My understanding from the article is that Coles used to only charge for what was delivered, on the day. They changed to put a hold for the entire order on the accout at the time the order was placed, ‘refunds’ issued on the day for products not delivered, and the hold stayed so the lady could not buy more groceries - living from week to week in a cash economy facilitated by her debit card, as I read it.
Perhaps not even tea could be purchased for a few days to put into the tea cup?
