So that we can help as many customers as possible, our priority delivery slots will have an 8-hour delivery window – either from 10am-6pm or 2pm-10pm. If you’re a vulnerable customer booking a priority slot, please make sure the mobile number in your account is correct. Tesco has apologised after its grocery website was overwhelmed with shoppers trying to book delivery slots for Christmas. Customers complained they had been forced to join an online queue for.
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The government has now released its list of clinically vulnerable people who qualify for support during the coronavirus crisis. Supermarket bosses will have received this list and will be in the process of contacting their vulnerable customers to offer them priority booking for online shopping services. If you're a vulnerable person or live with someone who is, you may be looking for advice on what to do next regards grocery shopping. We've rounded up information from five major supermarkets to help…
Sainsbury's
The latest information on Sainsbury's blog says: 'We are giving our customers who are vulnerable priority access to our online home delivery service. So far we’ve been able to identify and prioritise hundreds of thousands of vulnerable people across the UK.
'The government have identified and shared with us the customers who they consider the most vulnerable, and we’re in the process of contacting these customers to offer them priority access to home delivery slots. We are waiting for the databases for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and will contact vulnerable customers in those areas as soon as we are able.'
© Provided by Hello! sainsburysSainsbury's has a number to call if you haven't received a vulnerable person letter
How do I book a Sainsbury's home delivery slot for a vulnerable person?
You need to follow instructions from the text message or letter you received to register as vulnerable on the government's website. If you didn't get contacted, you can register at gov.uk, and then contact your GP to request a letter. If you haven't been contacted by Sainsbury's already, then you should be soon.
There is a Sainsbury's phone number to call for the Careline should you need it. Understandably, Sainsbury's is currently experiencing high levels of demand for the service, but the number to call is 0800 328 1700 and is available Monday to Sunday 8am-11pm.
Tesco
Tesco's CEO Dave Lewis said: 'On Thursday, we were given an initial list of 110,000 clinically and socially isolated people by the Government. From these, we were able to match 75,000 existing customers and we’ve already contacted them to let them know we’re making home delivery slots immediately available to them. As we receive more data from Government, we’ll make even more slots available.'
© Provided by Hello! tesco-signTesco has contacted its vulnerable customers
How do I book a Tesco delivery slot for a vulnerable person?
To book a slot, you need to go to tesco.com/groceries and log in. Vulnerable customers can book a priority slot with an eight-hour window for delivery.
If you don't currently have an account with Tesco but have received a letter from the NHS because you're classified as clinically vulnerable, you can create an account on their website or call Tesco on 0800 917 7359. The store can then check if you are on the government's list.
Ocado
A representative for Ocado told HELLO!: 'We have received the government’s vulnerable shield list and have cross-referenced it with our customer database to help support those in need. We have already identified our customers on the vulnerable list and reached out to offer them delivery slots with ocado.com. We will continue to do our part as the government updates its shield list.'
© Provided by Hello! ocadoYou can reach Ocado on the 'Contact Us' section of their website
How do I book an Ocado delivery slot for a vulnerable person?
Follow the instructions you have received from Ocado's correspondence with you. If you haven't heard from the online supermarket, visit gov.uk to register onto the government’s list. Ocado also suggests getting in touch with them using their 'Contact Us' online form.
Asda
The Asda website says: 'We have been working closely with the DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) and some of our fellow supermarkets for the last couple of weeks to understand how to ensure essentials reach those with no support network.
'The data we’ve received from the UK Government has allowed us to email our customers to offer first access to delivery slots, ensuring they get what they need while they stay safe at home. We’re also working on similar programmes for customers in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.'
© Provided by Hello! asdaAsda priorities their most vulnerable customers
How do I book an Asda delivery slot for a vulnerable person?
A representative for Asda told HELLO!: 'People who’ve been identified on the government’s vulnerable person list will have received either an email or a letter and all the information they need is in there.'
In terms of booking a slot, Asda's website says: 'During this busy time we'll only show slots for the next 7 days to allow us to prioritise our most vulnerable customers.'
Morrisons
How do I book a Morrisons delivery slot for a vulnerable person?
Like other supermarkets, Morrison's vulnerable customers will have received communication from them about priority online booking. The store is adding a fast track queue system so its vulnerable customers can be prioritised.
© Provided by Hello! morrisonsMorrisons is launching a telephone ordering service
The chain has introduced other measures to help vulnerable customers too. On March 23, the store launched a new range of food boxes containing grocery and household essentials for home delivery. There are five variations of food box, with prices ranging from £30 to £45.
Morrisons is also launching a customer call centre for orders to be taken over the phone so that people who do not shop online can still order food. In the meantime, their online shopping customer number is 0345 322 0000.
Tesco Delivery
Despite the coronavirus lockdown measures beginning to ease, online shopping continues to be very popular so it has become no easier to bag a fooddelivery slot. We all know how frustrating it can be to prepare a food basket only to see there are still no available slots - and this is even more worrying if you're a vulnerable customer. Since the government issued its list of the UK's most clinically vulnerable people, supermarket bosses have been working to prioritise home delivery slots for those who need it most. We contacted Tesco to find out exactly how vulnerable customers can book online deliveries...
A spokesperson told HELLO!: 'We have been working hard to increase the capacity of our online delivery service to help more customers gain access to this service when they need it.'
Tesco are prioritising their vulnerable customers
How do I book a Tesco delivery slot for a vulnerable person?
To book a slot for a vulnerable person, you need to go to tesco.com/groceries and log in. Vulnerable customers can book a priority slot with an eight-hour window for delivery.
MORE: Best meal delivery services to order from home during lockdown
What if I don't have a Tesco account but am a vulnerable person?
If you don't currently have an account with Tesco but have received a letter from the NHS because you're classified as clinically vulnerable, you can create an account on their website or call Tesco on 0800 917 7359. The store can then check if you are on the government's list.
Is Tesco adding more online delivery slots?
Yes, they are. The website states: 'We’re expanding our home delivery and Click+Collect capacity as fast as we can. We’ve already added hundreds of thousands of new slots, and we’re recruiting thousands of new colleagues to pick your orders, plus thousands of new drivers to deliver them.'
Tesco CEO Dave Lewis previously said: 'As a result of these changes, we’ve increased the number of online orders every week from 590,000 in the first week of the crisis, to over 1 million this week. We’ll increase this further to 1.2 million slots in the next two weeks.'
What priority slots are available at Tesco?
The Tesco website states: 'So that we can help as many customers as possible, our priority delivery slots will have an 8-hour delivery window – either from 10am to 6pm or 2pm to 10pm. If you’re a vulnerable customer booking a priority slot, please make sure the mobile number in your account is correct. On the day of delivery, we’ll text you to let you know when your 1-hour slot is within your chosen window.'
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Is there a limit on the number of delivery and click+collect slots I can book each week?
Tesco has introduced a limit of one order a week, which means you may be unable to see future delivery slots online if you've already made an order. The supermarket has put this limit in place to help thousands more customers secure a delivery slot.
I've managed to secure a priority slot but now I need to either change or cancel it?
If for any reason you need to change or cancel your delivery slot, you can do this but no later than 11.45 pm on the night before your delivery. Demand for online home delivery slots is of course still extremely high, so Tesco can't guarantee that you'll be able to get another slot in the coming days.
MORE:How to secure a Sainsbury's home delivery slot for a vulnerable person
What is Tesco doing to ensure both vulnerable and regular customers have access to essential groceries?
According to the website, Tesco is encouraging customers to buy only what they need and has kept restrictions on certain products to ensure there is enough for everyone. There is also a limit of 80 items per online order. Tesco explains: 'As our stock levels are returning to normal, we’re removing the purchasing limits on the majority of products in our stores. On some products such as toilet roll, alcohol, pasta, and hand sanitisers, we’ve kept these limits until we’re fully stocked up again.'
What happens when Tesco delivers to those who are self-isolating?
Tesco has encouraged customers to notify the supermarket if they are self-isolating when they order using the delivery notes box. To help improve safety when they make the delivery, all orders will arrive in free bags. 'Our drivers will deliver to your doorstep while keeping a 2-metre distance from you. If you live in a flat, your groceries will still be delivered to your front door,' Tesco explained.
There are purchasing limits on some popular products such as pasta
