Coles, Woolworths loophole to score free meat

A group of savvy shoppers has revealed how to score free meat and groceries, thanks to a little-known policy at Coles and Woolworths.

A group of savvy shoppers claims to have spotted a Coles and Woolies loophole that allows them to score hundreds of dollars in free meat and groceries while shopping.

The bargain hunters are on a mission to remind customers to check their receipts against the labelled price of the products they buy.

The notice is due to a little-known policy that exists at many supermarkets. At Woolies and Coles, if shoppers are charged a higher price than that which was marked, they’re entitled to a full refund on that item.

If shoppers are charged the wrong amount on more than one of the same item, they are entitled to a refund on one and the remaining items at the advertised or ticketed shelf price.

Shoppers are sharing the tip, saying it's saved them hundreds. Picture: Facebook

Some shoppers said they had taken to thoroughly checking their receipts after every shop — and claimed the tip had paid off more than once.

One woman, sharing to the Retail Reductions Australia Facebook page, said she went home with a staggering $180 worth of pork belly for just $44 by using the hack.

“Happy gal helped some friends and topped up my freezer,” she wrote.

The woman said she received two of the packets for free and bought another 10 at the discounted rate of $5 per kilo. Another $30 was paid for with points on Woolworths rewards.

She added that she got two — rather than the policy-mandated one — for free as they were purchased in separate transactions.

“My partner checked out on one separately to buy for his pensioner mum,” the woman explained.

One woman used the tip to pick up $180 worth of pork belly for $44. Picture: Facebook.

Another of the shopper’s posts showed a $24.32 lamb roast she picked up for free. Picture: Facebook.

The self-described “savvy shopper” said she “intentionally” searches for mistakes on her receipt after every shop — and even heads to the supermarket 5-7 times a week looking for a bargain.

Another of her posts revealed a refund on a $24.32 lamb roast that was on sale but scanned at full price.

“I usually pay for it and then go around to the service counter and say the price is incorrect. “They will go check and if you are right they will apologise and refund the item,” she explained.

A quick look at Coles’s T&Cs confirms it also has the policy, which is due to a supermarket code of practice signed by both Coles and Woolworths that entitles customers to the free items.

Exceptions to the rule include liquor products, tobacco products, items without a barcode or PLU number and items with a shelf price of $50 or more.

Both Coles and Woolies have the policy. Picture: Facebook.

Exemptions apply for liquor, tobacco, items without a barcode and items worth $50 or more. Picture: Facebook.

Many commenters praised the woman for her bargain-hunting skills, while some even confessed they used the same trick.

“Well done & excellent job! Your friends will absolutely appreciate your finds,” one person wrote.

“I‘m not a fan of pork but what a fantastic bargain. Good score,” added another.

A third said she “intentionally looks for those mistakes”, adding that her local supermarket was “hopeless” at updating prices.

“Not our fault if staff can’t get things right, they have a scanning policy so why shouldn’t we benefit from that??” the woman who scored the pork belly replied.