Persil tablets a complete rip off! (⅓ missing)

[cweston1977]

I really am fed up with this, it really is unfair! I think that I'm getting a deal but actually I'm being ripped off, not good for my or Isabella, jus the two of us!

I've got lots of washing to do and think I'm getting the SAME deal that I did before, it looks the same, the box is the same size, but guess what, I'm losing ONE THIRD of what I expect from before.

That's right, Persil (Unilever) decided to keep not only the box the same size and even the capsule, which is why they have the wrinkly appearance and feel to them, because they're only two thirds full, that's why!

Look, I weighed them, not only was Unilever giving me more before than the stated amount (40g per capsule) but now giving me almost half in real terms at 27g!

The back of the old box states that each capsule should be 36.8g, but you got a nice plump 40g (I still had one left over). The new box states that they're now 26.3g (which is 10g less washing power!!) and the scales measure it at 27g.

I took note of the printed code from each box:

• old: 5023 21P3 00:24
• new: 5135 21P3 23:38

The old box was 1.288kg, while the new is only 920g, with nothing to signify this change, not even a change in price. I'd much prefer the same capsule amount, but fewer of them, are my clothes even being washed properly?!

This is really sly because they didn't even bother to change the bag size for the capsules, they just put less in and then sold them like that. Horrible to touch, they feel like they've been left out in the sun too long.

I feel cheated.

Assuming the price has remained the same then....

this is a sneaky way to increase the price because if they realised you needed less liquid in the tabs to get the same clean washing - then they could have put the difference into a few extra tabs, but no, they have not done that. They have provided less liquid in each tab and are pocketing the profit. How many boxes of smaller tabs make another box of tabs to sell?

Increasing the price openly would make the consumer consider the value and consider other brands but I suspect the quiet decreased size of the tabs with no extra tabs put in the box is probably a profit led decision.

I still think this method of price increasing is rather sly.

If there was something in it for the consumer it would be packaged in a smaller box and it would double in price.

This is stealth profiteering by the manufacturer.

There may remain 10 washes per pack, but if you are a user that has a large machine, and do full washes every time, it may have an impact on how clean your wash is.

There is no way, that the manufacturer is doing this for the benefit of the consumer, but they are being sneaky about it. It also make sit difficult to price compare, so I would imagine that is why they have done this......most customers will just think "10 washes" .....but you are getting less detergent for your money now...and washing powder etc is ridiculously priced anyway!

but you are getting less detergent for your money now

That is irrelevant as it is packaged in a "per wash" manner. Any extra detergent in the capsule is wasted if the new amount gives the same results.

OP some MNers are giving you an unnecessarily hard time over this! I appreciate the time you spent researching this and posting here. I certainly wouldn't have had the time to do it myself, just like many other people, which is why manufacturers such as Persil get away with these sly tactics. I'm surprised more people aren't as outraged as you are. The fact that Persil haven't plastered their packaging with "New! More concentrated! Same number of washes!" announcements makes me suspicious. There would be outrage on MN if it was shrinking bars of chocolate or bottles of gin

I think that liquid abs are poor value for money though, compared to loose powder detergent, for which you can easily work out the price per kg. You can't measure out a little bit more or a little bit less, and you can't cut them in half, but the manufacturers are always free to give you a bit less .... For the same price ... Sneaky.

I am honestly shocked at the level of ignorance on this thread. I am not being mean to the op or anyone else who shares her outrage ... but why can't you see? Have you tried really really carefully reading the posts that explain it and trying to understand?

Astonish washing liquid is brilliant and they don't test on animals.

I pay £1.99 from B&M/Home Bargains and it says it does 40 washes.

Good strong stuff.

Its the same as the fairy liquid advert says 'same liquid per bottle but different concentration'. Does the same number of washes using the same concentration so it's fine. If not, then it's a rip off.

This must be a joke thread...everyone knows most decent companies (and people) try to be more efficient and environmentally friendly. Smaller tablets that are effective save packaging, ingredients, transport costs, waste etc.

Op do you remember when laundry detergent came in massive boxes as powder? Why not launch a campaign to bring it back?! Those pesky little tablets, who needs them when you can have a huge box?!

I actually do believe this was a joke thread and op was posting it to have a laugh at other people's expense if they agreed with her. "Maybe I just have higher standards than anybody else" was a bit of a clue ...

I received the following response from one Sophie Michels at Unilever:

"Hello From Persil

Dear Cecilia,

Thank you for your comments to Persil.

With regards to your enquiry, I would like to give you the following explanantion.
The capsules have slightly reduced in size, however the cleaning performance has remained the same which means that the capsules will still be providing the same washing results as previous to the change.

We design our products to appeal to most consumers and undertake thorough research before they are launched. However, we welcome all consumer feedback as it helps us to improve our products and it will be considered in any future developments.

Should you require more information, please feel free to contact us by letter or email. Alternatively, you can contact our Consumer Engagement Centre on our free phone number 0800 776 644 from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. One of our advisors will be more than happy to assist you.

We hope that you carry on enjoying Persil and thank you for your continued interest.

Kind regards,

Sophie Michels
Consumer Engagement Advisor"

What about solidarity, I've received mostly ridicule and abuse on this thread, us women need to stick together!

We buy the super big boxes orange. They are still there. Other people choose trendier things.

corgiology I use astonish liquid too, it's so cheap and excellent value for money. And it smells lovely.

I can't understand why anyone would pay £5 or more for washing liquid, powder or gel or whatever.

Just as an aside - for anyone worried about using liquid/gel/capsules etc and damaging their machine, DH recently completely stripped down our washing machine which had a bearing failure. We found absolutely no residue/gunk/sludge/slime whatever you want to call it, in any part of the machine. And we haven't used powder in it for over 6 years because powder was fading our clothes really badly, we've been using gel/capsules or preferably liquids. Just got a new Miele and I will continue to use the liquids without fear.

I think you're right OP, us women need to stick together when it comes to things like this. Have you thought about posting this on one of the feminism boards?