Examining the possibility of changing the price display method
Translation of Manage My Grocery (MMG) reply to the request for information published by The Consumer Protection and Fair-Trade Authority (CPFTA) for examining the possibility of changing the price display method (April 30th, 2019)
Introduction
Manage Grocery My (MMG) has developed a software system for supermarket chains, therefore along with comments pertaining to consumer remarks we will also mention remarks related to the digital realm.
CPFTA
“Alongside the advantages of the manual marking method on each product, there is the fact that the method increases costs…. ”
MMG
The extra cost issue, caused by the manual marking, arises in every discussion but it is essential that the chains provide an estimate of this cost increase. Skilled Employee prints a large number of prices stickers in a short period of time. It is true that there is a need for preparation for every type of item. There is also a variable cost according to shelf life of the item. The price of an item staying for several days or weeks might change several times. The price of an item staying only few days is priced may not be modified.
CPFTA
Some argue that the existing marking method is hampering the retail digitization revolution.
MMG
It is not clear which digitization is delayed. The authority must require that claimants provide details and examples. It seems that digitization is not progressing because of the chains s focus on issues closer to their core activities or because Some conservatism.
CPFTA
The method that requires price marking on each product and product has clear and prominent consumer benefits in the area of comparing Prices at all stages of buying. The price comparison capability not only amounts to similar products on the shelf, but also Among similar products in the store.
MMG
Regarding these comparisons, a clear display on the shelf and a mobile barcode reader provide a reasonable answer.
CPFTA
The method also allows the consumer …… and even make a comparison after the purchase, when the consumer arrives at his home with products Previously purchased.
MMG
This comparison today depends solely on the marking on the product. It is of critical importance for tracking slow price increases difficult to track.
Here 2 solutions can provide a reasonable answer:
Sticker printing kiosk as the authority suggests later in the document
Various digital solutions including apps
CPFTA
The store will deploy throughout the store Devices for reading the barcode as well as for printing the price tag for placing on the product.
MMG
Existing and available technologies for printing the price tag appear to be an appropriate solution, but the authority must require deployment Wide in-store and device friendly interface. Strong enforcement by the authority will also be required to ensure compliance
The networks require the authority to publish and the proper functioning of those devices.
CPFTA
Digitalization and Applications
MMG
One of the factors hindering technological development in retail is the barcode which is the only clear and unique identification existing for each item.
Technologies like RFID can help but at the moment RFID labels are too expensive for retail. the CPFTA should review the developments poised to replace the barcode.
In our opinion, any app allowing to conveniently view the price including from previous shopping gives some kind of answer to the price display on the item and improvs the shopping experience.
It is important for the apps to be real, meaningful, especially to the customer, and not some cosmetic gadget.
CPFTA notes that “the consumer can receive the purchase bill digitally”. Some chains are providing digital bills, but the bill is received in a format (image) absolutely not helpful.
CPFTA notes that “regulations …. requiring major retailers to advertise the prices of all products, in all their selling points, at all times … ”
The format of advertising is not consumer friendly and to our knowledge only few consumers use this advertising. The apps developed do not provide a clear and easy presentation according to the consumer wishes.
CPFTA should encourage the creation of applications poised to improve the ease of access of information contained in CPFTA website.
There are many tools to support this:
Obligation to include previous price data in existing apps,
Encourage app developers to meet certain criteria,
Consumer conferences to bring together all the players in the industry: Consumer organizations, app developers, Retail chains, CPFTA personnel
Round Table Meetings
And of course, a request for information of this kind.
Published in https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-mallah-190322/detail/recent-activity/
November 2019