How to Know if Catch is Worth It

Updated November 2023.

Catch (previously Catch Of The Day) is an Australian site with loads of potential bargains.

So how do you know if it’s worth it, whether they are a scam or legit, if you truly get a bargain and what to buy or avoid?

I have used Catch various times over the years and I feel it was good back then but it’s rare to find a bargain now.

In short, most things on there are not worth it, they inflate the RRP to make you think you’re getting a bargain but if you know where to shop, you can get better deals elsewhere.

However, there have been a few times recently that it was the only place we could secure some specific things my teen wanted.

Because of that, I have still used it in the past few months.

Is Catch Worth it?

Generally speaking, they aren’t. Some of their deals can be good but overall, I can find the items cheaper elsewhere.

But they definitely have some items I have not been able to source elsewhere so it can be worth it if you know your prices.

They are a legitimate site but the recommended prices they claim, the savings you’ll make as a result and other things are usually inflated.

When some people look at the prices, particularly for expensive electrical items, it can seem a bit daunting.

I mean, paying hundreds or over $1,000 for an item that is discounted on there sounds too good to be true, right?

The deal of the day bargains for electrical items are one of the only things I have found in recent years that is a decent discount at times.

You need to check carefully you are buying new and not refurbished though.

When I purchased a phone a few years ago, I saved hundreds and it was brand new. Catch posted it quickly and was great for years.

Other items simply never arrived after a month despite continual emails to get my items.

I did get a refund eventually but it was frustrating and not an easy process.

I have often seen prices listed as discounted on Catch when in fact, they were much cheaper elsewhere.

Don’t believe their recommended retail prices vs the discount price. Do your own research.

What To Buy?

Catch has a wide range of items from phones through to activewear, food to beauty items and even phone plans.

As mentioned, I purchased a phone, specifically the Samsung Galaxy S9+ which arrived within a couple of days. That was ideal.

I attempted to buy sports gear that said it would be shipped within 2 to 4 business days.

A week later, it was listed as packed but still not shipped.

I emailed a week after that, so 2 weeks after I purchased it and they had to investigate it.

Eventually, a month after I made the original purchase, I was offered a refund or the items repacked and sent.

I opted for a refund and bought items elsewhere at a discount still. 

I’ve heard mixed reports on the food as well with some people showing me the items they got in bulk or discounted were actually expired or would expire within a week.

When I checked prices, often it was the same as the specials in the shops or a few times more expensive.

Their daily deals can be amazing if you know what you are looking for and the prices of the items.

Before Christmas, we got some Lego that was cheaper on there than elsewhere but overall, the prices are the same as stores and it is not the bargain central it used to be.

Customer Service

One issue on many cheap sites is customer service. Every dealing I have had with Catch customer service was brilliant.

Fast, clear, and eager to solve the problem and they did what they could to rectify things.

My contact was all via email as I prefer it but they have a few contact methods and all are polite, professional and helpful.

So while it did take a month for me to get things sorted with the sportsgear I purchased, they were generally responsive when I contacted them.

FAQ’s

Aside from the FAQ’s on the site, here are the frequently asked questions I have had about Catch.

How Quick is Postage?

Since it is up to Aus Post, it can vary. For every item you are considering buying, check on Catch if it is in stock or how long it is expected to take to ship.

You can then track it (they send you a link).

Most items will ship within a few days so if you live in the city you will have it quickly. Rural areas will take a bit longer.

Realistically, I can usually get the items elsewhere for less and faster e.g. Amazon. So I don’t tend to use Catch at all anymore.

What is the Quality Like?

You’re usually buying brand name items so the quality is the same as anywhere else you would buy them.

Sometimes there are end of season items or a brand is changing the style of the product so they are clearing it out which is how Catch can sell it cheaper.

However, with tech items, make sure they are new and not refurbished because I have seen refurbished for the same price as new.

If you are happy to purchase refurbished, make sure you are comparing refurbished prices properly.

Some customers have been caught out buying items they didn’t realise were refurbished as most of the tech on Catch seems to be.

Is There Anything I Should Avoid?

A few years ago we had issues with the used-by dates on some food items so I avoid those.

Realistically, check your prices, know what you want and be smart about what you’re buying.

It can be easy to add too much to your cart because there are so many bargains.

Add Flybuys

When shopping with Catch, be sure to add your Flybuys card if you use it.

Accruing points in loyalty programs can take a while, so get those points everywhere you can.

What About One Pass?

You may have noticed a lot of advertising for One Pass lately promoting free shipping and extra Flybuys points.

There is an annual fee and the main benefits are free shipping on eligible items, express click and collect plus 5x Flybuys points in store.

I’ve been a member for the past year and didn’t use it as much as I thought I would but did save money on shipping for specific items last Christmas.

Have you tried Catch? What did you think?

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