MoneySavingExpert.com homepage
Cutting your costs, fighting your corner
Founder, Martin Lewis · Editor-in-Chief, Marcus Herbert
Search bar closed.
MSE News

Warning! Supermarkets don't always stick to online order prices

tescodelivery
Helen Knapman
Helen Knapman
News & Investigations Editor
12 October 2011

Online grocery shoppers should beware a possible hike in the cost of their food and drink between order and delivery dates.

Key Points

  • Prices can fluctuate between order and delivery dates

  • Beware expiring offers

  • Know your 'substitution' rights

One MoneySaver has reported a £26 rise in the cost of groceries between ordering and paying, which can play havoc with budgeting plans.

When consumers shop for groceries online at the major supermarkets their card is charged on the delivery day, even though different prices are often displayed when ordering.

For some, this could mean they pay less than first thought.

There are three primary reasons why prices can change:

  • Food and drink are volatile commodities that can go up or down in cost at the flick of a switch.

  • Special offers or deals, such as 50% off or 2for1s, at the time an order is placed, may not be available on the delivery day.

  • Prices for weighed items such as fruit and meat can often vary from what is listed online, as it depends which products are picked by shop staff.

Which supermarkets display what prices?

  • Asda, Sainsbury's and Tesco: Their online checkouts show prices on the day of order, but customers are charged using the prices on the delivery day.

  • Ocado: When consumers order, its online checkout will show guaranteed prices on the delivery date, with the exception of items that need to be weighed.

  • Waitrose: Its online checkout will show prices on the delivery date on full-price items, other than those that need to be weighed. It won't deduct savings from offers at the checkout. This means the final price you pay could be much less than what is shown on the day of order.

All of the supermarkets say they make it clear the total cost at checkout is estimated and is subject to change.

How shoppers are caught out by expired offers

We've been contacted by many MoneySavers who have been caught out by these terms.

One told us she ordered 26 packs of Pepsi at Sainsbury's online on offer at £1 each, only to realise on the day of delivery the deal had expired. She was charged £52, instead of the expected £26.

Another MoneySaver purchased some wraps as they were on offer at £1, only to find on the delivery day they were charged £1.52 as the offer had ended.

A quirk in the Asda, Sainsbury's and Tesco systems means the price their customers see at checkout will include any discount applicable on the order date even if the supermarket has separately made it clear in writing the offer will have expired by the delivery date.

Therefore, when shoppers pay, they could be charged more if the deal is no longer valid on the delivery date.

So when ordering, carefully check any deals or offers will still be valid. The major supermarkets all list offer expiry dates online.

What if my item is not in stock?

Many shoppers find their order is not complete when delivered because the supermarket has sold out of that product between order and delivery date.

In such cases, you are normally given a substitute, which could cost more or less.

If you're not happy with the substitute, you can give it back to the driver. You will still be charged the full amount but you will get a refund a few days later. Most goods can also be returned in-store, as long as you take your receipt.

Can I return other items?

Even if the correct item is delivered you can return it to the driver or store if there's anything wrong with it or you didn't realise an offer had expired, the supermarkets say.

MSE Forum

Online grocery shopping

Forum image
MSE Email icon 5 November 2024

For all the latest deals, guides and loopholes simply sign up today - it’s spam free!

Martin's Savings Masterclass
Boost your interest NOW
Life insurance for beginners
Save £1,000s
Paying off student loan?
Some can get £100s back
'Free' National Trust family pass
Normally about £30
Are solar panels worth it?
See our updated guide
TWO pairs of specs £14
Including delivery
Budget need-to-knows
Stamp Duty, carers & pensions
Tools and calculators

Clever ways to calculate your finances

Find your odds of getting top cards
Find your odds for getting a cheap loan
Compare broadband, phone & TV deals
Compares thousands of mortgages
Eight calcs to help you work out the cost
We ensure you’re on the cheapest tariff