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I am always on the look out for a deal. Often in the supermarkets, we encounter weird things packaged together,like mayonnaise and tuna fish, which makes a sort of logic. Or laundry detergent with potato chips which doesn't. Sometimes these things are bargains, sometimes they aren't. I compare prices, I even carry a little calculator with me because it isn't always easy to do the cost analysis in my head. One thing that really bugs me is packages emblazoned with 20% more product for free and that item is priced higher than the regular size sitting beside it on the shelf.
Today, I ran into Chedraui to replenish my supply of lavender toilet water. As I reached for the giant 800 ml bottle I noticed just below it the exact same 800 ml bottle shrink wrapped with a small 110 ml bottle and the words GRATIS 110 ml!! . My lucky day, I thought, then I noticed that the price on the shelf was $20 pesos more .
Anyone who knows me realizes that I don't seek out conflict but anyone who has known me for any length of time also knows that occasionally I snap, I get irritated and then look out!
I took the two items up to the register. I politely asked the cashier if she could please check the price on both items. Our conversation went like this after she confirmed that there was indeed a price difference. With a nod to Bob Mrotek, I'll do the conversation in Spanish and then English.
"¿Entonces hay una diferencia de veinte pesos?" le pregunto.
"Sí, eso es correcto." Me contesta.
"Pero, este dice ciento diez mililitros gratis y las botellas grandes son iguales" le explico con calma.
La cajera hecha un ojo sobre las dos botellas."Así viene la promoción, son diferente códigos"
"Lo entiendo,veinte pesos es un buen precio para la botellita, pero eso no es gratis. Gratis significa que pagas nada,¿ correcto? Esa gratis is una mentira. Veinte pesos no es mucho pero me siento engañada.
"Le llamo el encargado de ese departamento."
"So there is a price difference of 20 pesos?" I ask.
"Yes, that is correct." she answers,
"But this one says 110 ml free, and both of the large bottles are the same" I calmly explain.
She checks out the bottles.¨Yes, that is the way the special came, they have different codes."
"I see, 20 pesos is a good price for the small bottle, but that is not free. Free means that you don't pay anything doesn't it? This free is a lie. $20 is not a lot but I feel tricked."
"I will call the person in charge of the department for you"
After a short wait, someone appeared. My cashier explained my concern to her in a low voice. I eavesdropped, the word PROFECO was mentioned by the cashier. After another wait, the cashier rang up my purchase and it came up the same price as the solitary bottle.
Victory is sweet, and today it smells like lavender water.
21 April, 2009
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12 comments:
Right On! I am like that as well... Normally I just let things side, but sometimes it is just worth pointing out the obvious.
I have heard of your legendary skills in this area.
Ron
PS: Kathy has taken to rubbing her elbow occasionally, in ways subtle and not so subtle - mostly at me :-)
Theresa,
I am in awe. You are one tough cookie! I generally just fuss and fume but you take it all the way to the bank. Great lesson! Keep them coming...and thanks for the nod :)
The Profeco system must have sharp claws.
Oh, you are a clever and brave girl!
Victory indeed! But I have to ask what does PROFECO mean? (My translation site didn't have an answer.)
C&K, That sort of stuff is just plain wrong. If it said "compra 800 ml y llevas 110 por solo $20" that would have been okay with me. I hate it when retailers act like customers are stupid.
Ron, there is difference between frugal and cheap. I don't mind spending money, but I want to spend it wisely. One thing that irritates me here is that often cheap and poorly made is the only option.
Bob, The secret (and this comes from 20 years of retail) is to keep it non confrontational. Also make it easy on the clerk, you will notice that I brought up both bottles, that I keep as a dialogue. Also I deliberlately chose a middle aged woman cashier. I was lucky that she was so simpatico.
Norm, PROFECO has the ability to fine corporations, they have fairly strong teeth. They have even been known to go after Pemex for irregularities at the pump.
Islagringo, thank you. Unlike Isla though I have have lots of different stores to shop at.
C&M,PROFECO is Procuraduría Federal del Consumidor.
The literal translation won't really make sense. El procurador means the procurer, but La Procuraduría de Justicia is the Attorney General's Office. So think of it as the federal consumer protection agency.
regards,
Theresa
You are a brave person and all for lavender. I could have mailed you a lavender plant and then you can make your own. I have lots of lavender Theresa. ;DDDD Good girl, brave girl and have a great Thurday.
Glorv1, Thank you. I love lavender but the heat and humidity here won't let me grow any!Lavender wants a more Mediterranean climate.
regards,
Theresa
Good for you! This type of "ofertas" are found all over Mexico. Good to hear that someone stood up for themself, because it was the right thing to do, and it doesn't mean that your "codo"!!!
Great entry! Pete and I have a lot of fun checking out the unusual bundled items at the Mega. Saw a strange one this morning... Corn Flakes and Tuna (?)
Lynn
Leslie, I feel the same way, those ofertas hurt the people who can't afford it. I really hope the PROFECO is cracking down on them.
Lynn, I always try to figure out why those things are bundled together.Could it be that they are made by the same company? Or do you use the cornflakes to make superiorly crunchy croquetas de atun?
regards,
Theresa
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