Asda has had to issue an apology to its customers after it wasn’t the bargain supermarket chain that it claims to be when it charged its online shoppers as high as five times too much for their internet grocery orders.
The supermarket blamed a power cut at its parent company’s Walmart office which caused problems with the chains computer systems.
One internet customer was charged £790 for their shopping which should have cost just £140. Many families are complaining that they have been left with no money to their pay their bills.
Asda has said that it would refund all of the customers who were affected by the system failure, by refunding them for the cost of their shopping so that they effectively get it for free, and also that it would pay for any bank charges incurred.
An Asda spokesman said that it was an isolated incident but that it has installed further precautionary measures to prevent it from happening again. A system error caused people to be overcharged once before in July 2011.
Asda has said that it started refunding its customers as soon as it became aware of the issue although shoppers have stated on websites that they have been told that the refunds would take 5 days.
Here is what some member said on the Which? Consumer website:
Paula Leech said: ‘What a bloody shambles I will never shop online with Asda ever again. My shopping came to £50.96 they took £250 out of my account I’m now unable to access this week’s wages as it will take up to 5 days to go back in my account. They have offered compensation but how do I feed my family for 5 days.’
A woman named Carol said: ‘I shop online at Asda for my Mother and her order on 17th August was £210 and Asda have just taken £789 from my account.
‘I have had an email telling me that the money will be repaid in 5 days and that if I incur any charges I can visit their web site, download a form and make a claim.’