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New unfair practice with promotional goods.

Merchants put out brochures and apologize with messages that they will not deliver promotional goods.

Grocery stores try to justify themselves with media reports that they will not be able to deliver promotional items due to "unforeseen circumstances" or "technical" and "typographical" errors in their current promotional brochures.

This is the latest unfair practice spotted by the online platform We the Consumers. 

The scheme works like this:

The merchant prints the brochures for the new period and distributes them through his usual channels.

After reaching N number of users who make weekly shopping plans based on them and their budget, in the middle of the offer validity period the company sends messages through media that the advertised discounted products will not be offered to customers, will be available at higher than advertised prices or more expensive alternative items are offered directly.

Some of these products are related to current events in the Bulgarian calendar and upcoming holidays, such as the latest example - various cuts of lamb, which will reportedly not be available due to unforeseen circumstances.

In other cases, it is about some of the most sought-after products - yogurt, eggs, etc., and the merchant offers alternative items to those announced in the brochure in less budget cuts, which leads to a higher price for the product for consumers, or from another manufacturer.

For example, instead of a package of 15 pcs.

eggs size L for BGN 6.49, 10 pcs.

of the same size for BGN 4.69 or yogurt 3.6% instead of 500 g for BGN 1.19, 400 g for BGN 1.09.

Sometimes a "technical error" is cited as the reason for significantly higher prices than those at which the product can be purchased in the store.

"Whether intentional or unintentional, this action constitutes dishonest and unprofessional behavior on the part of traders.

How will they ensure that with several media releases they will reach the same audience that they covered with the brochure distributed in retail outlets, letterboxes and online, incl.

and in broadcast advertisements in the electronic media.

Moreover, at the time of sending the message to the media, the brochure without edits continues to be in the online space, on the merchant's website and in the e-card for using discounts", explain the experts from "We, the consumers".

As repeatability is observed, this approach becomes practice.

The only way consumers can counter it is to make a preliminary list, pay attention to the type, weights and markings of the cash register of each of the products and refrain from unplanned purchases.  

goods

promotion

disloyalty