The true cost of free delivery
Free delivery is a pricing offer, not a reason to expand every basket. When a shop sets a minimum spend, the decision is whether the extra item is worth more to you than the delivery fee you would avoid.
Do the two-basket calculation
Write down the total for the items you came to buy, including delivery. Then write down the total with the added item and free delivery. If an extra 18 purchase avoids a 6 delivery fee, you are spending 12 more overall. That may be sensible for something you already need, but it is not automatically a saving.
Check the less visible conditions
Some delivery offers exclude bulky goods, remote locations or marketplace sellers. Others apply only to a slower service. Read the estimated arrival date before committing if the order is for an event. A missed deadline can make a cheaper delivery option useless.
Keep a useful waiting list
Maintain a small list of predictable household replacements rather than hunting for a random filler item. Combine orders when timing and storage allow. Avoid overbuying perishables to reach a threshold, and check whether returning one item changes the delivery charge. The best basket is the one that meets your needs at an acceptable total, not the one that unlocks the most promotional badges.
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