If you’ve ever wandered the aisles of Woolies or Coles only to find the shelves stripped bare of that week’s best bargain, you’re not alone.

For years, savvy shoppers have relied on a little-known trick to ensure they never miss out on a deal—even when stock runs out.

But when COVID-19 hit, this beloved policy quietly disappeared, leaving many of us out in the cold.

Well, we’ve got some fantastic news: the raincheck is back! That’s right—Woolworths and Coles have officially reinstated their raincheck policy, and it’s already making waves among thrifty Aussies looking to stretch their dollars further in these challenging times.

For those who might not be familiar with it, a raincheck is essentially a promise from the supermarket that if a sale item is out of stock, you can still buy it at the discounted price once it’s back on the shelves.

You’ll receive a paper voucher (the 'raincheck') that locks in the sale price for up to 30 days, giving you plenty of time to return and claim your bargain.

Raincheck policy officially reintroduced at Woolworths and Coles, allowing sale prices to be secured despite stock shortages. Credit: Facebook

This policy was a lifesaver for many, especially when it came to popular weekly specials that seemed to vanish within hours of hitting the shelves.

However, during the pandemic, both major supermarkets suspended rainchecks due to supply chain issues and safety concerns.

With the cost of living biting harder than ever, the return of rainchecks is a welcome relief for budget-conscious shoppers.

It’s a straightforward way to make sure you never miss out on a deal, even if you’re not the first one through the doors on sale day.

As with any good deal, there are a few rules to keep in mind:

Rainchecks come with a few conditions—they’re not valid for tobacco, smoking products, gift cards, mobile phones, or prepaid services, and they won’t apply to items marked 'while stocks last' or 'no rainchecks.'

They’re only offered for in-store purchases and must be presented at checkout when you return to buy the item.

During the height of the pandemic, supermarkets faced unprecedented demand and supply chain disruptions.

Both Woolworths and Coles paused the raincheck policy to keep things fair and manageable.

But as things have stabilised and the cost of groceries continues to climb, shoppers have been calling for its return.

A Woolworths spokesperson explained: ‘We have listened to customer feedback and have brought back the popular raincheck in store.

We reintroduced this in February on specials to hack your shopping budget and make the most of our 6000 weekly specials in store.’

Coles has echoed this sentiment, confirming that rainchecks are once again available for most sale items, with the usual exclusions.

The return of rainchecks has already sparked excitement online, with social media influencer Abbey Webber-Sloan’s viral video racking up over 120,000 views.

Abbey shared how she used a raincheck to secure half-price nappies, even though her preferred size was out of stock.

‘They came down to $8.75 for a packet, but they didn’t have the right size, so I asked for a raincheck, and we could go back within 30 days to pick up those nappies,’ she explained.

Other shoppers have chimed in with their tips, including using rainchecks for popular items like hot roast chickens—if they’re sold out, you can get a voucher for a free one next time!

And it’s not just Woolies and Coles—some IGA stores also offer rainchecks, so it’s worth asking at your local independent grocer.

While we’re on the topic of supermarket hacks, here’s another one to keep in your back pocket: if an item scans at a higher price than what’s displayed on the shelf or packaging, you’re entitled to get that product for free under both Coles and Woolworths’ scanning policies.

But you’ll need to point out the error at the checkout and ask to speak to a manager.

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With the cost of living rising and many seniors on fixed incomes, every dollar counts.

Rainchecks are a simple way to ensure you don’t miss out on the specials you rely on to keep your grocery bill in check.

Plus, it’s a great reminder that a little bit of old-fashioned know-how can still go a long way in today’s high-tech world.

And if you’ve got any other supermarket hacks or money-saving tips, don’t keep them to yourself.

The Seniors Discount Club is all about sharing the wisdom that comes with experience.

Happy shopping, and may your next trip to the supermarket be full of savings!

Key Takeaways

• The 'raincheck' policy has officially returned to Woolworths and Coles stores nationwide after being paused during COVID-19, allowing shoppers to secure sale prices even when items are out of stock.
• Rainchecks give customers a paper voucher to purchase a sold-out special item at the advertised sale price within 30 days of issue.
• Some exclusions apply: raincheck vouchers can't be used on tobacco, gift cards, mobile phones or accessories, or items marked ‘while stocks last’ or ‘no rainchecks’.
• The return of rainchecks has been welcomed by thrifty shoppers and social media users, who say it helps them make the most of weekly specials amid the ongoing cost-of-living pressures.

Have you ever used a raincheck to score a bargain? Did you know about this policy, or is it news to you? Share your stories, tips, and questions in the comments below.

 

[Towing]

Some companies not just grocery supermarket advertise specials as "while stock lasts". From what I have witnessed some stores don't order enough of the product. Wholesalers negotiate deals with retailers (e.g. supermarkets) even though they sometimes don't have enough stock to sell to the supermarket / other store.