Q: I was shopping at a local supermarket and noticed that an eight-pack toilet roll was on offer with four extra free toilet rolls. On the shelf where this product was displayed there were two prices, one for an eight-pack and a higher price for the 12-pack.

The 12-pack toilet rolls offered for sale had the free four toilet roll offer printed on them but were being sold at the 12-pack price.

It appears that this supermarket is charging 12-pack toilet roll price when on its packaging it is clearly stated that four rolls are free. Are supermarkets allowed to do this?

A: If the packing is promoting an offer of four free toilet rolls, then you should not pay the price of a 12-toilet roll pack but that of eight.

Supermarkets selling these products cannot display goods with an offer and then deny the offer to their customers. If this particular supermarket is doing so, then it is committing an unfair commercial practice, which is illegal. As a consumer, you have the right to insist with the seller that you are charged for the toilet rolls as advertised on the packaging.

Should the seller refuse to sell you the goods at the correct price, you may file a report with the Enforcement Directorate within the Office for Consumer Affairs.

This office has the responsibility to investigate unfair trading practices and, in case of default, take the necessary enforcement measures.

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