Waitrose tightens up on 'abused' free hot drinks again

Waitrose is clamping down again on its free hot drinks offer for MyWaitrose members, following claims the perk is still being 'abused'.

Its offer of free tea or coffee for MyWaitrose members proved so popular last year that it introduced tighter rules for the scheme.

But now The Grocer magazine has reported that some stores are making shoppers wait at customer services to register their shop, before being allowed to take their hot drink.

Get Waitrose vouchers and discounts on AOL Deals

Free hot drinks for all

When the perk was introduced, it meant that members of the MyWaitrose loyalty scheme could enjoy a free hot drink every day, even if they did not spend anything in store.

Then in January, Waitrose introduced the requirement that customers wanting a hot drink from an in-store cafe would also need to buy a 'treat' to go with their drink such as a sandwich or a piece of fruit.
%VIRTUAL-ArticleSidebar-deals%
That clampdown has evidently not done the job though, with The Grocer reporting that Waitrose has lost about £150,000 as a result of 'abuse' of the scheme. The finger has been pointed at customers regularly collecting drinks for their friends. A spokesperson told the magazine that it was a "small minority of people who have been abusing it".

However, a spokesperson told us that "the £150,000 figure... is not one that we recognise and it certainly doesn't reflect the scheme which conversely is overwhelmingly driving incremental sales".

Other perks of the myWaitrose scheme include free copies of, and digital access to, the Waitrose Kitchen magazine, free newspapers when spending over £5 (£10 at weekends) and in-store savings that aren't available to other customers.

Get paid cashback when you shop with a cashback credit card

Read more on AOL Money

Living near Waitrose could increase house prices by nearly £40,000

Waitrose slammed for Israeli 'propaganda'

'Overheard in Waitrose' reveals hardships of the rich

1 / 10

The subtle manipulation starts as soon as you enter the store when you are assailed by the smell of flowers and fresh bread, which are often placed near the door. The smell is intended to put you in a good mood and to get your salivary glands working. You are also more likely to pick up these higher-ticket items when your cart is empty.

Similarly, fresh produce like fruit and vegetables (one of the most profitable sections at the supermarket) is also usually at the front because the bright colours are more likely to lift your mood than bland cartons and cans. Mist is sometimes sprayed on the fruit and veg to make them look fresh but can actually make them rot faster.