Two investigations into Masterton supermarket Write Price have prompted the Commerce Commission to alert consumers to the fact they need to be vigilant at the supermarket checkout and to warn supermarkets to make sure their till pricing accurately reflects in-store specials.
The investigations followed several customer complaints to the Commission that Write Price Masterton had been charging a different price at its checkout from the discounted prices advertised in store for certain products.
The Commission has entered into a settlement with the company that includes undertakings to employ an independent auditor to carry out a complete review of its compliance programmes relating to the Fair Trading Act and make recommendations for any necessary training and other improvements.
Commerce Commission Director of Fair Trading Deborah Battell said that the pricing errors at Write Price Masterton related to manual system changes that should have been conducted in store.
"The fact that these changes weren't made - even after a customer brought the incorrect pricing to the attention of Write Price staff shows a blatant disregard for fair trading.
"Consumers need to be extremely vigilant at the checkout and make sure they're getting charged what they think they're getting charged," she added.
Media contact: Deborah Battell, Director of Fair Trading
