This one has to do with dog food but the lesson applies to many retail opportunities.
At one of the big pet stores last night I bought the usual natural type dog food I always do.....biggest bag they carry of our brand....29 pounds $33.99.
When I get it home and toss it on the one we have in the pantry....it looks smaller. Guess what it is!!! The one in the pantry ....29 pounds for $33.99....the one I bought last night.....27.5 pounds for $33.99....3.3 pounds less for the same $$$$.
I called the store this morning. They said Iams had resized their bags but did not lower the pricing. The gave me Iams 800 number.
I called Iams. They said yes they did resize their bigger bags BUT also reduced the pricing with a slight increase included in the new pricing. They said they can only recommend pricing....the retailer is free to do as they wish. Iams is going to send a bunch of coupons.
I called the store back and confronted the manager with my findings. He was a little off guard. I asked him to relax and consider at least notifying the customers of the size change.....and the customer could conclude then and there they are being screwed!!!
Pay attention to the resizing trend. I has happened in many cereals. Those vac packed bricks of coffee a few years ago used to be one pound...then down to 13 ounces and I think they are down to 10 or 11 ounces.
All accompanied by a slight price reduction that actually hides a price increase the the dollars or cents per ounce.
Pay attention. I now read lables closely and do not buy the down sized products. There are still some manufacturers and retailers who believe in providing the customer a sustained value.
There I feel better already!!
btk
