Woolworths’ $2 Olympic tokens cause coin-troversy as collectors cry foul!
- Replies 6
Collecting commemorative coins can be a delightful hobby for many, especially when it celebrates an event as significant as the Olympics.
It's a way to hold a piece of history in your hands, and for some, it's a pursuit that brings a sense of national pride.
However, when the excitement of acquiring a new piece for your collection turns into frustration, it's enough to leave anyone feeling disheartened.
Recently, Woolworths shoppers were left reeling over what many have called a ‘ridiculous’ issue with the $2 Olympics coins.
These coins, intended to be a special keepsake to celebrate the Olympic Games, became the centre of a controversy that had customers up in arms and demanding that the supermarket giant ‘do better’.
In July, Woolworths and the Royal Australian Mint revealed a limited edition series of $2 coins to celebrate Australia’s 2024 Olympic and Paralympic teams.
As part of the promotion, customers who pay with cash at Woolworths can receive one of four exclusive $2 coins as change.
Each coin design will be introduced into tills every two weeks over an eight-week span.
However, some customers have recently expressed frustration over the surge of listings on eBay and Facebook Marketplace, where large quantities of Olympic coins are being sold.
They alleged that certain sellers are managing to acquire entire bags of the $2 coins—despite a two-coin limit per customer—while regular shoppers have difficulty finding them in stores.
Listings on eBay show sealed bags of the coins being sold for $115, with Marketplace sellers asking up to $200 for the limited edition sets.
In a frustrated social media post, a Woolworths shopper urged the retailer to ‘do better’ and included screenshots of recent listings.
‘When are you going to do something about bags of Olympic coins being sold?’ the shopper asked.
‘Limit of two coins per customer? That’s why so many of us are being told they have run out.’
‘Do better. Evidence posted again.’
‘The staff that won’t open them are obviously giving the bag to someone, probably to sell. It’s disgusting that so many bags are on eBay and Marketplace. Customers are missing out, and Woolies is doing nothing about it AGAIN,’ they added.
Another social media user echoed their statement, sharing, ‘My local stores have bags in the till but won’t open them. It’s ridiculous. They aren’t “allowed” to choose which coins I get, nor can they open a bag of them if they already have other coins in the till.’
‘I do not understand the gatekeeping. Yet eBay is full of these bags!’
In response to the outcry, a Woolworths spokesperson addressed the issue, stating that the supermarket is investigating the issue.
‘We’re aware and are currently looking into this,’ the spokesperson said.
‘We don’t encourage the resale of these items, and it’s clearly unacceptable and doesn’t meet our expectations, and those of the wider community.’
As Woolworths faces backlash over the issues with their $2 Olympic coins, the retailer is also grappling with mixed reactions to its latest payment method.
While customers express frustration over the coin promotion, they're also evaluating how this new payment option aligns with their expectations.
The debate highlights ongoing concerns about Woolworths' customer service and its approach to modernising the shopping experience.
Have you faced similar challenges? How have you managed to complete your collections despite these hurdles? Share your stories in the comments below!
It's a way to hold a piece of history in your hands, and for some, it's a pursuit that brings a sense of national pride.
However, when the excitement of acquiring a new piece for your collection turns into frustration, it's enough to leave anyone feeling disheartened.
Recently, Woolworths shoppers were left reeling over what many have called a ‘ridiculous’ issue with the $2 Olympics coins.
These coins, intended to be a special keepsake to celebrate the Olympic Games, became the centre of a controversy that had customers up in arms and demanding that the supermarket giant ‘do better’.
Woolworths shoppers are frustrated with issues surrounding the distribution of limited edition $2 Olympic coins. Credit: eBay
In July, Woolworths and the Royal Australian Mint revealed a limited edition series of $2 coins to celebrate Australia’s 2024 Olympic and Paralympic teams.
As part of the promotion, customers who pay with cash at Woolworths can receive one of four exclusive $2 coins as change.
Each coin design will be introduced into tills every two weeks over an eight-week span.
However, some customers have recently expressed frustration over the surge of listings on eBay and Facebook Marketplace, where large quantities of Olympic coins are being sold.
They alleged that certain sellers are managing to acquire entire bags of the $2 coins—despite a two-coin limit per customer—while regular shoppers have difficulty finding them in stores.
Listings on eBay show sealed bags of the coins being sold for $115, with Marketplace sellers asking up to $200 for the limited edition sets.
In a frustrated social media post, a Woolworths shopper urged the retailer to ‘do better’ and included screenshots of recent listings.
‘When are you going to do something about bags of Olympic coins being sold?’ the shopper asked.
‘Limit of two coins per customer? That’s why so many of us are being told they have run out.’
‘Do better. Evidence posted again.’
‘The staff that won’t open them are obviously giving the bag to someone, probably to sell. It’s disgusting that so many bags are on eBay and Marketplace. Customers are missing out, and Woolies is doing nothing about it AGAIN,’ they added.
Another social media user echoed their statement, sharing, ‘My local stores have bags in the till but won’t open them. It’s ridiculous. They aren’t “allowed” to choose which coins I get, nor can they open a bag of them if they already have other coins in the till.’
‘I do not understand the gatekeeping. Yet eBay is full of these bags!’
In response to the outcry, a Woolworths spokesperson addressed the issue, stating that the supermarket is investigating the issue.
‘We’re aware and are currently looking into this,’ the spokesperson said.
‘We don’t encourage the resale of these items, and it’s clearly unacceptable and doesn’t meet our expectations, and those of the wider community.’
As Woolworths faces backlash over the issues with their $2 Olympic coins, the retailer is also grappling with mixed reactions to its latest payment method.
While customers express frustration over the coin promotion, they're also evaluating how this new payment option aligns with their expectations.
The debate highlights ongoing concerns about Woolworths' customer service and its approach to modernising the shopping experience.
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. And what did they expect?
