Except Tesco have decided that they can't be bothered to do that for all of their items despite what the law says. They somehow feel that if they put it in a pack they can just stick a price on it and flog it. Meanwhile Tesco legal are arguing with the ODCA about what the law means.

Now, muppets consider this: Tesco have no quibble policy which states that if you are asked to pay more at the checkout than is displayed on the shelf they will give you that item free with no quibble.

Yesterday, shopping normally - not stalking tesco managers (that's fridays usually ) One of the things I was buying was unpriced, I was asked to pay for it at the checkout and so asked for it free under the 'no quibble' policy, and got it free 'without quibble'. So the next time you see a crate of beer unpriced in Tesco...or a computer.:D

For those of you that think it is somehow sad to care about consumer rights, consider which is sadder. Posting about corporate abuses of the law or posting to attack someone who actually does something about it. /me looks at JtG...Is totally awed that he works for Vodafone tech support and reminds us at every opportunity.:D

Wook

Madsl, good job .
rather you then me for investing the time to make the calls and harass the TESCO employees. I couldn't be arsed to do this BUT that doesn't mean I am happy people like you are out there.
It's people like you that protect my consumer rights while I sit behind my pc playing another computer game.

People like Jesus..well they just want to moan and bitch about everything and then also want to moan and bitch to the people doing something against it.
People like Jesus here, that's what makes this country react so slow and badly to changes, always complaining and never doing something constructive.

rational_bloke

MADSL : It is clear that you are sadder! Once again I think that it is blatently obvious that you have no life, no friends and nothing better to do with your time! Why don't you just sit back, and stop being jealous that somebody else has figured out how to scam the system and make themselves rich off the back off it!

If you have such a problem with the breaching of consumer law then why not open a competitor to Tesco and do everything by the book?

I would absolutely love to see how long it would take for your business to fold as you obviously have absolutely no idea what you are talking about in terms odf economics.

As for your legal statements: It appears that the most in-depth research you've ever carried out is a Leaving Cert Business Studies book.

Get a life and sort out your jealousy.

Trebor

I agree with Madsl.

to sit back and do nothing is almost the worst thing you can do.

the worst is to sit back and complain about those who do do something about it.


just because a company can get away with something does not mean that we should take it!

rational_bloke

I f any of you had any business acumen you would have nothing but respect for Tesco.

Why don't we just scare them out of the country and lose all the VAT they take in and pay to the Government!

There's a clever idea!!!!!!

jesus_thats_gre

Regarding my mentioning where i work, I do this to back up the information I provide. Its not as if I like this job or even consider it a good job. The only reason I am here was as a part time job while I persued my education. Its a ****ty job.. So thats clears that up!! Mind you, just because it is a ****ty job does not mean I have not learned from it nor does it mean I cant back any information up that I provide in posts with that fact.

Regarding just sitting back and letting people blatantly ignore the law. I am all for people complaining when it is a worth while cause. Just because it is a law does not mean it is a good law. But one of the main basis for this complaint was the they did not show the per unit or per gram prices on the shelf talker. This is not a worth while cause.... There are so many more important laws that are being broke in this country that we need to worry about first.

While I did resort to insults (I wish I didn't for credibility reasons), it really is a sad day when a 19 year old fella has nothing better to do than nag some already well stretched Tesco employee over something so trivial. Your right, the shelf talkers should be updated, but is it worth the stress or hassle. The most you are gonna loose is a few pence, go annoy some insurance company, bar owner, the goverment, Microsoft or Vodafone at that matter.

The ironic thing is that Tesco is still one of the cheapest supermarkets out there, Superquinns can be anything up to 20% more expensive. You can go to Aldi or Lidl is you like, but the majority of products there are only slightly cheaper and are no where near the same quality than those that Tesco offer. Choice is a wonderful thing, instead of moaning in a forum throught keyboard, let your wallet do the talking and just change supermarkets.

I really hate when people get so hung up on silly reglulations passed by some fat cat in Brussels. Again I am guessing these pricing laws were pushed through by the EU. Like some of the other stupid laws they pushed through!

I think we should just end this now, apologies for the insults but I think you need to worry about something more important.

I dont have a chance to worry about Tesco's, I have Mr. Angry living next door trying to blow up tinned Florida Tomatoes. I am washing my car 4 times a day at this stage!!!

DeVore

Jesus and Rational are the same person. (As if you needed me to tell you that).

Discussion WILL be civil and if you dont agree with someones actions you criticise those actions rationally (lol) rather then attacking the person.

"Both" have been banned from boards for breaching the civility rule mulitple times and for creating multiple accounts.


Anyone who needs a to create a second account to have someone to agree with him and then goes on to call his target "sad" is well... sad.


DeV.

MadsL

Why don't we just scare them out of the country and lose all the VAT they take in and pay to the Government!

Twit. We pay VAT regardless of where we buy our groceries. If Tesco closed up shop we'd hardly stop eating.

I don't want to be a grocer, I'm quite happy with my current career.* I do however spend a lot of money in Tesco mainly because they are the closest supermarket to me. When I shop I tend to try and get the best value (otherwise I would be an idiot) I'm lazy, I want prices labeled so that I don't have to keep working out 'how much is that a kilo or whatever'

I'm just pointing out to you that Tesco are in breach of consumer regulations when it comes to unit pricing and they don't seem to care.

I'm also pointing out to you that you can get free beer in Tesco the next time they mess up their pricing. If you have a problem with me posting that then you clearly haven't a clue. Maybe I should post it in Bargains?

*(I am NOT a 19yr old student - reading carefully is a useful skill )

feylya

I must admit I've had a good laugh reading all the posts on this thread. Everyone seems to have their points, whether I agree with them or not. I respect Madsl for standing up for his rights in principle but I think you're taking this too much to heart.

And DeVore, I know for a fact Jesus and Rational_Bloke are two, completely different people. Ah crap, Mr Angry just blew up more tomatoes!!!

DeVore

you're not point out anything to him. He's in "prison" for the moment for re-nedification.

I, on the other hand, am very very interested in getting free beer.

DeV.

MadsL

Ouch DeVore...

Unban him (when he apologizes) - at least he's useful in Wireless.

KAKS

A POST ON BEHALF OF JESUS

THIS IS JESUS TYPING... SORRY FOR THE SLAGGING! I AM NOT RATIONAL_BLOKE EITHER....

spongebob

multiple identity #3 maybe?

M

MadsL

Just got this from the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs;

Dear **************

Thank you for your e-mail concerning Tesco.

This office will investigate the matter raised by you. I should explain while it is the policy of the Office to follow up on all complaints it is not possible because of the volume of correspondence required to revert back to every complainant.

Of course the Office will contact you if the need arises either in the course of or on completion of the investigation.

Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention.

it is not possible because of the volume of correspondence required to revert back to every complainant

:rolleyes: I know nothing of the English of which you talk.

nahdoic

I think DeVore got confused because I think there are multiple people from that house all using the same IP address.

You'll never make it as a detective, good thing you have your own company, huh.

spongebob

.

MadsL

Easy there Muck, don't kick a man (or multiple personality sufferer) when he's down.

lol

senior customer service manager in Voodoofone

(although I know her as well...she has the same first name as that Canadian singer wot sung the Titanic theme)

spongebob

..

KAKS

I only created this account to issue an apology as requested. Even though I already apologised for any insults a few posts previous to this, I intended not ever using this account after the FIRST post.

But I have been unable to post a reply using my own username so I have been forced to use this once again. Hopefully for the last time again.

I appreciate a bit of slagging for one, I do like idle treats also. Lets just hope they remain as idle threats, for my sake............ :ninja:

spongebob

I have a feeling that JtG will be back soon, grovelling to the max and trying to sound reasonable and well-informed.

Why?