Online Coles Order - No Substitutions Meaning Not Meeting Flybuys Spend

Just started doing online orders with Coles and I had a Flybuys offer to get 2800 points for $80 spend, so I did an order that was just over $100, thinking that even if they were out of a couple of things I'd still be within the threshold to get the points. But the order was just packed and they were out of so many things (that supposedly couldn't be substituted? I mean, olive oil, really?) that I was only charged $73.

Am I right in thinking that I now won't get the points, even though my original order was well over the threshold? Has anyone had any luck with Flybuys taking pity on you and receiving them anyway?

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Comments

  • -6

    (profanity)….

    i read this and the light bulb comes on as to just how low we've sunk as a species where this is a legitimate question.

    • +14

      Really? This is the post that did it for you?

      • +1

        Might have been this post that pushed them to the edge.

      • yep, this was the straw that broke my day today hahaha i just dont get it

    • +9

      lmao I'm so sorry to have reduced your faith in humanity by exploring all options to save money on checks notes a bargain website

      • +2

        It does seem that Mantis Toboggan, MD, has been blinded by their lightbulb. Maybe they're a moth.

  • +2

    You can call flybuys. And explain the situation.

    • +5

      There's nothing to explain.
      They didn't spend $80.

    • +2

      Worth a shot.

      "I tried to spend $100 <evidence of same> but my order got cut back to $73 without letting me know <evidence>. I can see I've missed the threshold for the 2,800 points but it wasn't my fault.

      Can I have 1. the 2,800 points anyway or 2. 73/80ths of 2,800 points as a good faith gesture/some maths practice for everyone?"

  • -3

    Am I right in thinking that I now won't get the points

    You'd need to spend at least $80 to get the points. You spent $73.

    • +9

      Truly an enormous help as always, jv.

      • -2

        just pointing out the facts.

        • Lol jv is always helpful

        • Nah! You are trolling as usual.

    • +3

      JV is right here. Flybuys needs to make money they will grab any excuse to have you not qualifying. Most likely the bonus points will be denied.
      If you call up and squeal maybe they will give you the points in good will as a once off.

  • +4

    You won't get the points automatically, but you may have some luck if you contact them directly.

    • -3

      I wonder if i can do that instore, if they don't have a stack of products I want to buy.

      Maybe I can get the points anyway.

      • Anything is possible, but it's not likely.

      • It is different case with instore shopping

        • why?

          • +1

            @jv: They take away points when you engage in bad faith arguments/trolling.

            Unless you're personally doing the shopping for Lockheed Martin's entire parts and workshop inventory, you're going to be in the red for a long time.

          • +5

            @jv: Because online they show the product as "in stock" and then they change their mind later, which really screws you over. Its super annoying not being able to rely on them to deliver what you ordered. In OPs case there was no reasonable way for them to ensure they meet the flybuys challenge spend. I mean their order was reduced by 25%. That's a lot. OP did everything reasonable in their power to meet the criteria, and Coles effd them. Sure its probably in the terms and conditions or some ****, but that doesn't make it right or fair.

            • +1

              @djsweet:

              Because online they show the product as "in stock" and then they change their mind later, which really screws you over.

              Same can happen instore too.

              Lots of times I find sale items Out of Stock, so I need to come back another day.

              • +1

                @jv: Or you can buy something else so you don't have to come back another day. Olive oil isn't all going to be out of stock at the same time. I'd certainly spend a couple of extra bucks not have have to do another shop, but online you don't have that option. So it is imperative that they are accurate about stock levels, or they supply you with an equivalent product to what you ordered.

    • +1

      Will give it a shot but yeah, not holding my breath. Cheers for the reply.

      • +1

        Everytime I've contacted them with the same issue I've been given the points. It's handy to screenshot the offer

  • Points are awarded based on the money paid/spent.

    Can't see how theoretically wanting to buy would qualify you for points.

    • +1

      Yeah, I thought this might be the case. It's more that it seems like they didn't even bother to try and substitute pretty basic items - olive oil is the main one (and would've put me back over the threshold). First time doing online orders with Coles so lesson learned I guess.

      • +3

        Give them a call and try. You had every intention of spending that $80 even getting to $100.

  • +3

    Had a similar thing happen with a Coles order last year with an offer of save $20 on an order over $X.

    So many things were out of stock that I ended up around $30 short of reaching the offer amount, and I had to pay $9 of shipping on top as it'd put me under the free shipping threshold.

    That was the last straw of many other issues with Coles online shopping (for both delivery and collect orders) and I ended up asking them to delete my account.

  • +5

    This is why I prefer Everyday Rewards.

    Most of their spend x amount and get x points offers allow you to spend the required amount in one or more shops, so if you do fall short, you can always do a top up shop to make the amount.

    • +2

      Exactly. Coles it is always a single shop.

  • +3

    Pretty sure if you contact them they will manually add it for you.

  • +3

    Am I right in thinking that I now won't get the points, even though my original order was well over the threshold?

    Yes unfortunately that is correct, even though your order was over the threshold originally, flybuys will only look at the final amount charged.

    Has anyone had any luck with Flybuys taking pity on you and receiving them anyway?

    Yes they will manually add the points, you can email them or call them. However they are generally very slow in replying to emails (last time I tried anyway). You will just need to provide a receipt of your original order. https://experience.flybuys.com.au/send-enquiry or [email protected] (I think).

    As others have mentioned, eventually it became too risky/too much of a hassle to keep ordering online. I only would if there was some online promo.

  • +2

    Contact them via FB is the easiest option.

    Happens quite often and haven't been declined yet.

    Future ref for new users: Use code flybuys4k for 4000 points on your first online order over $200
    flybuys10 for 10x points on $100 online order

  • +2

    Unfortunately, if you are shopping to meet a minimum spend, it's best to avoid online shopping.

  • +7

    I have had this happen. Flybuys WILL honour the deal and give you the points if you ring them and explain and send them a copy of the invoice which will state 'out of stock' items. Go for it!

  • -3

    Flybuys WILL honour the deal

    Doubt it…

    • +1

      As I said….they have done it for me!!!

      • -2

        Doesn't make it the norm.

        You are stating they always WILL, which is NOT true.

        • Where does it say "always"?

          • @John Kimble:

            "Flybuys WILL honour the deal and give you the points if you ring them"

            • +3

              @jv:

              I have had this happen. Flybuys WILL honour the deal …

              ~context~

              always

    • +7

      I have done this at least 20 times and always approved. I always email as if a large sum you have to email the invoice anyway. I also attach sc of offer activation or any email confirming activation as sometimes received during the 4 week offers. They usually approve between 4 - 14 days.
      [email protected]

  • +3

    I have done this several times and they have always given me the points.
    Don't bother phoning - you have to email member help with copies of the invoice, you full name DOB and address. Takes a while to get. In contrast you can phone everyday rewards and they will fix it up then and there.

  • -1

    Was $80 or more deducted from your nominated method of payment? If no then why is this thread still going.

    • +1

      why is this thread still going.

      Guess others are still sharing their positive experiences with flybuys manually crediting the points in similar situations..

  • +1

    I remember contacting Coles for the similar reason and was advised the bonus points eligibility is based on the original order. So I’m pretty sure if you don’t get the bonus automatically, call Flybuys.

    • +1

      Yep, this is my understanding also.

  • The issue is potentially deceptive marketing. Especially when it is large sums every week for 2,3 or 4 weeks. You meet the first few weeks, and in the last week they short supply you. The customer has committed spending the given amount, which in my case is usually more than I need, but I stock up on some of the specials, because of the enticement of a large number of points. And in the last week they leave out a few items to take you just under the spend requirement. Coles has then received the benefit of, in my case three weeks of a larger than usual spend. I received no reply to my email query.
    I now only do the Woolworths offers, which can be topped up with a quick extra shop. Coles can’t be topped up. Getting through to Flybuys is a waste of time unfortunately.

    • Wrong. The staff don’t know you are shopping for points. Also, I got 10000 points added after week 2 shop fell a few $s under the required $50 spend. Finally, sometimes Woolworths allow multi spends in a week but often the amount/s have to be spent per shop.

      • I wasn’t suggesting they do it deliberately. I recognise the staff don’t know my points deal.
        Good to know you got the points added. I gave up trying to get through to them, and don’t use Coles online for those deals anymore.

        • If you use them again and it happens, call don’t email. I get through fairly quickly but agree email is useless.

      • Yes, my current Woolies offer lets me spend multiple times in a week to meet the target, not just one shop. Woolies are way better in my opinion. Recently my wife and I both spent $50.00 online at Liquorland on our separate Flybuys accounts to each get the 2,000 Flybuys points ($10). Flybuys only allotted one $10 as they said our accounts are linked together online…grrrr. Took three months for them to make a one-off special allocation of $10. We don't shop at Liquorland anymore. Just ridiculous.

        • +2

          Yes, that is true about linked accounts. Get a separate one like I did.

  • +1

    You won’t get Points automatically but call and they will manually apply them. I have been through this a number of times. BTW, don’t use email - ring.

  • +2

    Yes. I agree with chrisharry53. Naturally you won't get the points automatically if your spend is not high enough, but if you phone them and point out that the amount of your order was above the minimum spend, they will check and give you the points. On several occasions I have found them surprisingly helpful.

  • +2

    Use Woolworths instead. They take the money for your order on placement. If item is out of stock or unable to substitute, you get a refund.
    Any bonus points are locked in.

    Coles don't debit your account until the order is finished.
    Also Coles charge for the exact weight of deli items. Woolies, if you order say 400 grams and it comes to 410 grams, you make a little profit.
    Finally Woolies text you when the order is on its way, and when you are next in line for delivery.
    Coles just gives you a time block and that's it.
    Tried both, and have stayed with Woolies.

    • Totally agree :)

  • +1

    As long as you ticked to allow substitutes you should have rung up there online number straight away. Substitutes are generally of greater value. As said above Woolworths is better and generally cheaper.

  • This happened to me before. If you can afford the wait time, it is worth calling Flybuy. They will most likely honour the offer.

  • Not your fault they didn't have the item. Call them and you will get the points credit, happened to me before

  • Cheers for all your input - ended up emailing and received the points by Friday, very little pain in the end.

  • What was the outcome? I think you should get the 2800 points because online order out of stock was something out of your control, and it was not your fault, actually it was Coles' fault. I remember that for Woolworths Rewards there are 2 types of offers:
    1. Spend $x in a single transaction in-store or online to get y points. <— you will qualify for the offer based on your original online order amount, but get the base points based on your actual spend.
    2. Spend $x across multiple transactions in-store or online to get y points. <— you will qualify for the offer and get the base points based on your actual spend, which means you may have to go back to buy something else in another transaction to qualify for the offer.

    • +1

      Can't you read? He/she got the points, just like I did.

      • Thanks for confirming. Sorry, I scrolled too fast and missed the above comment. I came to this thread actually because I had a different issue recently with Coles online orders. It told me that there were some security concerns and asked me to re-link my Flybuys when I logged in to Coles website, but I never got Flybuys points for my Coles online orders after re-linking my Flybuys. I had to call Flybuys customer service every time to manually add the points because Coles customer service said that they don't have access to Flybuys system and asked me to call Flybuys.

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