Supermarket Online Shopping

Special offers etc. you've come across out & about or online
Richard
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Supermarket Online Shopping

Post by Richard »

Hi
How's everyone, if anyone, getting on with this.
I started during Lockdown 1 last March and at that time could only sign on to Iceland, Tesco and Asda.
Tesco and Asda weren't bad but I wanted Sainsbury's as shopping in the large local one, I knew the products.
I've now been able to get Sainsbury's and I'm on my fourth order since early December.
The problems I have are that it's easier to find bargains in-store, especially items on sell by offers to freeze.
Also juggling with when I'll get the order with special points on my Nectar Card.
The minimum order of £40 is a nuisance plus the £4 delivery charge but I've offset that with paying £30 for 3 months free delivery although that will probably only save me £10 - £15.
Then there's the substitute item you don't want, but can refuse it.
I've certainly found myself spending more, but better the extra cash than facing the crowds in-store.
I used to think it was safer shopping in-store, but with a number of bad hotspots around this way, I'm staying low !
Richard>veg1< >veg3< >veg5< )c+
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lancashire lass
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Re: Supermarket Online Shopping

Post by lancashire lass »

Throughout this last year, I managed to do my supermarket shopping but chose to go locally as the waiting queue outside the bigger store where I used to regularly go were just unreal - in mid-April (month after the first lockdown) I arrived 15 minutes before opening time and was probably 50th in the queue ... it took nearly 2 hours to reach the door (NHS workers and some groups like OAPs were given special entry first before allowing the others in, limiting numbers at a time until those earlier in the shop had exited) The supermarket local to me had only been open 6 months before lockdown so was relatively unknown except to locals so I rarely had to wait more than 10-15 minutes before being let in (again, someone at the door with a clicker) - the only downside is that it was a smaller supermarket (about a third the size) and although it stocked everything you could need food-wise, you were limited to the shop brand only ... having saying that, my shopping cost about a quarter less than where I used to shop and I was more than happy with the quality.
However, with the run-up to Christmas in December, I was very unhappy if not alarmed - the security outside the store limiting numbers had long finished over summer, and the disinfectant and hand sanitiser moved inside the shop and not easily visible so was missed or caused a bottle-neck ... despite Nottinghamshire in Tier 4 due to unprecedented high cases, the behaviour of people had changed - no social distancing, whole families shopping together blocking aisles (none of the single file down aisles in one direction) and lot's of browsing. It was unbelievably crowded despite there was an epidemic going on. With the announcement of the new variant on the 19th December and the inevitable border bans causing problems for hauliers, I managed to squeeze in one more shop during a quiet time to get the last of the fresh veg. With the announcement of the 3rd lockdown, I chose not to go to any supermarket until new case numbers had dropped.
So far I have managed to use what I had stocked up weeks/months earlier (which I have always done to avoid post-Christmas sales crowds and having to eke out until next pay day in January), and only popped into the local shop down the road for the odd item (bread, milk) but I am starting to reach the point where I'll need to replenish some things from a supermarket. I have been thinking of online shopping but my experience in the past (when I'd been too ill to leave the house or the time I pulled the ligament in my foot and couldn't drive) has been unsatisfactory - I'll never forget the fresh produce (were the worst ones selected on purpose or couldn't the shopper in store be bothered to check the quality? I couldn't use them) or the switch from one brand to something I didn't want. Pay day isn't for another couple of weeks so doing a minimum £ online shop + delivery isn't really an option for me.
Richard
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Re: Supermarket Online Shopping

Post by Richard »

That's interesting Lassie, you've obviously stored well.
I made an error when moving here, I brought a Fridge Freezer, same size fridge, same size freezer, but the freezer has two draws and one slide out bit.
Because of touchy touchy with fresh food, I've been on the frozen food route (a difference to down the Lane !!).
Basically, I can have sufficient in the fridge freezer for about 8 / 9 days and have a back up of a few tins, pasta etc. which I try to keep for a rainy day.
We have a small Sainsbury's in the Village plus a Co-Op, but they're always very busy. Then there's a Greengrocer, Butcher, Fishmonger, but have to say, I'm worried about catching it especially when there's a jab in around 5 weeks time.
Even then, that's only going to protect me 70% until the second one in goodness knows how soon !
Richard)t' )t'
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Spreckly
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Re: Supermarket Online Shopping

Post by Spreckly »

I discovered Morrisons Online Shopping Doorstep Delivery for the self isolating/vulnerable group some time since, having been unable to find a Tesco, Morrisons or Asda slot online. I had before the Christmas rush been able to find a slot with these three, but just before Christmas, I found the Doorstep Delivery service.
The way of using this method is to contact Morrisons by phone the day before you want your delivery. I make a list, using my previous list as a guide and go onto the products site on the internet. I can check the price and size of the product this way. The cost of delivery is £1.50, and payment is made at delivery by using the credit card machine.
I find this very satisfactory, though my request for one item was replaced twice by a similar one, it will get used up gradually. I do think it is a real service to the community who are in my position.
However it is irksome to have to clean everything off before putting it away! As you say Richard goodness knows how soon we will get the vaccine!
Mo
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Re: Supermarket Online Shopping

Post by Mo »

I go to my local co-op for bits and pieces. If I go about 8.30 on Sunday evening there are few shoppers and the staff haven't started the big tidy up.
Agree with LL that things have got lax. I had a problem with my card and the person who came to look pulled down her mask to talk to me.
I have had a couple of £40 Tesco deliveries, found it hard to get a slot at first and hard to make a £40 order for a live-alone teetotal vegetarian with simple tastes. But one advantage is you could book a vague time slot cheaper than one that specified when they would come. I think they should do more of that, to let them be more fuel and time efficient with deliveries. Especially rural areas where we are nearly 10 miles from big supermarkets.
My daughter now has paid for a Tesco delivery pass, and gets a weekly order so I can get her to order for me, the things co-op does have, or costs the earth (tiny packets of Go-cat instead of big bags of own brand)
it is irksome to have to clean everything off before putting it away
Could you leave most stuff to quarantine and just clean the stuff that needs to go in fridge & freezer?
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Meanqueen
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Re: Supermarket Online Shopping

Post by Meanqueen »

I have never attempted to get a home delivery, but my friend swears by Iceland. She says her order arrives within a couple of days.
I have a good system for food shopping. I go to Aldi every two to three weeks, at 8.30pm, and spend £50 - £60. I could go later as it's open till 10pm. Last week I had the shop to myself. One person arrived after me, hand basket, and was in and out in no time. There is never more than 4 or 5 people in. When my trolley is full I put everything on the conveyor belt that is left switched on. Then the assistant comes and scans it through. I have open bags in my trolley so can pack most of it quickly. I pay with cash. Push trolley to the car, unload, and return trolley. Once home I put shopping away, I don't wipe anything.
I can't get the cat food I need from Aldi, so I go to Home Bargains on a retail park, again late when there aren't many in the shop.
I get a top up of fruit and veg, from a lady I walk a dog for. She gets a veg box which is far too big, so she gives me what she doesn't need. A good arrangement.
ilona
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Re: Supermarket Online Shopping

Post by albertajune »

Richard, re Sainsbr 's delivery charge. I have also paid £4 for a delivery slot for my shopping to be deliver within a booked hour. but just realised that above the booking slot selection box is a choice of standard or saver. I clicked on saver to find that you can have a £1slot if you are happy to have your delivery within 4hrs. ie mine will be delivered between 12 and 4pm instead of 12 to 1pm. Must say it is easier to look for and select your self but it is what it is and we must all keep safe.
I am now a widow and live with my memories.
Mo
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Re: Supermarket Online Shopping

Post by Mo »

Meanqueen wrote: 16 Jan 2021, 15:21 I get a top up of fruit and veg, from a lady I walk a dog for. She gets a veg box which is far too big, so she gives me what she doesn't need. A good arrangement.
ilona
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Richard
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Re: Supermarket Online Shopping

Post by Richard »

Everyone seems organized in what suits. Goos stuff !
It's good with Sainsbury's and Ilona, I would never doubt your endeavors !
It has caused me a couple of senior moments....
Somehow in 4 orders I accrued 4 1kg bags of sugar and 2 bags of peas which I didn't really need.
I order mine 3 / 4 days before I need it.
Richard)t'
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lancashire lass
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Re: Supermarket Online Shopping

Post by lancashire lass »

Richard wrote: 16 Jan 2021, 22:05 Somehow in 4 orders I accrued 4 1kg bags of sugar and 2 bags of peas which I didn't really need.
I confess I had a couple of senile moments when shopping before Christmas - I blame the local supermarket because often they seem to have loads of one thing in preference to a variety of things (I think it depended on what was on the delivery truck rather than the stock levels in the shop) At one point I was struggling to put everything into my freezers (I have a fridge freezer and a smaller under work top freezer) and found 3 bags of peas. I've eaten a lot of peas this past month.
{rofwl}
Mo
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Re: Supermarket Online Shopping

Post by Mo »

I've fallen into a trap in the past of buying things when Ts sent me a money off voucher because 'I'll use it sometime' - they sent vouchers for things you'd bought before.
OH like gravy with his dinner. I still have an unopened 5 yr old drum of Bisto. + one nearly used + I gave one to my daughter.
Enjoy your peas.
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Spreckly
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Re: Supermarket Online Shopping

Post by Spreckly »

I unload multiple buys onto my sons, I had too many bags of sugar at one time, can't imagine how! Let us hope that we will be able to do our own shopping in the not too distant future. I have a friend who is disabled and goes to Tesco at 7am!
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Re: Supermarket Online Shopping

Post by Gwenoakes »

I have never done an online shop with any of the supermarkets, but during the first lockdown did put some add on's on my youngest daughters which worked quite well. We usually go every 3 - 4 weeks to the supermarkets. I always make a list out in the order that the food is in in the shop and we are usually out within 30 mins, which suits me just fine.
Mo
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Re: Supermarket Online Shopping

Post by Mo »

Gwenoakes wrote: 18 Jan 2021, 16:58 I always make a list out in the order that the food is in in the shop and we are usually out within 30 mins, which suits me just fine.
How organised
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lancashire lass
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Re: Supermarket Online Shopping

Post by lancashire lass »

Mo wrote: 18 Jan 2021, 21:04
Gwenoakes wrote: 18 Jan 2021, 16:58 I always make a list out in the order that the food is in in the shop and we are usually out within 30 mins, which suits me just fine.
How organised
I do something similar, even before Covid, as I'm not particularly fond of supermarket shopping at any time ... until the store decides to rearrange where things used to be}hairout{
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