Woolworths has responded to criticism it’s leaving vulnerable customers disadvantaged after making a change to a popular shopping service.
The supermarket giant has increased the minimum spend for online shoppers using its free Direct to Boot service – which allows customers to make an online order and then collect it from their local store without having to leave their car (or pick it up from instore if they don’t have a vehicle).
“We bring your groceries to you. We’ll pick it, pack it, and pop it in your boot for free,” a description for the service reads.
Earlier this month, Woolworths increased the minimum spend needed to qualify for the service from $30 to $50. The service itself is still free.
“Our free direct to boot services and pick up has remained unchanged for a number of years,” a spokesman told news.com.au in a statement.
“Earlier this month, the minimum spend was increased by $20 from $30 to $50. We’re continuing to let customers know about this change through our stores and online.”
The retailer’s response comes after one customer took to Facebook, arguing the $20 increase “is only going to make shopping harder on pensioners and people with disabilities”.
“[They] will now either be forced to buy items they don’t need or can’t afford, or made to physically shop for themselves when they might struggle,” they added.
“It also makes it more frustrating for single person households when they don’t need to buy bigger amounts at a time.
“It isn’t a good move, and I hope you reconsider and look to go back to putting customers first.
“I’m not sure how this improves the way I shop or allows anyone to ‘enjoy greater convenience’ … It actually reduces convenience.”
But other customers agreed with Woolies’ move, saying the supermarket shouldn’t have to “lose money” as a result of the service.
“It costs them to have someone pick your order and deliver it to your boot,” they said.
“It also means no impulse purchases in the store so they aren’t making any extra that way. Why should they lose money by delivering things to your boot?”
Extracted from news.com.au
