“It isn’t a good move": Woolies under fire over massive change to popular service
Woolworths supermarket has caused a stir after implementing a major change to a popular shopping service.
Woolies has dramatically increased the minimum spend for online shoppers who are using their Direct to Boot shopping service.
Earlier this month, the retail giant upped its minimum spend from $30 to $50, which is a 66 per cent climb.
The free service allows customers to shop online and collect it from their local Woolworths without having to leave their car.
“We bring your groceries to you. We’ll pick it, pack it, and pop it in your boot for free,” Woolworths says.
The increase in minimum spend is not sitting well with the public, with one shopper arguing that it is a disadvantage to vulnerable customers.
“Increasing the minimum spend on click and collect/direct to boot orders is only going to make shopping harder on pensioners and people with disabilities who 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,” one customer said.
“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’ though. It actually reduces convenience.” The customer added.
A Woolworths spokesperson defended the minimum spend increase, telling 7NEWS, “Our free direct to boot services and pick up has remained unchanged for a number of years,”
“Earlier this month, the minimum spend was increased by $30 to $50.”
“We’re continuing to let customers know about this change through our stores and online.”
A Facebook user also came to the supermarket’s defence, saying that Woolies shouldn’t have to “lose money” because of the service.
“It costs them to have someone pick your order and deliver it to your boot,” the user 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?”
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