A savvy supermarket shopper has taken to social media to reveal a surprisingly simple yet effective hack that can rescue you from the frustration of forgetting a £1 coin for a trolley. This clever trick, which works at major retailers like Aldi, Lidl, Tesco, and Asda, involves using a standard key instead of a coin, potentially saving you from an extra trip or the hassle of hunting for change.
The Coin Conundrum: A Common Supermarket Dilemma
Across the United Kingdom, supermarkets typically require customers to insert a £1 coin or a special keyring token to release a shopping trolley. This system is designed to encourage trolley returns and maintain order in car parks. However, it often leads to inconvenience when shoppers arrive unprepared, lacking the necessary coin in their pocket or purse. For those planning a large grocery haul or needing a trolley to secure a young child, this can disrupt the entire shopping experience.
A Social Media Revelation Goes Viral
The hack was shared by an Instagram user known as Sophie, who posts under the handle @lookinsidemygarden to her 300,000 followers. In a now-viral video, she expressed disbelief as she demonstrated the method, stating, "I can't believe this worked." She highlighted a common plight, asking, "Does anyone else get to the supermarket and forget their coins? Or like me, your special coin keyring sometimes doesn't work?"
Sophie then proceeded to use a standard key from her pocket, inserting it into the trolley's coin slot. To her amazement, it unlocked seamlessly, allowing her to access the trolley without any coin. She exclaimed, "So I thought I would try my luck and BOOM, we're in. Now I can fill my trolley with 26,000 snacks for another week of the holiday munches!" The clip, filmed at a Lidl store, was captioned with the reassuring phrase, "No trolley coin, no problem..."
Public Reaction: Praise and Practical Tips
Since its posting, the video has amassed thousands of likes and comments, with many users expressing enthusiasm and sharing their own experiences. One commenter praised, "Brilliant idea," while another hailed it as "genius!" A seasoned shopper offered a technical tip, noting, "Use the key at the other end, it thinks it's a coin. Been doing this for years."
However, some voiced concerns, with one person admitting, "I've always been scared to do that in case my key breaks." Others shared their reliance on dedicated solutions, such as a fifth user who said, "Nice! Have to remember this. My Aldi quarter lives in my car's cup holder. No one is allowed to touch it." The hack has sparked relief among those who have faced similar struggles, with one individual remarking, "Omg! I'll try this, in the past I've had to go in the shop and ask if I can have a trolley!"
Why This Hack Works and Its Implications
The effectiveness of this hack likely stems from the design of trolley locks, which are engineered to detect a coin-sized object to release the mechanism. A standard key, when inserted correctly, can mimic the size and shape enough to trigger the lock, though it's not officially recommended by supermarkets. While this trick offers a convenient workaround, shoppers should exercise caution to avoid damaging their keys or the trolley equipment.
This revelation underscores a broader trend of everyday life hacks circulating on social media, providing practical solutions to common inconveniences. For frequent supermarket visitors, it could transform shopping trips, eliminating the need to carry specific coins or tokens. As Sophie's experience shows, sometimes the simplest ideas can unlock significant benefits, making grocery runs smoother and more efficient.
In summary, next time you find yourself at Aldi, Lidl, Tesco, or Asda without a £1 coin, remember this handy trick. Just reach for your key—it might just be the unexpected solution to accessing a trolley and avoiding a frustrating start to your shop.
