Money Moral Dilemma: Should I be shopping online during the coronavirus lockdown?

mutter

As  someone with a daughter on the 'extremely vulnerable' list living away from home and having to rely on the goodwill of friends and neighbours because she can't book a slot, I'd just ask that anyone in good health thinks twice before they do an online order.
It's simply making life more difficult for someone whose life is at risk if they have to go to the supermarket in person.

NCC-1707

Who thought this was a good idea for a topic? Quite odious....people are dying. 

Lizzie2015

Guys I’m guessing the original poster is asking about the ethics of ordering non-essentials online from retailers (e.g. Amazon, John Lewis, ASOS, IKEA are all still open for online business). NOT about taking online supermarket delivery slots from vulnerable people. The dilemma is supporting the economy versus putting people (warehouse workers, delivery drivers) at risk.

SuzyQ52

My microwave recently packed up so I bought online as the shops are closed. I’ve also ordered compost and bark for the garden for the same reason. If the warehouses are responsible (and we can only assume they are) they’ll be obeying social distancing so should be safe.  

deejaybee

A View from the other side..

I am a courier working for one  of the big Gig Economy companies - they got us classed as key workers by claiming we deliver essential goods such as hygiene products and vetinary products - which are in fact a small percentage of what we deliver..

Anyway, i feel conflicted - one the one hand i am happy to be still earning ( and will have Rishi's S/E package to come in June as i have been doing this work for several years ) but on the other hand it majorly boils my **** when i am putting my neck on the block ( have an underlying condition ) for selfish people ordering clothes etc when they cant go out anyway  < rant over >.

Our company has set up a payment scheme to pay a small amount daily if you self-isolate for 2 weeks, however they only do this if you have been earning less than a certain amount,  ( i earn too much ) and even if you pass that test there are several other hoops to jump through...  plus you might go back and find they have given your round to someone else..

So people please think before ordering  - do you really need  it ?

1977Chad

You cannot bring the economy to a complete standstill, otherwise we will end up in a severe recession.

I plan to continue shopping online (not food) as it is supporting businesses at this difficult time.

Nessa_B

I’ve been thinking the same thing... (To others: please note my reply has NOTHING to do with ONLINE SHOPPING for FOOD as I don’t believe that is what the original is even referring to!)
I want to order some puzzles and some small craft projects online to do at home but I keep thinking that means somebody has to go to work to pick and pack that item and a delivery driver has to leave his/her family at home to bring it to my door and therefore putting themselves at risk. But as you say I wonder if it’s helpful especially to small businesses and self employed drivers...?
I’d be interested to hear from more warehouse workers and delivery drivers as to what their current working conditions are like. 

jilli17

Please please don’t shop use Supermarket delivery slots unless you have to. My son is shielding alone in London having had a stem cell transplant. He’s not been out since 12/3 but can not get any food. There are no delivery slots from any supermarkets and despite saying they will contact him as a Gov reg vulnerable person he has heard nothing. His Council got in touch yesterday saying he was due an emergency parcel that would come in 2 weeks. I know it’s grim going to the supermarket but please think of those who aren’t fortunate enough to have the choice, thank you

Plantaholic1

I thought about doing this until I realised how difficult it was to get a slot. A friend then said she had booked her slots for the current week then the week after that 'well in advance' 🙄 No wonder it's so difficult. I now think we should leave online grocery delivery slots for more vulnerable people unable to get out to shop. 

afis1904

People should really read the first post. The question is not about food.