With work, activities and day-to-day tasks, it’s hard to cut out time and energy for big grocery trips. Now, with grocery delivery services popping up everywhere, you can get your items delivered directly to your door without bearing the lines, confusing aisles, and driving.  

Who should opt for grocery delivery?  

This service is helpful to busy people, people with disabilities who can’t shop easily, and anyone who really can’t stand the grocery store mayhem—especially with the unpredictability of some COVID restrictions and subsequent long lines. It may not be for people who feel like they need to check things thoroughly, like fruits and vegetables, before buying, since someone else is making the decisions for you on those purchases. Nine times out of ten though, they’ll make great choices and substitutions.

How does it work?  

Using an app or website, you fill your cart with whatever items you want, from 1 to 100 items, doesn’t matter! Then, someone from your chosen service will go to the store and shop for you. Some services can be same day, while others require next day delivery or scheduling ahead of time. There is usually a delivery fee, but most services have free delivery on first orders and free 60-day trials. Afterwards, if you enjoy it, you should consider buying a membership flat rate to save money. The fees are close to the amount of gas money it would take to get there and back anyway. After placing the order, you’ll choose a date and time for everything to arrive. Make sure to choose a time when you’ll be home if the items include frozen and refrigerated foods.  

Do grocery deliveries save me money? 

Like mentioned prior, there are typically delivery fees. But the best part of shopping online for your groceries is that you’re likely to spend less overall. Without physically shopping in-store, you won’t be tempted to grab foods that look enticing on your perusal through the aisles. While you shop online, you can check in on your cart after adding each item—eliminating the final checkout surprise total due that can make you rethink if you need those extra chips or cookies.

Options for delivery services  

There are a lot of options to choose from, but these are popular national companies. 

Peapod  

Instacart  

Freshdirect 

Shipt 

Or opt for grocery pickup 

If having someone drop off your groceries at your doorstep makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe privacy-wise or because of COVID restrictions, you can call your local grocery store and ask if they have in-store shoppers that will shop for you and put your groceries in your trunk when you arrive. Typically, there are minimal fees associated with this service, and the front few parking spaces are now reserved for grocery pickup, so you’ll simply relay your parking space number and—voila! It’s like skipping straight to the best part of a grocery trip, driving back home.

Spend more of your time and hard-earned money doing what you want and less time running errands at a grocery store!