Shoppers reveal secret to scoring free roast chook at Woolworths

Everyone loves a supermarket bargain — but Woolworths customers have found a little known secret that can snag you a free chook.

Groceries can be expensive so when there’s a chance to get your food reduced, patience can pay off.

One shopper has taken to an online bargain group to share how she scored free roast chickens, that usually sell for about $10, at supermarket giant Woolworths.

The savvy shopper claimed she managed to save $90 after getting her hands on 10 cooked chickens at her local Woolies in Greenbank, Queensland for free.

“Greenbank Wollys (sic) at 8.30pm 10 Free hot cooked chickens, Saved $90.00. Winning,” the woman posted in Facebook group Markdown Addicts Australia.

The woman posted a photo of 10 roast chickens on a Facebook group saying she got the lot for free as staff said the cabinet was still full and they were closing in 30 minutes.

The woman said the cheapest markdown she’d ever had was $3.80, “so this was a giant score”.

“The deli manager waved us down when we walked in and told us all the chickens were free as they were full and closing in 30 mins so we jumped at that chance and filled up but left a few still there for others,” she wrote.

In response, one woman joked: “I sit and wonder what I ever did so wrong in life to not get these offers.”

Another customer claimed her partner was doing his grocery shopping at their local store when a staff member told him how he could get his hand on the freebie.

“He got talking to the butcher and he said at 10 minutes or less before closing time, they have to give the cooked chickens away for free. Not sure if it’s one per person. Apparently staff can’t take them,” she said on the Facebook page.

Others responded saying they had tried it at their local to no avail.

“I don’t know where everyone gets these markdowns it seems like it is only in the country towns,” one customer said.

“I went to our local Coles late tonight. And they were refilling the chickens. I wanted 2 cheap ones. No such luck,” another added.

Waiting until a few minutes before a store closes could mean a bigger discount. Woolies say it’s at each stores discretion.

A Woolworths spoksperson confirmed that any markdowns were at the discretion of the store manager. In other words it’s not guaranteed across all supermarkets.

The spokesperson said the chances of having products like hot roast chickens leftover is also extremely rare.

“Like all retailers, we work hard to minimise our stock loss with better processes in our stores, so it’s rare for us to have roast chickens on show minutes before closing,” the spokesperson told news.com.au

“To help manage stock levels throughout the day and reduce food waste, store managers can elect to mark down roast chickens.

“Any markdowns are clearly displayed on applicable products and subject to the store manager’s discretion.”

Another customer claimed they got a bargain by waiting a few extra minutes for a discount.

In April another customer claimed they nearly paid $6 for roast pork but by waiting just a few minutes managed to get it for just $2.40.

“ALMOST paid $6 for the pork, but my wife insisted waiting 4 minutes to it being reduced again as it reached the 4 hour mark, winning!”

After bargain hunters shared their tips on social media, former employees also revealed their experiences.

At Coles, a shopper discovered a sign promising customers a free hot roast chicken if there were none left.

“When I was supervising, our chickens would be marked down and an announcement was made, about 10 minutes before close, most of the time they were sold. But if there were any left after midnight when closed, us staff were able to pick them up and take them for free,’ one former staff member claimed.

Another woman said: “My partner is a manager. Depends on who’s on that night. Sometimes they’re chucked but from what I’ve heard they will ask people at random if they want them.”