To think this charge is unfair?

[OhSoggyBiscuit]

Just did a Tesco online shop (yes, at 3 in the morning!!) and noticed that after delivery charge (not unfair, it would cost me £3 to get there by bus so I guess I pay the extra £1 for convenience) and £4 for having a basket under £40 (Unfair as I can't afford £40 in groceries right now) it cost me an extra £8 on top of my shop.

AIBU to think the under £40 bag charge is kind of unfair to people on low incomes?

[Changerofname987654321]

Tesco are a business trying to make money. It is not their job to be fair.

How much under were you? Could you stretch out what you have in your house a little longer until you can afford a larger shop?

[Bubblebubblepop]

I suppose it's to make it worth the cost of the service. The minimum has to sit somewhere doesn't it? When you think someone picked it, packed it and then delivered it in a polluting vehicle.

[dramallamakarma]

They have to pay someone to pick the groceries & deliver them. There must be a cut off point or people would be ordering a couple of items & asking for delivery which just isn't viable.

I'm afraid YABU. Have you got a neighbour you could club together with for a joint delivery?

[Lagerthaisfabulous]

I can see why it feels unfair.

But once they have paid someone to pick and pack the order, the delivery driver, petrol, van cost etc its probably not worth them to do it for orders under £40. They are business.

If it cost £3 on a bus, its worth you going and getting it instead. Rather than paying £5 in charges.

[cluelessnewmum]

Yanbu I'm afraid, online shops I think are designed for larger shops. I read once that supermarkets do not run online shopping at a profit (is for customer loyalty etc) so you can see why they impose a limit.

But yes wasting an extra £4 because you're under the limit is a waste if you're on a low budget. Try and wait until you can do a larger shop or dramals suggestion of a joint shop with neighbour?

[Collienova]

Tesco specifically offer a delivery subscription service that dramatically reduces the cost of delivery. The minimum £40 still applies, but I get free delivery any time on Tues/Wed/Thurs for free for a £3 monthly charge. I think that's reasonable and I agree with the posters above.

[AllTheWittyNamesAreGone]

It's not unfair, it's annoying but it's not unfair.
You don't have to pay it. Tesco is a business.

[chocolatespiders]

I feel your pain and when your strapped for cash things like this make it feel 10 times worse... I didn't know there was a minimum shop for home delivery but I have never done it.
Is it is walking distance? Could you walk there and get a taxi home.
Might be worth investing in a trolley to get it home easier if the walk is not too long.

[HotelEuphoria]

Maybe walk to the supermarket and get the bus home, us that possible?

[JungleExplorer]

You could double up with someone and both get your shopping through Tesco and share the cost.

A mid week delivery is far cheaper. Maybe only £2.

I have a delivery saver, so I paid in advance for 12 months which works out at £5pm and I book a Friday/Saturday delivery slot worth £6-7 each week.

[Mummyoflittledragon]

They have to make a profit unfortunately. They did reduce it to £20 for a while a couple of years ago but I imagine that was not financially viable.

[Sirzy]

Minimum spends for things are pretty normal. Instead of having a minimum spend Tesco have decided to add a premium on if you spend less than £40 - fair enough and less inconvenient than having to spend £40 to get Delivery at all surely?

[AuntieStella]

I think all supermarkets have a minimum delivery charge.

I use Ocado, and it 's £40 for them too, or no delivery (you can't pay a supplement for a smaller order)

Tesco, you say is £40, supplement possible.

What do the others do?

[LaurieFairyCake]

‘Unfair’ is not the right word

‘Fucking negative effects of capitalism’ is much better.

People on low incomes are constantly discriminated against. With higher charges for meters for gas and electricity, with small packs being cheaper, in a hundred different ways.

[ratspeaker]

Not everyone can get Ocado. I see it often mentioned on here but its not a UK wide service.

Try Asda online. My one has £25 as minimum order

[Lagerthaisfabulous]

The Op CAN go shopping for cheaper thoygh. She has a choice.

There is no right to do an online shop.

[PodgeBod]

See what other supermarkets deliver to you, they all have their own minimum. I'm fairly sure Iceland have a lower spend and free delivery. There's not the huge range they have in Tesco but they have all of the basics.

[tshirtsuntan]

I use Morrison, the £40 limit applies but if you choose a slightly anti social delivery time (early morning/late evening) a few days ahead delivery is free.

[Nousernameforme]

can you get an iceland delivery? anything over £25 is free and you get a lot from there for that. It does fresh and food cupboard stuff as well. You might have to compromise over some of that but needs must when things are tight

[scaryclown]

It is very important for companies to use every opportunity to charge the poorest the most.

There is nothing more offensive in this modern world than someone who resists buying things they don't need, and the aggression you will unleash against you for trying to pay less will be overwhelming. Just buy too much and stop devious trying to deprive poor Tescos..

[BabsGanoush]

Tesco do a flexi-slot's of 4 hours and deliver when they have a time free. They text before delivery with a narrower time slot of an hour. This cost me a £1 last week.

I know your funds are limited but could you not bulk buy loo rolls or washing powder to complete the £40 basket?

If you are going to use them regularly look at their cheaper delivery options, bulk buy and buy EVERYTHING from there which you may pick up during the week elsewhere, like your milk and bread top ups.

And no, Tesco are here to help low income families. Neither are the other supermarkets, even Iceland have conditions.

[Witsender]

Most shops (clothes etc etc) have a free delivery over a certain point don't they, same deal.

[user1499786242]

Asda is £25 minimum I think?

[SingingMySong]

Tesco used to have a £25 min spend, which was great. You basically get them to pick and pack it for free so I think a £40 min charge is understandable. I stock it up with stuff like cat food, dishwasher tablets and loo roll if needed to hit £40.

I can only suggest you space out your shops a bit more.

[Danceswithwarthogs]

Has someone already mentioned Iceland?