Getting free or discounted stuff is pretty rare, so when it happens, it’s quite a big deal.

For Aussies attempting to maximise their online shopping experience, savvy Coles shoppers have found a ‘loophole’ in the supermarket’s online ordering system, allowing them to get products at a reduced price or for ‘free’.

In theory, this loophole could be applied to any product, but whether it will continue remains uncertain.

So, what is this ‘loophole’?

A shopper at Coles boasts about snagging a free tub of ice cream weekly, but their advice may not be a lasting solution. Image source: TikTok/@thekickitforwardpodcast

Well, according to savvy shoppers, you can score ‘free’ products from Coles online by selecting items they anticipate will be out of stock and then rejecting the substituted product.

Based on one shopper’s statement, this approach involves searching for a product believed to be unavailable in-store, prompting Coles to send out a similar substitution.

One shopper shared their money-saving strategy on social media, claiming to use this method to ‘get a free tub of ice cream every week’.

‘If you say you’re not happy with the alternative they choose for you, you get the item for free... We say we are not happy with it and get a free tub of ice cream every week,’ they said.

While this strategy might yield short-term benefits, it is understood that Coles online will eventually flag the shopper as a frequent offender. The online fulfilment team receives reports for credits and refunds initiated by shoppers.

If there’s a consistent request, similar to the ice cream example, you might be flagged for attempting to exploit the system, potentially resulting in a denial of the credit.

According to a Coles spokesperson, the substitution choice is in place to make sure shoppers aren't left without alternatives if a particular item is out of stock.

Substitutions might not be your preference, so the online team may give you a call to confirm if you'd like to adjust your choices if you consistently decline replacements.

‘As per the Coles Online terms and conditions, customers have the choice to opt in or out for substitutions,’ the spokesperson said.

‘If you have chosen to allow substitutions, we’ll choose a similar item that is either a different size of the same product or a different brand.’

‘If we substitute any item, you'll be charged the lower of the original or the substitute price. When an item is out of stock, you won’t be charged for that item.’

Coles substitution policy and process

Whether you're after a free item or just want a smooth shopping experience at Coles, make the most of the substitute option for out-of-stock items with this simple guide.

• Step 1: Review your order and click Checkout.
• Step 2: After confirming your delivery details, head to the Review trolley and substitutions section. The ‘Allow substitutions’ option is automatically selected, but feel free to change this preference before saving and continuing. Click on ‘Change substitutions’ to view and adjust your preferences.
• Step 3: All items in your trolley will be ticked. Untick any you don’t want substitutes for. You can also switch to ‘Don't allow substitutions’ if you prefer. Make your selections and continue through checkout to place your order.

If something is unavailable when the order is packed, it will be swapped with a similar item from the range. However, you’ll only pay the price of the substitute item, and your final order total will be updated accordingly.

Please note that certain items like liquor, tobacco, and baby products are exempt from substitutions, as they are chosen based on specific preferences.

Woolworths offers a comparable feature where if items are out of stock, they will be replaced with a ‘suitable alternative of equal or higher value’.

‘This is at no extra cost to you, and you'll only be charged the price of the original item. If no appropriate substitute is available, we’ll refund you for the item/s, or adjust your final order total accordingly,’ the Woolworths website states.

Video source: TikTok/@@thekickitforwardpodcast​

Key Takeaways

• Savvy shoppers have figured out a workaround to get ‘free’ products from Coles online by choosing products they think will be out of stock and then rejecting the substituted product.
• This clever trick involves Coles’ substitution policy when products are out of stock and has been used by shoppers to get items such as ice cream for free.
• Coles has warned that they will flag repeat offenders who consistently reject substitutions, potentially denying them credits.
• Woolworths has a similar policy, where out-of-stock items are substituted with a comparable item, charged at the price of the original item. If no suitable substitution is available, shoppers are refunded, or their order total is adjusted.

Members, what's your take on this story? Would you consider trying this loophole for a free product at Coles or Woolworths? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

 

[Yen]

Getting free or discounted stuff is pretty rare, so when it happens, it’s quite a big deal.

For Aussies attempting to maximise their online shopping experience, savvy Coles shoppers have found a ‘loophole’ in the supermarket’s online ordering system, allowing them to get products at a reduced price or for ‘free’.

In theory, this loophole could be applied to any product, but whether it will continue remains uncertain.

So, what is this ‘loophole’?

View attachment 33571

A shopper at Coles boasts about snagging a free tub of ice cream weekly, but their advice may not be a lasting solution. Image source: TikTok/@thekickitforwardpodcast

Well, according to savvy shoppers, you can score ‘free’ products from Coles online by selecting items they anticipate will be out of stock and then rejecting the substituted product.

Based on one shopper’s statement, this approach involves searching for a product believed to be unavailable in-store, prompting Coles to send out a similar substitution.

One shopper shared their money-saving strategy on social media, claiming to use this method to ‘get a free tub of ice cream every week’.

‘If you say you’re not happy with the alternative they choose for you, you get the item for free... We say we are not happy with it and get a free tub of ice cream every week,’ they said.

While this strategy might yield short-term benefits, it is understood that Coles online will eventually flag the shopper as a frequent offender. The online fulfilment team receives reports for credits and refunds initiated by shoppers.

If there’s a consistent request, similar to the ice cream example, you might be flagged for attempting to exploit the system, potentially resulting in a denial of the credit.

According to a Coles spokesperson, the substitution choice is in place to make sure shoppers aren't left without alternatives if a particular item is out of stock.

Substitutions might not be your preference, so the online team may give you a call to confirm if you'd like to adjust your choices if you consistently decline replacements.

‘As per the Coles Online terms and conditions, customers have the choice to opt in or out for substitutions,’ the spokesperson said.

‘If you have chosen to allow substitutions, we’ll choose a similar item that is either a different size of the same product or a different brand.’

‘If we substitute any item, you'll be charged the lower of the original or the substitute price. When an item is out of stock, you won’t be charged for that item.’

Coles substitution policy and process

Whether you're after a free item or just want a smooth shopping experience at Coles, make the most of the substitute option for out-of-stock items with this simple guide.

• Step 1: Review your order and click Checkout.
• Step 2: After confirming your delivery details, head to the Review trolley and substitutions section. The ‘Allow substitutions’ option is automatically selected, but feel free to change this preference before saving and continuing. Click on ‘Change substitutions’ to view and adjust your preferences.
• Step 3: All items in your trolley will be ticked. Untick any you don’t want substitutes for. You can also switch to ‘Don't allow substitutions’ if you prefer. Make your selections and continue through checkout to place your order.

If something is unavailable when the order is packed, it will be swapped with a similar item from the range. However, you’ll only pay the price of the substitute item, and your final order total will be updated accordingly.

Please note that certain items like liquor, tobacco, and baby products are exempt from substitutions, as they are chosen based on specific preferences.

Woolworths offers a comparable feature where if items are out of stock, they will be replaced with a ‘suitable alternative of equal or higher value’.

‘This is at no extra cost to you, and you'll only be charged the price of the original item. If no appropriate substitute is available, we’ll refund you for the item/s, or adjust your final order total accordingly,’ the Woolworths website states.

Video source: TikTok/@@thekickitforwardpodcast​

Key Takeaways

• Savvy shoppers have figured out a workaround to get ‘free’ products from Coles online by choosing products they think will be out of stock and then rejecting the substituted product.
• This clever trick involves Coles’ substitution policy when products are out of stock and has been used by shoppers to get items such as ice cream for free.
• Coles has warned that they will flag repeat offenders who consistently reject substitutions, potentially denying them credits.
• Woolworths has a similar policy, where out-of-stock items are substituted with a comparable item, charged at the price of the original item. If no suitable substitution is available, shoppers are refunded, or their order total is adjusted.

Members, what's your take on this story? Would you consider trying this loophole for a free product at Coles or Woolworths? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

My opinion is it is immoral and dishonest conduct. I just take the option of no substitutes.

 

[magpie1]

Nothing at all to be proud of by doing that sort of thing lad....and you want to get some form of 'credit' by bragging about it on Social media....stop with the THEFT and pay your way like everyone else has to.

 

[Ezzy]

I agree with @ June E. SDC are just sharing a news item with its readers.

However SDC. I didn't agree with the wording in the 2nd paragraph of the summary, "This clever trick..."
I find nothing clever about this person's FRAUDULENT ACTIONS. He should be named & shamed.

l did find the whole article an eye opener as to the extent some people will stoop to in an effort to fabricate a fraudulent act & succeed in weekly theft. SHAME, SHAME,SHAME.

 

[magpie1]

I agree with @ June E. SDC are just sharing a news item with its readers.

However SDC. I didn't agree with the wording in the 2nd paragraph of the summary, "This clever trick..."
I find nothing clever about this person's FRAUDULENT ACTIONS. He should be named & shamed.

l did find the whole article an eye opener as to the extent some people will stoop to in an effort to fabricate a fraudulent act & succeed in weekly theft. SHAME, SHAME,SHAME.

So true@Ezzy:..... back in the day these types would be thrown in gaol.......then put in chains, then put on a boat, then sailed to an island called New Holland as punishment for their CRIMES......now

 

[Suzanne rose]

I agree with @ June E. SDC are just sharing a news item with its readers.

However SDC. I didn't agree with the wording in the 2nd paragraph of the summary, "This clever trick..."
I find nothing clever about this person's FRAUDULENT ACTIONS. He should be named & shamed.

l did find the whole article an eye opener as to the extent some people will stoop to in an effort to fabricate a fraudulent act & succeed in weekly theft. SHAME, SHAME,SHAME.

So very well said

 

[Loubeauxarts]

My takeaway on this article was, apart from agreeing with everyone that it is thievery, the stupidity of the blogger (wanker) actually publicising how he's done it and expecting to continue doing it. Bloody clown

 

[Fair go mate]

Getting free or discounted stuff is pretty rare, so when it happens, it’s quite a big deal.

For Aussies attempting to maximise their online shopping experience, savvy Coles shoppers have found a ‘loophole’ in the supermarket’s online ordering system, allowing them to get products at a reduced price or for ‘free’.

In theory, this loophole could be applied to any product, but whether it will continue remains uncertain.

So, what is this ‘loophole’?

View attachment 33571

A shopper at Coles boasts about snagging a free tub of ice cream weekly, but their advice may not be a lasting solution. Image source: TikTok/@thekickitforwardpodcast

Well, according to savvy shoppers, you can score ‘free’ products from Coles online by selecting items they anticipate will be out of stock and then rejecting the substituted product.

Based on one shopper’s statement, this approach involves searching for a product believed to be unavailable in-store, prompting Coles to send out a similar substitution.

One shopper shared their money-saving strategy on social media, claiming to use this method to ‘get a free tub of ice cream every week’.

‘If you say you’re not happy with the alternative they choose for you, you get the item for free... We say we are not happy with it and get a free tub of ice cream every week,’ they said.

While this strategy might yield short-term benefits, it is understood that Coles online will eventually flag the shopper as a frequent offender. The online fulfilment team receives reports for credits and refunds initiated by shoppers.

If there’s a consistent request, similar to the ice cream example, you might be flagged for attempting to exploit the system, potentially resulting in a denial of the credit.

According to a Coles spokesperson, the substitution choice is in place to make sure shoppers aren't left without alternatives if a particular item is out of stock.

Substitutions might not be your preference, so the online team may give you a call to confirm if you'd like to adjust your choices if you consistently decline replacements.

‘As per the Coles Online terms and conditions, customers have the choice to opt in or out for substitutions,’ the spokesperson said.

‘If you have chosen to allow substitutions, we’ll choose a similar item that is either a different size of the same product or a different brand.’

‘If we substitute any item, you'll be charged the lower of the original or the substitute price. When an item is out of stock, you won’t be charged for that item.’

Coles substitution policy and process

Whether you're after a free item or just want a smooth shopping experience at Coles, make the most of the substitute option for out-of-stock items with this simple guide.

• Step 1: Review your order and click Checkout.
• Step 2: After confirming your delivery details, head to the Review trolley and substitutions section. The ‘Allow substitutions’ option is automatically selected, but feel free to change this preference before saving and continuing. Click on ‘Change substitutions’ to view and adjust your preferences.
• Step 3: All items in your trolley will be ticked. Untick any you don’t want substitutes for. You can also switch to ‘Don't allow substitutions’ if you prefer. Make your selections and continue through checkout to place your order.

If something is unavailable when the order is packed, it will be swapped with a similar item from the range. However, you’ll only pay the price of the substitute item, and your final order total will be updated accordingly.

Please note that certain items like liquor, tobacco, and baby products are exempt from substitutions, as they are chosen based on specific preferences.

Woolworths offers a comparable feature where if items are out of stock, they will be replaced with a ‘suitable alternative of equal or higher value’.

‘This is at no extra cost to you, and you'll only be charged the price of the original item. If no appropriate substitute is available, we’ll refund you for the item/s, or adjust your final order total accordingly,’ the Woolworths website states.

Video source: TikTok/@@thekickitforwardpodcast​

Key Takeaways

• Savvy shoppers have figured out a workaround to get ‘free’ products from Coles online by choosing products they think will be out of stock and then rejecting the substituted product.
• This clever trick involves Coles’ substitution policy when products are out of stock and has been used by shoppers to get items such as ice cream for free.
• Coles has warned that they will flag repeat offenders who consistently reject substitutions, potentially denying them credits.
• Woolworths has a similar policy, where out-of-stock items are substituted with a comparable item, charged at the price of the original item. If no suitable substitution is available, shoppers are refunded, or their order total is adjusted.

Members, what's your take on this story? Would you consider trying this loophole for a free product at Coles or Woolworths? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Why do I believe the customer is stealing ! Sorry I feel most uncomfortable with those who knowingly plan to take advantage of supermarkets or any business for that matter. Other shoppers pay for these scams. Perhaps they would like to give their ill gotten bounty to those in financial need.

 

[Juicy]

I had a substitute for what I requested and I wasn’t happy and reported this because they gave me orange juice with sugar instead of without. This could have been dangerous for a diabetic but when offered a refund I refused. I now say no substitutes.

 

[Suzanne rose]

I received my online shop yesterday, and had asked for beef brisket and they substituted it with not one but two pieces of beef which was triple the price of brisket.
How generous was this of Coles !!

I'm going to actually slice it and use for other dishes , it doesn't need to be slow cooked like brisket

 

[Beezzzy1]

Getting free or discounted stuff is pretty rare, so when it happens, it’s quite a big deal.

For Aussies attempting to maximise their online shopping experience, savvy Coles shoppers have found a ‘loophole’ in the supermarket’s online ordering system, allowing them to get products at a reduced price or for ‘free’.

In theory, this loophole could be applied to any product, but whether it will continue remains uncertain.

So, what is this ‘loophole’?

View attachment 33571

A shopper at Coles boasts about snagging a free tub of ice cream weekly, but their advice may not be a lasting solution. Image source: TikTok/@thekickitforwardpodcast

Well, according to savvy shoppers, you can score ‘free’ products from Coles online by selecting items they anticipate will be out of stock and then rejecting the substituted product.

Based on one shopper’s statement, this approach involves searching for a product believed to be unavailable in-store, prompting Coles to send out a similar substitution.

One shopper shared their money-saving strategy on social media, claiming to use this method to ‘get a free tub of ice cream every week’.

‘If you say you’re not happy with the alternative they choose for you, you get the item for free... We say we are not happy with it and get a free tub of ice cream every week,’ they said.

While this strategy might yield short-term benefits, it is understood that Coles online will eventually flag the shopper as a frequent offender. The online fulfilment team receives reports for credits and refunds initiated by shoppers.

If there’s a consistent request, similar to the ice cream example, you might be flagged for attempting to exploit the system, potentially resulting in a denial of the credit.

According to a Coles spokesperson, the substitution choice is in place to make sure shoppers aren't left without alternatives if a particular item is out of stock.

Substitutions might not be your preference, so the online team may give you a call to confirm if you'd like to adjust your choices if you consistently decline replacements.

‘As per the Coles Online terms and conditions, customers have the choice to opt in or out for substitutions,’ the spokesperson said.

‘If you have chosen to allow substitutions, we’ll choose a similar item that is either a different size of the same product or a different brand.’

‘If we substitute any item, you'll be charged the lower of the original or the substitute price. When an item is out of stock, you won’t be charged for that item.’

Coles substitution policy and process

Whether you're after a free item or just want a smooth shopping experience at Coles, make the most of the substitute option for out-of-stock items with this simple guide.

• Step 1: Review your order and click Checkout.
• Step 2: After confirming your delivery details, head to the Review trolley and substitutions section. The ‘Allow substitutions’ option is automatically selected, but feel free to change this preference before saving and continuing. Click on ‘Change substitutions’ to view and adjust your preferences.
• Step 3: All items in your trolley will be ticked. Untick any you don’t want substitutes for. You can also switch to ‘Don't allow substitutions’ if you prefer. Make your selections and continue through checkout to place your order.

If something is unavailable when the order is packed, it will be swapped with a similar item from the range. However, you’ll only pay the price of the substitute item, and your final order total will be updated accordingly.

Please note that certain items like liquor, tobacco, and baby products are exempt from substitutions, as they are chosen based on specific preferences.

Woolworths offers a comparable feature where if items are out of stock, they will be replaced with a ‘suitable alternative of equal or higher value’.

‘This is at no extra cost to you, and you'll only be charged the price of the original item. If no appropriate substitute is available, we’ll refund you for the item/s, or adjust your final order total accordingly,’ the Woolworths website states.

Video source: TikTok/@@thekickitforwardpodcast​

Key Takeaways

• Savvy shoppers have figured out a workaround to get ‘free’ products from Coles online by choosing products they think will be out of stock and then rejecting the substituted product.
• This clever trick involves Coles’ substitution policy when products are out of stock and has been used by shoppers to get items such as ice cream for free.
• Coles has warned that they will flag repeat offenders who consistently reject substitutions, potentially denying them credits.
• Woolworths has a similar policy, where out-of-stock items are substituted with a comparable item, charged at the price of the original item. If no suitable substitution is available, shoppers are refunded, or their order total is adjusted.

Members, what's your take on this story? Would you consider trying this loophole for a free product at Coles or Woolworths? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

And we wonder why our children are dishonest. This is like stealing!!

 

[AndyM6539]

Dishonest and at the end of the day the products we purchase honestly will increase to cover the losses.

 

[Aussie all the Way]

I'm horrified at how blasé people are about being dishonest, I suppose it is a sign of the times we live in now. If you can live with being like this just remember KHAMA'S a BITCH

 

[Kellettw]

Disgusting! What actually happens is that the cost is offset by every other shopper!

 

[Barbara V]

I know things are getting tough but to deliberately do that is not on so shame on you. They will probably stop doing it now and honest people will suffer

 

[Barbara V]

Shame on you it's people llike you that spoil it for someone genuine

 

[deni67]

Its selfish morons like this who wreck things for all the genuine claimants.
Look what's happened with the Disability Pension ! Because selfish greedy people took advantage and dishonestly lived on disability payments while secretly working for cash, it is now near impossible for genuine people in dire circumstances to get a successful application outcome.
And I have to agree that headlining this article as "savvy" is an offensive mistake SDC ! Where is your moral code ?

I agree with the Disability Pension, I was lucky to get it a few years before the new rules came in but now I have friends trying to get it and it's almost impossible.
It's gone the way of America where you have to have the 100 point system otherwise you have to get a lawyer to fight for you. It's ridiculous, my friend is in a wheel chair and in pain all the time but she has to go into Centerlink every fortnight to put a form in, and she has to look for jobs!!

 

[Ezzy]

I agree with the Disability Pension, I was lucky to get it a few years before the new rules came in but now I have friends trying to get it and it's almost impossible.
It's gone the way of America where you have to have the 100 point system otherwise you have to get a lawyer to fight for you. It's ridiculous, my friend is in a wheel chair and in pain all the time but she has to go into Centerlink every fortnight to put a form in, and she has to look for jobs!!

Yes, this is TOTALLY RIDICULOUS!!! Not only is this poor lady denied the benefits she is obviously entitled to but she must further suffer the indignity of attending Centrelink to put in forms & look for jobs she won't find because of her obvious disability. Any benefits she may get while been forced to look for work will be spent largely on medications needed for ongoing pain with some left over for life's essentials.

The Federal Government need to take stock, take benefits from those fraudulently claiming them & give these to the genuine people of our Nation who deserve those benefits. I am sure faking the symptoms this lady must be suffering would be very difficult to do & a trained eye would soon spot a scammer.

COME ON PRIME MINISTER. YOU HAVE STUFFED UP SO MUCH FOR AUSTRALIANS IN A SHORT TIME.

IT IS NOW TIME TO PUT THINGS RIGHT STARTING WITH OUR DISABILITY PAYMENTS TO GENUINE PEOPLE. [Possibly a chance to improve your ratings too].

 

[deni67]

Many years ago I was shopping in Woolies and I needed some stock cubes. They came in these little tube like square things, if that makes sense.
I didn't want to buy a box of them because they would have been wasted so I put one in my trolley and kept shopping. But the problem with the stock cubes was they were that small they kept on falling through the holes in the trolley and onto the floor so I put them in my pocket, I finished shopping and it wasn't until I got home that I realised they were still in my pocket, I was mortified so I rang the store to explain, they laughed about it and said to keep them lol.
Even though they were under a dollar I still felt guilty so I don't know how these 'seasoned' shop lifters go, do they not feel guilt at all?

Then a few years ago I was going through the checkout and a lady came through with a pram, in the basket underneath it she had loaded things like nappies, formula, and a few other things crammed in.
I watched her as she went through the checkout and she didn't get one item from that basket, then she walked out of the store, I quickly told the lady behind the checkout and she said there was nothing they could do once they had gone through the checkout, so she got away with it, I don't believe that, she could have been pulled up right until she got into her car as far as I was aware..

 

[patricciass]

I’ve heard about those “free” products from Coles, and it’s pretty wild how many people don’t know about it. It feels like a little secret club. You need to watch for those special offers and promotions they sneak in.
Honestly, I love grabbing freebies when I can. It’s like a mini treasure hunt! Also, I’ve come across some baby companies that send free stuff, like sample diapers or baby wipes. It’s great for parents and an excellent way to try out products before committing to buying them. Just sign up for newsletters so you don’t miss out.

 

[Ingot]

No, I wouldn't it's very dishonest, and people doing this all the time knowing that they are going to do it from the beginning is very dishonest.

Another reason groceries are going up is because of theft and dishonesty, and this is both.

Maybe the article should have just shown people that they can ask for substitutions and if they are not happy then coles will refund and left out the searching for out of stock items just so they can then ask for a refund.

This article may encourage people to do this , which really, is the same as stealing .
I now hope no one who reads this article goes and tries it.

I have had substitutions where I have asked for a refund. I asked for coke no sugar, and they gave me coke. Did they not know I wanted sugar free. I now untick substitutions for these and any other items I don't want substituted.

Totally agree.
Would you like it if people do this to you if you are in business.
It's an abuse.
Coles are making an offer to meet people half-way.
Why abuse that?
End result: Coles will block your substitutions, and it may mean the end of this compromise for all shoppers.
Australians are honest.
We do not do these things.