Are businesses trying to hide price rises?

34 minutes ago

Describing prices rises as a 'change' is probably driven by a fear of losing customers, say experts.

Have you received an email lately from a company warning you that it's "adjusting its prices" - and have you wondered what exactly that adjustment is?

There is growing frustration among many consumers at a trend of more companies both describing an increase as an "adjustment" or simply a "change" and not making it clear what the price is adjusting from, and to.

One listener who contacted RNZ - Jessica from Wellington - said she was annoyed at frequently being told there was an "update" to prices.