Buy Groceries, Online?

I think most of us have bought things on Amazon so we’re used to buying things online. Have you considered buying groceries online? Maybe not every time, maybe not ever again but it’s something that I think is worth doing once or twice so you know how it works just in case you ever need to do it. And while you’re at it you might want to try ordering a meal or two for delivery, too.

What are my options?

it’s pretty simple in principle but can be somewhat difficult in practice which is why I’m suggesting we give it a try.

Many, perhaps even most, grocery stores have their own website and even an app. Quite a few stores will let you shop without creating an account but you can often get discounts and other things like an occasional free item if you have an account. And that account can also be used in the store. Online, of course, you'll have to pay with something other than cash.

There are other ways to grocery shop besides using the store’s website or app - DoorDash and InstaCart are two examples - but there will often be a premium levied on each item as well as a delivery charge. And item availability might not be as accurate when using things other than the store’s app or website. However, some stores, like Costco’s Same Day delivery are done only with InstaCart.

Some areas have access to Amazon Fresh or Whole Foods through the Amazon app and some even have access to other stores through the Amazon app. If you have one of those options and you’re just trying it out it’s worth looking into,

But I like to browse!

Sure, I understand that. So do I. Some stores’ websites or apps do a really good job of showing you what’s on their shelves. Others, not so much. If yours doesn't then just treat this as a learning experience in case you need to use it in the future.

What about quality?

I’ve been buying my groceries online a lot and my personal experience is that the quality of produce, meat, deli, etc is generally pretty good - the store wants you to continue shopping with them so they should try to give you the best quality possible. On occasion I’ve gotten a clinker so a quick call or email to customer service is all it’s taken to get a refund or a redelivery. But ultimately it’s the individual store or delivery service that’s responsible for shopping and picking the right things and if they’re not up to it then your experience will not be good. I believe it’s still worth a try so you know them and at least have the experience.

What if they’ve run out of an item?

Every store’s app or website has given me the ability to ask for a specific substitution if an item is out of stock. Some will do this by putting you in direct contact with the shopper so you can have a conversation about acceptable alternatives. Or you can let the shopper pick an alternative. Personally, I prefer to specify what I want as a substitute or not substitute at all.

What are my options again?

Just to review, you have a lot of options for getting your groceries delivered to you. Your best bet is the store or chain’s website and app. You can try InstaCart or any of the other services like that if available - PostMates and so on. Then there’s DoorDash and UberEats and similar that can also provide meal delivery. Or if you happen to have a Whole Foods in your area, you can use your Amazon account to get groceries delivered. Amazon Fresh might be an option and Amazon has agreements with certain select grocery stores in various areas so that might be another option. Check your Amazon app or website to see what’s available in your area.

Target and Walmart are other alternatives that some often forget about. If you have one of these in your area that also sells groceries then you can order through their respective app or website for delivery.

Many stores and delivery services have a minimum order amount or they will levy an additional charge. You can often lower that minimum or eliminate it altogether by paying a monthly or yearly fee to the store or service. And some subscriptions offer additional benefits. Walmart+, for instance, offers a free subscription to Paramount+.

If you have a Costco nearby you can order Same Day or Two Day delivery through InstaCart. You don’t need an InstaCart account, your Costco account is all that’s needed. Sam’s Club and some of the other so-called warehouse clubs may have similar arrangements.

And, even though I’ve been talking about delivery, most stores also offer pickup options where they will deliver your order to your vehicle.

That’s all for this time

I hope you’ll take the time to check out grocery delivery, if nothing else so that you’re prepared for an occasion when you might need it. Don't hesitate to write to me if you have questions!

As always, my intent is to help you understand the basics and equip you to search for more detailed information.

Please feel free to email me with questions, comments, suggestions, requests for future columns, to sign up for my newsletter, or whatever at [email protected] or just drop me a quick note and say HI!

If you like, you can read my most recent newsletter in the Hillsboro Times Gazette at https://go.ttot.link/TG-Column - I should have that link updated shortly after this edition of the newsletter appears in the online version of the newspaper.