Sainsbury’s customers rebel against ‘tedious and unnecessary' big October nectar change
Customers have taken to social media to complain, saying 'Looks like that’s me finished with Sainsbury's'
Sainsbury’s customers have rebelled against a major change to the way Nectar points work they claim is ‘tedious and unnecessary‘. Customers have been told they need to use a QR code in the loyalty scheme’s app to collect and spend points.
The change means shoppers will no longer be able to spend points by using the current barcode system in stores - but they will be able to collect them using this method. The supermarket has urged customers to update their app to the latest version to access the new QR code, which will be found on the home screen.
People will be able to add the QR code to your phone’s digital wallet. If you still use a plastic Nectar card, you will be able to collect points as normal, but to spend them you will need to swipe the black magnetic strip down the side of the chip and pin machine.
The change sparked anger online. On X Ade said: “Thanks for stopping me using my nectar card at your shops and having to use the app instead with its QR code etc...Not everyone has, needs or wants to have an app on their phone - which was surely the point of the nectar card...”
Lloyd said: “big news for all the nectar point heads, don’t be scanning your old barcode unless at a petrol pump from today, no points for you.” Elaine said: “ just received a lengthy email telling me how to access Nectar points. Tedious and unnecessary change re bar codes, swiping etc. don’t think I will bother.”
Reb added: “Do you like to use your #Nectar points in #Sainsburys stores without faffing with yet another inane phone-clogging app? Well we’ve added a small obstacle for that, in the hope it deters you (or just doesn’t work) so that we can compel the #app for all customers eventually.”
Duncan said: “Nectar switching to QR codes is all very well but I couldn’t spend points in store yesterday as till said spending was locked while app said unlocked. Please fix.” John also said: “Seems Nectar are changing the way you receive & use your Nectar points when shopping. You will have to use your smart phone & a QR code. I refuse. It’s just another step to making us reliant on our smart phones & then digital ID. Looks like that’s me finished with Sainsburys.”
Sainsbury has said despite these changes, you will still need to use your Nectar card barcode at Sainsbury’s and Esso petrol stations. They advised to access the barcode, tap on your card on the home screen of the Nectar card app and swipe left.
A Nectar spokesperson said: “We have introduced QR codes as a new, more secure way for customers to collect and spend their Nectar points. Security is extremely important to us and we have a range of measures which help to safeguard our customer accounts.”
Last year, Sainsbury’s started working with police after noticing an increase in the number of fraudulent vouchers being used in its stores.