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Waitrose free coffees

(60 Posts)
tanith Tue 21-Mar-17 14:16:27

I see Waitrose are 'refining' their free drinks for loyalty card members. In future you have to make a purchase before claiming your free cup although there is no minimum spend.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-39339828

TerriBull Tue 21-Mar-17 15:17:14

I always thought it was a pretty generous offer, just flashing a free membership card and getting a free coffee which would probably cost a couple of pounds at least, and if there is no minimum spend requirement then it still is. Having said that their coffee is horrible sad but their tea is ok smile

Rigby46 Tue 21-Mar-17 15:22:47

About time too

M0nica Tue 21-Mar-17 15:30:28

I thought that rule already applied because when I go through the till the operator always asks me whether I want a coffee and if I do she gives me a mug.

In fact when they started handing the mug out at the till the operator told me it was because so many people were coming in, drinking coffee and going without shopping.confused

janeainsworth Tue 21-Mar-17 15:31:36

Yes it's the same system in my local Waitrose monica

M0nica Tue 21-Mar-17 15:55:04

....and that was several year's ago.

Rinouchka Tue 21-Mar-17 16:00:03

I always thought that was the rule, anyway. Cannot imagine going in just to drink their coffee!

M0nica Tue 21-Mar-17 16:03:22

Like Terribull I think the coffee is disgusting. However that is standard in the UK. Our coffee is selected to keep its flavour when mixed with milk and as someone who only drinks black coffee without sugar it is far too bitter.

SueDonim Tue 21-Mar-17 16:25:19

I had no idea you could have a free coffee without making a purchase and now it's too late! But my nearest Waitrose is well over 100 miles away in any case, so it would never exactly be free. grin

Grindos Tue 21-Mar-17 17:20:31

I used to meet a friend at Waitrose cafe, but we'd always have to queue for at least 10 mins. Now we go to a church cafe opposite. Today Waitress E-mailed me about their free coffee, but I don't understand where you get the coffee. It says they give you a cup at the checkout, but where do you get it filled?

watermeadow Tue 21-Mar-17 18:24:34

Waitrose is obviously worried about the rise and rise of Aldi and Lidl. They cut staff bonuses this tear and have reduced prices of many basics. A large whole meal loaf is now only 50p.
You have to spend £10 to get your Guardian free (used to be £5) but I've never got a free cup of coffee. Why can't people do anything without a coffee in their hand?

Lillie Tue 21-Mar-17 18:55:02

Like M0nica, we get asked if we would like a coffee at the end of the check out after presenting our loyalty card. If we say yes, we get given a cup and go to the machine. There are a few bar stools at a shelf where we can sit and read the paper, if not we walk along the road drinking.

MawBroon Tue 21-Mar-17 19:04:30

I tend to sit in the cafe and read any one of their free papers. Different Waitrose shops have different facilities. If I want one "to go" I can also get it at the patisserie counter and "zap" it with my scanner, the price being deducted at the quick scan till when I pay.

Charleygirl Tue 21-Mar-17 19:19:05

If I want a coffee and a sit down in the cafe I have to buy something there, even if only a packet of crisps. It does not matter if my trolley is fairly full.

My thoughts were similar to MOnica's and Jane that one had to buy something. When I do self service I pop the carton in the car and reheat it when I get home. I take it black and add the milk at home to save any spillage.

The machine is beside Customer Service and the exit in my local Waitrose.

thatbags Tue 21-Mar-17 19:37:48

The coffee at our Waitrose cafe is nicer than the stuff out of the machine, possibly because it's hotter. I can't drink coffee without eating something, preferably sweet (though I don't like sugar in coffee), so I don't have a problem with having to buy a scone if I want a cafe coffee.

grannypiper Tue 21-Mar-17 19:45:29

I am so glad, wandering around the store pushing a trolley whilst holding a cup pf hot coffee is a recipe for disaster. I laughed out loud one day as a young woman with a very confused look on her face tried to shop with a coffee in one hand and a basket and phone in the other she didnt know what to put down to so she could pick an item up off the shelf. priceless

Ana Tue 21-Mar-17 19:49:48

How ridiculous! I thought you only got the free coffee after you'd done your shopping...confused

(there isn't one anywhere near me, so I have no experience of this strange practice!)

Greenfinch Tue 21-Mar-17 20:46:11

We do not have to make a purchase at the moment though most people do. We just need to show our card at customer services and they give us a mug.

Moocow Tue 21-Mar-17 21:22:26

Feel cheated now, at our Waitrose you always had to spend a minimum amount the. With a bag of shopping walking out with your coffee was so awkward. I did it once, didn't bother after.

rosesarered Tue 21-Mar-17 21:35:40

I hardly use Waitrose now, think it's gone downhill, have never had a good loaf of bread from there, and they are trying to do too many basics goods.Their free coffe is awful, once was enough.

thatbags Tue 21-Mar-17 21:39:53

I don't think I've ever had a loaf of bread from anywhere that's as good as what I make at home.

Since you mention it, roses smile

M'off to bed moon ?

rosesarered Tue 21-Mar-17 21:41:38

Post me a loaf in the morning? smile

GrandmaKT Tue 21-Mar-17 22:48:49

Booths are cutting their benefits too from the end of March. No more free weekend newspaper. You can still get a free hot drink - I don't know whether you have to make a purchase or not.

MawBroon Tue 21-Mar-17 23:30:07

I think it is hilarious that we are complaining about the conditions attached to a FREE (the clue is in the adjective) coffee and, for some, its quality!!
You don't have to have one, you know ☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️

Funnygran Wed 22-Mar-17 08:45:05

The John Lewis stores also give out occasional vouchers for free cake and a drink to customers with a loyalty card. The only time I used mine DH was with me who picked out a rather expensive sandwich for himself, defeating the benefit of my free cake ?