[Resolved]  Woodland — Woodland Store cheating customers

Yesterday, I stepped into the Woodland Store on New BEL Road, Bangalore since there was a Sale. I picked up a Ladies Tshirt under the category 'Flat 40% off' (Bill # 3372 dated 13/07/08 Article No.R1LSR 44 ASSR NA LADIES T SHIRT). The MRP for this product printed was Rs.595/- However, when this item was billed, I was asked to pay Rs.400/- When I told the cashier that it should be Rs.357/- (595 minus 40%), he told me that the cost was already reduced before printing the amount on the label and the original price of the item was Rs.668/- and he is charging 40% on this amount. This amount (Rs.668), he picked up from his computer system. When I argued with him that he should have displayed the factory price (original price of Rs.668) and also the Reduced amount of Rs.595/- and then put a banner saying the the flat 40% discount was on the Original price of Rs.668/-. This way the customers will be aware. In this case, there was neither any display on the label nor on the banner to this effect. The factory price, which the shop owner claimed was already reduced was nowhere printed saying that these items were already discounted before it landed into the store. Or, there should be a banner somewhere in the store saying the products have been discounted (mention the % of discount) before it is displayed on the shelf. The shopowner did not have any answer but said this is the Woodland practice. How can a company of your stature have such unethical practices? This is simply outright cheating. Since my daughter liked the tshirt very much, I did not want to disappoint her for a difference of Rs.162/- and ended up paying the amount. But I would like to get a justification from a competent authority of the Aero Club as to why they are taking the customer for a ride with false promises.

Let me ask you, if you were to go to a shop and buy an item with MRP Rs.500 with a discount of 20%, would you pay Rs.400/- or would you pay Rs.480/- if the shop owner says the original price was Rs.600 and 20% on 600 is 480 and, therefore, you are required to pay Rs.480/-. And you are totally unaware of the origal price the shopowner is referring to. Would you still pay Rs.480/-???? Isn't this amounting to cheating? This is the same case with your so claimed reputed store. They are taking the customers for a ride.

What are you going to do about this incident?