Tesco shoppers have reported being overcharged for yellow-sticker discounted items due to a technical glitch affecting the supermarket’s checkout system. The issue, which surfaced this week, prevents the discounted prices from being reflected on individual items at the checkout, causing confusion and frustration for bargain-hunting customers. While the total discount is applied to the overall bill, the lack of itemized discounts on the receipt makes it difficult for shoppers to verify the savings and ensure they are being charged correctly. This has led to numerous complaints and queries to Tesco’s customer service.
The yellow stickers, applied to products nearing their sell-by date, offer substantial discounts, sometimes up to 90% off the original price. Savvy shoppers rely on these markdowns to reduce their grocery bills, but the glitch has made it challenging to track the savings accurately. Many customers only discovered the discrepancy after returning home, leaving them with little recourse to rectify the situation. One such shopper, Emma Bradley, a money blogger and coach, documented her experience at a Tesco Extra store. She purchased several items with yellow stickers, including shower gels, deodorants, and hair oils, anticipating significant savings. However, her receipt reflected the original prices, with a lump-sum discount that did not align with her calculations. Upon contacting Tesco, she learned that hundreds of other customers had reported the same problem.
The issue has also sparked discussion on social media, with shoppers expressing their concerns and frustration. Some have criticized the new till system for not displaying the reduced price against individual yellow-sticker items, making it difficult to reconcile the receipt. Others have questioned how to obtain refunds for the price difference without returning to the store. The lack of transparency and the inconvenience caused by the glitch have left many shoppers feeling misled.
Tesco has acknowledged the technical issue, confirming that the itemization of discounts on “reduced to clear” offers is not appearing on receipts. The supermarket maintains that customers are still being charged the correct discounted prices, and the total savings are displayed under “special offer” at the bottom of the receipt. Tesco has apologized for the inconvenience and is working to resolve the issue promptly. The statement attempts to reassure customers that they are not being overcharged, but the lack of itemized discounts continues to create confusion and distrust.
This incident comes amidst other changes and cost-cutting measures within the supermarket industry. Sainsbury’s recently announced plans to close in-store cafes and counters, including patisserie, bakery, rotisserie, and pizza sections, in an effort to streamline operations and focus on other product offerings. Similarly, Tesco has announced job cuts across its stores and head office, including bakery staff, as it moves away from in-store baking. These developments reflect the ongoing challenges facing supermarkets in a competitive market, where cost control and efficiency are paramount.
This technical glitch at Tesco, while seemingly minor, highlights the importance of clear and transparent pricing for consumers. The lack of itemized discounts, even with the total discount applied, creates an environment of distrust and makes it difficult for shoppers to verify that they are receiving the advertised savings. The incident underscores the need for robust and reliable checkout systems to ensure accurate pricing and maintain customer confidence. While Tesco works to resolve the issue, the experience has left many shoppers wary and reinforces the importance of carefully checking receipts for discrepancies. The situation also highlights the growing trend of shoppers relying on discounted items, highlighting the increasing pressure on household budgets and the importance of affordable grocery options.
