Underhanded or Necessary?

I noticed some time ago that contents of food packets was getting smaller - but not the price. Now it has become 'big' news and it seems quite a ploy http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti..._campaign=1490

What are your thoughts? Is this really helping to keep prices down in order that people can still afford to buy or is it a gimmick to increase revenue for supplying less at the same, or slightly higher, price?

Re: Underhanded or Necessary?

I've noticed that, I buy Asda cuppaccino, box of 10, recently its gone down to 8... I guess it makes no difference, the price either goes up or the contents go down, what am I saying, both happened in this case - 8 for the price of 10

Re: Underhanded or Necessary?

As well as getting less, I've noticed that products go on special offer just before a price rise. I assume the thinking is you get used to the product after being enticed by the bargain price, and continue buying without realising the new higher price. Or you forget the original price, so don't even realise there has been a sneaky price rise.

Re: Underhanded or Necessary?

Thats right - the other thing they do is have an item on special - when you get to the till its not ! They charge full price. I never leave the store without checking the receipt. Another they do, is have a special price but, when you check what 2 of those items would cost - its cheaper ! So, they are not giving a good deal... Got to have yer wits about ya when shopping

Re: Underhanded or Necessary?

I think beer cans should be transparent, I don't want to get ripped off on that front.

Re: Underhanded or Necessary?

You buy a large bag of crisps only to find that it's only half full !

Re: Underhanded or Necessary?

I suppose it could be underhand and necessary - necessary for the manufacturers to continue making profits which they want to increase year on year so they stay in business and satisfy their shareholders - and an underhand marketing ploy to fool us and keep us buying smaller and smaller amounts of goods but for the same money (or only slighty more) than we paid last year. I have got into the habit of looking at the little writing on the label which gives the price per 100gms - that tells me how much things are really increasing in price year on year.

Re: Underhanded or Necessary?

Alan - they say thats due to settlement, yet, I buy a jar of coffee and its bursting to get out - full to the brim - another time, not so. Noticed that with a few items, sometimes full - sometimes not...

Re: Underhanded or Necessary?

I think that we are of an age where we have seen all theses tricks and ploys before so may not be fooled, we just buy what we need. However, the younger generation are seeing it all,l for the first time so they do not need to think of new gimmicks, unless ..... we could tell them but will they listen?

Re: Underhanded or Necessary?

I've noticed that with liquid goods like conditioner, disinfectant and milk - some bottles have more in them than others! So, they can't call that 'settling' can they