Customers furious at stores charging for this normally free service
'Shopping' via click and collect has become the norm for millions of Australians due to COVID restrictions. But some stores have begun charging for the service and customers are far from happy.
Kmart and Target are charging shoppers $3 on orders totalling less than $20 to cover "part of the cost for our team members to individually pick, pack and store your order". But with many stores closed during lockdowns, staff would seem to have ample time to fill click and collect orders.
Other retailers, including Big W, Myer, David Jones, Super Retail Group, Dan Murphy's and JB Hifi, run the service for free. Even Kmart and Target stablemates at Wesfarmers, Bunnings and Officeworks offer free click and collect services.
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) chair Rod Sims says retailers can charge such fees under Australian consumer law, provided they are disclosed.
"Consumer Law is all about not misleading consumers. There's no law against price gouging. That's just the reality of it," Mr Sims told News Ltd.
Have you ever been charged for a click and collect order? Do you think the charge is fair?
Might as well pay a little extra for delivery to your door.