MSE News: Waitrose to scrap free hot drinks offer in its cafes

[Deleted User]

The amount of 'free publicity' this story has generated has more than been worth the free coffees :):) I go around once a month maybe to my nearest W'rose (12 miles away ) as I go in I get my cup of coffee and have a good wander around looking at the stuffI always spend around at least a tenner on stuff I like and want and I also get a free newspaper when I'm at the till as the young lady on the till always reminds me about it.I find shopping there a very nice experience ,but then it is tucked away at Allington way outside Maidstone and away from the crowds.Its a 24 mile round trip from where I live and to me its a treat to go there ,I have never yet left the store without getting something nice for either me or my DDs.I usually go at the end of the month as its then when I have a bit of surplus in my food purse and its a treat for me that I enjoy.

I can see why it is wrong for people to just help themselves to coffee and walk out without buying something Very rude as well I think.but then you will always get a minority which will spoil it for the majority

surfsister

well went to waitrose cafe at 5 again today and only 6 tables occupied instead of the whole place heaving!! had our choice of settees!!! and newspapers! also plenty of parking spaces right near the door - Maybe it's a good thing they stopped the free coffee as it's drastically reduced customers too. again no queues at any of the checkouts!

Steve059

I_have_spoken wrote: »

It was certainly attracting an undesirable demographic into the shops!

And they might have even had tattoos. :eek:

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/12/24/waitrose-jack-monroe_n_4497814.html

usergt

I went into my Waitrose Cafe this morning and it was very quiet indeed. A member of staff advised me that I can upgrade my coffee to tall and only pay the difference of 30p. This works quite well I think, otherwise the cheapest item in my local cafe costs 85p.

Tammy2

It's only table hogging in the cafes they have stopped. Take way coffees are still allowed.

We buy most of our veg, fruit and meat from Waitrose, but have been known to pop in just for a takeaway coffee. Rare, (I food shop most days) but when in a rush and passing through. I don't feel guilty about it.

surfsister

usergt wrote: »

I went into my Waitrose Cafe this morning and it was very quiet indeed. A member of staff advised me that I can upgrade my coffee to tall and only pay the difference of 30p. This works quite well I think, otherwise the cheapest item in my local cafe costs 85p.

i haven't been brave enough to try it yet but as now the cafe is never more than half full they may not mind!! the costa across the car park is pleased as it's getting much more custom now lol!!

zippydooda

surfsister wrote: »

i haven't been brave enough to try it yet but as now the cafe is never more than half full they may not mind!! the costa across the car park is pleased as it's getting much more custom now lol!!

so your saying that rather than pay 50p for a cookie and coffee they would rather go to costa and pay a few pounds just for the coffee. I doubt costa is benefiting from this.

surfsister

yes they are! going on sheer numbers waitrose is never more than half full and so is costa whereas waitrose used to be heaving and costa almost empty. we work nearby and can see both clearly!

paying customers will go to the more luxurious cafe where they make drinks quickly. up to 8 mins for a moca at my waitrose!!

also waitrose car park is much less full and less queues so it is affecting business.

small biscuit is 85p in waitrose!

VeGGie-STyLe

I find it a little bit strange that they don't have some way of checking for a proof of purchase at the self-service coffee stations. Atleast they don't in my local Waitrose. No way of checking if you even HAVE a MyWaitrose card. I suppose the staff could ask to see a receipt, but they don't seem to do that as far as I'm aware?

I thought they would be a bit more strict about it instead of just allowing any ol' ratbag to help themselves to a free drink?!

glider3560

VeGGie-STyLe wrote: »

I find it a little bit strange that they don't have some way of checking for a proof of purchase at the self-service coffee stations. Atleast they don't in my local Waitrose. No way of checking if you even HAVE a MyWaitrose card. I suppose the staff could ask to see a receipt, but they don't seem to do that as far as I'm aware?

I thought they would be a bit more strict about it instead of just allowing any ol' ratbag to help themselves to a free drink?!

I think you are supposed to take them to a checkout before leaving the store. At least that is how it is supposed to work....