No internet, no milk, supplier tells OAP
CUSTOMERS MUST NOW REGISTER ONLINE FOR DELIVERIES TO CONTINUE
AN elderly woman has hit out at a “ridiculous” rule which has seen her doorstep milk deliveries axed because she cannot register online.
Mary Wright, from Measham, must find an alternative milkman after she was told by her usual supplier, Milk & More, that it would only be taking orders made online.
The 85-year-old says this will leave many customers, without access to the internet, unable to get their milk delivered.
Milk & More has said 80 per cent of its custom is online and to continue using its old software such as handheld terminals would require an investment of millions of pounds.
It added that failure to adapt and modernise its business would lead to its decline, putting 2,000 jobs at risk.
Mrs Wright, who does not have access to the internet, has been having her milk delivered to her doorstop for decades.
She said: “I pay by direct debit and I receive my milk to my door every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
“I kept getting pamphlets with my milk deliveries recently saying they are moving online by April 24 but I didn’t realise they would actually stop any deliveries not ordered online.
“I didn’t receive my delivery on Monday, April 26, so I rang them up and eventually got through and they said they have stopped it because I haven’t registered online.
“It is just absolutely ridiculous. People who cannot get online will not be able to get their milk unless they have someone who can register for them but some might not.”
Mrs Wright said that when she rang Milk & More she was given the number of alternative supplier but it turns out that the milkman has retired.
She said: “I will just have to go to the supermarket like everyone else does but what about the people who are disabled and cannot get out?”
The business is owned by the German dairy company Müller.
A spokesman for the firm said: “It is important to stress that a failure to adapt and modernise our business would lead to its decline including the inevitable withdrawal of services from local areas and serious consequences for the 2,000 people who work for Milk & More. This is why, in order to protect the jobs of hundreds of our colleagues and suppliers, as well as secure our future, we have had to become an online-only business.
“Prior to making the switch, more than 80 per cent of our business was online and this was growing daily, while the offline model was declining at a rapid rate. Our offline systems – including the delivery handheld terminals and back office software – were obsolete. To maintain this quickly deteriorating element of our business, including a direct debit payment option, would require investment of millions in a part of the business that was declining fast.
“We wrote to all our offline customers in March to advise them that in order to continue to receive deliveries, they needed to switch to an online account by April 24. We then followed up our initial letter with three further ones. The letters made it clear that those who chose not to move to an online account by the deadline would no longer receive Milk & More deliveries. They also explained the options and how we could help. “We do appreciate that for some customers there was never going to be a ‘good time’ for us to implement this change – which is why we delayed making the transition for as long as possible. We offered to support all our offline customers looking to make the switch online – as each and every one is important to us. We also explained the options available to them. For example, those without access to a computer or ipad can enjoy the service with the help of a family member or trusted friend, who can help set up their account initially.
“We acknowledge and accept that there will be people who can’t or don’t want to move online, that still want their milk delivered. This is why, in these cases, we are very willing to help them, where possible, find an alternative supplier. This includes the customers who have contacted the Burton Mail, who we would be very happy to contact to discuss the options available.
“As explained to our customers, the reason for making this change is to secure the future of the British doorstep delivery service, whilst protecting the jobs of our colleagues and suppliers.
“While the offline service has now ceased, customers can still register for our online service at www.milkandmore.co.uk to continue to receive deliveries. Customers will need to add a credit or debit card for payments and ensure that any regular orders are added, as these will not have transferred across from their old account. Those looking for assistance with setting up their online account, should visit our help section on the website at www.milkandmore.co.uk/ moving online”
It is just absolutely ridiculous. People who cannot get online will not be able to get their milk.
Mary Wright