On-Line Supermarket/Food Shopping

[Astrid]

I've read in a few reads people mentioning that they do their food shopping on-line and I think it was Deb who said she'd already ordered for Christmas Eve from Waitrose.

I've never done this but was thinking of doing it just before Christmas as I'll be pushed for time as I'm not flying home till the 23rd.

Has anyone had much experience of this and which shops do you think are the best? (I know that not all shops cover all areas). I know Tesco and Sainsbury cover where I am but not sure about the other stores.

Do you know if there's any 'rules' that say I can't use them for the first time for a Christmas delivery.

Any hints and tips greatly appreciated - thanks!

Astrid x

 

[FiFi]

Astrid

We use Tesco for our online ordering and they are brilliant. At first I begrudged paying the delivery charge but bearing mind how much time and hassle you save by doing it you realise it is worth it. I find the Tesco site more user friendly than the Sainsbury's one and they now have a substitution request facility which allows you to choose what you would like instead if they don't have what you want in stock.

We placed an order about 11pm one evening last week and the goods were delivered at lunchtime the next day. No crowds of loonatics doing battle with trolleys- what a relief

You also get all the instore special offers like BOGOF, 3 for 2 etc.
And Airmiles of course

Fiona

 

[UKDEB]

Astrid,

I don't think there will be any rules, but I do think you'll be pushing it to get a Christmas Eve delivery slot. I 'booked' mine over a week ago and the 11.00-1.00 slot was the last one they had left. With Waitrose, your order has to be at least £50 and then you can add to it up to midday the day before delivery. I just booked my time slot, placed a small order and then I've been adding to it ever since.

Waitrose is excellent. Everything comes in colour coded and named bags (grocery, fridge, freezer), they always come when they say they will and the delivery guy is the sweetest man - a real old-fashioned gent. He brings it all into the kitchen - "All part of the service, Mrs Churchill". You can opt for your personal shopper to substitute any items which aren't available, or not, on an individual basis (my default is set to 'yes' and then I tick a box for any for which I don't want it to apply). Any items which have been substituted are delivered in a separate bag and you have the option to return any you don't want.

I gave up with Tesco after two attempts. Admittedly it was when the service first started, so they may well have ironed out the teething problems, but both times they phoned to say they were running up to 2 hours behind! Now when your delivery slot is a 2 hour window anyway, that's just too long to be hanging around not able to go anywhere. And both times, the most expensive item on my list (wine each time) was missing. Once is forgiveable, twice is careless at best and suspicious at worst. Whilst they did refund me, it's hassle I didn't need and I wondered whether they believed me.

I only use the service occasionally - it isn't a substitute for walking around a store and picking your own produce in my opinion and it takes forever. My advice is to write a list, add those items to your shopping trolley first, and then browse for anything else you want to add.

 

[Janice]

Hi Astrid

Great advice from Deb and Fi - I have used Sainsbury's and Tesco's when we lived at our old address and have to say I preferred Tesco's.

I think the worse part was actually setting up my shopping list first time - once that was done the actual shopping each week became easier.

Like Deb with Sainsburys, I found it frustrating when stuff wasnt delivered as ordered, and found it even more frustrating when the simple of stuff (Bread - Potatoes) were not delivered.

This was in the very early days and I am sure they are now more oganised.

I would love to have online shopping here with Waitrose! The service in their shops is second to none, and from what Debbie has said it sounds like the online service is the same top notch!

Must investigate!!!

 

[Astrid]

Thanks very much, knew I could rely on you!

Think I'll look at both the Tesco and Waitrose web-sites tomorrow and see what I can do. I take your point though re. getting it delivered next week though Deb. Also what you say about Tesco - here's hoping they've improved matters.

Fiona - Yes, see what you mean about the delivery charge outweighing the hassle element - never really thought about it that way !

I suppose the only thing that concerns me is I'm a stickler for checking sell by/use by dates on things, but presumably they will ensure all the stuff delivered is going to have a few days spare (she says hopefully!).

Even if I don't manage to get a delivery for Christmas I think I'll try this on-line food shopping malarky a go in the New Year!

Thanks again for the info.

Astrid x