Catch.com.au - The Ultimate Prank?

ticket65 on 29/04/2025 - 14:11
Last edited 29/04/2025 - 14:47 by 1 other user

Over the past few months, I've been hoarding bargains like a squirrel in a half-price nut sale—all thanks to the slow, dramatic demise of Catch of the Day.

Naturally, I assumed that as the end drew near, the deals would go from “pretty good” to “take-my-money amazing.” I pictured a glorious fire sale where prices were slashed so hard they'd need first aid.

A couple of months back, though, the bargain train hit a suspiciously quiet patch. I chalked it up to strategic silence—a calm before the dealstorm. Surely they were preparing to drop prices so low they'd cause seismic activity, and get the Ozbargain world into a never before seen frenzy.

Fast-forward to now: just over a day before Catch officially keels over… and I’m starting to think I’ve been part of the ultimate prank. All those hours of refreshing OzBargain and Catch? For what? Nothing - no new bargains? Was this their final hurrah—laughing at us as they vanish into the retail void?

Anyway, as we bid farewell to Catch, I figured I'd ask the OzBargain hive mind: what was your ultimate clearance trophy? Mine? Well, besides the six-year supply of dishwasher tablets (my dishes will be squeaky clean till 2030), it has to be the ultimate double air fryer—$49, delivered for free, like a gift from the bargain gods. It goes well with the other 4 air fryers I have.

So… what treasure did you snag?

General Discussion

Related Stores

Catch.com.au
Catch.com.au
Marketplace

Comments

  • Protractor on 29/04/2025 - 14:16
    +11

    I bought everything I needed during this period of demise. It equates to SFA.
    (Beware the upcoming air fryer tax!)

  • RichardL on 29/04/2025 - 14:16
    +5

    Fast-forward to now: just over an hour before Catch officially keels over

    You're a day early.

    • ticket65 on 29/04/2025 - 14:17

      Haha…maybe that's why there's no bargains. They are all coming tomorrow haha

      • RichardL on 29/04/2025 - 14:19
        +18

        I don't think they have anything left to sell.

        The majority of products being sold on Catch are now from Marketplace sellers.

        • Onemoredeal on 30/04/2025 - 15:14
          +1

          And Kmart items for the exact price at Kmart

    • Dr Phil on 30/04/2025 - 11:20
      -7

      And Catch is not a physical store.
      They dont hold any stock so nothing to clear

      Its just a retail platform where individual sellers can sell their goods.
      A bit like Amazon

      So OP pranked themselves!

      • 2025 on 30/04/2025 - 16:22
        +5

        Not sure which one is fake news.
        Dr Phil’s comments, or this warehouse full of stock

        https://eftm.com/2018/08/how-it-works-catch-com-aus-distribu…

        Book one of these, see with your own eyes how Amazon keep stock too
        https://www.aboutamazon.com.au/amazon-fulfilment-centre-tour…

        Is it enlightening to discover that both these platforms sold and delivered products from their inventory, and allowed third parties to list items for sale too? Or is it just a bit too confusing and saddening when your delusions don’t quite match reality?

        • MrFrugalSpend on 30/04/2025 - 20:10
          +1

          exactly, which is why some products are shipped by amazon, and some take longer dispatched from other sellers.

          Similar model for catch but less successful

      • MrFrugalSpend on 30/04/2025 - 20:08
        +2

        actually it was both in the form of it had warehousing and marketplace sellers

  • IMadeYouReadThis on 29/04/2025 - 14:22

    Dishwashing tablets, candles, tissue holder etc etc. I was getting one delivery every second day and now I miss my courier driver lol

  • Gdsamp on 29/04/2025 - 14:27
    +1

    Godspeed

    • jv on 29/04/2025 - 16:40
      +1

      I bought two of those for Mother's Day…

      • joka on 30/04/2025 - 06:50
        +2

        You have two mothers?

        • jv on 30/04/2025 - 09:00
          +3

          Yes, and four grandmothers.

  • hamza23 on 29/04/2025 - 14:28
    +1

    I think the email on 23/4 was basically saying that was it:

    Dear xxxxxxxxxxxxx,

    Catch.com.au will cease trading and stop selling products as of 3pm AEST on 30 April 2025. Until this date, we remain open for business. Orders placed before 3pm AEST on 30 April 2025 will be delivered as per our standard shipping and delivery policies.

    Whether you're new to Catch or have shopped with us from the very beginning, we want to take this opportunity to thank you for your support over the years. From launching a single 'Catch of the Day' deal back in 2006 with a team of five and a 200m2 warehouse, to becoming one of Australia's most loved online shopping destinations, we've come a long way, and we couldn't have done it without you.

    All marketing emails, SMS and push notifications will cease after today, so there's no need to update your communications preferences. If you need any further assistance, please refer to our Help Centre for more information regarding Gift Cards, Returns policy and more. To access your Order History, please log in to your to 'My Account'. If you have additional questions, please contact our Customer Service team.

    Catch ya later!

    The Catch Team

    The last bunch of low quantity items were listed Tuesday 22/4.

  • mskeggs on 29/04/2025 - 14:30
    +8

    I guess some stock will end up at Kmart and Target. It doesn't make sense to sell anko tat for less than cost if you can instead redirect it to Kmart

  • hamza23 on 29/04/2025 - 14:34
    +3

    Just counted, 54 orders since Jan 30 (some with multiple items)!

    Stocked up on lots of dishwashing tablets, bandages, baking paper, toilet cleaner, containers etc.

  • Halfpea on 29/04/2025 - 14:37
    +2

    Has to be the dishwashing tablets. I have enough to last many many years.

  • CodeXD on 29/04/2025 - 14:37
    +5

    The 60% was probably peak

    • reactor-au on 30/04/2025 - 08:51
      +3

      I bagged a Ninja Creami nc301 for $120 a few weeks back, I believe it was accidentally included in a 60% off category because the price reverted right after purchase.

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 29/04/2025 - 14:41
    +2

    got a few bits n bobs but nothing hugely insane - definitely couldnt say their previous normal membership subscription asking price was anywhere close to a good deal.

    Got more random insane deals via ebay deals like

    galaxy 6 adidas shoes for $15 delivered
    logitech pop for $19.95 delivered

    • Nuclearvodka on 29/04/2025 - 20:51

      I received the shoes today, they fit perfectly (Adidas is weird though, I have previously bought a pair of soccer boots in the same size and they were at least a full size too small)

  • techno2000 on 29/04/2025 - 14:51
    +2

    six-year supply of dishwasher tablets ?
    I believe that they go bad.
    Hence I did not buy any as I already had a years worth of dishwasher tablets in the cupboard.

    • ticket65 on 29/04/2025 - 14:57

      Haha…..it's funny that some of the harsh chemicals we release into the environment won't break down for 100,000 years ( according to some EPA groups) but my damn dishwasher tablets won't last a few years. Just my luck….

      • MS Paint on 29/04/2025 - 15:28
        +2

        I inherited some of those expensive dishwasher thingies and the results were no better than the Aldi powder I have been using for the last decade. In my short experience they are a waste of money.

        • 87percent on 29/04/2025 - 19:41
          +15

          You got stiffed in that will

        • knk on 02/05/2025 - 09:39

          Aldi powder is the goat

  • mskeggs on 29/04/2025 - 15:26
    +3

    Interesting if I look in my email i bought a couple of things when they first did daily deals, then almost nothing for over a decade, then 5 purchases in their final 2 months.

    Not exactly a sustainable business.

    • andresampras on 29/04/2025 - 15:50
      +16

      omg it's all your fault

  • tenpercent on 29/04/2025 - 16:01
    +1

    Naturally, I assumed that as the end drew near, the deals would go from “pretty good” to “take-my-money amazing.” I pictured a glorious fire sale where prices were slashed so hard they'd need first aid.

    Me too. This latest "clearance" of Anko products at the same prices as Target and Kmart just seems like their final fart into the retail winds.

    Do you think other stores will have fewer bargains with the loss of competition from Catch?

  • jellykingdom on 29/04/2025 - 16:05
    +4

    I was thinking the same thing. I reckon they managed to clear out everything in the first 2wks, and then ended up with 2wks of killing time it seems

    Catch on the whole will not be missed. As per other's comments, i used to buy a few things from them when they were independent. Then they just became another generic marketplace, but no bargains to be seen

  • HamBoi69 on 29/04/2025 - 16:18
    +2

    The cheap Tommy Hilfiger Yatch jacket at the end was good for $42 or however much it was. Other household products were also good.

    • Trumped on 01/05/2025 - 06:23

      Never bought from Catch before, cold wet weather is coming so bought two Tommy Hilfiger Yatch jackets for $35ea.

  • niyiaw on 29/04/2025 - 17:42

    Got a bunch of pet supplies. Had a couple of issues with some items and they ended up refunding and not requesting items to be returned so managed to get some freebies. Last order was last month. Nothing remotely bargain territory the last few weeks.

  • AustriaBargain on 29/04/2025 - 19:52

    The Liberals running a potato at this federal election is a bigger prank imo.

    AustriaBargain on 29/04/2025 - 19:52 (Collapsed - Offtopic. Show)
    • tenpercent on 29/04/2025 - 20:09
      -2

      Labor voters thinking it's cool to insult a political candidate based on their looks… that's some big-arse red-headed nasal hypocrisy. /s

      • Nuclearvodka on 29/04/2025 - 20:53
        +2

        Interestingly enough I have worse "insults" for Dutton than "potato"

      • AustriaBargain on 30/04/2025 - 04:41
        +1

        🤣

  • miwahni on 29/04/2025 - 20:57
    +1

    I bought a bunch of kids' toys for the grandkids and my niece and nephew's kids for Christmas and birthdays when they were 50% off. Also snagged a winter coat reduced from $180 to $40 - I'd had my eye on it at the higher price and was hoping it would be discounted.
    I miss the days when you'd wait each day to see what that day's special offer was, and if you missed out on something you really wanted, you'd have to wait until the end of the month to see if it was listed again in the end of month sale. When it really was a catch of the day, not pages of random junk.

  • PreSsieGuY on 30/04/2025 - 00:20
    +2

    bought a $7 dishrack and recieved a steam mop worth $200.
    bought a King size electric blanket, got sent a queen. They ended up refunding me my money. free electric blankie wooop

    • meowmeowmeow on 01/05/2025 - 11:15

      i bought crocs for $12, got sent adidas leather sneakers and they were even my size (different size to the crocs i ordered lol)

  • Jac33au on 30/04/2025 - 08:03
    -3

    Kmart had priced a hdmi cable at 20 cents down from $12. I purchased the entire shelf of course.

    • tenpercent on 01/05/2025 - 18:40
      +1

      Flogging them on ebay or marketplace?

      • Jac33au on 02/05/2025 - 08:10
        -1

        Nah whenever I move my laptop or tv around I just throw the old one away and crack open a new pack.

  • Flying Ace on 30/04/2025 - 08:15
    +1

    It's a prank because you expected something to happen that they didn't say was going to happen? They are owned by Wesfarmers. All the stock they didn't clear would just be transferred to their other businesses. Just because they're closing doesn't mean they have to liquidate all their stock in a firesale.

  • The J man on 30/04/2025 - 08:36

    Sheet sets for less than 6 dollars each delivered.

    Sure, they're not the most luxurious sheet sets on offer, but for the price paid I've no complaints.

  • richmond12 on 30/04/2025 - 09:49

    Dam i joined on the onepass $20 deal and havent ordered a single thing :(

  • eftpos on 30/04/2025 - 10:04
    +1

    When the deals were 40-60% off in cart there were some excellent finds. I stocked up on Christmas presents and got myself a half-price Dustbuster - the sale price on the 12V was cheaper than the lesser model I was planning to get. I'm also loving my ugg boots and under shelf spice rack.

    But since they sold out, mostly it's been Kmart and Target merch that's the same price as the stores and "designer" goods that were either overpriced to begin with or in odd sizes.

  • CL123 on 30/04/2025 - 10:42

    Back in February I got 2 boxes of Perfetto Coffee capsules for $42 a saving of 40% on the $35 each. They did get cheaper in coming weeks but it will take me too long t use the 240 capsules I already bought so didn't buy any more. They sold out anyway.
    I checked this morning thinking that on their last day of trade they would do a fire sale but disappointingly nothing other than their ordinary sale prices. I guess they highly discounted their own stock previously and most of what is left is sold by other retailers so no need to discount. :-(

  • congo on 30/04/2025 - 10:44

    Got some Dishwashing tablets, Crocs, Tommy, shoes, bed sheets, etc

  • netjock on 30/04/2025 - 11:00
    +3

    The ultimate discount was the previous owners of Catch. Sold out to Wesfarmers who ran it into the ground. Employees if they are on good pay got on a good deal.

  • sticky8anana on 30/04/2025 - 11:16
    +1

    I didn't buy a single thing since the closing down announcement haha.

  • Dreamcast on 30/04/2025 - 11:39
    +6

    The treasure I snagged was resisting buying useless things from Catch

  • Jake17 on 30/04/2025 - 11:59
    +2

    Im just waiting for the inevitable posts from people bitching and complaining that they are stuck with catch gift cards, even though the site clearly said at the top from the very beginning to redeem and use them before 3pm today

    • tenpercent on 01/05/2025 - 18:38

      It also says you can claim the value back even afterwards. See the small print.

  • Oztx on 30/04/2025 - 13:59
    +1

    I think its because they are part of a group, anything substantial that isnt sold is just going to be transferred to their sister "companies" Target/Kmart. So they aren't desperate to clear everything.

  • joose on 30/04/2025 - 14:11
    +1

    I haven't bought from them since the buyout!
    No bargains since then.

  • Speckled Jim on 30/04/2025 - 14:27

    the ultimate prank

    Well, their first celebrity shill was Jason Alexander.

  • pogichinoy on 30/04/2025 - 15:25

    CK undies
    Electric blankets
    Candy
    Dishwashing tablets

  • RoadZilla on 30/04/2025 - 15:36

    2 years worth of dishwashing tablets and few shoes

  • bs0 on 30/04/2025 - 18:08
    +3

    Bought the Ninja OL650 pressure cooker for an ATL price. Sold my second hand one, same model, for a higher price than the Catch price and made a profit on it too.

  • MessyG on 30/04/2025 - 19:46

    Best bargains were right at the beginning imo.

  • Pigey on 30/04/2025 - 21:16

    Some real cheap Winners running gels. They taste like feet but worth it for cheap carbs.

  • snapper on 30/04/2025 - 22:45

    I got a nice camelbak drink bottle for my 3yo

  • RocketToSpace on 01/05/2025 - 04:57

    Sad they deleted/disabled their facebook page… They really have closed.

    Probably soon if you try and go to their website it'll probably redirect to either Kmart or Target in the future… Tho I hear Kmart is taking over so it'll probably be Kmart.
    Even with them taking over operations their delivery will still be garbage :(

    In my area catch was the fastest delivery as they used GoPeople while Kmart uses Auspost or CouriersPlease… So really I'm gonna miss Catch and their very fast deliveries.

  • payless69 on 01/05/2025 - 06:45

    Conceived as a desire to copy Bezos.
    Even arch-rival wow had a crack at it.
    Then again why compete against yourself?

    Just ask Gerry on how to punish "dumb" customers…
    Woof said his dog, nice food….

  • richmond12 on 01/05/2025 - 09:53

    End of a era. Ogs know the 12pm refresh for the daily deal…

  • duchy on 01/05/2025 - 10:25

    I bought some tshirts, caps and shorts for the family and I. Not too badly priced, but hardly an awesome deal.

  • Davelovesdealz on 01/05/2025 - 10:41
    +1

    bought a 5 dollar bamboo bed table thing. Got sent a ninja creamy - missis was very happy!

    • NevC on 01/05/2025 - 18:36
      +1

      Not Catch but I bought an Air Fryer Oven from Harris Scarfe once. Only thing I can remember buying from them. A couple of years later they sent me a free Air Purifier.

  • bazingaa on 01/05/2025 - 13:04

    Dishwashing tablets,

  • windyhill on 01/05/2025 - 18:31

    I got a few things, happy enough with the prices, but I've bought similar items cheaper over the last three years.

    NB Vongo V6 2 pairs
    HB underwear
    Calvin Klein handbags
    Nine West handbags
    Platform uggs…the ones for 20 dollars
    Pillows and doona
    A few other bits and pieces taking advantage of the OnePass free delivery

  • Markoov on 02/05/2025 - 10:09

    I purchased the 'All About Eve Women's Blizzard Panel Puffer Jacket', which was discounted from $89.99 to $34.99. The next day, I contacted them to cancel the order after realising I had selected the wrong size. They cancelled the order, but the jacket was still delivered and they never requested a return, and it turned out to be the perfect size.
    So it ended up costing me $0.

    https://www.catch.com.au/product/all-about-eve-womens-blizza…

  • bizarredeal on 02/05/2025 - 10:42
    +1

    I managed to not get caught out.

  • PhatTofu on 06/05/2025 - 10:38

    Did they actually say in emails that unused credit would be refunded? I had some gift card value I received after an order got cancelled like 2 years ago, that I only felt compelled to use on junk before they closed trading.
    Kept emailing me about having credit every week, and now with less than a dollar in credit left they send an email saying they can refund it…

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