Tesco insider reveals 11 store secrets including what happens when you ask for the stockroom to be checked
A TESCO worker has lifted the lid on what it's like behind the scenes at the supermarket and debunking the myths of the perks of the job.
From checking their phone instead of checking the stockroom to hating the self service tills as much as you do, this member of staff has spilled the beans on everything they're not supposed to tell you.
Here's what the insider told .
1.The store won't open early just because you're standing outside
Employees won't open the doors early just because customers have turned up six minutes before opening time.
It doesn't matter if it's raining or that you're cold. If the store doesn't open until 7am then it's not opening until 7am.
2.The dread of asking for your ID
Checkout staff dread asking for proof of age, just as much as you hate getting out your ID even though your 25th birthday was years ago.
If anything, you should feel flattered.
3.There's no such thing as a free lunch
Employees are NOT given a free meal deal for lunch.
The mystery worker said they would be lucky to be given some free sliced Tesco value-range bread.
Here's how to cut the cost of your grocery shop
SAVING on your shop can make a big difference to your wallet. Here are some tips from Money.co.uk about how you can cut the cost of your shopping bills:
- Write yourself a list – Only buy items that you need. If it isn’t on your list, don’t put it in the trolley
- Create a budget – Work out a weekly budget for your food shopping
- Never shop hungry – you are far more likely to buy more food if your tummy is rumbling
- Don’t buy pre-chopped veggies or fruit – The extra they’ll charge for chopping can be eye watering
- Use social media – follow your favourite retailers to find out about the latest deals
- Be disloyal – You may want to go to different stores to find the best bargains
- Check the small print – It’s always worth checking the price per kg/lb/litre when comparing offers so you’re making a like for like decision as a bigger box won’t necessarily mean you get more
- Use your loyalty cards – Don’t be afraid to sign up to them all. They all work slightly differently – work out what bonus suits you better and remember to trade in your points for additional rewards
4. Tesco fleeces are so comfortable
Those classic Tesco fleeces – they might not look great but they’re actually incredibly comfortable.
The insider said: "They aren't the most flattering items of clothing to wear, but they are amazingly warm in those chilly winter months."
5. Staff hate the self service tills too
Staff hate the self service tills more than you do, apparently.
The worker revealed: “I hold the power to unlock these bad boys, and the red light flashing above you has already told me you need my help.”
6. The yellow sticker obsession is real
Shoppers can spot the sticker printer a mile off, the insider said, but hanging around the member of staff putting them on the food doesn't make it go any quicker.
Many will wait around for even the smallest discounts, according to the mystery worker.
We've previously revealed the secret to bagging the best yellow sticker discounts.
When does your supermarket start reducing prices?
YELLOW sticker discounts allow shoppers to nab a bargain, often stocking up on more expensive items like meat and fish.
has put together a list of reduction times per store, although it does vary depending on the location of the supermarket. As a rough guide, the first yellow stickers tend to appear mid-morning, and silly-price reductions begin early evening, when stores cut prices by 75 per cent and more.
Here's where it thinks you can spot a bargain, store-by-store:
- Asda - Reductions start around 7pm and most have gone by 9pm.
- Co-op - Varies by store. Expect 50 per cent discount around 5pm, then 75 per cent by 8pm.
- M&S Food - Final reductions at 6.30pm in stores that close at 7pm and 8pm at stores that close at 9pm. Some items marked down due to sell-by date after lunchtime rush.
- Morrisons - Reductions start late morning or lunchtime.
- Sainsbury's - Some stores start at 1.30pm, others don't start until 7pm. Dependent on store location and opening times.
- Tesco - No hard and fast rule. Some big stores start reductions at 8am, others don't start until early evening.
- Aldi - Doesn't reduce prices during course of the day.
- Lidl - Not enough info to say
- Waitrose - Dependent on store but usually just before closing time, according to shoppers.
7. Don't ask them if their shift is over soon
Apparently staff don't like it when you ask them this, even if you are just making polite conversation.
It only reminds them of how many hours left they have to work before they can go home.
8. Don't eat as you shop
Nothing ticks off a Tesco worker more than someone grazing on the snacks they're about to buy.
An insider told the Liverpool Echo last year: “The worst are the ones who graze as they shop.
"Picking at French sticks and eating half a bag of grapes before you get to the till. We see you."
9. They won't really check the stockroom
Another insider claimed that if a customer asks them to check the storeroom for more stock, staff don't actually look.
"Or if we do we also take a little break in the back," they said. Adding that they often use the time to check their personal mobile phones.
10. They have to help you find an item
They don't want to - but it's the rules of working for Tesco.
"We don't want to accompany you to the right aisle to help find the exact item you're looking for, but we have to."
11. You'll still have to pay for it even if it doesn't scan
If it doesn't scan, then it's free, right? The insider revealed that you're probably not the first person to make that joke today.
If anything, items that won't scan just leave staff and customers more annoyed as another employee goes to fetch another item that will work.
You still have to pay for it.
Tesco has been approached for comment.
Most read in money
Last month, we revealed our tips on how to save money at Tesco including the best time to shop and how to get cashback on groceries.
We've also got tips on how to reduce the price of your supermarket bill by hundreds of pounds a year, no matter where you shop.
Tesco has already starting slashing the prices of its Christmas chocolates including Nestle, Reese's and Swizzles.
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