Rapid Antigen Test price: Burger joint defends $50 rapid tests
As Aussies scramble for RATs, finding them in unexpected places and at exorbitant prices, a burger joint selling them has hit back at the criticism.
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As desperate Australians scramble to find rapid antigen tests, some are managing to find them in unexpected places – but at a cost.
Many have discovered they can order their kits alongside a thickshake at their local burger joint as restaurants list the highly sought after kits at eye-watering prices on delivery platforms.
News.com.au has seen listings that suggest restaurants are charging as much as $65 for a two-pack of the tests, not including a delivery fee or tip for the rider.
One restaurant that’s jumping on the craze is South Australian burger joint The Big Grill – which is selling the tests at $50 a pair on Uber Eats – but customers are not altogether happy about it.
After being bombarded with bad reviews online, the business owner took to social media to explain their side of the story.
“There has been much confusion in regards to the pricing of our RATs,” the manager wrote on Facebook. “These are priced in accordance to the current market prices.
“We sell a two-pack of rapid antigen tests for $40 in store and we sell a two-pack of rapid antigen tests for $50 through our delivery partners; the price increase is due to their exorbitant fees.
“We are aware of multiple posts being shared with misinformation and in regards to our pricing and requesting people leave poor reviews on our social media and Google.
“We would like to apologise for the confusion caused and hope this resolves any issues and concerns.”
Customers weren’t happy with the explanation, with some questioning why a burger restaurant is selling the tests in the first place.
“You call that an apology/explanation? Pathetic. Regardless of how you try to manipulate it, you’re extorting people in a pandemic,” one customer wrote.
“You should NOT be selling these tests full stop,” wrote another. “No one should be capitalising on a pandemic.”
The frustration at the prices and availability of the tests is widespread.
Convenience store Crystal Mart Waterloo, NSW, was on Tuesday selling a two-pack for $60 on Uber Eats.
Ready To Go in Hurlstone Park, NSW, was selling a two-pack for $65 on Tuesday, while Crown Square in Waterloo was also selling a two-pack on Uber Eats for $40.
Customers are finding the tests in unusual places, such as a tool and machinery shop, Canberra Diamond Blade Suppliers, in the ACT.
On its website it is selling the tests for $35 for a two-pack. If you’re willing to buy 50 in one go you will get a discounted price of $1250 which works out at $25 per pack.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has launched an investigation into complaints of price gouging by retailers after receiving more than 100 complaints.
“We are seeking information from suppliers about their costs and the current pricing of rapid antigen tests,” ACCC chair Rod Sims said.
“We are also contacting major retailers and pharmacies seeking similar information and reminding them that they need to be able to substantiate any claims they make to consumers about the reason for higher prices.”
He said suppliers are generally able to set their own prices, but businesses must not make false or misleading statements about the reason for high prices.
“We won’t be shy to name and shame suppliers and retailers we consider to be doing the wrong thing,” Mr Sims said.
PM to propose ‘support’ for low income earners
Prime Minister Scott Morrison is also expected to propose cash handouts for rapid antigen tests for low income earners to national cabinet on Wednesday.
Premiers and chief ministers will meet with the Prime Minister at 2pm – less than a week after the last national cabinet meeting – to discuss the vaccine rollout, the capacity of the health system and testing issues.
It is understood Mr Morrison will take a proposal on some kind of support for concessional and low income earners with regard to rapid antigen tests to the states and territories at the meeting.
This is likely to take the form of direct cash payments for up to five rapid antigen tests, paid through the same mechanism as the Covid disaster payment.
NCA NewsWire also understands he will also offer additional tests to state-run testing clinics to hand out for free to people suffering symptoms or who are deemed close contacts.
– with NCA NewsWire
Benjamin.graham@news.com.au
Originally published as Rapid Antigen Test price: Burger joint defends $50 rapid tests
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