Tesco shoppers furious over online queues for Christmas delivery slots ‘harder to get than Oasis tickets’
TESCO customers are furious over online queues for Christmas delivery slots which went live this morning.
Dozens of shoppers have flocked to social media to express their frustration, reporting that they have been waiting for hours to secure a slot.
The UK’s biggest supermarket opened slots at 6am for customers who pay for a delivery or click-and-collect pass.
One shopper said on X: “It was easier and quicker getting
Oasis tickets than it was a Tesco Xmas home delivery slot.”
Another said: “How do Tesco make such a farce out of booking a Xmas delivery slot? Been queuing since 6am.
“At 6:02 I logged on to Asda and had Dec 23 slot checked out in a matter of minutes.”
A third shopper said: “Tesco I’ve had a delivery saver for over 13 years. For the past two years, I’ve been unable to get a Christmas delivery slot. It’s like getting Beyonce tickets.
“I’m up poised at 6am with an hour wait already.
“You need to ensure everyone with a saver pass can book at least one slot.”
Other customers have complained that they’ve been booted out the queue after their payment was rejected.
One shopper said: “I had a slot for Christmas delivery. I made four attempts at payment.
“But I was booted from my slot and am now at the back of the queue. Ridiculous!”
Those who aren’t signed up to a delivery or click and collect plan will be able to book a festive slot from 6am next Tuesday (November 12).
The supermarket has been contacted for comment.
In 2022, Tesco’s website crashed as 300,000 were queuing to secure their delivery slots.
This year, the supermarket chain has expanded its fleet with an additional 60 delivery vans for the festive period.
Tesco will also offer thousands more slots on Christmas Eve via its Whoosh service.
The delivery service lets shoppers order food and have it delivered to their homes within 20 to 60 minutes.
What is Delivery Saver?
Tesco Delivery Saver passes let you pay a flat fee either monthly for six months or 12 months.
An anytime delivery plan costs £6.99 per month for 12 months and gives you priority access to click and collect slots and Christmas home delivery.
You can also pay £7.99 per month for six months.
Customers can also sign up for an off-peak delivery plan, which costs £3.99 a month for 12 months or £4.99 a month for six months.
Off-peak, delivery lets you order to your home after 3pm but does not include same-day delivery.
Meanwhile, the click and collect passes can only be bought on a six-month term, costing £2.49 per month.
They come with same-day collection and early access to Christmas slots, and you can collect at any time of the day.
How to save money on Christmas shopping
Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how you can save money on your Christmas shopping.
Limit the amount of presents – buying presents for all your family and friends can cost a bomb.
Instead, why not organise a Secret Santa between your inner circles so you’re not having to buy multiple presents.
Plan ahead – if you’ve got the stamina and budget, it’s worth buying your Christmas presents for the following year in the January sales.
Make sure you shop around for the best deals by using price comparison sites so you’re not forking out more than you should though.
Buy in Boxing Day sales – some retailers start their main Christmas sales early so you can actually snap up a bargain before December 25.
Delivery may cost you a bit more, but it can be worth it if the savings are decent.
Shop via outlet stores – you can save loads of money shopping via outlet stores like Amazon Warehouse or Office Offcuts.
They work by selling returned or slightly damaged products at a discounted rate, but usually any wear and tear is minor.
What other supermarkets have opened Christmas delivery slots?
Asda has opened delivery slots for customers but they are filling up so you should books yours in soon.
Ocado announced its Christmas delivery slot booking dates at the end of September.
Morrisons shoppers with a delivery pass have been able to book their slots since October 2.
Customers without a delivery pass have been able to book slots from October 9.
Iceland confirmed that delivery slots for Christmas will be made available to shoppers six days prior to the delivery date.