A Melbourne Coffee Roaster Has Been Forced To Apologise For A “Free” RAT Promotion
The business promoted two free RATs with a $159.99 minimum order.
Melbourne-based cafe and coffee roasters St. Ali Coffee has been called out on social media after promoting a deal in which customers could receive two free rapid antigen tests if they purchased $159.99 worth of coffee and/or merchandise from their online store.
In a text message reportedly sent out to “VIP” customers, St Ali offered to gift a two-pack of RATs to valued customers. That is, if those customers forked out $159.99 on other products.
“We’ve been fortunate to secure a limited number of Rapid Antigen Tests for our staff, families and friends. As a special VIP customer, we’d like to extend these to you too,” the text read.
Cursed timeline pic.twitter.com/Rjx97VvQs3
— Elyce Phillips (@ElycePhillips) January 17, 2022
In addition to the surplus supply of RATs, St. Ali — a coffee roaster — has also acquired a stock of pulse oximeters, hand sanitiser, and contactless thermometers to sell via their website.
The specific forehead thermometer in stock on the website has a recommended retail price of $79, but is listed for $98 via the St. Ali website. It’s also worth noting that St Ali notes the recommended retail price to be $129, despite numerous other Australian retailers listing it as $79-$79.95
After receiving backlash on social media for the promotion, which was launched amid Australia’s ongoing shortage of rapid antigen tests, the company sent a follow-up text apologising.
“We recently procured some Rapid Antigen Tests for our staff and their family, we had some surplus supply, so we sent a text message to some of our subscribers offering two free Rapid Antigen Tests with a minimum order value,” the apology text read. “We believed this was a way of supporting our customers whom purchased from us regularly, but the message has been lost. We can see in hindsight it was inappropriate. We are very sorry.”
St. Ali has since committed to donating further tests to the South Melbourne charity Father Bob.
“Our commitment is that once we receive further tests the equivalent amount will be donated to Father Bob (South Melbourne Charity) to distribute them as he sees fit,” St Ali said. “Again please accept our apology.”
The news comes after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) released a statement on Monday condemning the price-gouging of rapid antigen tests, noting that the watchdog has already received over 1,800 complaints for the issue.
“At the extreme end, we have received reports or seen media coverage of tests costing up to $500 for two tests through online marketplaces, and over $70 per test through convenience stores, service stations and independent supermarkets, which is clearly outrageous,” ACCC Chair Rod Sims said.
“There are several businesses that have repeatedly come to our notice thanks to the information provided by the public. We are asking those businesses to urgently explain the prices they are charging.”
Junkee has reached out to St. Ali for comment.