10 times Aussie supermarkets failed at math

The supermarket price war between Woolies and Coles has seen the two supermarket giants continually strive to offer customers competitive money-saving offers, whether for new products or discounts for expiring goods.

Also read: Shoppers continue to slam Woolies for its 'fresh food'

All Aussie’s love a great bargain, but some epic math fails by these two retailers have left shoppers scratching their heads.

Here are 10 times Woolies and Coles have failed at math.

Questionable 50% saving

“Oh Woolworths, someone needs to go back to school and learn maths. Selling a product at $4 with a saving of $2.49 is not selling it at half price. Very unprofessional advertising...” one shopper said.

"Mmmmm shame shame on woolworths false advertising on Redot Special I received in my email check it out 1/2 price special on sorbent 10pack toilet paper," another customer commented.

Yet another shopper was unimpressed: "I think someone’s math skills might need some work."

As was this person: "You might like to get the person who sends out the emails to customers to make sure the specials are listed accurately. Toilet paper for half price $4 save $2.49.....not exactly half price!!!"

Coles has an equally difficult time calcuating 50%

“Hey Coles. Nice half price you’ve got there ;)," a Coles customer commented on the supermarket giant's facebook page.

When an offer isn't really an offer

"Hey Woolworths, that's some promotion you've got going in Franklin, ACT...!" a shopper said.

Sometimes supermarkets try to charge north of full price for damaged items

“So I’ve needed a good laugh all week and this morning, Coles delivered! I think I’ll just stick with the nice looking boxes, thanks!”

Woolies is also a culpit, trying to sell products close to use-by-date for more than full price

“Lol, nice… mark down?" a customer commented.

Others times its the price per kilo which has been completely miscalcuated 

One customer was very unhappy: "I was shopping at 15th st mildura store and came accross this special on brussel sprouts."

"These were flying off the shelf with three customers grabbing them while i was realizing the mistake."

"I often buy products based on unit price, I dont usually check if the unit price is calculated correctly, but its clear this ticket is misleading. Its a down right lie."

"It is presenting cheaper per kg than the loose ones, but its not. The price per kilo should actually be $7.50, NOT $6.82!!"

Other non-food items also don't escape the supermarket price fail

“Massive savings..” one Woolies customer pointed out.

This price really is special, if 'special' means 'more expensive than normal'

One customer cottoned on, unfortunately a little late: "Just wanted to let you know that Coles at Mt Sheridan (QLD) are charging more for the 'special' price then the normal price."

"When I asked to be charged the normal price I was advised that the prices were set Australia wide and the manager had gone home so there was nobody to talk to."

"How do I get my $0.50 cents back?"

Is it an intro price if its the same as the regular shelf price?

“Ummmm… can you explain this ‘introductory price’ again?” one Woolies customer asked on the supermarket's facebook page.

One for $1.80 or two for $4.50 - It's difficult to see how the customer benefits from this 'deal'

As one customer rightly commented: “Bloody bargain...”