Sainsbury’s makes major change to online deliveries and shoppers are angry

SAINSBURY’S has been blasted for hiking its annual delivery pass rates by 25% as customers battle a cost of living crisis and soaring energy bills.

The upfront annual fee – popular with families and vulnerable shoppers including the elderly – has soared from £30 in 2021 to £40 for customers looking to renew this year.

Known as the “midweek delivery pass”, the one-off charge gets shoppers free delivery on online grocery orders on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays as long as they spend at least £40.

Last night, frustrated customers expressed dismay at being hit in the pocket again.

George Day, 74, of Whyteleafe, Surrey, said: “We are pensioners. We rely on the delivery pass service as it is hard for us to get out and about these days.

“Sainsbury’s should think more about its vulnerable customers – that extra £10 could have been spent on our energy bills – keeping my wife and I warm.”

Consumer experts have criticised the supermarket for the price hikes, which will hit vulnerable shoppers who rely on groceries being delivered to their doors.

Martyn James at Resolver, said: “As the cost-of-living crisis bites, supermarkets need to ensure that the people they already have on their ‘vulnerable’ lists do not pay additional fees or charges. 

“Every last penny counts at the moment and even £10 can mean the difference between going without heating for a week or not.”

The move comes as inflation has hit a 30-year high of 7%, putting further pressure on family finances. 

On social media, one customer, Ron Newfield, said he had complained to the supermarket after he was charged £4 a time for individual deliveries when his annual delivery pass failed to automatically renew at the £30 rate – as it had increased to £40.

He added: “We are on their priority customer list too. Good customer service eh?”

Sainsbury’s confirmed the price increases came in towards the end of last year.

A spokeswoman said: “We have updated our online groceries services so that we can offer simpler, more flexible ways to shop with us, while still offering great value.”

Deliveries outside of the midweek pass times are charged at the rates advertised on Sainsbury’s website.

Other monthly passes from the chain are also subject to price hikes, but when asked, Sainsbury’s did not provide details.

And it’s not just delivery costs that are going up – we reveal the household essentials that have soared in price, as well as how to cut costs.

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