MoneySavingExpert reveals when supermarket slots are released
SUPERMARKET delivery slots continue to be in high demand, leaving some vulnerable and elderly shoppers wondering when the latest times get released.
To help you plan better, MoneySavingExpert has published a handy guide showing how far in advance all the big-name grocers release their delivery slots.
It comes as vulnerable customers reported having to stay up until 3am to find an available delivery slot.
All major supermarkets have increased their online delivery capacity to help as many shoppers as possible get access to essential food and items.
On top of this, customers who are able to shop in store are being asked to leave online delivery slots for elderly and vulnerable shoppers.
The government has also sent supermarkets a list of shoppers who've asked for additional help with their groceries.
The times from MoneySavingExpert are based on a mixture of official supermarket guidance and success stories by fellow shoppers.
With this in mind, sometimes there will be no exact time when supermarkets release their slots, so it's still worth checking regularly throughout the day.
When do supermarkets release their delivery slots?
Asda
How far in advance? 14 days ahead
Time of day? 10pm-4am
MoneySavingExpert said shoppers appear to be having the most success either late at night, or in the early hours of the morning.
While some customers say 10pm or 12am are the best times, others are staying up until 4am to secure a slot.
Asda charges between £1 and £6.50 for delivery, depending on the time of day.
We've asked Asda for more information and we'll update this article when we hear back.
Co-op
How far in advance? Five days
Time of day? 12am
The Co-Op confirmed new slots get released every day at midnight, so this is when you'll want to check.
Delivery is free when you spend £25 or more.
For orders under this amount, you'll be charged £3 for delivery of transactions under £25 in the delivery area.
If you live outside the delivery area, the store manager may agree to deliver to you for £5.
What to do if you're struggling to get an online delivery slot
KEEP in mind that if you're able to visit your nearest supermarket, you should.
This is so online delivery slots can be left for vulnerable and elderly customers.
Tell the supermarket you need help – Your first port of call should be to speak to your regular supermarket to see what help they can offer you if you can't leave your home.
Try alternative food delivery services – There are plenty of alternative food delivery services out there that are under less demand that the major supermarkets. We've rounded up the small businesses that'll delivery to you.
Ask friends and family – If you can't leave your home, ask a friend or family member if they wouldn't mind shopping for you.
Vulnerable shopping cards – Some supermarkets have launched vulnerable shopping cards which you can top up and give to a friend or family so they can shop on your behalf. Aldi, Asda, Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose have introduced specific volunteer shopping cards.
Iceland
How far in advance? Seven days
Time of day? No set time
Iceland delivery times appear to vary depending on each store.
Sadly, this means there is no set time for when delivery slots are released each day.
When we contacted Iceland, the supermarket told us slots are released as and when they become available – this isn't always necessarily every seven days.
Iceland charges between £2 and £4 for delivery, or free on orders over £35.
Morrisons
How far in advance? Three days
Time of day? 12am
Shoppers told MoneySavingExpert that new slots are usually released just after midnight each day.
We've put this to Morrisons and we'll update this article when we get confirmation.
Morrisons shoppers pay £1.70 to £6.90 for delivery.
Ocado
How far in advance? Seven days
Time of day? No set time
Ocado shoppers couldn't agree on when delivery slots are usually released online, according to MoneySavingExpert.
However, the online grocery retailer told us priority customers are contacted directly when new slots become available.
Ocado charges £2.99 to £6.99 for delivery, or free when you spend over £75 on certain items.
Sainsbury's
How far in advance? Seven days
Time of day? No set time
There doesn't appear to be a set time for when Sainsbury's releases its delivery slots.
The supermarket also told MoneySavingExpert that it isn't store dependant.
Interestingly, one shopper told the consumer website that Monday has proved the best day for them during lockdown.
Sainsbury's delivery costs between 50p and £7, or free on orders over £100.
Here's how to cut the cost of your grocery shop
SAVING on your shop can make a big difference to your wallet. Here are some tips from Hannah Maundrell, editor of Money.co.uk, about how you can cut the cost of your shopping bills:
- Write yourself a list – Only buy items that you need. If it isn’t on your list, don’t put it in the trolley
- Create a budget – Work out a weekly budget for your food shopping
- Never shop hungry – you are far more likely to buy more food if your tummy is rumbling
- Don’t buy pre-chopped veggies or fruit – The extra they’ll charge for chopping can be eye watering
- Use social media – follow your favourite retailers to find out about the latest deals
- Be disloyal – You may want to go to different stores to find the best bargains
- Check the small print – It’s always worth checking the price per kg/lb/litre when comparing offers so you’re making a like for like decision as a bigger box won’t necessarily mean you get more
- Use your loyalty cards – Don’t be afraid to sign up to them all. They all work slightly differently – work out what bonus suits you better and remember to trade in your points for additional rewards
Tesco
How far in advance? 21 days
Time of day? 12am
Tesco confirmed slots get released three weeks in advance, or 21 days.
While MoneySavingExpert says the best of day to shop is around midnight, Tesco told us slots get released regularly throughout the day.
Shoppers pay £1 to £7 for delivery, plus an extra £4 if your order is under £40.
Waitrose
How far in advance? Three days
Time of day? 6am to 8am
Early morning appears to be the best time to find Waitrose delivery slots, with shoppers reporting between 6am to 8am as the lucky time.
When we asked Waitrose, it confirmed it advises customers to check each morning.
Waitrose delivery is free but you need to be signed up to MyWaitrose. This is also free to do.
We've rounded up nine supermarket tricks from getting delivery slots to when is the best time to visit.
Supermarket delivery slots for vulnerable customers – how to book Tesco, Asda, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s deliveries.
You could also try getting groceries delivered via Deliveroo and Uber Eats instead of from a supermarket.
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