Weird Prices at Sheboygan Falls Piggly Wiggly
I buy Mountain Dew and have been for some time. I am also aware of prices going up because of the economy. But what I noticed at the Sheboygan Falls Piggly Wiggly was a total surprise to me. I went to the soda isle and saw the sign for Pepsi products on sale at (2) 8 packs of bottles for $7.00. Cool, sounds like a good deal to me, but I only go through one 8 pack a week so I am just going to buy one.
I noticed the sign said that “without the card” the price was $4.99 per 8 pack. I know the price of Pepsi in the bottle has never been that high, so I was curious if the prices had gone up, again. I peeled back the sale sticker that was placed over the original and notice the price at $3.99 per 8 pack. I grabbed one 8 pack and headed to the checkout. Since it was the only thing that I was going to purchase, this would be easy. I watched as the soda was scanned and see the price come up $3.99! What the heck was going on here?
The original price sticker says $3.99 and the sale sticker says $4.99 on sale for $3.50 (or 2 for $7.00). The total savings would be $1.49 per 8 pack, at least it appears that way. You are really only saving $.49 per 8 pack. I didn’t really think it was that big of deal to see the price hiked up $1 to bring it down, but do you think they sold more soda because of it? I am thinking they might have because this isn’t the first time I noticed this at that store.
*UPDATE*
In case you were following from the Press website, I want to issue an update. I did NOT intend to call this a SCAM by any means. I was just wondering what the deal was with weird pricing and may have unintentionally caused some grief for owner John Blattner. I issue this as an apology for what it may have done and only wish to say that I shop at the Piggly Wiggly and haven’t ever felt ripped off.
*UPDATE*
Popularity: unranked [?]
(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
Our Everyday Low Price for the product you bought is $3.99. As an independent store we negotiate with Pepsi regarding our pricing. Piggly Wiggly Midwest produces the ads and ad tags. For efficiency, ad tags are produced using one price. Their everyday price is $4.99, hence the discrepancy. You were not getting ripped off but were getting a better everyday price. Next time please ask me or the manager about a pricing issue before you accuse someone of a pricing scam and post a blog.
Thanks for the comment John. I appreciate the explanation. I was just posting to my blog and the one on the Press website to see if others run into the same situation. I also believe that by posting it, I got a better response than actually asking someone. And it’s easier to spread the education among others on the internet.
I didn’t feel like I was getting ripped off at all, I really just figured it was a sign problem. But with your explanation, I see the signs weren’t meant to create confusion, but the some hyper obsessive shoppers might have noticed, is all.
John, how professional is it to leave a comment like that? Not very professional. I am disappointed with you.
Thanks for your comment Asher. The issue was resolved and really it was more of a curious question. There was little blaming happening and I think that John Blattner would agree. The public is aware and I feel fine just in case I was able to put ONE other persons mind to rest by asking.
Asher, explaining your business practices is perfectly professional. Now this blogger understands — and so do all its readers. That is quintessential “professionalism.” You don’t need to be critical of everyone to be campaigning for whatever it is you think you’re campaigning for.
blogSheboygan, I actually read your post months ago and somehow stumbled upon it again today. Thanks for the update and setting the record straight.
Asher – Love your name by the way… besides the point. My family was in the retail grocery business – and trust me – no one is getting “rich” selling groceries. The margins in the food biz are fractions of a penny – and with WalMart in the game now you almost have to give product away to stay in business. I can’t speak for John, however, I can say with confidence that he is passionate and sincere in trying to deliver quality at the best possible price.
That said – it is quite disturbing how uneducated and quickly people jump to conclusions. Businesses are not in business to give product away… they are in business to make money and put food on tables. This country has lost that mindset – and adopted a mindset of entitlement.
I believe John’s comments are spot on and Asher you are a bit off target on what your are implying. John has been in business for many years… he is well versed on professionalism. Asher, I am young like you, and your comments refelct your maturity level.
I hope that this dialouge is helpful, again, like I said, no one is getting “rich” in the retail grocery biz.
I like the first point you made there, but I am not sure I could pratcially apply that in a productive way.