Getting a good deal on your groceries is always a cause for celebration.

So it's understandable why shoppers were excited to learn that Coles offered a range of superhero-themed collectables free for customers who spend $30 or more in-store or online.

The campaign, which was in partnership with Warner Bros, Discovery Global Consumer Products and DC, allowed customers to build a collection of superheroes from a range of 35 characters–ranging from the classics like Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman to villains like The Joker–and it’s proving to be a hit with kids and adults alike.

Coles offers superhero-themed collectables free for every purchase worth $30 in-store or online. Image source: Coles Australia.

However, some customers have been left confused and frustrated after they were unexpectedly charged a small fee for the collectables.

It seems that an IT system glitch resulted in customers being charged $0.01 per collectable instead of getting it free for every $30 spent.

As soon as Coles became aware of the error, it sent out an email to those affected explaining the situation.

An email was sent to customers of Coles who experienced the glitch. Image source: 9Honey / Seniors Discount Club.

'We really appreciate your shopping with Coles Online and would like to let you know we will be crediting your account with $5 to spend with us in the future due to an unintentional error that occurred when you recently shopped with us,' the email read.

'This will be available in your account from 12 August and will be automatically applied when you place your next order with us and spend $50 or more.'

The email went on to explain that customers would also receive a refund of 1 cent per collectable they received, as well as the $5 credit.

The email sent to customers of Coles said they will receive a refund and credits due to the inconvenience caused by the glitch. Image source: 9Honey / Seniors Discount Club.

But was the error really accidental, as Coles stated in its email?

In similar news, Woolworths has also released its own–to celebrate Disney’s 100th anniversary–offering Disney collectable cards for shoppers who spend $30 or more in-store or online. There are 100 character cards to collect with an 'ultra rare' holographic Walt Disney card stashed randomly in packs.

But before you place your next order, it's always worth double-checking that everything is in place and you're getting the right price.

The Benefits and Downsides of Online Shopping

In this digital age, more shoppers are turning to the convenience of online grocery shopping. Not only does it save you time and the trouble of pushing a trolley aisle after aisle, but it is also highly efficient in helping budget-conscious shoppers compare prices at different stores with just a few clicks.

In addition, home delivery means you don't have to lug heavy grocery bags around or worry about parking. Shoppers also have access to exclusive online deals, just like the Coles Superhero Builder collectables.

However, technology doesn’t come without its glitches and frustrations. Price discrepancies between the online and physical stores, occasional delivery errors and the potential for technical bugs often test customers' patience, not to mention the touch-and-feel aspect of shopping in-store, which the online experience drastically lacks.

By keeping these limitations in mind and staying vigilant, you can take advantage of the conveniences of digital shopping while avoiding its pitfalls.

Key Takeaways

• The Coles Superhero Builders, launched in partnership with Warner Bros., Discovery Global Consumer Products and DC, have proved to be very popular with children.
• Coles' online customers were affected by a computer glitch, causing unintentional charges for usually free Coles Superhero Builders collectables.
• Upon realising, Coles informed affected customers via email, offering them a $5 credit and a refund of the mistakenly charged money.
• Coles Australia spokesperson revealed the glitch occurred as an unintentional result of a recent website upgrade.

Have you experienced a similar issue while online shopping at Coles? Share your experience with us in the comments section below!

 

[Suzanne rose]

At times flybuys offer a free item and you need to becareful you do actually get it for free

 

[Cheb]

At times flybuys offer a free item and you need to becareful you do actually get it for free

A few weeks ago, I received a free offer from Coles for 200gm of short-cut Primo bacon, from the Deli.
At my Dandenong Plaza Store we don't have a Deli section as everything is pre-packed behind glass doors. (Which I don't like) So I took a 200gn Primo, short-cut bacon from the chiller shelves. This was not deducted on my receipt, and I did check at the Service Desk. The Lady told me that I would need to contact Flybuys to complain. I didn't bother. But 2 days later I was refunded $5 into my account because I had paid by debit card. I was quite surprised to receive the refund. It just goes to show that Coles are on the ball.

 

[Suzanne rose]

A few weeks ago, I received a free offer from Coles for 200gm of short-cut Primo bacon, from the Deli.
At my Dandenong Plaza Store we don't have a Deli section as everything is pre-packed behind glass doors. (Which I don't like) So I took a 200gn Primo, short-cut bacon from the chiller shelves. This was not deducted on my receipt, and I did check at the Service Desk. The Lady told me that I would need to contact Flybuys to complain. I didn't bother. But 2 days later I was refunded $5 into my account because I had paid by debit card. I was quite surprised to receive the refund. It just goes to show that Coles are on the ball.

What a great story !