A reader of Index.hu consumer blog Tékozló Homár was more shocked than we were to find that unscrupulous British supermarket giant Tesco was not only relabeling food approaching the end of its shelf life, but also increasing its price – from Ft 899 to Ft 949 per kilo. OK, so nothing really bad is likely to happen to someone who eats császárszalonna that is getting old (given that it is basically a heavily smoked and salted slab of pork fat), but you would expect a corporate giant like Tesco to do better than leave the old label still attached when cheating its customers.
The punishments handed out are so pathetic,Tesco cannot even be bothered to hide the cheating any more.
Tesco is a dump and not as cheap as it looks.
No quality goods, no selection, no bargains, nothing special, quite depressing.
Call me a devil foreigner, but I say Tesco is still better than basically any domestically-owned grocery store short of Culinaris. And one of my great joys is going there and seeing obvious jobbik-types with their baskets full.
I would be interested to know if this is a “British” thing, or more
than likely a Hungarian thing.
Hungarians are not known for customer service…at all.
(But – there are some that are quite suprising. Suppose in big
corporate world there is less incentive.)
No one has a right in Hungary in the stores – back in Atlanta,
you had an issue, you easily go take your food product back.
Did it say a lower price then what it was supposed to be at a
place like Whole Foods? Then you get that lower price, etc.
Here they rush you through the line, and your still packing while
other peoples stuff is thrown on top.
Again, I wonder how much is the Hungarian management to
blame here…but I suppose poor training, or lack of care from
Tesco is as much to blame.
i did write Tescos headquarters, and never heard back.
At least when i wrote the German based local grocer, I heard
back with prompt reply.
So maybe Tesco and Hungary are a match made in heaven…or
hell, depending on what side of the fence your on.
One thing is for sure – customer service and mentality on sales
could improve.
I have seen comments about people feeling disillusioned about
being in the E.U. – nothing wrong with the E.U., its the base
Hungarian mentality that is not in line with the rest of Europe it
would seem. You cant just expect the goods, there is a ‘cultural
shift’ in mindset that needs to take place.
Hey, not saying that poor service is a cultural thing…but who
knows.
Ive known for some time Tesco s has been selling out of date products, and that they use this part of the world as a dumping ground because its not only Hungary this happens in. My husband is a truck driver and he s been loading at places in the UK wheres he s seen vegetables and in paticular oranges having the mould washed off them and being repacked for here or another Eastern European country. I contacted Tescos over this and their comment was these stores are franchises and not actually run by Tescos.. This is pure greed which ever country is doing it and those who buy from them are condoning it. Spar is far better even if its abit more expensive and you do get the chance of a smile. I hate shopping at Tescos and only go if im desperate, their customer relations is non existant but that seems to be the normal in Hungary. Very rarely are you ever greeted with a smile and if you need help in a shop well on your own head be it.
I have lived in Budapest for over 4 years. Originating from the uk. I’m not sure how the lack of customer service occurs in Hungary. In the uk if you have a problem in Tescos – they not only exchange the goods but give the equal amount in cash. Is it the “hungarian attitude” or is it “Tescos abusing this part of the world.” I haven’t had the chance to check it out as my Hungarian is not strong enough to argue.
April 8th ’09…..Tesco has run a T.V.advertising campaign for reduced price wine . Four times in two days i have been to our local superstore to be told it was sold out!! Come on Tesco , stop treating your customers as fools , the offer is obviously very limited just to attract shoppers . This sort of apparent deception will only lose you trade . In my town we have four alternative major supermarkets to choose from , when they advertise offers they appear to be genuine and i will think long and hard before visiting Tesco’s again .
I don’t think there is any doubt that Tesco Hungary is a disgrace on so many levels.
Wouldn’t it be nice is a representative from Tesco’s actually commented on this.
Fat chance, they’re too busy re-labelling the next rotten bit of ham or green chicken breast with new prices. Oh and sell-by dates of 29th Feb! (Check out the Tékozló Homár link)
Just to update this story. I was in Tesco last week and found almost exactly the same thing on a few products (50%-90% price increases). I sent the pictures, along with an email to Tesco UK headoffice. My comment was (amongst other things)
“Not only do I fail to see what economic event has caused this enormous price hike, but if it is really necessary, it may make it slightly less insulting to your customers to remove the old label first, or at least completely cover it with the new.”
Their response so far was
“I was sorry to learn of the problems you have been experiencing regarding our stores in Hungary.
Unfortunately I am unable to discuss any issues regarding Tesco Hungary. I am able to give you the contact details for Tesco Hungary so you can contact them. They are provided below
Tesco/Global Th Rt
Szbadsag ut 17
H2040
Budaors
Tel:00 36 23 449 200 ”
blah blah blah very sorry etc etc
“John McGovern
Customer Service Manager
Tesco Customer Service”
Of course I responded with
“Thank you for your response, unfortunately however, I do not find your answer
particularly satisfactory.”
etc etc please don’t just fob me off and instead do the right thing
Let see if they take it further.