Outrage over Woolworths' changes to home delivery orders: Why customers are left fuming!
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As seasoned shoppers, we've seen our fair share of changes over the years, but it seems our beloved Woolworths supermarket is kicking up a storm with some very recent alterations to their Delivery Unlimited service.
So how will these changes impact our online shopping routines?
Just when we thought we'd seen it all, this latest news follows hot on the heels of the widely criticised revamp of Woolworths' Everyday Rewards Extra program, which sent long-standing customers reeling from the shock of reduced benefits.
As if that wasn't enough, Delivery Unlimited subscribers are now up in arms over fresh correspondence from the retail giant detailing further modifications to the popular service.
First and foremost, the minimum spend for Woolworths delivery orders is set to increase from $50 to a steeper $75. Alongside this seemingly innocent alteration, another unwelcome surprise awaits: Delivery Unlimited subscribers will now be charged for bags with their orders!
In a message to subscribers, Woolworths explained, 'The minimum spend threshold will increase from $50 to $75. This means you will get free Same or Next Day delivery on all orders of $75 or more, and discounting Delivery Now fees on orders of $75 or more.'
But they didn't stop there, adding that 'your Delivery Unlimited subscription will no longer include bag fees for Woolworths Online orders. This means that the fee for paper or reusable bags will be added to Woolworths orders. This will be a fee of $1 per order for reusable bags or $2 per order for paper bags.'
Woolworths has cited rising fuel costs as the driving force behind these changes while somewhat ruefully reminding customers that the subscription cost itself was halved in 2021. However, this explanation and silver lining have done little to soothe the indignation of many shoppers who've taken to social media to air their grievances.
One disgruntled customer chimed in with, 'Not happy with the price increase and benefits loss with the rewards and Unlimited delivery subscription, especially with the $907m profit you made this half year. Going to be losing customers for this.'
Another lamented the additional bag costs, stating, 'Woolworths, are you trying to drive your customers away?', and continued to express their disappointment as a long-term patron of the store.
Some subscribers have gone so far as to threaten the cancellation of their memberships in response to these contentious changes – not exactly the outcome Woolworths may have desired when implementing the new policies.
In light of all this news, a Woolworths spokesperson has confirmed the changes in a statement and offered options for customers to avoid paying bag fees: 'Rising fuel prices and other costs have required us to review our Delivery Unlimited offer. While we are increasing the minimum spend for orders from $50 to $75, the price of our monthly and annual subscriptions remains the same.'
They went on to say: 'Bag fees will no longer be included in the subscription price, and there will be a $1 fee for reusable bags or $2 for paper bags. This change brings bag fees in line with our other online shopping options. To avoid bag fees for Direct to Boot or pick up, the groceries can be delivered to a customer's vehicle for them to pack into their own reusable bags.'
So, Seniors Discount Club members, we leave it to you to decide whether to stick with Woolworths or explore other options for your future online grocery shopping endeavours. But rest assured; we will keep you informed of any further developments in this saga. And as always, happy shopping – online or otherwise!
So how will these changes impact our online shopping routines?
Just when we thought we'd seen it all, this latest news follows hot on the heels of the widely criticised revamp of Woolworths' Everyday Rewards Extra program, which sent long-standing customers reeling from the shock of reduced benefits.
As if that wasn't enough, Delivery Unlimited subscribers are now up in arms over fresh correspondence from the retail giant detailing further modifications to the popular service.
First and foremost, the minimum spend for Woolworths delivery orders is set to increase from $50 to a steeper $75. Alongside this seemingly innocent alteration, another unwelcome surprise awaits: Delivery Unlimited subscribers will now be charged for bags with their orders!
In a message to subscribers, Woolworths explained, 'The minimum spend threshold will increase from $50 to $75. This means you will get free Same or Next Day delivery on all orders of $75 or more, and discounting Delivery Now fees on orders of $75 or more.'
But they didn't stop there, adding that 'your Delivery Unlimited subscription will no longer include bag fees for Woolworths Online orders. This means that the fee for paper or reusable bags will be added to Woolworths orders. This will be a fee of $1 per order for reusable bags or $2 per order for paper bags.'
Woolworths has cited rising fuel costs as the driving force behind these changes while somewhat ruefully reminding customers that the subscription cost itself was halved in 2021. However, this explanation and silver lining have done little to soothe the indignation of many shoppers who've taken to social media to air their grievances.
One disgruntled customer chimed in with, 'Not happy with the price increase and benefits loss with the rewards and Unlimited delivery subscription, especially with the $907m profit you made this half year. Going to be losing customers for this.'
Another lamented the additional bag costs, stating, 'Woolworths, are you trying to drive your customers away?', and continued to express their disappointment as a long-term patron of the store.
Some subscribers have gone so far as to threaten the cancellation of their memberships in response to these contentious changes – not exactly the outcome Woolworths may have desired when implementing the new policies.
In light of all this news, a Woolworths spokesperson has confirmed the changes in a statement and offered options for customers to avoid paying bag fees: 'Rising fuel prices and other costs have required us to review our Delivery Unlimited offer. While we are increasing the minimum spend for orders from $50 to $75, the price of our monthly and annual subscriptions remains the same.'
They went on to say: 'Bag fees will no longer be included in the subscription price, and there will be a $1 fee for reusable bags or $2 for paper bags. This change brings bag fees in line with our other online shopping options. To avoid bag fees for Direct to Boot or pick up, the groceries can be delivered to a customer's vehicle for them to pack into their own reusable bags.'
Key Takeaways
- Woolworths supermarket has come under fire over two new changes to its Delivery Unlimited service.
- The supermarket has confirmed that it is increasing the minimum spend for Woolworths delivery from $50 to $75.
- Delivery Unlimited subscribers will also now be charged for bags with their orders.
- The news has been met with anger from some Woolworths shoppers, who have shared their unhappiness on social media.
So, Seniors Discount Club members, we leave it to you to decide whether to stick with Woolworths or explore other options for your future online grocery shopping endeavours. But rest assured; we will keep you informed of any further developments in this saga. And as always, happy shopping – online or otherwise!