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. Customers falling below the £50 minimum will incur a delivery fee of £7.50, up from the previous fee of £7.
For those with a delivery pass, Sainsbury’s offers varying subscription options: £7.50 per month, £43 for six months, or £80 for a year for an anytime delivery pass, and £4 per month or £40 for a year for a midweek pass. Customers without a pass who spend more than £50 will still be charged a delivery fee ranging from £1 to £5.50, depending on the delivery time.
Recent social media posts reflect discontent among shoppers regarding the increase in minimum spend. One individual expressed frustration over the change affecting single-person households, while another mentioned the inconvenience of now having to make frequent trips to the supermarket due to the higher threshold.
In response to the criticism, Sainsbury’s confirmed the upcoming adjustment in an email to customers. The company explained that the change aims to align with the rising costs associated with providing delivery services, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining affordable online shopping options.
A Sainsbury’s spokesperson highlighted the need to adapt the minimum spend requirement, which had remained unchanged for over a decade, to reflect the current business costs accurately. They reassured customers that the majority already exceed the new threshold and suggested utilizing services like the Delivery Pass and Click & Collect to mitigate additional expenses.