Market worker reveals. That's how they cheat on weight, you lose hundreds of gold

A erstwhile worker of 1 of the largest supermarket chains in Poland decided to break the silence, revealing shocking practices of manipulating the weight of products that take place all day. His “sun” sheds fresh light on the methods that markets can unwittingly deplete customers' portfolios by hundreds of zlotys per year. In the face of rising inflation and consumer awareness, this information is highly important. What tricks do retailers use, and what can you do to defend yourself from unfair practices? Prepare for a shocking buying scene that can change your approach to regular buying in 2025.

Balls of “magic” on weight: How do they cheat all day?

Mrs. Kasia, who worked in the fruit and vegetables department for years, decided to talk about mechanisms that let subtle but systematic deception of customers. "These are not isolated cases, this is simply a strategy that is expected to make greater profits," he says with bitterness. 1 of the most common methods is ‘inappropriate friction’ of the weight. alternatively of subtracting the full weight of the packaging, specified as fruit nets or salad containers, retailers may deliberately set a lower tara or completely ignore it. In effect, you pay for plastic or paper, reasoning you're buying the product yourself. Another practice is instrument calibration manipulation – Although weights are subject to regular Trade Inspection checks, there are cases where calibration is mildly changed in favour of the store, which in the long run translates into crucial profits at the expense of customers.

Ms Kasia besides mentions "unimportant" weighing, especially in the case of products of irregular form or those that easy absorb water. ‘The weight of wet vegetables or fruits that have just been sprayed is standard. He weighs his water and the client pays for it," he adds. Although these methods may seem marginal for single purchases, per period or per year these sums may scope respective 100 zlotys. In 2025, erstwhile all penny matters, awareness of these practices becomes crucial for the defence of the household budget. Consumers are frequently besides trusting or simply don't have time to thoroughly check each weighing, making them an easy mark for unfair actions.

Legal consequences and financial losses for Poles

Weight manipulation is not only unfair practice, but besides serious infringement of consumer law. According to Polish regulations, any weight utilized in trade must be legalised and regularly controlled by authorised authorities, specified as the Commercial Inspection. Purposefully cheating on weight is simply a crime that can consequence in advanced financial penalties for the institution or even criminal liability for persons straight active in specified practices. The Office for Competition and Consumer Protection (OCT) regularly recalls consumers' rights to reliable information about the weight and price of the product.

For the average Polish household, losses resulting from specified frauds may be significant. If you lose only 50 cents per kilogram of weighted products on each acquisition and buy a full of 10 kg per week, it is already 260 PLN per year. In the case of more costly products specified as meat or cheese, these losses may be even higher. This is an amount that could be allocated to other, more needed expenses. In 2025, erstwhile the prices of many food products stay high, Every penny matters.. It is so so crucial that consumers are aware of the risks and know how to effectively defend their rights and money against unfair commercial practices.

How do you defend yourself? Effective methods of defence against fraud

Consciousness is the first step towards protection. To avoid paying for air or packaging, in 2025 bet on proactive activities. Here are any applicable tips to aid you avoid weight fraud:

• Watch the weighing process: Always pay attention to what happens on weight. Is the seller rubbing the packaging? Does the weight start from zero? You have the right to request that the product be weighed again in your presence.
• Use control scales: Most supermarkets have control scales available to customers. After the product is weighed by the seller, you can check its weight yourself. If you announcement crucial differences, study it to the service.
• Check receipts: analyse the receipt thoroughly after shopping. Make certain the weight and price match what you bought. Mistakes happen, but systematic discrepancies can indicate unfair practices.
• Document and report: If you have any suspicions or evidence of fraud, take a image of the weight, receipt, and even evidence the film. Then study the case to the Trade Inspection or UOKiK. The more evidence, the greater the chance of effective intervention.
• Choose pre-packaged products: For any products, the choice of those pre-packed (with a certain weight on the packaging) may minimise the hazard of manipulation.

Remember that as a consumer you have the right to fair purchases and reliable information. Don't be afraid to ask questions and defend your rights. In the 2025 digital era, reporting irregularities is easier than ever, and your action can aid to reduce unfair practices and defend another customers from losses.

The practices revealed by a erstwhile marketplace worker are a serious informing to all consumers. In a time of rising prices and fighting for all penny, a conscious and alert approach to buying is absolutely crucial. Don't let clever weight manipulation drain your wallet. Remember your rights, usage available control tools and do not hesitate to study any suspicions. Only joint consumer action and vigilance can force unfair sellers to change their practices and guarantee fair trade. Your money is precious – defend it!