Perhaps TL's comment will make shops think a little more about the way they approach distance shopping.

Dear LPG,

I do not get out as often as I used to and although I am not IT savvy I have found it easier to order my groceries via the telephone.

I understand that the process is much like ordering online; the only real difference being that I talk to them rather than click at them.   The delivery charges are similar to the online charges, and the telephone agents are really helpful, but there is one aspect of the process that I find unfair.

At the end of my conversation with them I will be given a total price and, of course, they do have my bank account details so the money is then taken automatically.  From time to time the cost of some items will be different, usually more expensive, by the time of my delivery and I will find that although I was given one total price for my purchases, that total will have risen because of these changes in price.   I feel that if I make my order and am promised items at a certain price they should be delivered at the price I was given.  The cost of my bill is usually some £2.00 more than I expect on a regular bases because of this practise.

It is also the case that if they do not have the product I ordered, they will make a substitution which can be a lot more expensive.  I ordered an item recently which I expected to cost .45p and their substitute cost me £2.00.  I know that they cannot always have exactly what I request, but perhaps substitutions should be brought in a separate box so that one can make a choice as to whether they want to keep them and pay that extra money? 

The only reason that I use this service is because I cannot physically get to the shops when I need to, and getting the shopping back to my home has become virtually impossible for me.  With no family and friends living locally to me I do value the service but, for me, every penny counts and these practices make budgeting that much harder.

TL, New Cross