Woolworths shopper questions ‘sneaky tactic’ with online orders

With shoppers more aware than ever about how much they spend at supermarkets, some have noted a major difference between shopping online compared to in store. Woolworths shoppers have noted products being priced per item online, versus by weight — which they claim often results in them being charged more.

Wondering why it might be, one shopper questioned the online tactic admitting they do “remove a lot of online shopping” noting bananas as a good example. They argued bananas “naturally vary in size” but are still charged the same online.

The shopper noted their local store has bananas priced at roughly $4 per kilo, while in other stores they’re as high as $4.50/kg. Online Woolworths is selling bananas for 77 cents each, regardless of their size.

“I’ve always noticed that in-store fresh produce is generally priced per kg or gram, online is the opposite where it’s all priced per item,” they said. “I’ve never thought of it before but wondered if anyone has done some work to see if you do pay more overall for the privilege of online shopping.

“I understand from a picking and logistics point of view it’s easier to grab five bananas instead of weight of 1.2kgs or whatever, but I was also thinking if this was a sneaky way of intentionally bumping up margins.”

Woolworths explains different online pricing model

When asked by Yahoo News Australia why the online produce is often priced per item, a Woolworths spokesperson said: “For certain varieties of produce, we know online customers are looking to order an exact number of pieces, so we provide prices per piece to make their shop easier.

“Our online prices for individual pieces of fruit and vegetables are calculated using the same price we offer in store,” they added. “We’re focused on providing value and convenience for our customers, however they choose to shop with us.”

It’s understood the price of individual pieces of fruit and vegetables sold online are calculated using the same per kilogram price offered in-store based on an average weight per piece, which fluctuates based on changing produce sizes throughout the season.

Woolworths conducts regular average weight checks for various produce varieties to ensure seasonal or supply variations are reflected in the average weight used for per piece pricing online.

It’s not just Woolworths which uses this pricing model though, with Coles and Harris Farm also charging per item online.

Woolies shoppers report paying higher prices with online app

Previously, shoppers noted a significant price increase when shopping via the Woolworths-owned MILKRUN app. It’s a delivery service which “provides our customers with the convenience of more than 10,000 products.”

One shopper clocked a laundry product available on the app at the special price of $7.40, with the same 900ml bottle of Comfort fabric conditioner available in store for only $4.50. That’s a huge 64 per cent increase.

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