ASOS shoppers have branded the clothing retailer's new price change "an absolute joke". The online fashion retailer has sent out an email notifying shoppers who use their ASOS Premier service that there is a rule change coming as of February 28.
Currently, those who use ASOS Premier pay £11.95 a year so they can get free next day delivery and nominated day delivery - as long as they spend a minimum of £10. But that minimum spend is being hiked to £15 from the end of next month, leaving some Premier customers annoyed, the Manchester Evening News reports.
Many people who use the service has flocked to social media to share their anger at the price hike, branding it a "rip-off". Others say the change has prompted them to cancel their subscription to the service.
In their email to Premier customers, ASOS said: "Firstly, we just want to say thanks for being a Premier customer. As one of our faves, we want to give you a heads-up about an upcoming change to your membership.
"Starting on 28 February 2023, you'll need to spend £15 or more to get free next day delivery. But don't worry - if you do spend less than £15, you'll still get free standard delivery!
"That said, if you do want to cancel your subscription, we understand - just contact customer care."
Some ASOS shoppers are not happy at the change. One Twitter user said: "Wow ASOS what a scam. How are you increasing the minimum spend to £15 for NDD at the worst time possible! Isn't the point of paying for 'Premier' so we can actually have 'unlimited NDD'?? Been a customer for years but I won't be renewing my Premier subscription."
Another said: "ASOS premier is now the biggest rip off! Already paid £10 for next day delivery but now have to spend £15 to qualify makes no sense! Definitely cancelling now."
A third fuming customer wrote: "Rarely shop at ASOS cos, you know, but signed up to Premier in May cos it’d pay for itself v quickly. I was promised: 'Unlimited next day delivery for a whole year. Minimum spend of £10 per order' but now they’re increasing min spend to £15 for a service I’ve already paid for?"
ASOS has not confirmed why the controversial change has been made, but earlier this month, the retailer announced UK sales tumbled 8% in the four months to December 31, in stark contrast to high street rivals such as Next that have benefited from shoppers returning to stores over Christmas in the face of Royal Mail strikes and delivery disruption.
The company said it was slashing costs to boost its profitability, but confirmed it continues to expect to make a half-year loss. It is shutting three storage warehouses in the UK, Europe and the US, while it said it is also trimming some of its office space but not closing sites. It is also axing 35 unprofitable brands as part of the efforts.
