At least the ACCC acknowledges that the impact of supermarket discounting will now ease on independent fuel stations but place additional pressure on independent grocery outlets. What ever happened to the basic law of economics - let the (free) market determine the price.
and interestingly, I read an article yesterday (but damned if I can find the link again now) that Woolies and Coles are now providing their major grocery discounts on the 'upper' items (read the more expensive) which makes them more attractive to shoppers. This is designed to 'up-sell' to customers who modify their choice of products and ultimately, whilst getting an item that is heavily discounted, they are paying for higher priced items than what they would usually purchase. Despite the discount, the result is more actual $$$ through the cash register - higher cashflow and potential for more profit.
So, on the way things are now going, in my particular circumstances anyway, I am the loser ... as are others who shopped as I did. Minimal fuel discounts now and the items I usually buy will not be on special as often - if at all. This is further so, as I refuse to have any of these "loyalty" cards they all flog - which are where the majority of these 'new' discounts will be applied.
Oh well, as that other thief and (lovable) villain once said - such is life.
Cheers - John
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2006 Discovery 3 TDV6 SE Auto - 2008 23ft Golden Eagle Hunter Some people feel the rain - the others just get wet - Bob Dylan
We couldn't use the discounts anyway as no service station except Rockhampton used them (100km return). The new BP at Yeppoon was accepting for a few months but has now given it away. So, we that didn't use the coupons were supporting those that did with higher food prices. Now I need a loyalty card, no thanks.
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Cheers Peter and Sue
"If I agree with you we'll both be wrong"
No, I'm not busy, I did it right the first time.
Self-powered wheelie walker, soon a power chair (ex. Nomad)
I believe its an absolute con providing discounts for fuel when purchasing from Woolworths or Coles especially when comparing a regular food purchase from either of these two compared to IGA who normally have a lower price on the same item.
My LPG tank holds 64 liters and on a 4 cent discount I get $2.56 saving but you have to bear in mind that the big two actually control the price of fuel and the others follow, but if there were more independents there would be more competition and we would see overall lower fuel prices.
Its probably too late now but if we supported the independents more and maybe even as nomads didn't buy fuel from big two we could possibly improve the cost structure but I am probably just dreaming again.
With a saving of only $ 2,56 per tank I will continue to buy my fuel anywhere other than the big two and often the price difference can be even less especially on LPG as BP give a two cent discount anyway for which I don't have to purchase anything other than fuel.
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Life was meant to be enjoyed Australia was meant to be explored
Happily doing both to the Max.
Life is like a camera, focus on what's important & you will capture it every Time
Theres an independent fuel outlet closer to home that the Big2, and its as much as 5cents a litre cheaper than the DISCOUNTED price. Hope it continues, I know they start price wars to put the independants out of business, then they can charge what they like.
The sad thing is, a lot of the other petrol stations have already closed down. They will probably never open again. We used to have a Mobil card but they are now like hens teeth to find.
We never buy anything from the duopoly, prefer to move on than feed the corporate bank balance. Sadly the majority buckle under and do what they are told by the corporate world, to their long term detriment. Just like eating at macca's or any junk processed food outlet, short term gain, long term pain.
We support our local Foodworks store, but at times we have to visit the other 2 to get products that the Foodworks store does not have.
It is easy and convenient, park right out the front, and their prices are as good or we believe better than the 2 giants.
And most of all, one has no trouble finding a helpful staff member to assist. Try and find that in the ot her two outlets.
They, the two, spend a fortune trying to get you into their stores, and they lack the most important part of the shopping... that is service. Never enough checkout open, and now they want you to check yourself out.
No way.... As for Aldi, people swear by them for price, but, we still prefer the good old independent grocer.
4cents off on petrol, they recoup same in the price ticket at store level.
I could go on and on....
Jay&Dee
lets just say if you could get all the motorists in one state say Qld or whatever to bycott one of the big servos for just a week how much damage could be done to these corporate thieves
Neil
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you are never too old to set another goal or to dream another dream
I totally agree with Neil it would make my day just to see something like that done just not sure about the best way to get a movement like that started if anyone has any good suggestions I would be happy to give it a go and we could share the pain week about its about time people stood up to the major two.
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Life was meant to be enjoyed Australia was meant to be explored
Happily doing both to the Max.
Life is like a camera, focus on what's important & you will capture it every Time
