Supermarket Chain Discount Rip Off

fitzgers

Hi,

Last night I was in (Not Saying) and saw a pack of 20 condoms for sale reduced from 16 euro to 9 euro. So I thought ok good price. Picked them up and... well it was completely obvious the box was completely empty except for what I thought was the 'instruction manual'.

i showed my fiance and she agreed this was a total rip off. They were selling an empty box for 9 euros. My first thought was this is somebody having a laugh to see who will buy it. but both of us was angry that they would even put this there.

So I left her finish the shopping and I payed for it and straight away called down the manager. Whoever had rewrapped it made it look like it was sealed and I have a photo of such.

So I ensured the store manager was there while we opened the box. And instead of the instruction leaflet there was a receipt - somebody had returned this box, all the condoms gone and then had been resealed to look like it was never opened.

So the manager explained that it had simply been placed in the 'wrong area' and that she will update the process.

Well hang on a minute. That does not add up.

First even if you have an IQ of -100 you can tell this box does not contain 20 condoms is empty.

Second it was resealed to look like it was not opened.

Third how did they quantify 9 euros? Are they just making up prices from the top of their head and hoping people pay no matter what? Did somebody examine the box and think somehow an empty box is worth 9 euros? I do not believe the story they gave me for one second. no matter what part is true this shows a complete disregard for the consumer.

Me I'm more open minded than anyone and my fiance too. But A lot of people who might have seen this quickly thrown it in the shopping trolly and thought they had a bargain - would feel too shy to return it just because of the nature of the product.

they of course refunded my money. But I asked that they give a full account of what happened and what they told me just does not add up and I personally do not believe a word.

So what now? Well If I name and shame them am I going to bring a legal case against me? I am so mad at them that they would do this and rip off somebody. I do not believe for a minute that this can pass all process of an international company and be put there for somebody to be out of pocket. Its sick.

So I want them to be named and shamed... but I have kids blah blah. But they should not be allowed to get away with this and with such a pathetic excuse my three kids could come up with something better.

anyway I'm not going to act but just wondering what advice if somebody has encountered some similar. I'm not looking for anything from this - just that people understand what kind of principles these guys work by.

vectorvictor

<SNIP - no need to quote the entire lengthy OP in the first reply>

I would think someone nicked the contents and is a pro at doing so without much effect at the packaging or returned them complaining they were damaged and the supermarket inadvertently put them back into stock rather than return to manufacturer.

I think your looking for something that doesn't exist here.

You say a low IQ would know it was empty box but you bought them ?We're you just looking for a little fight or freebie

fitzgers

No the box was on closer inspection resealed at the bottom with selotape. so this was intentional not a quick rob job. Unless they are total pro. And they have said they watched camera evidence so this rules that out also.

Freebie? No I have no interest in anything from them just I bought it on purpose because both me and F were so mad that somebody else would take this and be out of pocket thats what made us mad.

Thats why I bought them. Of course I knew it was empty. Thats why I called the manager down straight away to open the box there and then.

My question is how they resealed and quantify 9 euro for an empty box. It is simply wrong. I do not believe the excuses.

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

What? You knew, and any fool would know you tell us, yet you went and paid for them? I'm totally confused. Anybody else would have drawn it to the manager's attention without buying them

Someone obviously pulled a fast one in the store. Why such outrage?

mloc123

I love this forum, full of scabby people trying their best to "trick the system" and get freebies.

Why did you buy the box if you knew it was empty? Why didn't you just hand it in to customer services? What outcome were you hoping for?

Edit: do you actually think there is some conspiracy theory here that the chain supermarket is trying to con 9e out of their customers. The person that marked down the price on these doesn't give a **** about the overall profits of the store. They take the stock from the damaged/returns area, price them and put them back out in the discounted section.

witchgirl26

OP - was it just that box or the range that was reduced? I agree with vectorvictor that it could very easily have been a mistake on the shops part or else that the contents had been nicked. I've seen it in a chemist I used to work in and there are people who can get stuff out of boxes without damaging the box at all.

Ultimately the shop don't owe you any explanation at all as to how that happened. All they owe you is your money back or a replacement product. Nothing more, nothing less.

I would question why you bought it and made a fuss when you knew it was empty rather than just bringing it to managements attention? What did you have to gain by going about it that way?

mloc123

witchgirl26 wrote: »

I would question why you bought it and made a fuss when you knew it was empty rather than just bringing it to managements attention? What did you have to gain by going about it that way?

A freebie

witchgirl26

fitzgers wrote: »

No the box was on closer inspection resealed at the bottom with selotape. so this was intentional not a quick rob job. Unless they are total pro. And they have said they watched camera evidence so this rules that out also.

Ah that's an easy one. Buy the box, empty it, reseal with selotape and bring back. All done in the space of 10 mins in the carpark.

fitzgers wrote: »

Freebie? No I have no interest in anything from them just I bought it on purpose because both me and F were so mad that somebody else would take this and be out of pocket thats what made us mad.

But surely if someone else had bought it like you did, they would have noticed and been able to get a refund the same way you were. As you said yourself, anyone should have known it was empty.

fitzgers wrote: »

Thats why I bought them. Of course I knew it was empty. Thats why I called the manager down straight away to open the box there and then.

Why didn't you cut out the buying them part and just notify the manager?

fitzgers wrote: »

My question is how they resealed and quantify 9 euro for an empty box. It is simply wrong. I do not believe the excuses.

You don't have to believe their "excuses". They refunded you, yes? Then that's closed from your perspective. There's nothing to say that the shop resealed the box at all but if it was just that one that was reduced, then maybe they have a policy of how much things are priced at when returned. It could just be a system thing that all returned boxes of condoms are priced at €9, all returned candles are priced at €6 if any damage. They aren't going to explain their internal policies to you, nor are they required to.

fitzgers

Yes. and what would have happened? the Customer service guy/girl would have smiled, nodded and threw it in the skip.

I bought it knowing of course they will refund me. Everybody knows they would. this was to show them that what ever process they have is not working. And to try to find out if this is wholesale - are they just putting things up for sale and ripping people off whatout a care in the world?

Money is a sore point. I had to pay for flights three times two weeks ago again through disinformation so I guess its just my time also that any kind of thing like this is touching a sore spot.

And mloc123 I'm happy you think I'm scabby if thats your opinion then its probably true of many peoples opinion here. So I like the truth, so accept your comment as to what people are thinking as maybe you represent the majority. I hope not. But I don't discount it.

My objective? nothing for me. Just we were mad that that somebody did this. It was intentional I have no doubt. And what kind of control do they have or process if this can happen across the board.

I work in a company that has grown from 6 people to thousands over my 20 years there and process is key. Without it just close your shop.

mloc123

fitzgers wrote: »

Yes. and what would have happened? the Customer service guy/girl would have smiled, nodded and threw it in the skip.

I bought it knowing of course they will refund me. Everybody knows they would. this was to show them that what ever process they have is not working. And to try to find out if this is wholesale - are they just putting things up for sale and ripping people off whatout a care in the world?

Money is a sore point. I had to pay for flights three times two weeks ago again through disinformation so I guess its just my time also that any kind of thing like this is touching a sore spot.

And mloc123 I'm happy you think I'm scabby if thats your opinion then its probably true of many peoples opinion here. So I like the truth, so accept your comment as to what people are thinking as maybe you represent the majority. I hope not. But I don't discount it.

My objective? nothing for me. Just we were mad that that somebody did this. It was intentional I have no doubt. And what kind of control do they have or process if this can happen across the board.

I work in a company that has grown from 6 people to thousands over my 20 years there and process is key. Without it just close your shop.

Scabby is harsh maybe but... from my initial reading of your post my first reaction is... this guy is trying to get something for free. I can't see why anyone would go ahead and buy something that they know is not up to standard just to return it immediately.

To me it seems like a waste of time and energy

SeaFields

What on god's name did you expect to achieve by buying an obviously empty box and then giving out about it?

Ask anyone who has ever worked in retail. Sh!t like this happens. You got a refund and apology. What else did you want?!

It'd in in your line to buy some tinfoil and make yourself a hat from it.

fitzgers

The reason was what I said. If i pick it up and return it... if they have this kind of process it could be back up on the shelf in one hour? Maybe maybe not but whatever process allowed it to get there you cannot say it wouldn't happen.

I knew of course we would be refunded - thats not the point. the point was to engage with management to find out why this happened and understand if they are ripping off other people by - whichever failure is in the system.

Returning it - yeah the lazy way - and the lazy 'representative' will throw it away and nothing will change.

Am I gonna change the world here no. But its more a principle thing and asking how they can quantify something for 9 euros like this when everything says this is deliberate.

optogirl

' It was intentional I have no doubt. And what kind of control do they have or process if this can happen across the board.'

Across what board? Intentional by who? The chancer who returned the empty box? That's likely but I cannot understand what you want from this.

1. Someone returned this empty and got a refund
2. It got thrown in a returns box & put back on the shelf
3. You bought it and realised it was empty
4. Store accepted this and paid you back.

What's the issue?

fitzgers

SeaFields wrote: »

What on god's name did you expect to achieve by buying an obviously empty box and then giving out about it?

Ask anyone who has ever worked in retail. Sh!t like this happens. You got a refund and apology. What else did you want?!

It'd in in your line to buy some tinfoil and make yourself a hat from it.

It does. Ive seen sh!t happen in many places. But just accepting it happens - fine if you want to take the (excluding irish water) attitude of oh its grand.

But at the end of the say people might poke fun - its condoms! - omg! - but it could be somebody who needs money, too shy to return the product, down 9 euro and for an international company - that's not fair.

fitzgers

optogirl wrote: »

' It was intentional I have no doubt. And what kind of control do they have or process if this can happen across the board.'

Across what board? Intentional by who? The chancer who returned the empty box? That's likely but I cannot understand what you want from this.

1. Someone returned this empty and got a refund
2. It got thrown in a returns box & put back on the shelf
3. You bought it and realised it was empty
4. Store accepted this and paid you back.

What's the issue?

If you want to accept this that fine. Accept it like the majority.

fitzgers

My point is that they clearly 'defended' themselves. they did not just 'put it back on the sheilf' they quantified that this 'box' had a value of 9 euros. So somebody somewhere along the process made a decision that this was a 9 euro sale. Of an empty box. If this was a human or system decision is not relevant. the point is the process failed.

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

fitzgers wrote: »

If you want to accept this that fine. Accept it like the majority.

Because the majority know errors can happen. The majority would a have just drawn their attention to it. The majority wouldn't, and rightly so, have seen an conspiracy or deliberate attempt to mislead or defraud.

mloc123

fitzgers wrote: »

My point is that they clearly 'defended' themselves. they did not just 'put it back on the sheilf' they quantified that this 'box' had a value of 9 euros. So somebody somewhere along the process made a decision that this was a 9 euro sale. Of an empty box. If this was a human or system decision is not relevant. the point is the process failed.

The box was damaged tho right? Re-sealed? That is why it was marked down..

gwalk

are you going back tonight to see if the one you returned is back on the shelf again?

optogirl

fitzgers wrote: »

My point is that they clearly 'defended' themselves. they did not just 'put it back on the sheilf' they quantified that this 'box' had a value of 9 euros. So somebody somewhere along the process made a decision that this was a 9 euro sale. Of an empty box. If this was a human or system decision is not relevant. the point is the process failed.

Yeah, the process 'failed' if you want to be that dramatic about it but, so what? Processes fail all the time. You have lost nothing. Victor Meldrew would find your flogging of this particular dead horse pedantic.

fitzgers

mloc123 wrote: »

The box was damaged tho right? Re-sealed? That is why it was marked down..

It was not damaged to look at it. It looked perfect until the manager attempted to open it.

fitzgers

gwalk wrote: »

are you going back tonight to see if the one you returned is back on the shelf again?

If I have the energy.. but yeah have to bring daughter to baketball across the road so might take a quick look. If they did... :mad::mad::mad::mad:

Melendez

This post has been deleted.

fitzgers

optogirl wrote: »

Yeah, the process 'failed' if you want to be that dramatic about it but, so what? Processes fail all the time. You have lost nothing. Victor Meldrew would find your flogging of this particular dead horse pedantic.

True god bless his soul. But I'm more pedantic then him so shoot me.

mloc123

fitzgers wrote: »

It was not damaged to look at it. It looked perfect until the manager attempted to open it.

Okay... so the person at customer service when it was returned didn't suspect anything and the person that priced it down out of the returns basket didn't suspect anything... perhaps neither person is familiar with the weight of a box of condoms...

fitzgers

Melendez wrote: »

This post has been deleted.

the packaging again looked perfect. Only the contents, by weight, was obviously not correct.

They have already reviewed CCTV as they have told me. So anyway the idea that I would be suspect... well that's your opinion.

Melendez

This post has been deleted.

fitzgers

mloc123 wrote: »

Okay... so the person at customer service when it was returned didn't suspect anything and the person that priced it down out of the returns basket didn't suspect anything... perhaps neither person is familiar with the weight of a box of condoms...

Correct. So who / what made the descision to reshelf this and quantify it at 9 euros? To price something you just look at a box, resealed by the (unnamed) company and price it 9 euro? come on you guys are killing me nobody agrees this is not right.

mloc123

fitzgers wrote: »

Correct. So who / what made the descision to reshelf this and quantify it at 9 euros? To price something you just look at a box, resealed by the (unnamed) company and price it 9 euro? come on you guys are killing me nobody agrees this is not right.

I am guessing that all returns are priced down by default... how they picked the 9e figure, no idea.

fitzgers

mloc123 wrote: »

I am guessing that all returns are priced down by default... how they picked the 9e figure, no idea.

Agree. So they are doing this wholesale across the company in all countries?

witchgirl26

fitzgers wrote: »

Correct. So who / what made the descision to reshelf this and quantify it at 9 euros? To price something you just look at a box, resealed by the (unnamed) company and price it 9 euro? come on you guys are killing me nobody agrees this is not right.

But you haven't given a clear reason why you think that it was the business that resealed it and are doing this to rip off people continuously and therefore showing that internal processes are a complete failure.

I work in internal audit and control. Let me tell you straight - processes fail on some things. It happens. What matters is the level of failure. One empty box of condoms was repriced and put back on the shelf. Yes it's a failure of the process but 1 box does not indicate an endemic problem across that store let alone the whole company. It's not material enough in terms of the quantity of product (ignoring the financial side).

As said before - there could be standard pricing for re-shelving products. It might not be a judgement call. In fact for large businesses it definitely isn't. There's a listing that is followed.

fitzgers

fitzgers wrote: »

Agree. So they are doing this wholesale across the company in all countries?

Maybe not as dramatic but selling an empty box for 9 euros with out process to check the validity? I'm sorry this is a systematic failure. Call me a 'i don't believe it' conspiracy theorist if you want. But it looks exactly like this. And t tell me they will update the process to ensure it wont happen again. I will def check when going to basketball... just to be pedantic

Yes I have a bee in my bonnet. But these kind of things that people let slide just drive me nuts.

witchgirl26

mloc123 wrote: »

I am guessing that all returns are priced down by default... how they picked the 9e figure, no idea.

fitzgers wrote: »

Agree. So they are doing this wholesale across the company in all countries?

Oh come on. The €9 is probably picked based on how much the product cost them, how much it would cost to return etc etc. It'll all have been done at head office and applies to all returned unopened (apparently) boxes. The idea being that all stores are price aligned on everything.

An empty box slipped through the net one this but was priced according to process and procedure. So while yeah, someone should have picked up that it was empty and contents stolen, it doesn't mean they're ripping people off with the €9 on all marked down boxes.

fitzgers

witchgirl26 wrote: »

But you haven't given a clear reason why you think that it was the business that resealed it and are doing this to rip off people continuously and therefore showing that internal processes are a complete failure.

I work in internal audit and control. Let me tell you straight - processes fail on some things. It happens. What matters is the level of failure. One empty box of condoms was repriced and put back on the shelf. Yes it's a failure of the process but 1 box does not indicate an endemic problem across that store let alone the whole company. It's not material enough in terms of the quantity of product (ignoring the financial side).

As said before - there could be standard pricing for re-shelving products. It might not be a judgement call. In fact for large businesses it definitely isn't. There's a listing that is followed.

Correct. One box. Maybe its nothing. But I do not believe the explanation I was given. I was already told they had followed the CCTV to identify what happened and so it was not some random condom thief. It was internal.

And if so how was it resealed to look like it was never opened and who or what process valued this empty box at 9 euro?

fitzgers

witchgirl26 wrote: »

Oh come on. The €9 is probably picked based on how much the product cost them, how much it would cost to return etc etc. It'll all have been done at head office and applies to all returned unopened (apparently) boxes. The idea being that all stores are price aligned on everything.

An empty box slipped through the net one this but was priced according to process and procedure. So while yeah, someone should have picked up that it was empty and contents stolen, it doesn't mean they're ripping people off with the €9 on all marked down boxes.

Ok. But selotape is not a automated process. Its a manual process that takes a judgment call. It was resealed manually. then priced at 9 euro for an empty box.

Quazzie

I wish I had as much time to waste as the OP clearly has.

witchgirl26

fitzgers wrote: »

Correct. One box. Maybe its nothing. But I do not believe the explanation I was given. I was already told they had followed the CCTV to identify what happened and so it was not some random condom thief. It was internal.

And if so how was it resealed to look like it was never opened and who or what process valued this empty box at 9 euro?

You don't have to believe the explanation. They don't even owe you one. They owe you your money and apology. That's all. It's up to them internally to figure out what happened and they have to tell you diddly squat about that.

They followed CCTV which means it wasn't done in store. Big whoop. Doesn't link to some mad internal condom-stealing, customer swindling conspiracy. It means some did it in the carpark or at home.

The process might be that all of a particular SKU returned with apparently unopened packing is priced at €X. You said yourself that the packaging appeared intact, so that's happened. Returns pile was being repriced for sale, and the box of condoms got the pre-determined price slapped on it. Now should somebody have noticed it was empty? Yes that a failing. But it's one box. Again it does not indicate a systemic failure of process.

You can't determine if the shop or the person who returned the product resealed it. I'd be amazed if a shop accepted a return of an open box of condoms so money is on the thief resealing before returning.

fitzgers

:D:D

Quazzie wrote: »

I wish I had as much time to waste as the OP clearly has.

irelandrover

fitzgers wrote: »

Ok. But selotape is not a automated process. Its a manual process that takes a judgment call. It was resealed manually. then priced at 9 euro for an empty box.

What do you actually think happened? Some store worker took back an empty box, put the receipt in it, resealed it and then put it back for sale?

Or do you think this is a company wide scam to sell empty condom boxes?

witchgirl26

fitzgers wrote: »

Ok. But selotape is not a automated process. Its a manual process that takes a judgment call. It was resealed manually. then priced at 9 euro for an empty box.

But was it the shop that resealed it? How do you know if it was them?

Cushie Butterfield

fitzgers

On a day off. But still..... Even if the day of rip off ireland has ended because everybody has jobs now.. some of us still give a damn about the small things. Cos the small things lead to us to the bigger attitude of 'oh sure' still being one of the most in debt countries of the world.

We are tiny. But 9th.

https://moneyinc.com/20-countries-currently-debt/

Anyway I digress.....

fitzgers

irelandrover wrote: »

What do you actually think happened? Some store worker took back an empty box, put the receipt in it, resealed it and then put it back for sale?

Or do you think this is a company wide scam to sell empty condom boxes?

Absolutely not. I do not believe the company is involved in some company wide scam. I am simply questioning the process. If something can be returned, resealed manually to look like new, priced at a value of 9 euro for an empty box.

So what? this is normal?

witchgirl26

fitzgers wrote: »

On a day off. But still..... Even if the day of rip off ireland has ended because everybody has jobs now.. some of us still give a damn about the small things. Cos the small things lead to us to the bigger attitude of 'oh sure' still being one of the most in debt countries of the world.

We are tiny. But 9th.

https://moneyinc.com/20-countries-currently-debt/

Anyway I digress.....

That has exactly what to do with the question in hand?! Did they refuse to give you back your money? Or claim that you'd stolen them?

Or did they refund your money and are probably looking internally how it happened?

Being in debt as a country has nothing to do with this but much more to do with the over borrowing of the country as a whole during the boom.

fitzgers

witchgirl26 wrote: »

But was it the shop that resealed it? How do you know if it was them?

They reviewed the CCTV Cameras and saw who took it and put it there. So there is no question about that.

witchgirl26

fitzgers wrote: »

Absolutely not. I do not believe the company is involved in some company wide scam. I am simply questioning the process. If something can be returned, resealed manually to look like new, priced at a value of 9 euro for an empty box.

So what? this is normal?

But who said the business resealed it?

The mistake is that a stolen product was put back on the shelf but to look at it, it looked intact. That's it.

wardides

Has it been answered yet as to whether it was just this one box that was marked down or whether the entire range was marked down?

Actually either way this is the most tin foil hat post I have ever seen.

If the whole range - It's called a promotion.
If one box - It's a damage boxed which was returned. Sales Assistant probably just marked it down due to an unsealed product without checking contents and threw it into reduced section.

It's all pretty simple.

witchgirl26

fitzgers wrote: »

They reviewed the CCTV Cameras and saw who took it and put it there. So there is no question about that.

I don't get that. They saw who took it and put it where? On the shelf? Did they see an employee reseal the returned box? Or did they see an employee accept in an apparently unopened box, reprice and put on the shelf?

irelandrover

witchgirl26 wrote: »

But who said the business resealed it?

The mistake is that a stolen product was put back on the shelf but to look at it, it looked intact. That's it.

It would have to be the stupidest thief in the world to steal something, and then return it with the exact time and date they stole it wriiten on a piece of paper they put in the box.

I still dont know what the OP thinks happened. why would they bother resealing it to look like new if they were going to put it in the reduced section because it was a return.

fitzgers

witchgirl26 wrote: »

That has exactly what to do with the question in hand?! Did they refuse to give you back your money? Or claim that you'd stolen them?

Or did they refund your money and are probably looking internally how it happened?

Being in debt as a country has nothing to do with this but much more to do with the over borrowing of the country as a whole during the boom.

No. They refunded the money. It was a matter of formality to buy / refund of course they will. But simple buy / refund is not the issue. It is how they by manual process took back resealed and then how did they quantify an empty box at 9 euro? Was this manual like the selotape job? Or automated? In which case is this flawed automated system working across the entire company?

fitzgers

wardides wrote: »

Has it been answered yet as to whether it was just this one box that was marked down or whether the entire range was marked down?

Actually either way this is the most tin foil hat post I have ever seen.

If the whole range - It's called a promotion.
If one box - It's a damage boxed which was returned. Sales Assistant probably just marked it down due to an unsealed product without checking contents and threw it into reduced section.

It's all pretty simple.

Its not that simple.