Daily Life

Shopping made easier

Summary: Ideas on finding a convenient way to shop that suits you

• Internet shopping
• Home shopping
• Mail order shopping
• Shopping at your local stores
• Your needs count

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This information has been produced with the support of Tesco.

There are lots of practical ways that shopping can be made easier if you have a sight problem. Maybe you would prefer to do your shopping from home or you'd like some help to get out to the shops and find the exact things you want, to read the labels or check the sell-by dates.

This page has a variety of useful ideas such as how to shop from home by using the internet, help available in stores as well as ways of getting further advice and information about shopping. What matters most is that you find a convenient way to shop that suits you.

If it is too inconvenient for you to go out to the shops on your own, why not try shopping from the comfort of your own home? This way you still get to make your own choices about what you want to buy.

Internet shopping

Shopping on the internet is basically the same principle as telephone shopping, only you use a computer to do it. As the shopping is delivered to your home, stores will add an administration or delivery charge to your shopping bill. This is normally around £5 but you should always check before you agree your order.

This type of shopping is becoming increasingly popular and many more high street stores and supermarkets are now offering this facility. It would be impossible to list all of them here, as the list is always changing. However, we have given some examples of internet shopping facilities run by larger stores and supermarkets.

Tesco

Tesco.com were the first online retailer to design a website which can be used by anyone with a sight problem. They worked closely with RNIB to make sure that it was totally accessible.

People who use the website have been genuinely impressed. Here is an example: "The Tesco access website offers me true independence. Previously, the task of shopping fell to my wife purely because it is impossible for a blind person to scan shelves, find bargains and compare quality, quantity and value. The website allows blind people to shop as efficiently as anyone else. Tesco have made a huge commitment to me and I fully intend to repay that with my customer loyalty."
Dave Clarke, Manager. HSBC Marble Arch, London

For further information about Tesco.com telephone 0845 722 5533.

Our See it Right accessible websites directory gives details of a wide range of accessible websites, including retail (online shopping), transport and local authorities.

You can also buy products and publications from RNIB's online shop.

How do I pay for my shopping on the internet?

Firstly, shopping on the internet gives you the chance to inspect the items you have placed in your shopping basket and change them at any time. Only when you are totally happy with your order, should you pay.

To do this, you will need a credit or debit card. You can easily pay for your shopping over the internet using your card but you should always check that your card details are kept securely. When you are asked to pay for your goods, a message should appear on your computer confirming that you are using a secure internet page.

You should never give out your credit card details unless you are convinced the internet page is a secure one.

What are my rights as an internet shopper?

When we purchase goods either in the high street or over the internet, we have rights as consumers. As an internet shopper, you have the right to:

• clear information about goods and services before you buy
• a confirmation of this in writing if appropriate
• a seven working day cooling off period in which to cancel your order if you change your mind (different arrangements would obviously exist for food ordered via internet shopping)
• protection of your credit card against fraud.

Home shopping

Shopping from home puts you in control but you may feel that you need extra help going through the catalogue or compiling your shopping list. Under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), stores and shops should make a reasonable effort to help you. They may, for example, help you make up your shopping list over the telephone.

If you have any difficulties, you could remind the store of their responsibilities under the DDA. If you still have any problems let us know by calling the RNIB Helpline on 0845 766 9999 or 020 7388 2525 (some callers may find it cheaper to call a landline, so we have detailed both 08 prefixed numbers and landline equivalents where available).

Mail order shopping

The difference between mail order shopping and home shopping is that you can spread mail order repayments over time and make sure that you are happy with goods before paying for them.

However, it may be difficult to return unwanted goods or pay without a debit or credit card. You will also need to use a catalogue and there are often many forms to fill in. Remember that under the DDA, the mail order company should help you use the catalogue and help you fill in the forms.

Before you open an account with a mail order company it is worth checking the price of their goods compared to high street stores.

Shopping at your local stores

Home shopping may not be an appropriate option as you may prefer to get out to your local shops. You can still get assistance if this is the case.

Getting to the shops

It is not always easy to get to the shops if you have a sight problem. However, there is a lot of practical help and advice available to you.

Many out-of-town supermarkets have a courtesy bus service for their customers. Many have a door-to-door transport service especially for people who have difficulty using public transport. These are normally known as Dial-A-Ride, but sometimes Ring-and-Ride or Dial-a-journey. To use these services you have to book your shopping trips in advance. To find out if you have a Dial-A-Ride scheme in your local area, contact your local council social services department.

You may also be entitled to a reduced rate bus pass, or if you get a taxi home, ask if there is a free phone taxi service in the store you are in.

For more information on getting out and about, call the RNIB Helpline on 0845 766 9999 or 020 7388 2525.

Finding what you want

Shopping at a supermarket or big department store is usually cheaper than using the smaller local shops. However, once you have got there you may have difficulty finding goods on the shelves and reading the labels.

Under the DDA, supermarkets and department stores should help you, within reason. For example, they may have an assistant who could go round the shop with you and help you find exactly what you want. They could help you read the labels and check the sell-by dates. You should ask at your supermarket if this type of help can be given. If you shop at the same time every week or month you may be more likely to get regular help.

Other sources of help

Further help from your local council social services department. As well as help with shopping, you may need help with tasks such as:

• preparing meals
• getting about safely and with confidence
• personal care, such as bathing and dressing
• having a short break, either for yourself or someone who looks after you.

Your local council social services department may be able to help you. To do this they will have to look at your particular needs. This is called a Community Care Assessment - our information on Community care - support for people with sight problems gives more information about these assessments.

For further, general advice, telephone the RNIB Helpline on 0845 766 9999 or 020 7388 2525.

Other groups, not especially for people with sight problems, may be able to help too. Local Age Concern groups, for example, have volunteers who may be able to help with shopping and reading the mail. You can telephone the Age Concern Helpline on 0800 731 4931 to find out about your nearest group.

Your needs count

We hope this booklet has given you some useful ideas about shopping. Just remember, shops and stores need your custom, so let them know about the help you need.

Content author: SharronLaura.Keightley@rnib.org.uk

Last updated: 20/10/2008 15:51