Coles' shocking change to half-price deals affects millions—Are you one of them?
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- Replies 17
The times we live in don't offer us a lot of advantages, but one thing we are grateful for is the rise of online shopping and delivery services—especially with the price of petrol being so high these days.
It's just so convenient; you can easily go online, browse the store's selection, and decide when it's best for you for the order to arrive.
However, even though online shopping offers convenience, it also comes with some potential pitfalls.
And now, Coles has recently found itself in hot water after making changes that will affect millions, leaving disgruntled customers frustrated.
Up until now, customers who used popular delivery services (such as Uber Eats and DoorDash) to get their groceries received the same prices as those who bought in-store, with all specials and discounts still being applied.
However, Coles confirmed that customers using these delivery platforms will no longer be able to take advantage of those special in-store prices.
According to the supermarket, this change will now ‘fairly’ reflect the convenience offered by these delivery services.
It is understood that the recent change is in line with the common practice other retailers use in their businesses, particularly those using the same delivery service platforms.
This news didn't go over very well with customers, especially those who rely heavily on online grocery shopping due to medical conditions that make it hard to go out to the store or those who are already on a tighter budget.
The frustrated customers took to social media to share their experiences and express their dislikes about the change.
‘Just a public service to everyone who orders Coles through Uber Eats!’ one shared.
‘I’ve been using this service for my groceries for months. The prices were whatever the price was at Coles. The driver always gave you the Coles receipt.’
‘Now all the prices have been increased...some very dramatically! Example, the coffee sachets I get on sale for $3.80—charged $9 through Uber Eats,’ they added.
‘I know that most other businesses have different prices there, but Coles was always the same prices.’
‘Just letting anyone know in case they get an adjusted bill like I did for a big grocery shop!’
One wrote: ‘Wow, I really don’t know how to put into words the anger that I feel after seeing the price hikes by Coles on DoorDash, how disgusting.’
‘As someone who mostly relies on online shopping due to disability, I often find it easier to do small shops on DoorDash. I went on to order a few things tonight to find ridiculous price hikes,’ they expressed.
‘Thank you so much Coles for making it even harder for pensioners to get by.’
Another wrote: 'Why have you taken away specials and raised your already extreme prices on the DoorDash app? This was my go to for shopping because it's so convenient. But the fact that you no longer match in-store prices and don't have specials on there is absolutely insane considering how big of a profit you turn!'
In response, a Coles spokesperson confirmed that those using Coles Online would still be able to take advantage of the in-store prices and shared a bit more info on the delivery options available.
‘We have made a decision to adjust the price of products available through on-demand delivery platforms Uber Eats and DoorDash,’ the spokesperson said.
‘This change reflects the convenience these services offer, allowing our customers in predominantly metro areas to order last minute groceries and have them delivered in a short time frame.’
‘These on-demand partner delivery services complement our Coles Online services which offer the same in-store pricing as our supermarkets.’
‘Coles Online offers include free for orders over $50, free delivery for orders over $250, $2 mid-week delivery (available Tuesday-Thursday) and customers in selected locations can also access Coles Rapid delivery service for $15 with a minimum spend of $30 to purchase products at the same price as our supermarkets,’ the spokesperson explained.
What do you think of this story? Will you be affected by Coles’ removal of their half-price buys in some online services? Let us know in the comments below!
It's just so convenient; you can easily go online, browse the store's selection, and decide when it's best for you for the order to arrive.
However, even though online shopping offers convenience, it also comes with some potential pitfalls.
And now, Coles has recently found itself in hot water after making changes that will affect millions, leaving disgruntled customers frustrated.
Up until now, customers who used popular delivery services (such as Uber Eats and DoorDash) to get their groceries received the same prices as those who bought in-store, with all specials and discounts still being applied.
However, Coles confirmed that customers using these delivery platforms will no longer be able to take advantage of those special in-store prices.
According to the supermarket, this change will now ‘fairly’ reflect the convenience offered by these delivery services.
It is understood that the recent change is in line with the common practice other retailers use in their businesses, particularly those using the same delivery service platforms.
This news didn't go over very well with customers, especially those who rely heavily on online grocery shopping due to medical conditions that make it hard to go out to the store or those who are already on a tighter budget.
The frustrated customers took to social media to share their experiences and express their dislikes about the change.
‘Just a public service to everyone who orders Coles through Uber Eats!’ one shared.
‘I’ve been using this service for my groceries for months. The prices were whatever the price was at Coles. The driver always gave you the Coles receipt.’
‘Now all the prices have been increased...some very dramatically! Example, the coffee sachets I get on sale for $3.80—charged $9 through Uber Eats,’ they added.
‘I know that most other businesses have different prices there, but Coles was always the same prices.’
‘Just letting anyone know in case they get an adjusted bill like I did for a big grocery shop!’
One wrote: ‘Wow, I really don’t know how to put into words the anger that I feel after seeing the price hikes by Coles on DoorDash, how disgusting.’
‘As someone who mostly relies on online shopping due to disability, I often find it easier to do small shops on DoorDash. I went on to order a few things tonight to find ridiculous price hikes,’ they expressed.
‘Thank you so much Coles for making it even harder for pensioners to get by.’
Another wrote: 'Why have you taken away specials and raised your already extreme prices on the DoorDash app? This was my go to for shopping because it's so convenient. But the fact that you no longer match in-store prices and don't have specials on there is absolutely insane considering how big of a profit you turn!'
In response, a Coles spokesperson confirmed that those using Coles Online would still be able to take advantage of the in-store prices and shared a bit more info on the delivery options available.
‘We have made a decision to adjust the price of products available through on-demand delivery platforms Uber Eats and DoorDash,’ the spokesperson said.
‘This change reflects the convenience these services offer, allowing our customers in predominantly metro areas to order last minute groceries and have them delivered in a short time frame.’
‘These on-demand partner delivery services complement our Coles Online services which offer the same in-store pricing as our supermarkets.’
‘Coles Online offers include free for orders over $50, free delivery for orders over $250, $2 mid-week delivery (available Tuesday-Thursday) and customers in selected locations can also access Coles Rapid delivery service for $15 with a minimum spend of $30 to purchase products at the same price as our supermarkets,’ the spokesperson explained.
Key Takeaways
- Coles supermarket has altered its pricing strategy, no longer offering the same in-store discounts to customers who shop via Uber Eats and DoorDash.
- This change has sparked a backlash from disgruntled customers on social media who have noticed price increases on these platforms.
- In response to the controversy, a Coles spokesperson has stated that the price change reflects the convenience these delivery services offer.
- The spokesperson also confirmed that Coles Online customers will still have access to in-store prices and offers.
What do you think of this story? Will you be affected by Coles’ removal of their half-price buys in some online services? Let us know in the comments below!
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