Shoppers at Sainsbury’s have voiced anger after the supermarket confirmed it will increase the minimum spend required for free home delivery.
Customers who hold a delivery pass will need to spend at least £50 per order from April 7 to avoid paying additional charges.
The current minimum spend is £40.
Anyone placing an order below the new £50 threshold will be required to pay a £7.50 delivery fee.
Sainsbury’s informed customers of the change through an email outlining updates to its delivery pass terms and conditions.
The announcement has prompted criticism from shoppers online, with many saying the new spending requirement will be difficult to reach.
Some customers argued the change would particularly affect people living alone who typically purchase smaller weekly shops.
One customer wrote on social media: “@Sainsburys are raising the minimum spend on online groceries with a delivery pass to £50 which sucks because some weeks, as a single person, I don’t spend more than that.”
Another shopper said: “Very disappointed that @Sainsburys are raising their minimum Delivery Pass spend to £50, I struggle to get to £40 most weeks so now I’ll have to find time to go to the supermarket and carry everything.”
The charge has also risen slightly from the previous £7 cost
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A third customer questioned the decision, writing: “@Sainsburys in what world do you think it’s acceptable to change the cost per shop from £40 to £50 for delivery pass holders?”
Sainsbury’s currently offers several delivery pass options for customers who regularly order groceries online.
The supermarket charges £7.50 per month for its anytime delivery pass.
Customers can also purchase longer-term packages costing £43 for six months or £80 for a full year.
Shoppers who do not have a delivery pass can still order groceries online
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A cheaper midweek delivery pass is available for £4 per month or £40 for an annual subscription.
Shoppers who do not have a delivery pass can still order groceries online.
However, they will typically pay delivery charges even if their order exceeds £50.
Standard delivery fees for non-pass customers usually range between £1 and £5.50 depending on the delivery slot selected.
This means that customers who meet the £50 spending threshold may still need to pay for delivery unless they hold a pass.
A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said: “This is the first time in well over ten years that we have changed the minimum order value for free delivery with a delivery pass.”
Sainsbury’s said the change represents the first time the free delivery threshold for pass holders has been adjusted in more than 10 years.
The supermarket said rising operational costs had contributed to the decision.
Most online shoppers already spend more than £50 per order, Sainsbury’s said
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The spokesperson added: “The change reflects the rising costs of providing this service, and we remain committed to keeping online shopping as accessible, convenient and affordable for our customers as possible.”
The retailer also said that most online shoppers already spend more than £50 per order.
According to the supermarket, this means the majority of customers will not see a difference in their delivery charges.
For shoppers who place smaller orders, Sainsbury’s suggested that its Click & Collect service could offer a lower-cost alternative to home delivery.
