The 'forgotten' Kmart hack to help you track down most coveted items
It is no secret consumers like a bargain – which is why people often say they go into Kmart and come out with more than they need.
And with many shoppers sharing innovative hacks online, like the wrought-iron fruit bowl turned into lamp shades earlier this year, it is no wonder some products can be hard to get your hands on.
But there is one often-forgotten way shoppers can track down their sought-after items – Kmart’s raincheck service.
Retail expert Dr Gary Mortimer said it was not a service that many people used anymore.
“I recall raincheck being a service that was certainly offered as far back as the 80s, early 90s,” he told Yahoo7 News.
But Dr Mortimer added the need to raincheck a product became less required as technology evolved, explaining it would be rare for retailers to run out of stock and logistics companies delivered to stores seven days a week.
“Inventory management systems have become so advanced and accurate that they can work out how much stock is required to service demand,” he said.
Dr Mortimer added in most cases retailers aimed to satisfy customer’s needs in terms of stock.
“It wouldn’t be a strategy of the retailer to purposely underestimate the supply to create the FOMO (Fear of missing out) effect,” he said.
“(Their) fashion and decor is so on trend that they are generally forced to update those ranges, or elements of those ranges, every six to eight weeks.
“Kmart aren’t pretending to be somebody they’re not,” he added, saying they were “cheap and cheerful” and offer good basics.
A Kmart spokesperson confirmed customers were able to request a raincheck when advertised products ran out “during a promotional period” .
“They will be contacted when more stock becomes available in store, or alternatively, they will be offered a substitute item if no future stock is expected,” the spokesperson said.
But a raincheck only applies to products advertised in catalogues and during promotional periods.
A docket will be printed for the shopper and their details are kept in the system so they can be contacted.
The raincheck service is not an uncommon concept when it comes to shopping. They are also available at other retailers, including Target.
“The raincheck ensures customers have the option to return and buy the item at the discounted price when inventory is restocked,” investopedia explained.
For Kmart customers wanting to get their hands on those popular items that are not advertised, they are urged to get in touch with the customer service team on 1800 124 125.
