Why you should check your receipts now: Why Coles is sending secret ‘apology’ refunds

Coles customers have been awarded a pleasant surprise after the supermarket issued an ‘apology discount’ to selected shoppers.

A man from Perth was shocked to see that he received a $4.60 discount on a recent grocery bill, resulting in four complimentary cartons of flavoured milk.

‘Today, a lot of people had parts of their shopping free, myself included for a Coles “apology” thing,’ he wrote on popular Facebook group Markdown Addicts Australia.

The shopper checked his bill to find ‘apology’ applied as one of the discounts.

He added, ‘I got 4x 600ml Oak Choc Milks free! Just by scanning my Flybuys.’ 

‘It isn’t posted anywhere and doesn’t work for everyone, but worth checking your receipt for some freebies.’ 

Coles then revealed that the special discount was issued to selected Flybuys members after they were charged full price for certain items after a mishap during a recent promotion.

In November, Coles announced that the supermarket chain would offer between 9 and 38 per cent off on specific items for Flybuys members only.

But some members were mistakenly charged full price on discounted items.

‘In November you were incorrectly charged the full price for a Flybuys Member Pricing offer,’ Coles advised shoppers on their sales slips where the discount was offered. 

‘We apologise and this discount will show as an apology on your receipt. Thank you for shopping at Coles.’

A man from Perth was shocked to see that he received a $4.60 discount on a recent grocery bill, resulting in four complimentary cartons of flavoured milk

Many customers were confused by the discount – but happy to find out the reason behind their surprise markdowns.

‘I did a shop today at Coles and was mystified about the apology thing,’ one woman said. ‘It all makes sense now.’

‘This is really good customer care from Coles,’ said another. ‘Good on them.’