Store charges customers who are “just looking around”

[Jazzy]

BRISBANE, Australia — A grocery store is defending a policy to charge customers $5.00 for simply looking around, without purchasing anything.



Celiac Supplies posted a sign in the window, which reads:

“As of the first of February, this store will be charging people a $5 fee per person for ‘just looking.’

The $5 fee will be deducted when goods are purchased.



Why has this come about?

There has been high volume of people who use this store as a reference and then purchase goods elsewhere. These people are unaware our prices are almost the same as the other stores plus we have products simply not available anywhere else.



This policy is line with many other clothing, shoe and electronic stores who are also facing the same issue.



A photograph of the sign was posted to social media and instantly generated worldwide media coverage.



The store owner tells Australia’s Nine News she was upset that customers would ask her for help – then purchase goods online or at other stores.



“People pay for services all the time, so why not pay for a food information service?” she said. “This business, like every other business, has expenses to cover. No one covers expenses when customers don’t pay for services.”



In a separate interview with the Brisbane Times, she said, “I can tell straight away who are the rat bags who are going to come in here and pick my brain and disappear.”



Consumer analysts with Daily Finance suggest the plan could backfire. Matt Brownell said the policy breeds suspicion of customers from the moment they walk in the door, and imposes a cover charge for simply walking inside.

Source



What are your thoughts about her doing this?

 

[Sinon]

What if the store doesn't have what I want in stock? Do I still get charged?Th



This is bullshit and I'm pretty sure illegal.

 

[seasidemike]

I can't see that business lasting very long

 

[Jazzy]

Whatever happened to comparison pricing and quality of goods being sold? This woman better go buy a CLOSED sign.

 

[Sinon]

What happens if you refuse to pay the charge? Do they lock you in, call the cops? Either way that'd lower the money they get coming in because no customers could come in or out.



Quick, everyone wander around the store and refuse to pay the toll! We'll shut the bitch down the old-fashioned way

 

[Evil Eye]

Right... I'd find another store.

I'm pretty sure illegal.

Dunno, charging admission seems fairly legal.

 

[Sinon]

It's not admission though. To charge admission would be to charge everyone as soon as they enter. This only charges people who don't buy anything. Doesn't seem right.

 

[Evil Eye]

No it doesn't.

But focussing just on the legal aspect, charging admission and then converting that into a discount is pretty common. Though it's not usually a 100% discount.