People are increasingly choosing not to use Ocado primarily due to a significant decline in product availability. While Ocado boasts an incredibly vast array of goods, offering well over 50,000 products—a selection far exceeding that of rivals like Tesco or Asda—customers are finding that the items they want are frequently out of stock.
The Challenge of Product Availability
For long-time customers, one of the biggest frustrations with Ocado has become the inconsistency in product availability. Despite the sheer number of products listed, the reliability of finding specific items in stock for delivery has diminished.
- Decreased Stock Levels: Shoppers, especially loyal ones who have used the service for years, are noticing that favorite or essential items they once easily purchased are now often unavailable. This forces them to either substitute products or shop elsewhere, adding inconvenience to their grocery routine.
- Impact on Customer Loyalty: The core appeal of Ocado for many was its extensive range and the convenience of getting all their groceries from one place. When this convenience is undermined by frequent stockouts, it erodes customer trust and satisfaction. This leads to customers "falling out of love" with the service and exploring alternatives.
- Mismatch Between Offering and Fulfillment: The company maintains an astonishing catalog of products, providing a breadth of choice unmatched by many traditional supermarkets. However, if these products aren't consistently available for purchase and delivery, the benefit of having such a wide selection is lost to the consumer. This gap between a rich offering and actual fulfillment capabilities can be a major deterrent for potential and existing users alike.
The inability to consistently purchase desired items, despite the vast theoretical selection, is a key reason why some customers are moving away from using Ocado for their online grocery needs.
