Does Sainsbury’s Offer a First Order Discount?
Unlike many online retailers that provide a direct percentage or monetary saving for new customers, Sainsbury’s (sainsburys.co.uk) does NOT currently offer a standard upfront first order discount code for all new online grocery customers when you register an account or sign up for a newsletter.
Our research indicates that while Sainsbury’s frequently runs various sales and promotions, there isn’t a consistent, publicly advertised general welcome discount specifically for new customers who simply create an account. The welcome email received after registration also does not include a discount code.
However, Sainsbury’s does offer a specific, targeted first-shop discount:
- Key Worker Discount: Sainsbury’s provides £13 off your first online grocery shop of £60 or more for eligible Key Workers. This is a fantastic way for qualifying new customers to save immediately. To benefit, key workers (including those in Healthcare, Teaching, Military, Police & Fire Service, Charity Worker, and Social Worker roles) can verify their employment to receive a unique discount code.
Beyond this specific offer, Sainsbury’s focuses its customer benefits primarily on:
- Nectar Loyalty Programme: This is a cornerstone of saving at Sainsbury’s. Joining Nectar allows you to unlock lower ‘Nectar Prices’ on hundreds of products, collect points on your shopping, and access personalised offers (“Your Nectar Prices”).
- Prominent Sales & Multi-Buy Offers: You’ll find regular sales and discounts displayed across the website, such as their popular “Buy 6 or more, save 25%” deal on selected wine, sparkling, and champagne.
- Delivery Pass: For frequent shoppers, a Delivery Pass can offer guaranteed savings on delivery fees and provide VIP access to popular delivery slots, making your regular shop more cost-effective.
- Flexible Delivery Options: Choose how you get your groceries with options like standard “Store to door” delivery (requiring a slot booking), convenient Click & Collect, or the rapid Chop Chop 60-minute delivery for smaller orders.
- Quality Products: Explore their “Taste the Difference” range for premium groceries that make everyday meals special.
So, while a universal first-order discount isn’t available, there are still significant ways for new and existing customers to save and make the most of their shopping experience at Sainsbury’s, as detailed below.
How to Save at Sainsbury’s (Beyond a General First Order Discount)
Since Sainsbury’s doesn’t offer a standard first-order discount for all new customers, here’s how to ensure you still get the best value and maximum benefit from your online grocery shopping:
1. Leverage the Key Worker Discount
While not a universal new customer offer, Sainsbury’s provides a significant first-shop discount for specific essential workers:
- £13 Off for Key Workers: If you’re an eligible key worker (including those in Healthcare, Teaching, Military, Police & Fire Service, Charity Worker, or Social Worker roles), you can receive £13 off your first online grocery shop of £60 or more. You’ll need to verify your employment to get your unique discount code.
2. Join and Maximise Your Nectar Benefits
The Nectar loyalty programme is a powerhouse for ongoing savings at Sainsbury’s:
- Nectar Prices: Unlock exclusive, lower prices on hundreds of products, both online and in-store, just by being a Nectar member.
- Your Nectar Prices: Get personalised offers tailored to your shopping habits, delivering even greater savings on items you regularly buy.
- Collect & Spend Points: Earn Nectar points on your purchases and spend them to reduce the cost of your shopping at Sainsbury’s and other partners.
- Easy to Join: Simply download the Nectar app or register online at nectar.com to start benefiting immediately.
3. Take Advantage of Sales and Multi-Buy Offers
Sainsbury’s regularly features a variety of promotions across its grocery range:
- Wine & Champagne Offers: Look for their popular “Buy 6 or more, save 25%” deal on selected bottles of wine, sparkling, and champagne priced £6 and over, a fantastic way to stock up.
- Weekly Deals: Keep an eye on their website for changing weekly sales and discounts on everyday essentials and treats. Remember to add the correct number of items to your basket to activate multi-buy deals.
4. Consider a Delivery Pass for Regular Savings
If you shop online with Sainsbury’s frequently, a Delivery Pass can offer substantial long-term savings on delivery fees:
- Guaranteed Savings: Pay an upfront fee (e.g., for 6 or 12 months) and enjoy free or significantly reduced delivery charges on your online grocery orders.
- VIP Slot Access: A Delivery Pass can also give you priority access to popular delivery slots, especially during busy periods.
5. Choose the Right Delivery Option for Your Needs
Sainsbury’s offers flexible delivery solutions to suit various shopping styles:
- Standard Home Delivery: Book a convenient slot to have your groceries delivered directly to your door.
- Click & Collect: Order online and pick up your shopping from a local Sainsbury’s store at a time that suits you.
- Chop Chop 60-Minute Delivery: For smaller, urgent grocery needs, use their rapid Chop Chop service for delivery within an hour. (Note: This has a minimum basket spend and a delivery fee).
By combining the Key Worker discount (if eligible) with smart use of Nectar, taking advantage of sales, and optimizing your delivery choices, you can make your Sainsbury’s online grocery shopping both convenient and cost-effective.
Exploring Other Options: UK Grocery & Supermarket Retailers Beyond Sainsbury’s
While Sainsbury’s offers a wide range of products and convenient online shopping, the UK grocery market is highly competitive and diverse. If you’re looking to explore alternatives for your next food shop, numerous other prominent UK supermarkets and online grocers frequently feature various incentives, unique product ranges, or ongoing promotions.
Consider these alternatives for your next grocery or household essential purchase:
Major Supermarket Chains (Online & In-store)
These are Sainsbury’s direct competitors, offering broad product ranges, loyalty schemes, and extensive delivery networks.
- Tesco: The UK’s largest supermarket, Tesco offers a vast selection, competitive pricing (often with ‘Aldi Price Match’), and a highly popular Clubcard loyalty scheme that provides exclusive Clubcard Prices and points redeemable for vouchers or with Reward Partners. They have extensive delivery slot availability and a Delivery Saver Pass.
- Asda: Known for its focus on value, Asda provides a wide range of groceries and household items. Their Asda Rewards app allows customers to earn ‘Cashpot’ savings on selected items and by completing ‘Missions’, which can then be converted into vouchers. They also offer a Delivery Pass.
- Morrisons: Blending budget-friendly options with quality, Morrisons is known for its market street counters (butchery, bakery, fish). Their Morrisons More loyalty scheme offers points and personalised offers. They provide home delivery and partner with Amazon and Deliveroo for faster options.
- Waitrose: For those seeking premium quality, speciality items, and excellent customer service, Waitrose is a popular choice. Their myWaitrose loyalty scheme offers exclusive discounts, free newspapers, and often free hot drinks in-store. They provide online delivery with varying fees.
Discount Supermarkets
These retailers focus on offering lower prices, often on their own-brand products, providing significant savings.
- Aldi: Consistently ranked among the cheapest UK supermarkets, Aldi offers fantastic value, primarily through its own-brand range. While its full online grocery delivery is limited, you can often order specific items (e.g., wine, Specialbuys) for home delivery or use third-party rapid delivery services for groceries.
- Lidl: Similar to Aldi, Lidl is a major discount supermarket known for its competitive pricing and popular own-brand products. The Lidl Plus app provides weekly coupons and instant discounts on your shop. Online grocery delivery from Lidl is typically through third-party partners.
Online-Only Grocers & Rapid Delivery Services
For maximum convenience or specific needs, these platforms offer diverse options:
- Ocado: The world’s largest dedicated online grocer, now partnered with M&S Food. Ocado offers an extensive range, precise one-hour delivery slots, and minimal substitutions. Their Smart Pass offers free deliveries and discounts on big brands. They often have attractive first-order deals for new customers.
- Iceland: Specialising in frozen food, Iceland also offers fresh and chilled groceries. They are known for providing free next-day delivery on orders over £40 without requiring a delivery pass, making it a budget-friendly option for larger shops. They also have an ‘Iceland Bonus Card’ to save.
- Co-op: With a focus on local sourcing and community, Co-op offers online grocery shopping, often through partnerships with rapid delivery services like Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats, for swift deliveries from local stores. Their Co-op Membership provides member prices and community support.
By exploring these alternatives, you can compare product ranges, pricing, delivery options, and loyalty benefits to find the perfect online grocery solution to suit your household’s needs and budget.
