Coles Plus Saver Review 2024
Grocery shopping with young kids can be a real challenge. Between managing tantrums in the snack aisle and trying to stick to a budget, the weekly shop often feels more like a battle than a chore. That’s why I was excited to try the Coles Plus Saver subscription, a membership designed to make grocery shopping easier and more affordable. At just $7 a month, it seemed almost too good to be true. Could this subscription really help parents save time, money, and stress? Here’s my honest review.
What is Coles Plus Saver?
The Coles Plus Saver subscription is a membership program offered by Coles, one of Australia’s leading supermarket chains. Designed to provide ongoing savings and perks for frequent shoppers, it costs $7 per month. Here’s what you get:
1. 10% Off One Shop Per Month
Every calendar month, members can enjoy 10% off one in-store or online shop, up to a maximum discount of $50. For families who do one large shop a month, this can add up to substantial savings.
2. Double Flybuys Points
Members earn double Flybuys points on every purchase at Coles, Liquorland, and First Choice Liquor Market, both in-store and online. This accelerates how quickly you can redeem rewards, whether for gift cards, discounts, or experiences.
3. Exclusive Member-Only Offers
Subscribers also gain access to special promotions and occasional freebies, which can provide extra value.
It’s a straightforward program, but the real question is: Does it deliver value for families? Let’s find out.
Why I Signed Up
As a parent of a three-year-old, grocery shopping is a juggling act. Between planning meals, sticking to a budget, and keeping my son entertained, I’m always on the lookout for ways to make life easier. When I heard about Coles Plus Saver, I was intrigued by the potential savings. With the promise of 10% off and double Flybuys points, I saw an opportunity to reduce costs while building up rewards for Christmas shopping.
At $7 a month, I figured I didn’t have much to lose. But would it really help me save, or was it just another subscription gimmick? I decided to put it to the test.
My Experience with Coles Plus Saver
Here’s how Coles Plus Saver performed in the key areas that matter most to parents: savings, convenience, and value.
1. Savings
The most attractive feature of the subscription is the 10% discount on one shop per month. For my family, our monthly grocery bill for essentials like nappies, snacks, and pantry staples usually hovers around $200. By applying the discount to this shop, I saved $20—nearly three times the cost of the subscription itself.
The savings become even more noticeable for larger shops. For instance, if your monthly shop totals $500, you could save $50, which is the maximum discount. Over a year, that’s $600 in savings, making the $84 annual subscription fee feel like a drop in the ocean.
2. Double Flybuys Points
As a frequent shopper at Coles, I already collect Flybuys points. With Coles Plus Saver, my points doubled, and the difference was noticeable within a few weeks. For every dollar spent, I earned 2 points instead of 1, and this applied across Coles, Liquorland, and First Choice Liquor Market.
These points can be redeemed for gift cards, which is perfect for birthdays or Christmas shopping. After just two months of using the subscription, I’d already accumulated enough points to redeem a $10 gift card. It’s a small reward, but one that adds up over time, especially for families making larger purchases.
3. Convenience
One of the unexpected perks of the Coles Plus Saver subscription was the convenience it added to my shopping routine. Knowing I had one guaranteed discounted shop each month, I started planning more efficiently. I consolidated multiple smaller trips into one large shop, saving time and avoiding unnecessary purchases.
The online shopping option was another game-changer. With the subscription, I could place my order online, apply the discount, and schedule delivery for a time that suited me. This was particularly helpful on busy weekends when the thought of dragging my toddler through the supermarket was less than appealing.
Pros and Cons of Coles Plus Saver for Families
No subscription is perfect, so here’s an honest look at the pros and cons of Coles Plus Saver for parents with young kids.
Pros
1. Affordable Price Point: At just $7 a month, the subscription is an easy expense to justify, especially if you do one large shop per month.
2. Substantial Savings: The 10% discount on one shop can quickly offset the subscription cost, especially for larger families.
3. Accelerated Rewards: Double Flybuys points help you earn rewards faster, which can be reinvested into future purchases or special occasions.
4. Time-Saving Convenience: Online shopping and delivery options make it easier to avoid in-store hassles, especially with young kids in tow.
Cons
1. Limited to One Discounted Shop Per Month: If you prefer smaller, more frequent shopping trips, you may find it harder to maximize the discount.
2. Coles-Only Exclusivity: If you shop across multiple supermarkets, the subscription benefits are limited to Coles stores and their partners.
3. Requires Planning: To get the most value, you need to plan your shopping around the discount, which might not suit everyone’s routine.
Tips for Making the Most of Coles Plus Saver
If you’re considering signing up, here are some tips to maximize your savings and convenience:
1. Plan a Monthly Bulk Shop: Use the 10% discount on your largest shop of the month. Stock up on non-perishables, household essentials, and kids’ items like nappies and snacks.
2. Combine Offers: Look for member-exclusive deals and promotions that align with your needs to stretch your dollar further.
3. Redeem Flybuys Strategically: Use your accumulated points for gift cards during special occasions like Christmas or birthdays.
4. Use Online Shopping: Avoid the hassle of in-store shopping by ordering online and scheduling delivery at your convenience.
Is Coles Plus Saver Worth It?
So, is the Coles Plus Saver subscription worth it for busy parents? For my family, the answer is a resounding yes. At just $7 a month, the savings from the 10% discount alone far outweighed the cost. Add in the double Flybuys points and the convenience of online shopping, and it became clear that this membership was designed with families in mind.
However, it’s not for everyone. If you’re someone who prefers smaller, frequent shops or splits your grocery spending across multiple stores, you may not see as much value. But for parents who shop regularly at Coles and want to save both time and money, this subscription is a no-brainer.
Final Thoughts: Simplifying Life for Parents
Parenting is hard enough without the added stress of grocery shopping. The Coles Plus Saver subscription is a small investment that delivers big rewards, from slashing costs to giving you more time for what matters most—your family. If you’re looking for ways to simplify your routine and stretch your budget, it’s worth giving this subscription a try.
Have you tried the Coles Plus Saver subscription? I’d love to hear how it’s worked for your family. Share your experience in the comments below, or let me know if you have any questions!
For more detailed reviews on other products, refer to our blog page.