Anyone else having issues with Tesco delivery substitutions lately?

Tescodeliverysubstitutionsgroceries

Registration:
10.11.2023
Messages: 256

Admin_Root Topic author

26.01.2025 13:11

I placed my usual Tesco delivery order last night, and it was really frustrating. They substituted three key items without calling me first, which is always a huge problem for meal planning. I specifically requested brand A, and they sent brand B, which doesn't work for my dietary restrictions. Also, the delivery slot was marked as 2-4 PM, but the driver arrived closer to 4:30 PM, which is completely misleading. I wish they would improve the communication regarding substitutions and the accuracy of the delivery windows. Has anyone else noticed this pattern recently?

19 Answers

19.11.2023
Posts: 33

EternalKnight

03.02.2025 09:48

Seriously. It's gotten so bad lately. I had them substitute my coffee creamer and it ruined my breakfast plan.

24.03.2022
Posts: 330

Legend_C

11.02.2025 16:27

I'm having the exact same issue with substitutions. They just assume you don't care about the specific brand, which is ridiculous when you have dietary needs.

17.01.2024
Posts: 1336

CpuZ

23.03.2025 09:46

The timing is always wrong. I schedule my day around the 2-4 window, and if they show up at 4:30, I've already left for work.

21.06.2022
Posts: 985

Lope_C

21.04.2025 03:27

Has anyone tried calling them directly before placing the order? Sometimes they can manually adjust the substitution preferences.

22.07.2022
Posts: 1090

Soul_C

15.06.2025 20:02

It's a pattern, definitely. They treat the delivery window like a suggestion, not a commitment. I'm considering switching to a local greengrocer instead.

12.08.2021
Posts: 660

ArcadeBoy

09.07.2025 11:37

I got a notification saying the slot was 10-12, but they left the items on the porch at 3 PM. The communication is non-existent.

09.01.2024
Posts: 268

Cousin_C

05.08.2025 02:18

Agreed. The substitution policy needs a major overhaul. At least give a quick text message if an item is unavailable.

28.10.2024
Posts: 1304

FortNiteKid

06.08.2025 21:49

Totally. I had to send them a complaint email, and honestly, it took three days for a generic apology. Unacceptable service.

15.05.2023
Posts: 356

RgbLife in response

11.09.2025 06:11

Reply to the user above: Did you mention calling them? I tried that, and they just told me to use the app, which was useless.

17.06.2023
Posts: 1096

PipBoy

20.09.2025 23:57

It's the combination of poor communication and poor timing that makes it so stressful. I just want what I ordered, when I ordered it.

23.08.2021
Posts: 934

Son_C

01.10.2025 02:32

I found that if I order everything from multiple different services, the issue seems to be localized to the supermarket delivery model itself.

01.01.2023
Posts: 311

Myth_C in response

13.10.2025 14:09

Reply to the user who mentioned the creamer: Exactly! It's not just about the brand, it's about the specific ingredients. Some substitutes are completely unsuitable for allergies.

11.03.2023
Posts: 474

Upworth_C

23.10.2025 12:25

I wish they would just charge a premium for accurate timing. If they can't guarantee the window, they shouldn't advertise it that way.

18.07.2025
Posts: 633

PipBoy

07.11.2025 07:31

My experience was worse. They marked it as 'delivery to door' but left it outside in the rain. I have to start expecting the worst.

01.04.2025
Posts: 383

LanParty in response

08.11.2025 02:05

Reply to the user who said switching services: I've been there. It's convenient when it works, but the risk of error is too high for me to rely on it for essential items.

05.04.2022
Posts: 1120

RedDragon

08.11.2025 02:25

It's the sheer lack of respect for the customer's time. You plan your week around these deliveries, and then they mess it up.

22.09.2022
Posts: 423

DarkPhoenix

05.12.2025 04:21

Has anyone noticed if calling them during off-peak hours helps? I tried calling midday and they were surprisingly helpful with the substitution notes.

20.09.2022
Posts: 830

Brotherhood_S

07.12.2025 00:10

I'm just going to stick to Click & Collect from now on. At least I can control when I pick it up and I can check the stock levels in person.

18.01.2023
Posts: 662

FrostGiant

05.01.2026 04:37

Seriously, the app needs a dedicated section for 'Substitution Preferences' that is more robust than just a few checkboxes. It needs to be mandatory.

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