To BOGOF or not to BOGOF? That is the question

By Jayne Warren - 29/08/2008

The mushrooming of large supermarket chains has changed the face of shopping for ever, causing the decline or even extinction of many small local shops. But how has it affected those on fixed incomes such as pensioners, and the millions who live alone - either by choice or through separation or bereavement? We discovered that many feel penalised for "not spending enough" to qualify for home deliveries, whilst others are frustrated by "rip-off" prices and the ubiquitous "Buy One Get One Free" (BOGOF) deals.

One Mature Times reader, George Armitage, advocates fighting back by shopping around for the best deals. He wrote: "My wife and I, both seniors, have shopped at Tesco's for many years, buying some of their own "value" products - including tomato and orange fruit juices in one litre cartons.

"A few weeks ago the price of orange juice increased from £0.53 to £0.63 per carton (a 19% increase), and the number of tomato juice cartons on their shelves reduced significantly (then price at £0.45). Then three weeks ago there were no value tomato juice cartons at all, and an assistant suggested that perhaps only their larger stores had them. The cheapest tomato juice they had on display was their own brand (not 'value') in a different one litre carton with a plastic pouring closure, now priced at £0.88 - an increase of 95%.

"The carton with a plastic pourer must cost more to make than one without, yet is totally unnecessary except for Tesco - who can obviously make more profit from it. Coincidentally (not!) Morrison's one litre tomato juice has an identical carton at the same price as Tesco's. So I believe that the big supermarkets are using the increases in the cost of the produce they buy to increase their own profit margins, while trying to kid their customers that they are offering good value items - when many of their goods are plainly not good value.

"Makro, on the other hand, have a one litre carton of tomato juice at £0.50 when you buy 24 cartons (sell-by date 9th May 2009). So I bought two packs - AND they had plastic pouring spouts which seal better than Tesco's. Then I went to Lidl's and bought one and a half litre carton's of orange juice with plastic pourers for £0.63 = £0.42/litre (sell-by date October 2008) and a one litre tomato juice at £0.73.

"I've found that one way to make the most of "BOGOFs" is to look carefully at the sell-by date. Often it will be more than two weeks ahead and if kept in the fridge will be fine - except Cheddar cheese which goes crumbly. So I say to other seniors, shop around if you can, and let's give 'Rip Off Britain' a kick in the pants."

But what about those who cannot physically 'shop around' - perhaps because they have no transport, are disabled or even housebound? For these people, online shopping has been a real godsend. But now it seems, some supermarkets have decided to impose a minimum spend for delivery ...

Mature Times reader Mrs Joyia Henderson, a pensioner who finds it difficult to lift heavy articles due to health problems and who also doesn't drive, has been shopping online with Sainsbury's for weekly groceries - which she has found very helpful. Until recently, the delivery charge was £5. But now they have put it up to £6.50 for orders less than £40 - which will rule out many single people and those living on a state pension. Is this discrimination? Writes Joyia:

"I normally spend between £25 - £35 per week, and occasionally more if I have company. Living on a state pension I do not wish to spend more than this, neither could I consume more than I need.  

"When I complained to Sainsbury's they of course denied any discrimination, but it does seem to be - even if through a back door. When you think about it, if you spend around £30 it is a quarter again for delivery. I appreciate petrol and employment rates have increased - but these supermarkets are still making huge profits.   

"How many pensioners in my position will be affected? We may only spend relatively smaller amounts, but these will add up to a tidy sum in the company's financial year. It is an outrage that they have targeted the lesser spender - which mostly means the elderly."

We checked with Sainsbury's, and also contacted the other supermarkets offering online shopping: Sainsbury's told us: "Our new charges more closely reflect the real cost of picking, packing and delivering customer orders. We have removed the £25 minimum order, and when customers spend over £40 they can choose a delivery slot from as little as £3.50. A standard £6.50 delivery charge applies to all orders below £40." So - tough if you cannot afford to spend £40 a week.

Tesco base their charges on the time of delivery, with peak times being more expensive (such as Saturday mornings) - and much better for older people. Prices range between £3.75 and £6.25, with the lowest prices for "next day" afternoon and late evening deliveries. No minimum spend.

Finally Asda's maximum delivery charge was £5 - with a minimum spend of £25. But if you have a delivery on Monday and Thursday it's only £4.50, and a mere £4 delivery on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

So clearly it pays to "shop around" online as well. We say: how about a supermarket actively courting pensioners and single people with special deals? They could even combine it with special over 65s discount card - and I'm sure they would soon discover a very loyal clientele ...

Your views welcome. email editorial@maturetimes.co.uk