OFT probes online supermarkets
Pricing complaints under investigation
The Office of Fair Trading has launched an investgation into the prices charged by the online operations of UK supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Asda.
The OFT said in a statement: “We are examining supermarkets’ pricing online. We have held confidential discussions with the supermarkets. This is an on-going investigation so we cannot make any further comment.”
Both Tesco and Sainsbury’s have confirmed that they have been contacted by the government watchdog. The OFT has not revealed the scope of the probe, but it is understood to include complaints that the supermarkets have charged higher prices than those advertised on their websites, and overcharged for substituted goods when items ordered were out-of stock.
The OFT is also likely to look at delivery charges paid when full orders are not delivered, and any difference between products sold online and those promoted at special prices in stores.
In a recent survey by [i]Which? [/i]of 1,500 online shoppers found, almost nine out of ten of those shopping on Sainsbury’s website said their orders ‘generally’ included substitute items, while three-quarters of Tesco online shoppers reported similar problems. Some customers also objected to being given cheaper substitutes without being refunded the difference.
Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Asda have all received letters from the watchdog. A spokeswoman for Tesco said: “The OFT contacted the industry several weeks ago on a confidential basis on a fairly technical issue and we will be responding to them.”
Asda said the company operates a single price policy in-store or online and would co-operate with the OFT. Sainsbury’s alos confirmed that the company was in consultation with the OFT.
