Check your receipts, folks! Coles shopper shares the secret to scoring FREE groceries
- Replies 13
How often do you scan through your supermarket receipts for any potential errors? Well, it turns out that the habit not only helps you get a good grasp of your expenses, but it can also help you score free grocery items – and we’re here to tell you why and how.
An Aussie mum detailed how she manages to score free items at the supermarket and it all boils down to keeping an eagle eye on your grocery receipts.
The shopper shared her little-known secret on Facebook after she bagged a tin of Milo and a roast chicken completely free of charge last week.
“Is everyone aware of the Code of Scanning Practice 1984 at supermarkets?” she asked.
“If the price on the shelf is lower than the price the item scans, you get it free. Check your receipts before leaving [the] shop. They have to refund [you] and give you [the] item.”
“I usually find two to three items every week!” she continued.
Make sure to check your receipts! Image Credit: VideoHive
Several supermarkets including Coles, Woolworths, Aldi, and some IGA’s are signed up to a voluntary code called the Scanning Code of Practice.
It was implemented after a group of consumers raised concerns about being potentially overcharged by bar code scanning, which in turn encourages retailers to improve their procedures to keep their prices accurate.
Under the policy, if an item scans higher than what the shelf price indicates, the customer is entitled to receive the first item for free. Any subsequent items (if you purchased several of the same items) will be charged at a lower price.
However, the code does not apply to tobacco, liquor, third-party gift cards, items without a barcode, and items that retail for over $50.
The policy is well detailed on Coles’ website as part of its ‘promise on price scanning'.
“If a single item scans at a higher price than the advertised or ticket shelf price for that item, we will give you that item free,” the supermarket giant said online.
The Aussie mum’s Facebook post has since amassed over 120 comments, with several users sharing the free items they have previously scored thanks to the policy.
“My hubby got a free pack of two pillows because they scanned wrong,” one woman wrote.
“I do this all the time,” another said. “I got a free box of Magnums the other week.”
“I got free stockings for an entire winter when I was a teenager doing this because they refused to update the sign,” a third claimed.
Coles signed up for the voluntary code. Image Credit: Daily Mail
Others encouraged shoppers to stand up for themselves if the cashier refuses to honour the policy.
“A lot of the time they think people don’t know this, and they will try to just change it to the shelf price,” a user explained.
“At the service desk, they have a Code of Scanning Practice brochure,” added another. “ If they try to argue, I whip it out of my purse.”
“I never used to bother saying anything but I got sick of getting ripped off at every shop,” one more commented.
Choice also touched on the policy, urging shoppers to complain to a supervisor or store manager if a staff member fails to comply with the code.
“If the store does not comply with the code, a customer can take their complaint to the Australian National Retailers Association (ANRA) on 02 8249 4520.” their website read.
Did you know about the Scanning Code of Practice prior to this story? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
You may read more about the Scanning Code of Practice and your consumer rights by clicking here.
An Aussie mum detailed how she manages to score free items at the supermarket and it all boils down to keeping an eagle eye on your grocery receipts.
The shopper shared her little-known secret on Facebook after she bagged a tin of Milo and a roast chicken completely free of charge last week.
“Is everyone aware of the Code of Scanning Practice 1984 at supermarkets?” she asked.
“If the price on the shelf is lower than the price the item scans, you get it free. Check your receipts before leaving [the] shop. They have to refund [you] and give you [the] item.”
“I usually find two to three items every week!” she continued.
Make sure to check your receipts! Image Credit: VideoHive
Several supermarkets including Coles, Woolworths, Aldi, and some IGA’s are signed up to a voluntary code called the Scanning Code of Practice.
It was implemented after a group of consumers raised concerns about being potentially overcharged by bar code scanning, which in turn encourages retailers to improve their procedures to keep their prices accurate.
Under the policy, if an item scans higher than what the shelf price indicates, the customer is entitled to receive the first item for free. Any subsequent items (if you purchased several of the same items) will be charged at a lower price.
However, the code does not apply to tobacco, liquor, third-party gift cards, items without a barcode, and items that retail for over $50.
The policy is well detailed on Coles’ website as part of its ‘promise on price scanning'.
“If a single item scans at a higher price than the advertised or ticket shelf price for that item, we will give you that item free,” the supermarket giant said online.
The Aussie mum’s Facebook post has since amassed over 120 comments, with several users sharing the free items they have previously scored thanks to the policy.
“My hubby got a free pack of two pillows because they scanned wrong,” one woman wrote.
“I do this all the time,” another said. “I got a free box of Magnums the other week.”
“I got free stockings for an entire winter when I was a teenager doing this because they refused to update the sign,” a third claimed.
Coles signed up for the voluntary code. Image Credit: Daily Mail
Others encouraged shoppers to stand up for themselves if the cashier refuses to honour the policy.
“A lot of the time they think people don’t know this, and they will try to just change it to the shelf price,” a user explained.
“At the service desk, they have a Code of Scanning Practice brochure,” added another. “ If they try to argue, I whip it out of my purse.”
“I never used to bother saying anything but I got sick of getting ripped off at every shop,” one more commented.
Choice also touched on the policy, urging shoppers to complain to a supervisor or store manager if a staff member fails to comply with the code.
“If the store does not comply with the code, a customer can take their complaint to the Australian National Retailers Association (ANRA) on 02 8249 4520.” their website read.
Did you know about the Scanning Code of Practice prior to this story? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
You may read more about the Scanning Code of Practice and your consumer rights by clicking here.
Last edited:
.png){kind=icon}
