Each time I sit down to write a new post, my mission is the same: to try to make your life a little bit easier. So when I come across something that makes my own life easier, it only makes sense to pass that information on to all of you! :-)
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Today we’ll be exploring the world of online grocery shopping, which has quickly become one of my favorite services. My local Smith’s store has started offering both pick-up and delivery options, both of which have saved me tons of time and effort already!
So today I wanted to share some of the benefits I’ve experienced from embracing online grocery shopping, and share some useful information on how to find a local service so you can give it a try for yourself!
Related: Tired Of The Wait For Groceries? Try These 5 Creative Alternatives
8 Reasons Why I Love Online Grocery Shopping
1. Bulk Items
When I shop at the grocery store, I have to consider the size and weight of the things that I buy. If I have to buy something in a smaller size because my cart is already full, I may be missing out on a good deal by passing up the bulk size!
I don’t have to worry about size or weight when shopping online. Whether I’m picking it up or getting it delivered, I like that I can choose the biggest package of toilet paper without worrying about cart space.
2. Saves Time
When I shop at the grocery store, I feel like I spend a lot of time trying to find things. And wandering the aisles of the grocery store isn’t exactly a great use of my time!
But when I shop online, finding what I need is a non-issue. I just type the name into the search bar, check out the options, and click one to add it to my cart!
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3. Avoid Crowds
I used to try to time my trips to the store just right to avoid crowds and long lines. But I don’t have to worry about either of those things when I’m doing pick-up or delivery!
4. Saves Gas
Getting your groceries delivered right to your door is an easy way to save gas in your car. But grocery pick-up can save gas too!
For instance, if I know I’m going to be on my way home from a meeting at a certain time, I’ll schedule my grocery pick-up at that time. That way, I save myself another trip!
5. Fewer Impulse Buys
True confession time…I find it hard to resist the snacks, drinks, and magazines that line the checkout lines at the store. I’m much better about sticking to my list (and my budget) when I do my grocery shopping online!
6. Double Discounts
Shopping online makes it easier to take advantage of multiple forms of discounts on groceries. Not only do I get the same sale prices that they offer in store, but I can use digital coupons to save even more!
Loading digital coupons to my store account online is quick and easy, which means I use them a lot more than paper coupons. Even though there’s usually a small service charge for online grocery shopping, getting double the discounts saves me money in the long run!
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7. Keeps Track
When you shop for groceries online, it will keep track of what you buy and suggest those items next time. This saves me quite a bit of time, because I can quickly add my “usual” items to the cart (like milk, bread, etc.) before I go looking for the other things I need.
8. Quality Produce
Before I tried online grocery shopping for the first time, I was most nervous about having someone else choose my produce for me. I worried that I would end up with bruised fruit or the wrong things entirely if I wasn’t there doing it myself!
But I haven’t had any issues with the store shoppers’ choices so far! I learned that most people tasked with doing the shopping for online orders are actually given training in picking out good produce, meat, and other items.
And if you want something specific, like a bunch of bananas that are still a little green, you can always add a note saying so!
How To Pick An Online Grocery Shopping Service
There are a dizzying amount of options when it comes to online grocery shopping these days! A good place to start is by checking out the website of the grocery store you shop at most often.
A surprising amount of local grocery stores now offer grocery pick-up, even if they don’t offer a delivery service. If you’re interested in grocery delivery specifically, check out the services below to find out which are available in your area:
Have you tried online grocery shopping yet?
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Grocery delivery is not an option where I live, so I tried the grocery pick-up. I learned two things. 1. you have to be very careful to choose exactly what you want. I wasn’t careful enough and ended up with a wrong size of something, or the wrong type of product. My fault and lesson learned. 2. I learned that I needed to check the list that comes out with the order carefully so that if something isn’t right, I should take care of it right then. The other problem the first time I tried it was that it was… Read more »
Hi, I am on the other side of the coin in this I. I am a SHIPT shopper. I love shopping for my customers and giving them the personal service they deserve. I serve families that do not have the time because of other obligations or they just want to save money and don’t want to drag the kids along. I also serve shut-ins, people who are sick (this is cyclical during certain times of the year), the handicapped, and even hospitals and nursing homes. For those who have anxiety about someone shopping for them, Jillee is right, we are… Read more »
In the north-east we have Hannaford to Go service. I can keep my list on line, use hannaford rewards for purchasing their products , digital coupons and printed coupons. Can make notes like green bananas. Pay by cc or cash. Order must total $30 or more. They do charge $5 per order. They use nice paper bags with nice handles. I reuse these bags to put my paper/small boxes for recycling. Walmart does not charge a fee, but are still using plastic bags. Very often I shop at both the same day. I open both store’s web site and check… Read more »
i shop for food at vitacost.com. sure beats my local organic food store pricing. :)
I have been using Clicklist for over a year now. For the most part, I love it (I’m a handicapped senior) The fee is usually $4.95, but recently, they’ve waived the fee for orders over $35.00! One advantage is if the store is out of the item you wanted and they sub a different brand at a higher price, you pay the LOWER price! They pack all the frozen items together and all the refrigerator items together – easy unpacking for you. I have found that it’s best to use the instructions area when ordering produce, for instance, firm avocados,… Read more »
LOVE grocery order pickup! Only wish it had been around when I had toddlers..Game changer. I can stop get my groceries and get out of the parking lot before I would have been able to find a parking spot at my Walmart. My mom uses it so she doesn’t have to carry heavy groceries….And bonus, I feel like a princess!!
I’m so glad to hear about the produce! That’s one thing that swayed me away from it. Now I’m thinking they’ll pick out better produce than me since they actually know what to look for. Are they more expensive or is there a delivery/pickup charge though?
I’ve tried store delivery from Vons but I like the way Instacart does it better…I like the personal touch and that you can change tip on their site. I increase it if they do an especially good job. I haven’t tried it yet but it might come in handy later…they’ll shop a good variety of different stores, something I hate to do myself these days. I have “shopped” different stores and then go with the best deal. I often get free delivery if the offer on their site contains products I use.
do you tip the person that puts the groceries in the car when you pick up? If so, how much, and what is it based on ie total cost of groceries, busier time of day, attitude of the employee, all of the above etc.?
Reply to K: The Walmart where I use grocery pick up and delivery, I asked the employee about tipping, and was told they can accept tips but the money goes to charity. The employee does not keep the tip.
Other options that I am using frequently are Kroger, Sam’s Club, Target, Lowes, and Home Depot. It makes life so much easier, especially as the holiday season insanity gets closer.