[Brad Lockyer]

Woolworths has copped some backlash online after it announced it would raise the minimum spend to use its free Direct to Boot service from$30 to $50.

The Direct to Boot service allows customers to make an online order and then collect their order from their local store via a staff member delivering it directly to the boot, without the need to leave the car at all.

The service itself is free, but Woolies had listed a minimum spend of $30 to use the service.

A Woolworths spokesperson defended the price increase to news.com.au.

“Our free direct to boot services and pick up has remained unchanged for a number of years,” they said.

“Earlier this month, the minimum spend was increased by $20 from $30 to $50. We’re continuing to let customers know about this change through our stores and online.”

But customers were not happy. One frustrated woman took to Facebook to declare the move was only going to make shopping harder on pensioners and people with disabilities”.

“[They] 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.”

Do you think the price increase is a step too far?

[Bushbaby]

Yes, this price increase is a step too far! The impact on disabled people and pensioners will be devastating to many of them. These people are among the most vulnerable in our society already and to make a greedy move like this against those most unable to fight back is evil. The strikes come from so many directions and lead me to believe that there is a vendetta against this section of society. It will most probably not really impact those who have good physical and financial capacity. Again, it is the weakest in our world who are made to carry unsupportable burdens to ensure profit margins and higher earnings for shareholders in the companies involved. When are we going to truly see any improvement in our society’s regard for those for whom they should have at least a little compassion?

[KSS]

So before COVID, what did these people do to get their groceries? Funny how interim solutions to temporary problems are expected to always be made permanent at little or no cost. Can’t those people you mention go back to what they were doing before?

[Farside]

100%. And besides $50 is not that big a deal in a single shop; just consolidate three buying trips to two.

[flower]

I agree with the above comments, some personal responsibility needs to be taken. Besides if you have a car, you don’t need to shop every day. A weeks worth of shopping is not likely to be less than $50.

[Author]

Posts