Online grocery shopping has become a staple for many Aussies, especially for those who prefer to avoid the hustle and bustle of supermarket aisles.

Occasionally, though, a delivery arrives that leaves customers scratching their heads, and the latest supermarket order mix-up has certainly got people talking.

It is a reminder that even the most convenient services can deliver some unexpected surprises.


Picture this: when the doorbell rings, you’re waiting for your groceries to arrive, perhaps still in your dressing gown.

You open the door, expecting a few bags neatly packed with your weekly shop.

Instead, you find a bright red Coles shopping basket, brimming with your groceries—no bags in sight.


The basket itself has been left on your doorstep, and now it’s your problem to figure out what to do with it!

That’s exactly what happened to one online shopper, who shared their surprise on social media: ‘Uber Eats Coles delivery this morning…’ they wrote, posting a photo of the basket-turned-delivery-box. The post quickly went viral, with Aussies everywhere chiming in with their thoughts.

Some were shocked, calling it ‘unbelievable’ and ‘pure laziness’. One commenter wondered aloud, ‘Wow. No wonder baskets go missing. I’m guessing that the person who did all the shops, including yours, everyone got a basket. Amazing that no one stopped it.’


But not everyone saw it as a problem. In fact, plenty of people thought it was a stroke of genius! ‘He saved you and him on the bag cost!’ one person laughed.

Another said, ‘I’d be happy with the basket, to be honest.’ And of course, there were a few cheeky comments: ‘Free basket, lol!’ and ‘Not all heroes wear a cape.’

So, what’s really going on here? Is this a clever way to save on bag costs, a sign of a lazy delivery driver, or just a simple mistake? And more importantly, what are you supposed to do with the basket now sitting in your hallway?

With the push towards reducing single-use plastics, supermarkets like Coles and Woolies have been encouraging shoppers to bring their own bags or pay for reusable ones.

But when it comes to home delivery, groceries are usually packed in paper or reusable bags. Sometimes, especially with third-party delivery services like Uber Eats, things can get a little muddled, especially if the driver is in a rush or if there’s a shortage of bags at the store.

It’s also possible that the driver thought they were doing you a favour by saving you the bag fee, or maybe they simply didn’t have any bags available.

Either way, it’s certainly not standard practice for Coles to deliver groceries in their store baskets!

This isn’t the first time a supermarket delivery has left Aussies bemused. From missing items to unexpected substitutions (who hasn’t received a kilo of onions instead of apples?), online grocery shopping can be a bit of a lucky dip. But for many, the convenience outweighs the occasional odd delivery.

It’s also a reminder of the human element in these services. Whether it’s a rushed driver, a new staff member, or a simple oversight, mistakes happen.

The important thing is to let the supermarket know so they can improve their service, and maybe have a laugh about it in the meantime.
Have you ever received a strange supermarket delivery? What would you do if a Coles basket turned up on your doorstep? Would you see it as a hassle, a handy bonus, or a bit of both? Share your stories and thoughts in the comments below.

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