The minimum order value is driving me crazy

David Lee

17.9.2025

Translation: Elicia Payne

More often than not, I don’t reach the minimum order value. It’s insane how much this plays with my head.

I’m not just an employee at Digitec Galaxus, I’m also a customer. A pretty bad one at that. I only really buy things I really need, and rarely at a high price.

This means I spend relatively little money and I feel good that I’m doing something against today’s excessive consumption – or at least that I’m not making it worse. There’s just one small problem for the minimal consumer like me: the minimum order value.

Let’s use coffee as an example. The supermarket round the corner doesn’t have it in, so I look online. The Stoll House mix costs 27.80 francs and I add it to the cart. What now? Of course, I’ve created a list of products that I need every now and again. And that’d be a good way to avoid the minimum spend.

But that often doesn’t help, because I don’t exactly need shampoo or toothpaste in every order. Especially not if I already ordered them last time as fillers. It could even be the case that I need multiple of them to reach the minimum amount.

Save money at all costs

Many products are so cheap that my total amount isn’t high enough. I catch myself thinking the completely stupid thoughts, like: «Can this tape please be more expensive so I can save money?»

That’s why I deliberately put some things on my list that are quite expensive, like the Breathe Right nose plasters. However, it’s rare that I make the exception and buy products that are expensive to me. Usually, I choose a cheaper alternative or do without it altogether.

Sometimes, I don’t order a product even though I know I need it. I save it for later when I’m confronted with the dilemma again and need something to fill my shopping cart. It’s a brilliant game to play with myself – if a delivery takes a little longer than expected, one unsightly morning I have no more coffee in the house.

When I miss the minimum order value by twelve cents again, I think: without the employee discount, that wouldn’t have happened to me. Should I create a second account where I’m not registered as an employee? Is this even allowed?

Note to self: the minimum order value is optional

It’s time I rid myself of these thoughts and come to my senses. One thing’s clear: I’m not saving money by buying something I wouldn’t have bought in the first place. I can’t save money by spending more money. Whether it’s 3-for-2 promotions, loyalty and bonus points, frequent flyer programmes, XL family packs or even the minimum order value.

And the solution’s simple: ignore the minimum order value. You’re allowed to order for less than 50 francs (or 30 euros), there’s just a small charge. If I only buy what I need, I’m guaranteed to spend less money overall. And if I go and collect my order from the store, I don’t even have to pay the fee.

What do I do if I need a game controller, though? Well, it’s obvious – I’ll take the cheap model and stock up on my already large supply of toothpaste, dental floss, soap and salt sticks.

David Lee

Senior Editor

David.Lee@digitecgalaxus.ch

My interest in IT and writing landed me in tech journalism early on (2000). I want to know how we can use technology without being used. Outside of the office, I’m a keen musician who makes up for lacking talent with excessive enthusiasm.

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