Tesco delivery slots have become a saving grace for many people during the UK-wide lockdown, as they endeavour to observe Government-backed measures keeping them confined to their homes. Tesco said: 'Slots fill up quickly, so set a reminder to make sure you don't miss out. Don't forget, you can book a slot early if you're a Delivery Saver customer.' The supermarket also operates a click and collect service that costs £1.50.
© Publicity PictureThere’s no doubt that getting a shopping delivery slot has been harder than usual since the UK went into lockdown eight weeks ago.
In an attempt to take some of the stress away, Martin Lewis’ MoneySavingExpert.com has compiled a list of top tips.
The list shows how far ahead each supermarket releases its slots and how you might get your hands on one, reports BirminghamLive.
The supermarket with the longest lead time appears to be Tesco with a massive 21 days, which assumes you know what you’ll want to eat three weeks in advance.
Waitrose and Morrisons release their slots just three days ahead.
So you might know what you want to eat but will you then have enough time to get your order in before all of the slots are quickly taken?
Here’s how the supermarket giants are operating according to Moneysavingexpert.
Three days ahead
Waitrose - used to be in partnership with Ocado but not any more.
So it might well be looking to expand times in due course.
Delivery Slots Tesco Opening
For slots, it said it is 'advising customers to check each morning'.
Delivery Slots Tesco Catalogue
Shoppers surveyed said they had success from 6am to 8am as well as randomly during the day.
Delivery Slots Tesco Opening
Morrisons - shoppers top tip was to try just after midnight
Five days ahead
Co-op - told Martin Lewis that 'slots are launched every day, at around midnight'.
Seven days ahead
Iceland - the company said times were specific to stores, so Martin Lewis's 'Forumites' reported different results in tandem.
Sainsbury's - told Martin Lewis that 'when the slots are released will vary - there isn't a specific time and it doesn't depend on the store'.
One follower reported success every Monday.
Ocado - the online supermarket was a former partner with Waitrose but recently jumped into bed with M&S and is due start selling its products, as well as its own, from September.
It said there wasn't a fixed time when they were released, but priority customers were emailed about availability.
Once they've had a chance to book, non-priority customers are notified - via a message on the home page - and are then able to book any remaining slots.
14 days ahead
Asda - revealed that slots update as and when they become available in each area. Popular times to get a slot were typically 10pm or midnight, though some followers said between 2am and 4am.
21 days ahead
Tesco - Martin Lewis was told 'slots tend to be released at midnight for three weeks ahead' but that it's busy adding extra vans to create more slots.
Top tips include logging on ten minutes early and then trying to book after midnight.