Warning: IKEA misleading pricing

Nick_Edinburgh

I saw a shocking example of deceptive pricing today at IKEA, Edinburgh. What was worse, the staff and supervisor I talked to refused to accept there was any problem with it, and refused to log a complaint I wanted to make. (And of course, they publish no way to complain online.)

At the Checkouts, they promote things like food and sweets. I picked up a bag of Daim sweets, prominently marked as £2.99. At the checkout I was charged £3.32. The lower price was only available to Family card holders. But this price in solid black ink was roughly ten times higher (i.e. 100x more dominant) than the tiny grey-ink price for everyone else. (I have a photo at blog dot scotweb dot co dot uk ).

I strongly suspect this must contravene Trading Standards regulations on clear pricing. I am sure it also contravenes the Disability Discrimination Act, since my own eyesight is far from poor, but I simply could not read the smaller price without reading glasses. Anyone elderly or with a visual disability would not stand a chance.

Also, note that the dominant number is also the rounded 'price point' as used for standard pricing throughout the store. The real price is a odd-pennies number that would never normally appear on a standard price at Ikea.

I am outraged that IKEA thinks such misleading pricing is acceptable. I am sure most people do not notice the extra on their receipt. But if this is more than a single example at a single store, over time it will net IKEA millions by deliberate deception. I think there's a word for that.

hoyles10

I've bought things from Ikea lots of times in the past and have always noticed the 2 prices on certain items so I signed up for the family card and now get them at the cheaper price. I've never seen a price advertised so small that it's not noticeable before and wouldn't say that any of their prices are misleading.

If you go back, sign up for a family card on one of the many terminals around the stores and you'll get certain things cheaper in the future. Plus you get free brew's in the cafe area as well which is always handy.

dmg24

hoyles10 wrote: »

I've bought things from Ikea lots of times in the past and have always noticed the 2 prices on certain items so I signed up for the family card and now get them at the cheaper price. I've never seen a price advertised so small that it's not noticeable before and wouldn't say that any of their prices are misleading.

If you go back, sign up for a family card on one of the many terminals around the stores and you'll get certain things cheaper in the future. Plus you get free brew's in the cafe area as well which is always handy.

I also have never seen an Ikea sign with writing so small it cannot be read.

OP, if you advise Ikea of your 'disability' before arriving at the store they will provide you with an assistant to read all the labels out to you. They cannot make an adjustment for you unless they are aware of your difficulties.

chocdonuty

Always read the small print!

Ikea aren't the only ones who do this, many companies do and it's common practice amongst retailers.
It's actually quite scary that such a little thing can get you in such a tizzy!

jb66

I think its shocking, but then again, everyone seems to be doing it these days

dreamypuma

Nick_Edinburgh wrote: »

I am outraged that IKEA thinks such misleading pricing is acceptable. I am sure most people do not notice the extra on their receipt. But if this is more than a single example at a single store, over time it will net IKEA millions by deliberate deception. I think there's a word for that.

I don't see a problem with the sign. It has a huge Family Card Picture on it, clearly mentions that the price is the Family Card Price, and below in smaller but legible text has the normal price.

The problem seems to be that you have made an assumption without reading the sign adequately.

If you struggle with reading this sign, Ikea's pricing will probably be the least of your problems.

I personally think you're disgruntled by your own failings and looking to apportion blame, rather than admit your own mistake.

deanos

The OP does have a good point, look at the picture he took, the normal price is tiny, maybe trading standards would be intrested

Money_saving_Martyn

I'm surprised you haven't see all the adverts for the Ikea Family card, pointing out the lower price on some items. Ikea do have a unique way of doing things.

Whenever visiting a new shop I go with an open mind and annoy the staff with questions if things aren't as they seem.

I had a similar "issue" buying some slippers from IKEA. Guess what I did? I signed up for an Ikea Family card and get them at the cheaper price.

Now I get free coffee whenever I go to Ikea :beer:

hoyles10

deanos wrote: »

The OP does have a good point, look at the picture he took, the normal price is tiny, maybe trading standards would be intrested

But it clearly say's IKEA Family price above it.

deanos

It maybe, but if you glance at the ticket like most people do its easy to make a mistake isn't it

hoyles10

Simple answer to that is check things properly before buying them.