Coles, Woolworths are reviving an old-school policy—are you cashing in?

If you’ve ever wandered the aisles of Woolworths or Coles, only to find the shelves stripped bare of your favourite half-price special, you’re not alone. For years, Australian shoppers have lamented missing out on weekly bargains—especially as the cost of living continues to bite. But there’s good news: a beloved old-school supermarket hack is back, and it could save you a tidy sum on your next shop!

After quietly disappearing during the COVID-19 pandemic, the ‘raincheck’ policy has officially returned to both Woolworths and Coles stores nationwide. For those who aren’t familiar, a raincheck is a paper voucher that allows you to purchase a sale item at the advertised special price—even if it’s out of stock—when it’s back on the shelves.

Here’s how it works: If you spot a great deal in the catalogue or on the shelf but the product is sold out, simply ask a staff member for a raincheck. They’ll fill out a voucher with the details of the item and the sale price. You then have up to 30 days to return and buy the product at that same discounted price, no matter what the regular price is by then.

Both supermarkets paused the raincheck policy during the height of the pandemic, citing stock shortages and safety concerns. With panic buying and supply chain issues, it simply wasn’t practical to promise future discounts on items that might not be restocked for weeks.

But as shelves have stabilised and the cost-of-living crisis has deepened, shoppers have been calling for the return of every possible saving. Woolworths and Coles have listened. As a Woolworths spokesperson explained: ‘We have listened to customer feedback and have brought back the popular raincheck in store… as a way to hack your shopping budget and make the most of our 6000 weekly specials.’

The return of rainchecks has already gone viral on social media, with shoppers sharing their success stories. Influencer Abbey Webber-Sloan recently posted a video explaining how she used a raincheck to nab nappies at 50% off—even though her preferred size was out of stock during the sale. ‘They came down to $8.75 for a packet, but they didn’t have the right size, so I asked for a raincheck and could go back within 30 days to pick up those nappies,’ she said.

Other shoppers have used rainchecks for everything from hot roast chickens to pantry staples. One fan raved, ‘If they don’t have any ready-cooked chickens, you can get a free one for next time!’ 

It’s not just the big two—some IGA stores also offer rainchecks, so it’s worth asking at your local independent grocer.

Like most special offers, rainchecks come with a few conditions. They aren’t available for tobacco, smoking products, gift cards, mobile phones, mobile accessories, or pre-paid mobile services. If an item is labelled ‘while stocks last’ or ‘no rainchecks,’ the policy doesn’t apply. Once issued, a raincheck is valid for 30 days from the date on the voucher.

While we’re on the topic of supermarket hacks, don’t forget about the scanning policy! 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. But you’ll need to point out the error at the checkout and ask to speak to a manager.

With the cost of living showing no signs of easing, it pays to know every trick in the book. The return of rainchecks at Woolworths and Coles is a win for Australian shoppers. 

So next time you see an empty shelf where your favourite special should be, don’t walk away empty-handed. Ask for a raincheck and claim your savings!

Have you used a raincheck recently? Did you know about this policy, or is it news to you? Share your tips, tricks, and experiences in the comments below. 

Also read: Coles, Woolworths react to worldwide pistachio crisis—‘great supply available’