How we solve the 5 common frustrations with supermarket deliveries

Supermarket deliveries work very well for home users and as the demand for workplace refreshments grows, it’s increasingly common for businesses to order drinks and snacks from them too.

At Totally Tasty, we speak to and supply hundreds of corporate clients, often fine tuning our service to meet their specific needs. These conversations have given us valuable insights into what businesses truly need and value from a supplier when purchasing workplace refreshments.

What are the five common frustrations with supermarket deliveries?

1. Unwanted substitutions and out of stock items
2. Difficulty claiming back VAT – no credit account or monthly consolidated tax invoice
3. Loose items instead of outer packs
4. Deliveries sometimes left in loading bay or not put away
5. No account management or personalised service

Unwanted substitutions and out of stock items

One of the most common sources of frustration is that, while products may appear in stock when the order is placed, they’re sometimes unavailable on the day of delivery. This becomes more of an issue when ordering for meetings, events or visitor hospitality.

Substitutions aren’t always an appropriate solution and there are occasions when product swaps simply don’t meet the needs of the business.

Companies value the assurance that comes with using a reliable corporate supplier and being able to communicate any important delivery requirements with customer services. This is something supermarket deliveries are simply not equipped for.

No credit account or monthly consolidated VAT invoice

Most businesses value the convenience of a credit account and a single monthly invoice which is standard when working with a corporate supplier. Managing multiple credit card payments and receipts is time consuming and creates hidden administration costs.

Claiming back VAT has been cited as an issue with some supermarket receipts because they do not show a breakdown of how much VAT is paid or display a VAT number. It is worth checking whether your finance team are reclaiming what you’re entitled to.

Loose items instead of outer packs

Supermarkets typically supply products in single units rather than outer boxes. E.g. 24 packs of crisps arrive loose rather than in a box. This can be impractical in a business setting where storage becomes necessary for workplaces placing a weekly or fortnightly order.

As a wholesaler we keep items in their outer packaging with clear quantity information shown online. This is of value to businesses that want to store, manage and distribute refreshments daily.

Supermarket deliveries sometimes left in loading bay or not put away

In multi tenanted buildings delivery instructions can sometimes be missed, especially when service is provided by different drivers. This often results in goods being left in loading bays or at reception rather than where needed.

A regular corporate supplier understands the value in learning your deliver procedures and preferences. Our drivers know where to place your goods and how to handle your building security protocols. Managing the last few metres of your workplace refreshments delivery makes all the difference and sets our service apart from a courier or supermarket delivery.

No account management or personalised service

Whilst supermarkets provide first class customer service it is primarily designed for individual consumers. There is rarely a dedicated point of contact for personalised or tailored support.

A corporate supplier should offer account management as standard and give a point of contact who understands your business and needs. Our Customer Care team are on hand and happy to provide support for special orders, bespoke requests and corporate events.

If you’re looking for a more efficient and business friendly way to stock your office, we’d be happy to help. Please get in touch with us.