Ocado priority, tips and hacks and Toblerone

[FredAstaireAteMyHamSandwich]

Carrying on from the last Ocado thread that is about to fill up. Still haven’t been given a toblerone yet.

I noticed I’m allowed an order a day again now.

Smart Pass sale on at the moment. That has to be the first one since early March. As I suspected might happen, they're offloading a lot of Waitrose stuff (also the usual vast array of branded items which are so expensive it amazes me they ever sold any of it at full price). I've stocked up on a few cupboard and frozen things at 50% off. I know from bitter experience that the most useful things go out of stock pdq, so I wouldn't delay looking at the sale if you're eligible for the discount.

Hi Gaspode, any chance you could let me know the URL for the sale, as I'm still not receiving any marketing emails despite contacting Ocado three times now (will try a fourth time now!).

Do you have an Anytime Smart Pass, @shallwethree? This sale is for people in that group. You don't get a discount without the code they send in the email which may be personalized, for all I know. Sorry but I have deleted the email now. I'd try ringing them or emailing again.

Hi, thanks for the quick response. Yes I've had an anytime smart pass for over a year now, I used to get the flash sale emails but have nothing for ages. All they tell me is that I'm opted in for marketing etc - and I knew that already!

Aha - the guy I'm chatting to via Ocado web chat is sending me the URL and code - some success!

Yes, AFAIK the discounts are personalised. I once tried sending mine to a relative for whom the items would be more useful - it wouldn't work from their account.

Pleased to hear that, shallwethree!

I've had an Anytime smart pass for donkeys' years, but not got an email about this flash sale. I rarely find much of use tbf though!

I rarely find much of use tbf though!

Indeed. There was a thread a few days ago on all the grocery items we individually never buy. Almost the entire list was things Ocado resolutely tries to flog me - even though they've never once appeared in any order of mine in a decade.

Pretty sure one was popcorn - for dogs.
I don't even have a dog and have never bought anything pet-related on there.

I admit to having gotten 2 toblerones.
And can now update order up until 2pm the day before delivery- and was actually able to go on later because I forgot and it let me. I am also sad to say goodbye to Waitrose. I would never really do a shop in M&S. I might pop in for random bits but don’t really think of it as somewhere to shop for a family of 5. What I can see happening is me going to Waitrose a bit more and I am really trying to go as little as possible. I also think huge own goal for the Waitrose and M&S to be side by side at the moment so we can compare the offerings. I may be pleasantly surprised- we will see...

Apparently there are no suitable substitutions for a basic toothbrush in my delivery this morning.

Now what are the chances of them not having a single toothbrush in their warehouse

@Yellowbutterfly1

Apparently there are no suitable substitutions for a basic toothbrush in my delivery this morning.

Now what are the chances of them not having a single toothbrush in their warehouse

It is a bit ridiculous. I don't get any semi skimmed milk last week. So you are telling me there was no milk at all?? It was my worst order since lockdown started-think the transition from Waitrose to M&S probably taking it's toll.

To be fair I got everything this week.

I remember the week they sent no bread ...

I'd ordered a fancy sourdough loaf - but they couldn't find even a 96p white sliced to offer me.

Why are we not talking about a certain heir to the throne's decision to slough off Duchy Organics???

(I have zero interest in royalty gossip - but I buy a lot of Duchy products from Ocado.)

@PerditaProvokesEnmity

Why are we not talking about a certain heir to the throne's decision to slough off Duchy Organics???

(I have zero interest in royalty gossip - but I buy a lot of Duchy products from Ocado.)

Because I don’t know anything about it. What has happened?

The Prince of Wales will not be renewing his lease on the farm where "he" produces the Duchy Organic brand beloved of Ocado/Waitrose customers.

I heard it on the R4 news yesterday. It's being reported by the Times, Daily Mail and various random news outlets today.

Prince Charles will be giving up the lease on Highgrove, so presumably no more Duchy product. It’s a shame, Camilla made some cracking cakes

I've so enjoyed picturing the two of them elbow deep in biscuit dough, or enthusiastically stomping on tomatoes and stuffing them into the tins that arrive in my cupboards.

You may find that Daylesford have similar organic products to Duchy?

I don’t buy many Duchy items as I feel I’m already supporting Charlie and his extended family!

I’m not sure if Duchy items will be available at Ocado once the tie in with Waitrose ends.

I agree that often the substitutions make little sense.

They will find an obscure substitution for exotic items, eg guavas for lychees, but one brand of crumpets or white loaf for another brand stumps them.
I always price check the substitutions now, since I realised that unlike other companies, Ocado charge the actual price for subs, not what you would have paid for your first choice item.

They need to update their Search facility urgently, it’s hopeless at present.

Ah, I didn't realise that he wasn't renewing the lease.
Will that mean that the products are stopping too?
I've checked the couple of them that I have and they are branded as Waitrose as well as Duchy.
Daylesford are very similar and I like them as a company. I once contacted them asking about the difference between free range and organic eggs. They sent me a very in-depth email about organic eggs and how the animal welfare is so much higher than free range.

Would have thought someone would take over the lease?

I imagine someone else will lease the land! But I'm not sure the POW would want to sell his food brand. (What do I know?)

@shallwethree I’m having exactly the same issue re emails.
They tell me no one else is therefore its my end. Despite the fact my last email is dated the week before their system crashed...