Do you think this Coles shopper's attempt to get free chicken is 'scabby'? Find out what people are saying!
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- Replies 16
Ah, we here at SDC love picking up a bargain at the local supermarket, don't we?
However, bargain hunting can sometimes lead to heated debates as some people feel differently about taking advantage of these sorts of mistakes, particularly if it requires more than just a general price-check...
A Coles customer recently came under fire after posting a story on a bargain-hunter Facebook group about how she scored a pack of chicken for free.
Sharing a photo of the range of Coles chicken portions which had a marked down price from $12 to $9.50 to the Markdown Addicts Australia Facebook group, the shopper revealed that when she paid for the item at the checkout, she was charged the full price instead of the marked down amount.
However, despite the fact that Coles scanning policy states that any customer who is overcharged must receive the item in question for free, there was apparently a bit of drama involved, as the woman revealed that she had to 'argue' with the cashier to get her money back.
She wrote on her post: 'Chicken for free - had to fight for it though as it was marked $12 kg.'
'Lady reckons if I’m aware the price is wrong I don’t get a refund.'
Many people felt that it was unfair to demand the item for free, with one accusing the shopper of being 'scabby'.
One person wrote: 'I’ve never asked for it for free ... I would feel too embarrassed.'
'They don’t have to give it to you for free, they probably do because at the end of the day they are on minimum wage and don’t want to put up with you.'
'I feel sorry for anyone that comes across your scabby ways.'
'I simply just remind them it’s not $12 a kg, it was $9.50, and they get someone to check. I would never demand something for free.'
'Keep them honest and ask for that $3 back like most people would. Two wrongs don’t make a right.'
Others agreed, saying that it was wrong for the shopper to demand the items rather than politely requesting them.
One shopper said: 'Yes, it’s one thing for the store to offer it free when there has been a mistake with pricing but to demand it I feel is cheeky.'
'It does bother me how often prices are incorrect though, one day I was charged incorrectly in four stores I went into, it always pays to check the receipt.'
Another added: 'I thought it was cheeky and scabby initially. But then I reflected upon it - think of how many people before you have seen the price advertised, put it in the trolley and then paid the incorrect price without realising it?'
'I’d be too embarrassed to ask too, so I never have. However, I hear it’s their policy that the item is free if it’s been paid for at the wrong price. So if somebody has the balls to point that out, then why not?' a third chimed in.
Many other commenters were firmly on her side, arguing that she had done nothing wrong, and that Coles were legally obligated to give her the item at no extra cost.
One person explained: 'They do have to give it to you for free because that is their policy. It is not “scabby” to insist they follow their own rules.'
'It’s their scanning policy. If it scans at a higher price, you receive the first item free and subsequent items at the lower price,' another comment read.
A third argued: 'Yes, they do have to give it to the customer for free. Service assistants don’t give out things for free just because they are on minimum wage. What a ridiculous statement!'
Several retail workers jumped in on the discussion, saying that it was inappropriate for the customer to approach the cashier about the matter.
One worker said: 'Bloody hell, it’s like most of you have never heard of human error.'
'Go work in a supermarket yourself and see the workload and s*** you have to deal with - from workplace politics to shitty customers, like half of y’all. You aren’t that important - people brainstorm ways to fleece you at the register.'
Another agreed, writing: 'Everyone gets so nasty towards one another. Everyone has their views and that’s totally fine. I work in a supermarket and some days our special ticket prices drop out - it’s not our fault and yes, it does happen a fair bit.'
'But a lot of people also take that opportunity to abuse the absolute s*** out of us for it.'
Despite the differing opinions, one thing is clear - it’s always important to remember to go in with a polite and respectful attitude to folks working in retail.
Coles Scanning Policy
If you’ve ever been to a Coles supermarket, you’ll be familiar with their Promise on Price Scanning policy. It ensures pricing accuracy at in-store registers to avoid any unfortunate scanning mistakes.
There may have been a scanning error if an item has been scanned or the proper Price Lookup Up (PLU) number is entered yet the price displayed at the register or on the receipt is higher than the advertised or ticketed price.
So, if you ever find yourself in this situation, here’s what you need to know to make the most out of Coles’ Promise on Price Scanning:
Unfortunately, there are some items that are excluded from Coles’ Promise on Price Scanning policy:
• Items without a barcode or PLU number
• 3rd party gift card products and Telco recharge vouchers
• Tobacco or liquor products
• Items over $50
So if you come across a similar mishap next time you’re at a grocery store, it’s worth pointing it out and asking for the item at the lower price - who knows, you may just get some rewards from it.
Members, do you think it’s fair for customers to demand items for free when they are incorrectly priced? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
However, bargain hunting can sometimes lead to heated debates as some people feel differently about taking advantage of these sorts of mistakes, particularly if it requires more than just a general price-check...
A Coles customer recently came under fire after posting a story on a bargain-hunter Facebook group about how she scored a pack of chicken for free.
Sharing a photo of the range of Coles chicken portions which had a marked down price from $12 to $9.50 to the Markdown Addicts Australia Facebook group, the shopper revealed that when she paid for the item at the checkout, she was charged the full price instead of the marked down amount.
However, despite the fact that Coles scanning policy states that any customer who is overcharged must receive the item in question for free, there was apparently a bit of drama involved, as the woman revealed that she had to 'argue' with the cashier to get her money back.
She wrote on her post: 'Chicken for free - had to fight for it though as it was marked $12 kg.'
'Lady reckons if I’m aware the price is wrong I don’t get a refund.'
Many people felt that it was unfair to demand the item for free, with one accusing the shopper of being 'scabby'.
One person wrote: 'I’ve never asked for it for free ... I would feel too embarrassed.'
'They don’t have to give it to you for free, they probably do because at the end of the day they are on minimum wage and don’t want to put up with you.'
'I feel sorry for anyone that comes across your scabby ways.'
'I simply just remind them it’s not $12 a kg, it was $9.50, and they get someone to check. I would never demand something for free.'
'Keep them honest and ask for that $3 back like most people would. Two wrongs don’t make a right.'
Others agreed, saying that it was wrong for the shopper to demand the items rather than politely requesting them.
One shopper said: 'Yes, it’s one thing for the store to offer it free when there has been a mistake with pricing but to demand it I feel is cheeky.'
'It does bother me how often prices are incorrect though, one day I was charged incorrectly in four stores I went into, it always pays to check the receipt.'
Another added: 'I thought it was cheeky and scabby initially. But then I reflected upon it - think of how many people before you have seen the price advertised, put it in the trolley and then paid the incorrect price without realising it?'
'I’d be too embarrassed to ask too, so I never have. However, I hear it’s their policy that the item is free if it’s been paid for at the wrong price. So if somebody has the balls to point that out, then why not?' a third chimed in.
Many other commenters were firmly on her side, arguing that she had done nothing wrong, and that Coles were legally obligated to give her the item at no extra cost.
One person explained: 'They do have to give it to you for free because that is their policy. It is not “scabby” to insist they follow their own rules.'
'It’s their scanning policy. If it scans at a higher price, you receive the first item free and subsequent items at the lower price,' another comment read.
A third argued: 'Yes, they do have to give it to the customer for free. Service assistants don’t give out things for free just because they are on minimum wage. What a ridiculous statement!'
Several retail workers jumped in on the discussion, saying that it was inappropriate for the customer to approach the cashier about the matter.
One worker said: 'Bloody hell, it’s like most of you have never heard of human error.'
'Go work in a supermarket yourself and see the workload and s*** you have to deal with - from workplace politics to shitty customers, like half of y’all. You aren’t that important - people brainstorm ways to fleece you at the register.'
Another agreed, writing: 'Everyone gets so nasty towards one another. Everyone has their views and that’s totally fine. I work in a supermarket and some days our special ticket prices drop out - it’s not our fault and yes, it does happen a fair bit.'
'But a lot of people also take that opportunity to abuse the absolute s*** out of us for it.'
Despite the differing opinions, one thing is clear - it’s always important to remember to go in with a polite and respectful attitude to folks working in retail.
Coles Scanning Policy
If you’ve ever been to a Coles supermarket, you’ll be familiar with their Promise on Price Scanning policy. It ensures pricing accuracy at in-store registers to avoid any unfortunate scanning mistakes.
There may have been a scanning error if an item has been scanned or the proper Price Lookup Up (PLU) number is entered yet the price displayed at the register or on the receipt is higher than the advertised or ticketed price.
So, if you ever find yourself in this situation, here’s what you need to know to make the most out of Coles’ Promise on Price Scanning:
- Multiple identical items scanning incorrectly - Coles will offer you the first item free and the remaining items at the advertised or ticketed shelf price if numerous identical items scan at a higher price than the advertised or ticketed shelf price.
- Single item scanning incorrectly - Coles will give you a free item if a single item scans for a higher cost than the advertised or ticketed shelf price for that item.
- Other promotions scanning incorrectly - When a multi-buy promotion scans improperly, the first item will be free and the second will be at the proper promotional price (for instance, if the deal offers two items for $3). The deal will be honoured but no further free items will be provided whether it is a buy one, get one free or spend $30 and get 15% off offer.
Unfortunately, there are some items that are excluded from Coles’ Promise on Price Scanning policy:
• Items without a barcode or PLU number
• 3rd party gift card products and Telco recharge vouchers
• Tobacco or liquor products
• Items over $50
Key Takeaways
- A Coles supermarket customer recently sparked heated debate after revealing how she scored a pack of chicken for free due to an incorrect price scan.
- The customer claimed that she had to argue with the Coles cashier to receive the item free of charge, which caused strong reactions from bargain hunters on a popular Facebook group.
- Views were divided, with some accusing the shopper of being ‘scabby’ and others fiercely supporting her, claiming that she did nothing wrong in demanding the item for free.
- According to Coles’ scanning policy, customers are entitled to any item that scans incorrectly at a higher price for free.
So if you come across a similar mishap next time you’re at a grocery store, it’s worth pointing it out and asking for the item at the lower price - who knows, you may just get some rewards from it.
Members, do you think it’s fair for customers to demand items for free when they are incorrectly priced? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.