Are you getting your ‘free’ products from Coles? Find out about this secret ‘loophole’ before it’s gone!
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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’?
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.
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
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!
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.
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
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