Coles detail you’ve never noticed could save you money

A small sign has popped up at Coles self checkouts that could help save that little bit extra on your grocery bill.
The red sticker was spotted on the top edge of the screen and advises customers to take an important step before weighing fruits and vegetables.
“Using your own non-Coles fresh produce bags? Be sure to remove your fresh produce before weighing at the checkout so you only pay for what you purchase. Removal only required for items sold by weight,” the notice reads.
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The advice is well worth following as the weight of mesh and fabric produce bags bought from other stores can potentially increase the cost of your fruit and veg slightly if it is still holding the items when you weigh them.
For example, a large mesh bag I purchased three years ago weighs 56g, according to its tag, while the smallest in that set weighs 15g, so if you’re buying several types of produce that can add up.
Even though the amount it increases the cost is small, paying extra because of what you’re not buying is something nine of us need, especially during a cost of living crisis.
This little-known detail with reusable produce bags is actually why some mesh bags have the weight listed on the tag or mention how light weight they are in the product description.
There is no need to worry about removing fresh produce from mesh bags purchased at Coles though because they won’t add to the weight.
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“For our customers’ convenience, we have lightweight bags available to use when shopping for fresh produce – additionally we have Coles reusable mesh produce bags available for purchase, both of which are designed to work with our scales,” a Coles spokesperson told 9honey Money.
“However, we also know some of our customers like to bring their own bags when shopping with us – and this signage is there as a friendly reminder for these customers to remove their produce before it is weighed so the scales only calculate the weight and price of their produce (without the weight of their bag).”
Reusable mesh bags have been an important initiative to help reduce the amount of plastic waste we create.
Coles continues to provide clear plastic produce bags for those who wish to use them.
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