Lidl Charging 80% more in ROI than UK for same product

jimmysull

I came across an article this morning that said Lidl were ripping us off here in Ireland.http://pricesireland.wordpress.com/2009/01/31/the-big-lidl-rip-off/

Not taking it at face value I went on Lidl.ie and lidl.co.uk to check and it is true!

Has anyone any experience of any comparison on their grocery prices? Could they really be profiteering in ireland to that extent while still portraying themselves as the "consumer's white knight"?

Nody

They are the white knight as they are cheaper then Dunnes et al and it is also clearly an exceptional item (and if you think Lidl has extreme profits while being the lowest cost store in Ireland then take the next logical step in that thought chain).

thebman

They are still cheaper than the others so what does that say about the others?

jimmysull

Hey I only asked if anyone had any real comparisons on Grocery prices. Being cheaper than Dunnes doesn't mean they are not profiteering. Dunnes source most of their products from irish distributors, Lidl source most of theirs from non-irish distributors and then charge up to 80% more for it in Ireland???
I'm just wondering are we being duped?

btw it's not an exceptional item, take a look at other products on lidl.ie and lidl.co.uk. Problem is they don't list their grocery prices.

seamus789

thebman wrote: »

They are still cheaper than the others so what does that say about the others?

But are they really cheaper? Yes they are cheaper for german own label stuff versus Dunnes own label stuff. fair enough but they are the same price as Tesco, dunnes, Supervalu on kvi's like bread, milk, Coke etc etc

2 Litres of Milk in Lidl is exactly the same price as 2L Supervalu own label milk.

2 Litres of Coke is €1.99 in Tesco, Lidl, Supervalu, Dunnes

I'm not going to waste my time surveying all their prices but I'm not convinced they are cheaper when you compare "Like for like".

I'd rather support the Irish supply chain and Irish jobs than German jobs. Just my opinion, in a recession you are entitled to move jobs out of the country if you wish

inforfun

It seems just the way Lidl works.
They check prices locally and go slightly under that price.
So they do indeed appear to be the cheaper option in that country.
But i guess it is obvious they are not the cheapest with all their products.

thebman

Well yeah, your not going to undercut your competitors by 50%. Why would you?

Just p*ssing away money if they did that. They'll wait for Tesco etc... to reduce their prices and then reduce theirs a bit more again and so on.

They will of course not be cheaper on some other items too as they just use cheap prices on key items to get you in the door.

Still, if you divert traffic from the main stores in Ireland, they will start trying to compete. Last time I was in Tesco my housemate was buying a deep fat fryer and it was cheaper in tesco than Aldi.

Fighting Irish

The same stuff is even cheaper in China

AMAZING

Rip Off Ireland!!!!!!!11

ejmaztec

seamus789 wrote: »

But are they really cheaper? Yes they are cheaper for german own label stuff versus Dunnes own label stuff. fair enough but they are the same price as Tesco, dunnes, Supervalu on kvi's like bread, milk, Coke etc etc

2 Litres of Milk in Lidl is exactly the same price as 2L Supervalu own label milk.

2 Litres of Coke is €1.99 in Tesco, Lidl, Supervalu, Dunnes

I'm not going to waste my time surveying all their prices but I'm not convinced they are cheaper when you compare "Like for like".

I'd rather support the Irish supply chain and Irish jobs than German jobs. Just my opinion, in a recession you are entitled to move jobs out of the country if you wish

I would imagine that the reason for the branded stuff being similarily over-priced is that all of the supermarkets here get ripped off by the Irish branches of large multi-nationals, Coca Cola Ireland, to name but one.

If the "foreigners" weren't here, you'd be paying €4.99 for Coke.

talkingclock

Fighting Irish wrote: »

The same stuff is even cheaper in China
AMAZING
Rip Off Ireland!!!!!!!11

those type of commets are getting really boring.

the groutch

seamus789 wrote: »

But are they really cheaper? Yes they are cheaper for german own label stuff versus Dunnes own label stuff. fair enough but they are the same price as Tesco, dunnes, Supervalu on kvi's like bread, milk, Coke etc etc

2 Litres of Milk in Lidl is exactly the same price as 2L Supervalu own label milk.

2 Litres of Coke is €1.99 in Tesco, Lidl, Supervalu, Dunnes

I'm not going to waste my time surveying all their prices but I'm not convinced they are cheaper when you compare "Like for like".

I'd rather support the Irish supply chain and Irish jobs than German jobs. Just my opinion, in a recession you are entitled to move jobs out of the country if you wish

have you been into dunnes recently? %age wise they're no better imo than Aldi or Lidl for recruiting irish staff

rubadub

talkingclock wrote: »

those type of commets are getting really boring.

Not as boring as these endless threads. And what is wrong with pointing it out if it is OK to point out UK price differences? I buy a hell of a lot of stuff from China and save a fortune compared to UK or Irish stores.

Could they really be profiteering in ireland

Define profiteering.

Google gives me

profiteer - make an unreasonable profit, as on the sale of difficult to obtain goods
profiteer - someone who makes excessive profit (especially on goods in short supply)

Seems they are just doing what any business does, they set out to maximise profits, if you call that profiteering then so be it, all businesses bar charities operate like this, I learnt that in 1st year commerce in secondary school.

foggy_lad

I'm not going to waste my time surveying all their prices but I'm not convinced they are cheaper when you compare "Like for like".

but the thing is they are cheaper when you compare "like for like". aldi/lidl beans/peas in tins are much better tasting and better presented than the tesco value brand or other supermarkets own brands while still being cheaper. this is repaeted with most products on sale in lidl/aldi.

the groutch

foggy_lad wrote: »

but the thing is they are cheaper when you compare "like for like". aldi/lidl beans/peas in tins are much better tasting and better presented than the tesco value brand or other supermarkets own brands while still being cheaper. this is repaeted with most products on sale in lidl/aldi.

still not like for like, if they have heinz beans cheaper then it's a different kettle of fish, but there are probably just as many people who think that the dunnes own brand is better than the aldi or lidl brand (eg. I love dunnes own brand museli, and prefer it over lidl's brand any day of the week)

Fighting Irish

talkingclock wrote: »

those type of commets are getting really boring.

and

"OMG ______ Is Cheaper In A Different Country" isn't getting boring?

jhegarty

Fighting Irish wrote: »

and

"OMG ______ Is Cheaper In A Different Country" isn't getting boring?

And what exactly would you expect in a forum called Rip Off Ireland ?

foggy_lad

the groutch wrote: »

still not like for like, if they have heinz beans cheaper then it's a different kettle of fish, but there are probably just as many people who think that the dunnes own brand is better than the aldi or lidl brand (eg. I love dunnes own brand museli, and prefer it over lidl's brand any day of the week)

just because you prefer Dunnes own brand muesli does not make it better value even if it is cheaper and my point is that apart from a few exceptions most of lidl/aldi items are cheaper and taste better than the big three's own brand goods which makes then better value for the average shopper.

Fighting Irish

jhegarty wrote: »

And what exactly would you expect in a forum called Rip Off Ireland ?

prices are what they are because you people pay them

its not lidls fault

but comparing prices to other countries is a bit stupid

talkingclock

Fighting Irish wrote: »

but comparing prices to other countries is a bit stupid

comparing prices between countries always happened and always will happen! on the continent dutch were going to germany for petrol, germans were going to poland for petrol, germans complained about IKEA being more expensivwe then in the netherlands and ROI shoppers are going to NI.

but i heard never any mentally sane person complaining that mig macs are cheaper in china. and it is stupid as there is no tesco, no lidl not aldi, no M&S in china (AFAIK) or at least not a 3hrs drive away! the possibility tho shop in china for groceries is very little i'd say.

therefore that china argument is kind of stupid.

Nody

talkingclock wrote: »

it is stupid as there is no tesco, no lidl not aldi, no M&S in china (AFAIK)

You are aware that not only are most of the western shops in China but that is also the place where they expect to open up most new shops in the world due to the potential market, right?

rubadub

jhegarty wrote: »

And what exactly would you expect in a forum called Rip Off Ireland ?

I would really like to see warnings about true rip offs, i.e. scams, confidence tricks, unreasonable marketing tools, secret addons etc. Lidl advertised an iron for €19.99. There is nothing underhanded going on at all! no ripoff, nobody goes to the till or gets home and is surprised to see €19.99 on their laser card bill a month down the line.

There should really be a separate sub form called "relatively high prices in Ireland Vs UK".

talkingclock wrote: »

comparing prices between countries always happened and always will happen! on the continent dutch were going to germany for petrol, germans were going to poland for petrol, germans complained about IKEA being more expensivwe then in the netherlands and ROI shoppers are going to NI.

There is a forum for this http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=346
If something is cheap up north there is even a specific thread for it.

talkingclock wrote: »

but i heard never any mentally sane person complaining that mig macs are cheaper in china.

I could say the same about people saying it in the UK. Why do you think they are cheaper in China BTW? (please answer)
People want you to THINK for a minute and realise that stuff is different prices and it is ridiculous to expect all prices to be fixed worldwide.

talkingclock wrote: »

the possibility tho shop in china for groceries is very little i'd say.

therefore that china argument is kind of stupid.

As I said already I buy a lot of stuff from China. Many do buy in food stuffs from the US and other places, of course a lot of the time it is not economical for postage.

This thread is about an iron. I can get one for under €6 incl/ delivery from China
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.15064

jimmysull

ejmaztec wrote: »

I would imagine that the reason for the branded stuff being similarily over-priced is that all of the supermarkets here get ripped off by the Irish branches of large multi-nationals, Coca Cola Ireland, to name but one.

And for non-branded commodities like Milk, bread etc? The poster claims these are the same price in Lidl as the big 4 supermarkets too.

foggy_lad wrote: »

aldi/lidl beans/peas in tins are much better tasting and better presented than the tesco value brand or other supermarkets own brands

Matter of opinion, I find Supervalu own label stuff to be quite good quality

Fighting Irish wrote: »

but comparing prices to other countries is a bit stupid

Not when it's the same retailer sourcing from the same place.
Ok, I have no problem paying a bit extra for transportation, vat, labour but an 80% difference on some products is definitely profiteering

(by the definition:

rubadub wrote: »

profiteer - someone who makes excessive profit)

Bottom line here is they are making a killing in Ireland, and yes that is 'business' even by the definition of basic 1st Year Commerce but let's not kid ourselves that they are the cheapest. If you shop cleverly you will get much better quality products elsewhere for equal or lower cost. Value is what matters at the end of the day.

jimmysull

rubadub wrote: »

This thread is about an iron. I can get one for under €6 incl/ delivery from China
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.15064

The point of the original post was not about the cost of an iron. It was about the 80% difference in prices charged by a company, Lidl, that operates in both the UK and Ireland. A company that benefits significantly from any coverage of prices in Ireland v UK as that coverage is normally aimed at the established big 4 supermarkets.

talkingclock

rubadub wrote: »

I would really like to see warnings about true rip offs, i.e. scams, confidence tricks, unreasonable marketing tools, secret addons etc. Lidl advertised an iron for €19.99. There is nothing underhanded going on at all! no ripoff, nobody goes to the till or gets home and is surprised to see €19.99 on their laser card bill a month down the line.

There should really be a separate sub form called "relatively high prices in Ireland Vs UK".

why having a rip off forum at all? isn't it a Consumer issue at the end of the day?

taking account of the amount of posts in recent times the charter of that rip-off forum might need a revamp. the majority of people here apparently have a different definition of "rip off". not an academic one, more a real life based.

rubadub wrote: »

I could say the same about people saying it in the UK. Why do you think they are cheaper in China BTW? (please answer)

that was an example as people get never tired to promote the big mac index and it's cost in China.

seamus789

the groutch wrote: »

have you been into dunnes recently? %age wise they're no better imo than Aldi or Lidl for recruiting irish staff

They are still living in Ireland, therefore they are irish jobs whether they work in Lidl or Dunnes.

My support for Irish Jobs stretches far beyond the shop floor. Most products in Tesco, Dunnes, SV etc are sourced from Irish manufacturers or distributors therefore providing employment in manufacture/importation, storage, sales, marketing, distribution, etc etc. Along with that, if the product is manufactured in Ireland, many of the raw-materials/ingredients will also be produced in Ireland.

My big problem with Lidl is that most of their products are sourced outside of Ireland and we lose all the economic activity outlined above. In addition, an objective analysis says they are not necessarily cheaper when you compare "like for like".

I would rather buy a loaf of bread in Tesco that has been made, packed, marketed, sold, stored and distributed all within Ireland than buy a loaf of bread for the same price in Lidl that has been produced elsewhere.

If it was cheaper in lidl then I could possibly see a reason for buying the Lidl one but everyone who makes the choice today to buy that loaf of bread in Lidl is responsible for the next job lost in the bread business in Ireland..... have a think about it!.... if you work in a business that depends on selling a product, you may want the grain growers, millers, bakers, packers, package manufacturers, van drivers etc etc to choose your product rather than the imported alternative.

If there is a price difference fair enough but let's get real here.

shellyboo

seamus789 wrote: »

My big problem with Lidl is that most of their products are sourced outside of Ireland and we lose all the economic activity outlined above. In addition, an objective analysis says they are not necessarily cheaper when you compare "like for like".

I would rather buy a loaf of bread in Tesco that has been made, packed, marketed, sold, stored and distributed all within Ireland than buy a loaf of bread for the same price in Lidl that has been produced elsewhere.

If it was cheaper in lidl then I could possibly see a reason for buying the Lidl one but everyone who makes the choice today to buy that loaf of bread in Lidl is responsible for the next job lost in the bread business in Ireland..... have a think about it!.... if you work in a business that depends on selling a product you may want the grain growers, millers, bakers, packers, package manufacturers, van drivers etc etc to choose your product rather than the imported alternative.

If there is a price difference fair enough but let's get real here.

The same argument can be applied to NI shopping though, and most people just don't want to hear it. The Me Feiners only care about the money in their pockets and not the jobs that are being culled left, right and centre because they're taking their money out of the country.

I for one would rather see someone buying a German loaf in an Irish Aldi (however unlikely that is) than heading up to Asda to buy a UK one.

However, Aldi (not sure about Lidl) claim that 40% of their sales are of Irish goods. And while the own-brand bread they sell may not be Irish, it's probably coming from no further away from NI or the UK anyway. Their prepacked sandwiches come from Donegal, I know that much.

seamus789

shellyboo wrote: »

The same argument can be applied to NI shopping though, and most people just don't want to hear it.

Yes but there is a big price difference there and if people are finding it difficult to make ends meet you can see why they'd go North for savings. even though that too will cost jobs, agreed!

The point with Lidl (and probably Aldi, (I don't have one nearby)) is that there is no real saving on most of their products when you compare like for like but it is still economic suicide to shop there.

jimmysull

seamus789 wrote: »

The point with Lidl (and probably Aldi, (I don't have one nearby)) is that there is no real saving on most of their products when you compare like for like but it is still economic suicide to shop there.

Up to yesterday when I found the original article i posted about, I assumed Lidl were cheaper but now I really question it.
Lidl probably are cheaper on things like washing powder, toilet paper etc. and there is probably good reason to buy from them on those things but I take your point on products where there is no real saving that we are just exporting jobs.

The main reason for the original post however was that (whether they are cheaper or not) they are charging way more here than they are in england for the same products that are sourced from the same place.

Bottom line for me now is that their business model is that they use these non-grocery "special offers" to get us in and while we are there we will do our grocery shopping too and "think" we are saving. And even while they do that they are making a killing by making 80% on top of whatever profit they are making in england.

I would like to see if there is a big difference on grocery prices too between their English and Irish outlets but that is a bit harder as they don't list those prices on their websites

shellyboo

seamus789 wrote: »

Yes but there is a big price difference there and if people are finding it difficult to make ends meet you can see why they'd go North for savings. even though that too will cost jobs, agreed!

The point with Lidl (and probably Aldi, (I don't have one nearby)) is that there is no real saving on most of their products when you compare like for like but it is still economic suicide to shop there.

Well, by that logic, it's economic suicide to go into your local Tesco and by anything own-label or non-Irish. And as you say, some people can't afford to make ends meet - they certainly can't afford to be running to Superquinn and Dunnes buying exclusively Irish brand products, because fact of the matter is, they're more expensive. I say Irish brand because there's no definite way of knowing where an own-brand item was produced - just because it's on the shelf in Dunnes instead of Lidl doesn't mean it's Irish.

Not everyone who shops in Dunnes buys Irish products, even seemingly Irish products are often sourced in the UK... so unless every consumer becomes hyper-aware of what they're buying and is prepared to fork out on that, it's economic suicide anyway. And judging by the droves going over the border, no-one IS prepared to do that.

darc

talkingclock wrote: »

comparing prices between countries always happened and always will happen! on the continent dutch were going to germany for petrol, germans were going to poland for petrol, germans complained about IKEA being more expensivwe then in the netherlands and ROI shoppers are going to NI.

but i heard never any mentally sane person complaining that mig macs are cheaper in china. and it is stupid as there is no tesco, no lidl not aldi, no M&S in china (AFAIK) or at least not a 3hrs drive away! the possibility tho shop in china for groceries is very little i'd say.

therefore that china argument is kind of stupid.

and 2 years ago Newry retailers were compalining about all the shoppers who went down south due to sterling getting 1.55 euro to the pound.

Swings & roundabouts.

seamus789

shellyboo wrote: »

Well, by that logic, it's economic suicide to go into your local Tesco and by anything own-label or non-Irish.

Not true.......allow me to quote myself:

seamus789 wrote: »

My support for Irish Jobs stretches far beyond the shop floor. Most products in Tesco, Dunnes, SV etc are sourced from Irish manufacturers or distributors therefore providing employment in manufacture/importation, storage, sales, marketing, distribution, etc etc.

For example Tesco source most "Non Irish" products from the officially authorised irish distributors so Irish people are still creating economic activity in importation, storage, sales, marketing etc. Lidl just ship their own label stuff in, add a hefty markup and mostly the only jobs they create are a few in their distribution centres and a few cash register operators.

shellyboo wrote: »

And as you say, some people can't afford to make ends meet - they certainly can't afford to be running to Superquinn and Dunnes buying exclusively Irish brand products, because fact of the matter is, they're more expensive.

I disagree, my small survey shows no saving by going to lidl. What happens is people are not comparing like with like.When you compare like for like there is no real saving.

Also, in Dunnes/super-Valu etc you have a choice of Irish or Non-Irish in Lidl for the most part your only choice is to export our economic future

I go back to my bread example.
The price is the same but most of the economic value is being exported if you buy Lidl's option.

shellyboo

seamus789 wrote: »

For example Tesco source most "Non Irish" products from the officially authorised irish distributors so Irish people are still creating economic activity in importation, storage, sales, marketing etc. Lidl just ship their own label stuff in, add a hefty markup and mostly the only jobs they create are a few in their distribution centres and a few cash register operators.

Yes, using Irish distribution channels, lorries and the like... same as Tesco. Same difference.

I'd heavily dispute the claim that Tesco are using a majority of Irish distributors/suppliers as well, by the way - in fact they recently told all of their suppliers that if they couldn't match UK prices they were going elsewhere, and they did. Red Bull and Evian, just two prodcuts as an example, have Irish distributors but Tesco bypasses them and sources direct from the UK. So in that case, you'd actually be better off buying it in Lidl.

seamus789 wrote: »

I disagree, my small survey shows no saving by going to lidl. What happens is people are not comparing like with like.When you compare like for like there is no real saving.

\

Ok, well it depends on what you're buying. If you're buying branded goods then no, there's no huge saving to be made - but not a lot of people are buying branded anymore, they're downgrading to own brand.

If you're buying own label there ARE savings to be made because discounter own brands are cheaper than multiple own brands, and they're better quality too, for the most part.

I realise you're speaking from your own experience and what you personally buy, but here's a few figures from last year's grocery price comparison survey...

Findings also showed that there was a 16.8% difference across 48 common own-brand goods between Aldi (€71.45) and Lidl (€61.17). Dunnes Stores, Lidl and Aldi had 28 goods in common with a price difference of 56% between the cheapest (Lidl - €30.68) and Dunnes Stores at €47.85.
Tesco, Aldi and Lidl had 44 goods in common with price differential of 52% between cheapest (Lidl - €57.82) and Tesco which was the dearest (€87.89.)
Of 26 goods in common between Aldi, Lidl and Supervalu stores the price differential between the cheapest, (Lidl - €31.95) and the most expensive Supervalu store (€46.27) was 44.8%

seamus789 wrote: »

Also, in Dunnes/super-Valu etc you have a choice of Irish or Non-Irish in Lidl for the most part your only choice is to export our economic future

I go back to my bread example.
The price is the same but most of the economic value is being exported if you buy Lidl's option.

Not really. There are Irish products available in both stores - like I say 40% of Aldi's sales are of Irish goods. You won't see any of the multiples coming out with a figure like that, they're too busy pretending they're sourcing in Ireland.

I guess the point I'm trying to make is, if you're worried about the Irish economy the only way to guarantee you're making a positive impact is to shop exclusively in Dunnes (who have an Irish supplier policy where possible) and really, really, really be discerning about every single item that you buy... otherwise you're taking your chances. There's no way to know for sure where something comes from or how it's got there, no matter what shop it's in.

seamus789

shellyboo wrote: »

Yes, using Irish distribution channels, lorries and the like... same as Tesco. Same difference.

Yes but what about the other activities and no it's not the same as the supply chain for Irish sourced goods is more extensively within Ireland.

shellyboo wrote: »

I'd heavily dispute the claim that Tesco are using a majority of Irish distributors/suppliers as well, by the way - in fact they recently told all of their suppliers that if they couldn't match UK prices they were going elsewhere, and they did.

They have done so on a number of products yes but most suppliers were able to match the Uk price (albeit kicking and screaming most likely)

shellyboo wrote: »

Red Bull and Evian, just two prodcuts as an example, have Irish distributors but Tesco bypasses them and sources direct from the UK. So in that case, you'd actually be better off buying it in Lidl.

better off? why?

shellyboo wrote: »

Ok, well it depends on what you're buying. If you're buying branded goods then no, there's no huge saving to be made - but not a lot of people are buying branded anymore, they're downgrading to own brand.

If you're buying own label there ARE savings to be made because discounter own brands are cheaper than multiple own brands,

We need an independent assessment of that I think. My experience is of own label as well as branded. take Lidl Milk v Supervalu milk???

shellyboo wrote: »

and they're better quality too, for the most part.

Very subjective, and certainly not my experience. have you ever had any of their pasta ready meals??

shellyboo wrote: »

I realise you're speaking from your own experience and what you personally buy, but here's a few figures from last year's grocery price comparison survey...
Quote:
Findings also showed that there was a 16.8% difference across 48 common own-brand goods between Aldi (€71.45) and Lidl (€61.17). Dunnes Stores, Lidl and Aldi had 28 goods in common with a price difference of 56% between the cheapest (Lidl - €30.68) and Dunnes Stores at €47.85.
Tesco, Aldi and Lidl had 44 goods in common with price differential of 52% between cheapest (Lidl - €57.82) and Tesco which was the dearest (€87.89.)
Of 26 goods in common between Aldi, Lidl and Supervalu stores the price differential between the cheapest, (Lidl - €31.95) and the most expensive Supervalu store (€46.27) was 44.8%

We need an independent assessment of that I think. I don't know who did that survey but I remember seeing one by the NCA where they were comparing low-end Lidl/Aldi ownlabel stuff with mid or high end own label in the others.
the NCA are not independent imo they have an agenda v the multiples. Publishing deliberately flawed surveys tends to back that view.

shellyboo wrote: »

Not really. There are Irish products available in both stores - like I say 40% of Aldi's sales are of Irish goods.

As I said previously I am not near an Aldi, therefore my point is re Lidl and they certainly don't have 40% Irish products.

shellyboo wrote: »

You won't see any of the multiples coming out with a figure like that, they're too busy pretending they're sourcing in Ireland.

Dunnes, Supervalu and Superquinn all itemise on your receipt which products are Irish. I think tesco do too.

shellyboo wrote: »

I guess the point I'm trying to make is, if you're worried about the Irish economy the only way to guarantee you're making a positive impact is to shop exclusively in Dunnes (who have an Irish supplier policy where possible) and really, really, really be discerning about every single item that you buy... otherwise you're taking your chances. There's no way to know for sure where something comes from or how it's got there, no matter what shop it's in.

I think we are actually on the same side of the argument here. I agree, best go to an Irish owned retailer and buy Irish manufactured goods.
However, if there is a price difference go for the cheaper!
My point is that if the price is the same please choose the Irish option and keep the jobs in Ireland and I honestly believe that Lidl being cheaper is a myth; albeit a very well established myth.

jimmysull

Folks,

the topic was in relation to Lidl charging an excessive premium in Ireland versus England and a subsequent query as to whether they were doing the same on groceries.
the relativity to Dunnes et al is not the point, rather are they also charging 80% more for groceries in Ireland ( for which they have a relatively similar supply chain) than in England.

The VAT difference accounts for only 6.5% so why are they charging so much more? I am going to assume the shipping costs to the markets are the same or very similar(i doubt they are first shipping to England and subsequently on to ireland) so how do they justify the difference. cost of a depot in charleville is hardly worth a 74% premium????
And we have to remember they make a profit in the UK so their margin in ireland must be more than the 80% (less the VAT and incidentals)

shellyboo

seamus789 wrote: »

better off? why?

Better off if Lidl are using the Irish distributor and Tesco aren't. 25 jobs went at a marketing company because Tesco switched the Red Bull sourcing to the UK, the other supermarkets are still using the Irish distributor.

seamus789 wrote: »

Very subjective, and certainly not my experience. have you ever had any of their pasta ready meals??

No, I was talking about food Joking. I wouldn't buy Tesco Value anything, but I'd certainly buy Lidl brand anything because I find it to be better. Cheese, pesto, sauces, cold meats, biscuits, crisps... anything I've tried.

seamus789 wrote: »

We need an independent assessment of that I think. I don't know who did that survey but I remember seeing one by the NCA where they were comparing low-end Lidl/Aldi ownlabel stuff with mid or high end own label in the others.
the NCA are not independent imo they have an agenda v the multiples. Publishing deliberately flawed surveys tends to back that view.

That is the NCA survey. The NCA is a goverment agency, I have no idea who's more independent. We don't have another agency with the same power to assess the industry as definitively, so we have to make do with those figures, I guess. Why is the survey deliberately flawed?

Re: the ownlabel goods, they did - and rightly so, I believe. Like I say, I think that Aldi/Lidl own brand is better quality than Tesco Value, it's more akin to the Tesco standard brand.

seamus789 wrote: »

As I said previously I am not near an Aldi, therefore my point is re Lidl and they certainly don't have 40% Irish products.

Neither does Tesco though, and you'd never get them claiming it cos it simply ain't true.

seamus789 wrote: »

Dunnes, Supervalu and Superquinn all itemise on your receipt which products are Irish. I think tesco do too.

So does Lidl!

seamus789 wrote: »

I think we are actually on the same side of the argument here. I agree, best go to an Irish owned retailer and buy Irish manufactured goods.
However, if there is a price difference go for the cheaper!
My point is that if the price is the same please choose the Irish option and keep the jobs in Ireland and I honestly believe that Lidl being cheaper is a myth; albeit a very well established myth.

We are, effectively, except I like Lidl and you don't! I'm being facetious... I just think that there's a myth out there that Tesco is somehow more 'Irish' than Lidl when it's really, really not. You're taking your chances on what's Irish unless you're an extremely careful shopper and question everything.

So to me, going to Lidl and buying Irish good IS the Irish option just as much as going to Tesco is... you just get it for cheaper, imo.

thebman

How about the most obvious reason, because they can!

seamus789

shellyboo wrote: »

Why is the survey deliberately flawed?

Re: the ownlabel goods, they did - and rightly so, I believe. Like I say, I think that Aldi/Lidl own brand is better quality than Tesco Value, it's more akin to the Tesco standard brand.

It's the methodology is flawed. It is subjective to say that Lidl low end is akin to standard tesco, a matter of opinion but certainly not statistically robust.

shellyboo wrote: »

Neither does Tesco though, and you'd never get them claiming it cos it simply ain't true.

I would have to dispute that. While I'm no fan of Tesco over Irish owned retailers, I would direct you to the following:

http://www.tesco.ie/corporate_info/abouttesco.htm wrote:

We are the largest single buyer of Irish food products in the world, spending an aggregate of over €1.28 billion on Irish products and services annually, and 50% of our food range here is Irish produced.

Apart from that they source many non Irish products through Irish distributors
For the record I do not shop in tesco as my preferred choice. I prefer Supervalu and sometimes Dunnes

shellyboo wrote: »

So to me, going to Lidl and buying Irish good IS the Irish option just as much as going to Tesco is.

I would agree BUT If you can find mostly irish goods in Lidl you have better eyesight than I have

I go back to my bread example. The price is identical but if we choose to buy it in Lidl we are directly responsible for the loss of jobs by some grain growers, millers, bakers, packers, package manufacturers, sales reps, van drivers etc etc

shellyboo

seamus789 wrote: »

It's the methodology is flawed. It is subjective to say that Lidl low end is akin to standard tesco, a matter of opinion but certainly not statistically robust.

Ah yeah, I wouldn't say it's the most accurate survey ever, and yeah you're right that the claim is subjective... it's just one I'd happen to agree with.

seamus789 wrote: »

I would agree BUT If you can find mostly irish goods in Lidl you have better eyesight than I have

I go back to my bread example. The price is identical but if we choose to buy it in Lidl we are directly responsible for the loss of jobs by some grain growers, millers, bakers, packers, package manufacturers, sales reps, van drivers etc etc

Where I personally see the extra value is in things that are just not going to be Irish-produced anyway. I'd buy a lot of pasta, pesto, salami, cooked meats, cheeses... and there just isn't an Irish option on those products. You get them for substantially cheaper than in the multiples, and they are excellent quality. Things like bread, milk, eggs, bacon etc, you can get Irish versions of those in Lidl. Meat and veg, I go to the greengrocer and the butcher anyway.

globulin777

seamus789 wrote: »

But are they really cheaper? Yes they are cheaper for german own label stuff versus Dunnes own label stuff. fair enough but they are the same price as Tesco, dunnes, Supervalu on kvi's like bread, milk, Coke etc etc

2 Litres of Milk in Lidl is exactly the same price as 2L Supervalu own label milk.

2 Litres of Coke is €1.99 in Tesco, Lidl, Supervalu, Dunnes

I'm not going to waste my time surveying all their prices but I'm not convinced they are cheaper when you compare "Like for like".

I'd rather support the Irish supply chain and Irish jobs than German jobs. Just my opinion, in a recession you are entitled to move jobs out of the country if you wish

So would I, however A British retailer sold me a product for €170 while the same product would have cost €350 here.
Profiteering is alive and well in Rip Off Ireland....
I will always buy abroad if I am being ripped off by my supposed "country men." Patriotic Duty my AR$*.

andy2854

lidle is cheep enough anyways

doolox

Setting prices just a little bit lower than your nearest cheaper competitor is good business practice.
Stores are in business to make a profit. Their management owe their primary allegiance to the store owners and should set out to maximise their profits.
Just as in a race the clever athlete will pace the race leader and shave by him a few feet to win ...... if he can.
It is a waste of money lowering prices too much to get business when a few cent lower will do.
All sorts of factors have to be taken into consideration such as travel time, convenience, ease of access opening times etc when choosing where to shop.
I buy all my washing things at Lidl because they are cheaper and do the job.
I buy all my fresh food etc at Tescos because they are nearer.
It is up to the customer to challenge high prices by complaining and then switching supplier if that fails.

JohnOwonga

Lidl "Targa" Computers No 28 Days Returns Policy

Beware of Lidl there 28 days no quibble money back returns policy does NOT apply to their "Targa"computers or if it does its very much at their discretion.

On their website www.lidl.ie and their e-mail newsletter Lidl say nothing about this.

Regards,


John

rubadub

jimmysull wrote: »

The VAT difference accounts for only 6.5% so why are they charging so much more?

Why would they charge less?

jimmysull wrote: »

so how do they justify the difference.

They don't, they do not have to answer to anybody, why waste money employing spokespeople when they are not obliged to? If they figured it was worthwhile for marketing I presume they would. Some other shops are now squandering money employing people to take off dual prices on products, it is a shame that this will end up in higher prices again, just to appease the ignorant.

thebman

How do you know it doesn't apply?

They are covered under the warranty anyway if something goes wrong. The 28 days return policy would be for money back etc... if your just not happy.

Since they have display models in store and have the specs clearly listed then I think you should now before you purchase if its what you wanted.

Its an expensive product so you'd just have people breaking them stupidly and trying to bring them back when warranty doesn't cover user accidents. Also you'd have installed all kinds of software so they can't sell it to someone else, it would have to be shipped back to manufacturer.

I imagine most stores don't allow the easy return of laptops TBH. I think Dell does but they are a manufacturer too so it is a different circumstance and even they have to take a hit on price and sell in their refurbished store.

ntlbell

shellyboo wrote: »

The same argument can be applied to NI shopping though, and most people just don't want to hear it. The Me Feiners only care about the money in their pockets and not the jobs that are being culled left, right and centre because they're taking their money out of the country.

Some me feiners are more worried about being able to provide a dinner for their kids than lining the pockets of rich business men.

If it comes down to your family eating and being able to keep the ESB on then yes the me feiner is more concerned about their own familiy than lining the pockets of buisness men that have taken advantage for the last 15 to twenty years of irish people's laziness to find a better deal elsewhere.

maybe you should point your nonsenical arguments at the right people.

globulin777

ntlbell wrote: »

Some me feiners are more worried about being able to provide a dinner for their kids than lining the pockets of rich business men.

If it comes down to your family eating and being able to keep the ESB on then yes the me feiner is more concerned about their own familiy than lining the pockets of buisness men that have taken advantage for the last 15 to twenty years of irish people's laziness to find a better deal elsewhere.

maybe you should point your nonsenical arguments at the right people.

Agreed... spot on:)

JohnOwonga

thebman wrote: »

How do you know it doesn't apply?

They are covered under the warranty anyway if something goes wrong. The 28 days return policy would be for money back etc... if your just not happy.

Since they have display models in store and have the specs clearly listed then I think you should now before you purchase if its what you wanted.

Its an expensive product so you'd just have people breaking them stupidly and trying to bring them back when warranty doesn't cover user accidents. Also you'd have installed all kinds of software so they can't sell it to someone else, it would have to be shipped back to manufacturer.

I imagine most stores don't allow the easy return of laptops TBH. I think Dell does but they are a manufacturer too so it is a different circumstance and even they have to take a hit on price and sell in their refurbished store.

>>>>>>
If you check Lidl's website www.lidl.ie it states 28 days money back gaurantee in other words I was deceptively enticed to purchase a product

which mention the 28 day money gaurantee when I returned it I was asked was it used I said yes the Sales Assistant then said I would have to ring up the Targa home line that was based in "Dublin" Lies Germany actually and they would collect it.

I rang Lidl Customer Service they said the product i.e Targa Computers were excluded in their Term & Conditions

I told them it was a gift I had purchased for my myself that I was not happy with.

Same Answer No Refund Of Money It Must Be Faulty I paid by Laser Card Lidl refuse Credit Cards it helps keep prices down and no Consumer Rights

Any Advice on how I should pursue this The Advertising Standards Authority all these organisations are PRO Retailer waste of time

I subscribe to Lidl's weekly offers by e-mail again no mention of this exclusion Is this sharp practise.?

The Irish Consumer Connect said only if the goods were faulty did you have rights and they were completely oblivious about the 28 days money back gaurantee this was OK as long as it was in their Terms & Conditions

Where do Lidl legally have to display their terms and conditions?

Lidl wanted my name and address for the warranty before I left the store the day I purchased the computer.


Regards,


John

Banes05

JohnOwonga wrote: »

Lidl wanted my name and address for the warranty before I left the store the day I purchased the computer.

Im pretty sure that would have been a waiver form you signed stating you agree to waive your rights to return the item to the store, and to deal with the manufacturer from then on, its standard practice at every lidl store with high value items like Televisions and computers.

TBH the specs on the system are clearly stated in both the catalogues and the in store posters so I cant really understand what it is you're not happy with?

Dannyboy83

seamus789 wrote: »

But are they really cheaper? Yes they are cheaper for german own label stuff versus Dunnes own label stuff. fair enough but they are the same price as Tesco, dunnes, Supervalu on kvi's like bread, milk, Coke etc etc

2 Litres of Milk in Lidl is exactly the same price as 2L Supervalu own label milk.

2 Litres of Coke is €1.99 in Tesco, Lidl, Supervalu, Dunnes

I'm not going to waste my time surveying all their prices but I'm not convinced they are cheaper when you compare "Like for like".

I'd rather support the Irish supply chain and Irish jobs than German jobs. Just my opinion, in a recession you are entitled to move jobs out of the country if you wish

hmmmm..I paid 1.54 for 2 litres of coke in Lidl 2 nights ago.
It was over E2 in the supervalu outside my office at lunchtime today

What Lidl are you shopping at?

shellyboo

ntlbell wrote: »

Some me feiners are more worried about being able to provide a dinner for their kids than lining the pockets of rich business men.

If it comes down to your family eating and being able to keep the ESB on then yes the me feiner is more concerned about their own familiy than lining the pockets of buisness men that have taken advantage for the last 15 to twenty years of irish people's laziness to find a better deal elsewhere.

maybe you should point your nonsenical arguments at the right people.

:rolleyes:

Flamebaiting much? Did I say ANYTHING about people living on the breadline? No, I did not. Perhaps you should point your nonsensical argument at someone who actually said what you're arguing against.

ntlbell

shellyboo wrote: »

:rolleyes:

Flamebaiting much? Did I say ANYTHING about people living on the breadline? No, I did not. Perhaps you should point your nonsensical argument at someone who actually said what you're arguing against.

no you didn't you just generalised about anyone who decides to shop in NI throwing around radio phrases like "me feiners" what's next "i'm all right jack"

this is one of the problems with the current problems getting a lot of tabloid press every moron on the country think they have an opinion worth hearing.