Grocery Shopping Online
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TV ClubHouse: Archives: Grocery Shopping Online

Kstme

Friday, August 01, 2003 - 11:10 am EditMoveDeleteIP
I'm thinking of starting to do my grocery shopping 'online' and I am curious as to whether anyone from here has done it.

We have two stores that provide this service. Albertson's and Vons/Safeway. Both charge $9.95 for the service and delivery. For me, it would free up time I take away from Maesin and dh's weekend and it would allow me to pruse the store at my leisure.

Thanks for any input!!

Max

Friday, August 01, 2003 - 01:16 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
I've done it a bunch. When I broke my ankle and couldn't walk or drive for five weeks, it was my lifeline! :)

Heck we even did it last night to get beer and ice delivered to the office for a gathering that's happening this afternoon. It's great! Most places have a sliding scale on the delivery fee. For example, Safeway.com only charged us $3.95 for delivery today because our order was over $125. I've used both Safeway.com and Albertsons.com. Before they were in the online business, I used HomeGrocer.com, which was later purchased by WebVan.com. They went out of business, though, and Safeway and Albertsons picked up the slack.

It's a great convenience!

Kstme

Friday, August 01, 2003 - 03:53 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Max, THANK YOU! It would just solve so many problems in scheduling around here, I'm sure it would be worth it.

Reiki

Sunday, August 03, 2003 - 05:18 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
I used to do my grocery shopping online all the time a few years ago, but unfortunately the company I used in my area has gone out of business.

I found it much easier to plan out my shopping list and found that I used my coupons more and did less impulse shopping. They would also take my soda bottles and give me credit off my next purchase. Between coupon savings and bottle deposits I usually saved enough to justify the delivery cost.

My biggest concern was over the quality of the produce and meats, but I was always very happy with the selection I got.

The best part was they delivered right to my door and carried my groceries in for me. Rain, shine or 2 feet of snow! All I had to do was put it away. I wish we still had online grocery shopping in my area.

Kstme

Sunday, August 03, 2003 - 07:10 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Reiki, THANK YOU! My main concern was also the perishables. Albertson's says they guarantee quality and freshness. I, also, agree with you...much less chance of impulse items ending up in the 'where did that come from?' pile.

LOL...I talked with one of my friends in Seattle yesterday and mentioned how much I am interested in starting this and she gave me a load of info. Seems she doesn't use the service herself, but most of the people she works with do it. She says she's never heard any negative comments from anyone.

So, it looks like Friday is the 'big' day. I'll let you know what I think. So far, I've got my shopping list in and will just have to transfer that to the cart.

Buttercup

Sunday, August 03, 2003 - 07:36 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Kstme, I used to order online as well when I was busy working and commuting all the time

The quality of all the items, including the perishables was always top notch! Like Reiki, I always thought the best part was the fact that it was always brought into the kitchen for me--particularly when the guy was *cough*cute*cough* err...nice

Buttercup

Kstme

Sunday, August 03, 2003 - 08:49 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
ROFL...WHY am I not surprised by this Butter???

Scorpiomoon

Sunday, August 03, 2003 - 08:58 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
I ordered online for years. I have to say, all of my experiences were excellent when it came to prices, delivery fees and delivery service. I think online grocery shopping is one of the best things that came along when the Web exploded in popularity.

I have to say, the quality of meats and produce was above average, but I missed picking it out myself.

The only minor issue which would frustrate me was when I would order something and it wasn't available (even though the Web site stated it was). With one service I used, they would choose a substitute product. I wasn't always happy with their choice. With another service I used, they would call me while putting the order together. Having to either go without or choose something that wasn't my first choice--while put on the spot--pissed me off at times. It wasn't the end of the world, but it was kind of frustrating.

Other than that, honestly, I can't say enough good things about shopping online and I think you should go ahead and try it.

Sia

Sunday, August 03, 2003 - 09:40 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Just took a quick peek at netgrocer.com, but don't think that the prices can beat what I pay at my local chain grocery store. If you have to pay shipping on top of that, are you saving money or just time and bother by not having to drive to the store? Just curious. Thanks.

Tess

Monday, August 04, 2003 - 01:23 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Kstme, we've been ordering our groceries online for going on 2 years now since it became more and more difficult for me to do the shopping myself. We use a local company called Simondelivers.com and have been so pleased with the entire experience. The selection is excellent and new products are added weekly. There are tremendous specials and the produce and meat are comparable to what we can get in our "high end" markets here. They also have meals ready that just need to be heated. The only time someone has to be home when the groceries arrive is if we order alchohol of any type.

The delivery charge for us is dependent upon what we spend. If we spend $80, there is no charge. If we spend less than $80, the charge is $2.95 which is well worth it for us.

Another benefit is that we are not locked into a specific delivery day and time every week. We are allowed 10 free changes of delivery day/time per year and of course if we don't need any groceries, we are not obligated to order anything.

I order online strictly due to my health limitations because I loved grocery shopping when I was physically able. However, I would recommend it to anyone for convenience, health or whatever reason. No, they can't beat the rock bottom prices of the discount chains in our town, but the quality and service is so much better and the groceries are brought right into my kitchen. If there wasn't someone here who could unpack them for me (DH, of course) then they would do that also. They also accept coupons. :) Oh, and you can also have a weekly, monthy and other custom lists that are stored in your account so you just pull up your lists and check off what you need. I agree that it cuts waaaaaaaaay down on impulse buying and our grocery bill has gone down due to that fact alone. Good luck!

Kstme

Monday, August 04, 2003 - 06:44 am EditMoveDeleteIP
THANKS EVERYONE! Sia, for me, like Tess, it's become a health issue also. A few dollars over what I'd pay at the store is well worth it for me. My 'seeing eye people' are pretty good but I get so frustrated when the store moves products around or I simply can't see what's in front of me. I've been getting so exhausted I can barely make it through the check-out line. Online shopping is 'sort of' a form of independence, for me. I'll still have to 'do' the Costco or Sam's Club thing every two weeks, but in there, I know what I want, where it is and I get out quickly.

ALL your information is SO helpful!!! Thanks for taking the time to let me know what you think!

Happymom

Monday, August 04, 2003 - 12:00 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Good luck with your online shopping! I, too, really like online grocery shopping. I've only used Safeway.com. I don't like shopping (I feel bad for you that you have to go to Costco every 2 wks! I procrastinate with that as much as I can), because I just don't have the time! Anyway, I think it's well worth $9.95 or less to have it come right to my door! The produce is always better than I find in the store! I learned after the first order to click the no substitutes button for many things.

I know with Safeway, sometimes they charge less depending on when you have it delivered, I think sometimes summer or weekends are less.

They have been late several times, they've always called to say how late they are running. I'm so busy during the day, but am home in the evenings so the kids can get to bed at a reasonable hour. I usually have the latest or one of the later times so that if they are running late, I won't care because I will be home anyway.

Good luck! I hope it works out for you!

Kstme

Saturday, August 09, 2003 - 01:44 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
I ordered my groceries yesterday and they arrived 'on time' this afternoon. Everyone was right...the meat and produce were beautiful!! This is the way I am going to continue my grocery shopping from now on!

THANKS AGAIN FOR ALL THE INPUT!

Grooch

Saturday, August 09, 2003 - 02:30 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Kstme, dang you!

Because of you, I just may have to try out this home delivery thing. lol!

Kstme

Saturday, August 09, 2003 - 03:22 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Grooch, it's worth EVERY penny! The other bonus, for me, is not having my dh saying over my shoulder, "What are going to do with THAT?" He doesn't mean anything nasty by this comment, but it drives me nuts! This is giving me the freedom to shop as I want to shop. TRY IT, you'll LOVE it!

Tess

Saturday, August 09, 2003 - 11:05 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Grooch, our delivery guys are very, very cute, too. Yep, worth every penny.

Kstme

Saturday, August 09, 2003 - 11:38 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Boy, I sure can't put an sentence together lately! dh says, "What are 'you' going to do with THAT?"

Tess, yea, ours was a cutie too!!

<going to bed very soon!>

Kstme

Monday, August 11, 2003 - 08:42 am EditMoveDeleteIP
One other bonus to this, I can keep my shopping list updated as needed. I know, right away, what everything will cost. As the sales change, the prices change, so the website keeps right on top of it.

I've now turned two of my other friends onto this.