Supermarket price hike given stamp of disapproval

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Supermarkets in Bushey and Watford have been overcharging customers on stamps.

The Budgens store in High Road, Bushey and Whippendell Road, Watford is reported to have charged customers up to an additional 29p for the book of twelve second-class stamps.

The stamps, which should normally be priced at £6.36 were being sold for £6.65 in the Bushey store and £6.59 in the Watford store.

A Bushey shopper, who asked to remain anonymous said: "This is not the first time Budgens has done this. Last time they put the prices back to what they should be, but it was not long before they increased it again.

"I enter a lot of competions by post so I am aware of what the stamp prices should be.

"A lot of my friends and family who I have told about this have said they never think to check the price they have been charged for a stamp - they just assume it is the same as everywhere else."

Val Bodden, spokesperson for the Royal Mail said: "First class postage is 62 pence and second class is 53 pence. Any retailer selling stamps above these prices is acting in breach of contract.

"Royal Mail takes any attempt to sell stamps above their face value seriously and would encourage anyone who finds out that a retailer is doing this to alert us so that we can do something about it.

"Although it is not illegal for retailers to charge more, Royal Mail does take action to prevent them from continuing to do so on the rare occasions that it does occur.

"A letter will be sent to the retailer asking them to stop charging more than the face value of the stamps. If they continue to sell the stamps at a higher rate, then we may withdraw any facility the retailer has to buy stamps at a discount."

Budgens has been in contact with both stores and put the pricing down to "genuine human error", adding that the prices had been changed.

If customers are being overcharged, they should contact Royal Mail Customer Care department on 03457 782677 to report the matter.

Alternatively they can email business.enquiries@royalmail.com or write to the Business Customer Services Manager, Royal Mail Retail, Tallents House, 21 South Gyle Crescent, Edinburgh, EH12 9PG.

All information will be treated confidentially.