Why this sign at a Coles could save you money at the checkout

By Makayla Muscat For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 02:59 BST, 21 July 2024 | Updated: 03:12 BST, 21 July 2024

A small red sign is popping up at Coles self-service checkouts that could save customers money.

The label is attached to the scanning machines and advises shoppers to remove loose fruit and vegetables from non-supermarket bags prior to weighing them.

‘Using your own, non-Coles fresh produce bags?’ it reads.

‘Be sure to remove your fresh produce before weighing in at the checkout so you only pay for what you purchase.’

The supermarket said this only applies to produce that is sold loose, such as potatoes, onions, apples and tomatoes.

As the cost-of-living bites, Aussies are looking to cut back and avoid unnecessary spending.

According to the latest research from Finder, 42 per cent of Aussies admitted their grocery bill is one of their major financial stressor.

The average household spends almost $10,000 a year on groceries, or $258 a week for a family of four. 

The alert reminding customers to remove loose fruit and vegetables from non-supermarket bags prior to weighing them was spotted on the bottom of the screens

With so many struggling to afford the bare necessities, it is no surprise that people don’t want to pay for more of a product than they’re getting.

Depending on the weight of their produce bags, which could be 10 grams or more, shoppers could potentially be overcharged if they ignore the sign.

However, Coles said shoppers don’t need to worry about removing fresh produce from mesh bags bought at the supermarket.

Shoppers are also being told they can continue to weigh their fresh food in the plastic produce bags offered in stores around the country.

‘For our customers’ convenience, we have lightweight bags available to use when shopping for fresh produce,’ a Coles spokeswoman said.

‘Additionally we have Coles reusable mesh produce bags available for purchase, both of which are designed to work with our scales.

‘However, we also know some of our customers like to bring their own bags when shopping with us – and this signage is there as a friendly reminder for these customers to remove their produce before it is weighed so the scales only calculate the weight and price of their produce (without the weight of their bag).’

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Why this sign at a Coles could save you money at the checkout

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