Forum Topic

Cheeky Marks and Sparks

How many of you have noticed that M&S no longer sell products in their food department where it would be necessary to supply copper coins as part of the change? It caught my notice that everything in their food department is now either priced at x5p or x0p! My sharp eyed observation was confirmed by the the food manager, and that this practice is being rolled out across the whole of the country. Why so? He didn't know! My presumptions are that it could be too expensive to get change from the bank, or they just want to spend less time counting the coppers. Whatever the reason, bad news for the customer!I didn't check the upper floors.

Ben Owen ● 4369d22 Comments

Tesco may be 'fleecing' us, but they've made poor trading profits last year and their revenues are down badly too according to today's annual financial results. Their shares don't look any good too - down.

Gerry Tan ● 4367d

I don't know Susan, I refuse to shop at the metro stores because even Dick Turpin had the courtesy to wear a mask when fleecing people. Osterley though has them on every checkout.

Nigel Brooks ● 4367d

Is that the Metro in Ealing, Nigel? Have to confess I've never noticed them but then I usually use the self-service tills. I shall keep a look out.

Susan Kelly ● 4367d

Tesco, to their credit, have a collection 'tin' for Diabetes UK by every checkout."Every little helps".

Nigel Brooks ● 4367d

That's a good idea Susan.It nevers ceases to amaze me how generous the British people are. Recently, my nephew ran the London marathon as part of the Cancer Research UK team and his target amount by his personal sponsors was exceeded almost double the original amount! He has now exceeded his overall target of £10,000 over the last four years. When it comes to charitable giving, the British seldom acknowledge 'charity fatigue'.

Gerry Tan ● 4367d

Charity boxes at each till. So if my goods come to £4.97, I can just put the 3p in the box right away. Sainsbury in Chiswick have a charity box near the exit, but one at each till would be even better.

Susan Kelly ● 4367d

Can't be bothered, Keith.

Susan Kelly ● 4367d

The other day in another well known shop I felt pressured to use the self-service machine as there was no-one at the till. Easy I thought as I only have one item - a £5 book.I scanned it and it asked me for £7 - so I had to call for assistance anyway.So watch out and you may not save any time unless you want to pay whatever price it (the computer) fancies asking you for.

Philippa Bond ● 4367d

Why not chuck your small change in a jar at home and either use it yourself or give it to charity at Christmas?

Keith Iddon ● 4367d

I'm not doing it for their benefit, Keith, but to get rid of all this rubbish weighing down my wallet.

Susan Kelly ● 4367d

A 19p tip on a cup of coffee is fair. What do they expect fivers?

Keith Iddon ● 4367d

Since I'm basically putting in 19p in coppers, I do it when they're not looking!

Susan Kelly ● 4367d

How can tipping someone 'easily cause offence'?

Keith Iddon ● 4367d

My tip is to only tip if you really mean it. Otherwise it could easily cause offence. What do others think?

Ben Owen ● 4368d

My copper coins just end up in the tip jar at Costa.Can you imagine the hell that would break loose if they tried to abolish them?

Susan Kelly ● 4368d

With the possible exception of Parker's** in Northfields I don't think I've been asked to pay cash for something that didn't come to a round 5p for several years now.** And the Cheddar Deli, but that's because they sell by weight.How long before the 1p and 2p coins are abolished altogether?

Tony Colliver ● 4368d

I guess people have finally grasped that 7.99 isn't a lot cheaper then £8.

Susan Kelly ● 4368d

Surely the reason for things being priced at say £7.99 was the marketing one that £7.99 seems a lot cheaper than £8.00?Nowadays people just wave plastic credit cards around and don't and can't add up and it isn't a problem to them whether they have enough money or not...  until the credit card bill comes in.

Philippa Bond ● 4368d

If something previously cost £7.99, then you can't really round it anywhere but up, Gerry.There is an urban myth (?) that shops like prices ending in 99p as it makes the staff open the till and stops them stealing. Maybe M&S think their staff are better than that?

Susan Kelly ● 4369d

Another reason not to shop with a retailer which has 'lost its way'.

Nigel Brooks ● 4369d

Agreed, but round prices down as well as up imo.

Gerry Tan ● 4369d

Very sensible. Who needs piddling little pennies or tuppences?

Susan Kelly ● 4369d