Tesco has quietly rolled out a new 40p fee that's leaving many online shoppers feeling short-changed. The supermarket giant is now charging customers for grocery deliveries and collections on orders worth less than £40.
What's changing at the checkout?
The new charge applies specifically to Tesco's 'Delivery Saver' subscribers who previously enjoyed free deliveries regardless of order value. Now, these loyal customers must meet the £40 minimum threshold or face the additional fee.
This move represents a significant shift in Tesco's online shopping strategy and comes at a time when households are already grappling with rising food prices and energy costs.
Customer reaction and backlash
Social media platforms and customer forums are buzzing with discontent as shoppers discover the new charge. Many are expressing frustration that their regular smaller shops will now cost significantly more.
"I used to do two smaller shops a week to manage my budget better," one customer commented. "Now I'm being penalised for not spending enough in one go."
How does this compare to other supermarkets?
Tesco isn't the first retailer to implement minimum spend requirements, but the specific targeting of Delivery Saver customers has raised eyebrows. Here's how other major supermarkets approach online fees:
- Asda: £25 minimum for free click and collect
- Sainsbury's: £25 minimum for free delivery slots
- Morrisons: Varied minimum spends depending on time slot
The bigger picture: Supermarket strategies in a cost-of-living crisis
This pricing change reflects the challenging balancing act supermarkets face between maintaining profitability and supporting customers through economic difficulties. As operational costs continue to rise, retailers are increasingly looking to pass on some of these expenses to consumers.
Industry analysts suggest we may see more supermarkets following suit with similar fee structures as they navigate the current economic climate.
What customers can do
Shoppers looking to avoid the new charge have several options:
- Combine smaller shops into one larger weekly order
- Consider switching to in-store shopping for smaller top-up trips
- Review delivery pass subscriptions to ensure they still offer value
- Compare overall costs with other supermarket options
The 40p charge might seem small individually, but for regular shoppers it could add up to significant extra costs over the course of a year.
