From Clubcard to Sparks, the top UK supermarkets all have their own loyalty schemes for customers, but one has just launched something interesting.
After a successful trial, Waitrose is now offering shoppers a new subscription known as a Delivery Pass, which is intended for those ordering their groceries online or via the app.
The pass allows people to pay upfront for delivery slots, with three different options available – one month for £8, six months for £45 or 12 months for £85.
It’s thought this could save shoppers £4 per week in delivery costs, which could equate to as much as £123 per year, with deliveries costing between £2 and £4 without the pass, depending on the time slot they are booked for.
Those with a Waitrose Delivery Pass will be able to book up to one available grocery delivery slot per day, at no additional delivery cost to their order.
One of the biggest draws for the subscription will likely be the major Christmas perk it offers to customers.
As we get further into the year, many will soon start thinking ahead to the big Christmas shop, but securing a festive delivery slot can be incredibly tricky.
However, those with the pass will be entitled to early access to Christmas delivery slots, as long as the pass was purchased before September 1 that same year.
This perk will be subject to some terms and conditions, which Waitrose says will be confirmed in an email ahead of the Christmas period.
But there is a catch – whether you’re booking your weekly shop or a Christmas delivery, all of the slots are still subject to availability, so paying for the pass doesn’t mean you are guaranteed anything.
You’ll also have to meet the minimum spend requirements of £40 (after any discounts/offers have been deducted) in order to use your Delivery Pass.
Speaking about the new subscription, Waitrose director of online Laura Burbedge said: ‘We’re investing in our online business to continuously improve it, giving our customers even greater value and the best possible experience.
‘Thousands of customers signed up for Delivery Passes through our trial, so we expect to see strong demand across the UK as we roll it out.’
This comes after Waitrose recently made a change to one of its most popular loyalty scheme perks.
The retailer offers My Waitrose shoppers a free hot drink, as long as they bring a reusable cup with them, but in a bid to ensure everyone gets their caffeine fix, customers can now borrow a cup if they’ve forgotten their own.
Sounds like a pretty great deal, but it comes with a catch. If shoppers don’t bring the cup back to a designated collection point within seven days, they’ll face a £3 charge.
And that’s not all, the supermarket is also said to be trialing US-style plastic trolleys in its Brent Cross branch.
These new designs are said to be lighter and easier to steer, without the clattering noise traditional carts can make as they’re wheeled through the aisles.
Additionally, they could prove less attractive to thieves, who typically steal the metal models in order to sell on for scrap.
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