Is your chemist doing the dodgy on discounts? A special consumer report

Major pharmacies are being called out over allegations of manipulating price tactics. A consumer investigation has exposed confusing labels that are tricking shoppers into thinking they are saving more than they actually are.

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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:03):
They're bright, bold and promised big bargains, great savings every day,
but some specials aren't special at all. Consumer Group Choice
compared labels from chemist Warehouse, Price Line and Terry White
and found they're confusing the pharmacies.

Speaker 2 (00:18):
They're using a range of pricing tactics.

Speaker 1 (00:21):
Like this from Terry White. Toothpaste on sale for six dollars,
nearly half the retail price, but Choice says it has
never been sold for eleven ninety nine at chemist Warehouse.
This bright pink tag claims of fifty one cent saving,
but underneath is the previous price, which is exactly the same.
Do you think that's a little bit sneaky.

Speaker 2 (00:40):
It's a little bit sneaky, isn't it? Mind you?

Speaker 1 (00:43):
In this day and age, you've got to try everything.

Speaker 2 (00:44):
Haven't you. It's really hard for consumers to be able
to verify these claims.

Speaker 1 (00:48):
Price lines, pink tags, which usually signal a sale, claim
great value, not technically a discount, but it gives the
illusion of one.

Speaker 2 (00:56):
We need stronger legislation around what businesses can say and
how they can say it when they're making these promotional claims.

Speaker 1 (01:04):
When looking for the real deal, don't rely on the
recommended retail price. Always check under the specials tag and
compare across brands. This isn't just happening at pharmacies.

Speaker 2 (01:15):
Supermarkets have been subject to so much scrutiny in the
last few years. We need to see this level of
scrutiny in the pharmacy sector, hardware stores, pet stores

Speaker 1 (01:24):
Even Georgia Holland seven News