Sainsbury’s has faced backlash for raising the minimum spend required for its regular home delivery service. Currently set at £40 for delivery pass holders, this threshold will increase to £50 starting on April 7. Failure to meet the new minimum spend will result in a fee of £7.50, up from the current fee of £7.
Sainsbury’s offers an anytime delivery pass for £7.50 a month, £43 for six months, or £80 for 12 months. Alternatively, customers can opt for a midweek pass priced at £4 a month or £40 for 12 months.
Customers without a delivery pass must pay a delivery fee if they spend more than £50, with charges ranging from £1 to £5.50 based on the delivery time.
Upset consumers have vented their frustrations on social media regarding the increase. One individual expressed disappointment, highlighting the challenge of reaching the new £50 minimum spend. Another customer lamented the inconvenience of now having to make multiple trips to the supermarket due to the higher threshold.
In response to the criticism, Sainsbury’s confirmed the change in an email to its customers, explaining that the adjustment is the first in over a decade and is necessary due to the escalating costs associated with the service. The supermarket emphasized its commitment to maintaining online shopping accessibility and affordability for its clientele.
A Sainsbury’s spokesperson reiterated the company’s dedication to offering simple and cost-effective online shopping, noting that the minimum spend for standard delivery had not been adjusted in many years. The increase to £50 reflects the operational expenses involved in providing the service, with most customers unaffected as they already exceed this spending threshold when shopping online. Additional cost-saving options such as the Delivery Pass and Click & Collect services are available to help customers manage expenses.