'I'm not surprised': Dad shares disappointment over Coles' click-and-collect products

Navigating supermarket aisles can be a daunting task.

Yet for those preoccupied with multiple tasks, they resort to shopping for their needs online or through click-and-collect services.

One Coles shopper shared his recent experience with the store's online shopping service, leaving him frustrated.


Mandurah local and father Chris Evans has been juggling the demands of work and family life.

With a newborn at home, Chris and his wife found Coles' click-and-collect service convenient for their weekly needs.

However, their latest order left them with a bad taste in their mouths—literally and figuratively.

Upon unpacking his grocery delivery, Chris was dismayed after finding that the two porterhouse steaks he purchased for $7.50 each were not the lean cuts he anticipated.


compressed-steaks.jpeg
The steak shown on Coles' online store (left) looked different compared to the ones Chris got (right). Image Credits: Coles, Chris Evans


Instead, the steaks had approximately one-third fat—a far cry from the lightly marbled steaks advertised on the store's website.

'I'm shocked they packaged that, but I'm not surprised because the only way they could get rid of those steaks would be click-and-collect,' Chris shared.

'We'll probably eat it because Coles has not responded to the complaint,' he added.


Chris's experience raised questions about the training of personal shoppers who select items for online orders.

A Coles spokesperson assured that Chris's predicament was an isolated incident.

'We always strive to meet our customers' expectations, and the quality of our meat is very important,' the spokesperson stated.

'This pack of meat is not to our high-quality standards and should have been identified and graded out at production.'

Coles also encouraged dissatisfied customers to return the unsatisfactory items for a full refund or replacement.

This is a reassuring policy in light of the recent scrutiny major supermarkets faced over record profits amidst the cost-of-living crisis.


The Federal Government's recent acceptance of 11 recommendations from a review of the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct was a step towards protecting consumers and suppliers better.

The recommendations included strengthening dispute resolutions and improving outcomes for fresh produce suppliers, which could lead to better product quality control.

For those who rely on online grocery shopping, Chris's story is a reminder to check your orders and not settle for less than what you paid for.

If you encounter a similar issue, reach out to the supermarket's customer service so they can offer assistance or refunds.
Key Takeaways

  • Mandurah resident Chris Evans relied on click-and-collect orders as he juggled work and fatherly responsibilities.
  • He recently shared his disappointment over the poor quality of the porterhouse steaks received.
  • A Coles spokesperson said the incident was isolated and the meat did not meet their high-quality standards, and encouraged customers to return any unsatisfactory items for a refund or replacement.
  • Coles, along with Woolworths, faced public scrutiny over record profits amidst a cost-of-living squeeze.
Have you had similar experiences with your online grocery orders? How did the store handle your complaint? Share your stories in the comments below, and let's discuss the highs and lows of online shopping.
 
Sponsored
I wouldn’t order online for that exact same reason. I preferred to shop for my own food so that I know what I’m actually getting. I have often seen the packers grabbed the first item they need. They don’t even appear to look at it to check the quality or the date. I suppose though that Coles has the packers on a very tight schedule for each customers order.
Totally agree! I’ve witnessed my friends opening their “Click & Collect” at home and seen what is chosen by supermarket staff. It takes longer, but I will continue to do personal shopping.

The ONLY reason I will leave a supermarket empty-handed is if they are stupid and nasty enough NOT to hv a staffed conveyor checkout.
When that occurs, unless management opens a proper checkout, I will, and have, left the entire trolley of items with them to return to stock.
Done it several times. I am the paying customer who will not do ‘self-serve’!
 
Totally agree! I’ve witnessed my friends opening their “Click & Collect” at home and seen what is chosen by supermarket staff. It takes longer, but I will continue to do personal shopping.

The ONLY reason I will leave a supermarket empty-handed is if they are stupid and nasty enough NOT to hv a staffed conveyor checkout.
When that occurs, unless management opens a proper checkout, I will, and have, left the entire trolley of items with them to return to stock.
Done it several times. I am the paying customer who will not do ‘self-serve’!
So you don't care about food wastage and the fact it increases food prices? You do know that anything that is refrigerated or frozen or perishable in that trolley has to be thrown out? What a selfish thing to do!!!!!
 
  • Like
Reactions: DLHM and Littleboy8
Totally agree! I’ve witnessed my friends opening their “Click & Collect” at home and seen what is chosen by supermarket staff. It takes longer, but I will continue to do personal shopping.

The ONLY reason I will leave a supermarket empty-handed is if they are stupid and nasty enough NOT to hv a staffed conveyor checkout.
When that occurs, unless management opens a proper checkout, I will, and have, left the entire trolley of items with them to return to stock.
Done it several times. I am the paying customer who will not do ‘self-serve’!
The only person who is “stupid and nasty” on here is you what a low life scumbag you are shame on you basil.👎spellchecker doesn’t like you either basil.🤣
 
  • Haha
Reactions: DLHM
Have you ever watched a supermarket team member do those shops? I have.
Some push those carts around with the energy of a sloth.
It seems this is a job that some would rather not have.
Not only are they going up and down the aisles multiple times a day, they also have to navigate aisles where shoppers just want to get in and out ASAP.
Now I read about someone wanting them do do quality control as well. Perhaps a better approach would be to complain to the supermarket about lack of quality check when packaging the products.
I guess you cant please all the people, all of the time.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Littleboy8 and DLHM
had those experiences with Coles some time ago, learned to only order groceries not meat or fresh vegetables/fruits... received extremely fatty meat. and they changed the type of potatoes also different apples etc., the fresh greens did not look very fresh. To top it off as apology they were giving me freebies for dogs when I only ordered cat food... Fortunately I dont need to order on online any longer
 
  • Like
Reactions: DLHM

Join the conversation

News, deals, games, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.

Seniors Discount Club

The SDC searches for the best deals, discounts, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.
  1. New members
  2. Jokes & fun
  3. Photography
  4. Nostalgia / Yesterday's Australia
  5. Food and Lifestyle
  6. Money Saving Hacks
  7. Offtopic / Everything else
  • We believe that retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy life, not worry about money. That's why we're here to help our members make the most of their retirement years. If you're over 60 and looking for ways to save money, connect with others, and have a laugh, we’d love to have you aboard.
  • Advertise with us

User Menu

Enjoyed Reading our Story?

  • Share this forum to your loved ones.
Change Weather Postcode×
Change Petrol Postcode×