Grocery Delivery Services Pros and Cons

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The pandemic forced many people to change their way of life. One change was the way Americans grocery shop. Online shopping and delivery were trending upward before COVID, but it really took off during the shutdown.

Many of these online shoppers are using grocery delivery services. But who are these delivery services? What are their advantages and disadvantages?

Using Grocery Delivery Services

Americans spend roughly 41 minutes per grocery shopping trip. Considering most go to the grocery store 1.6 times per week, that adds up to a lot of time in the produce and meat departments. Saving time is the main reason people have turned to online and grocery delivery services.

Consumers’ demands for these services have spawned an industry. Most Americans have choices as to who will be delivering their groceries.

Local Grocery Stores Instacart

This is a local grocery store shopper. Instacart sends shoppers to the local store to hand-pick their items. They then deliver them to your door. This is unlike some of the other grocery delivery services that dictate the store they will be using.

Some grocery stores that work with Instacart are Publix, Stop & Shop, Aldi, and Costco. But it does depend on your location as to what store options you’ll have.

The shopper will text you if the items you ordered are out of stock and send you options for possible replacements.

But choosing your local store comes at a price. Instacart is an expensive option. They mark some groceries up as much as 14 percent. And there’s a delivery fee. Don’t forget that tip for the shopper.

They usually charge four dollars for a one-time delivery. You’ll also have the driver/shopper tip. You can pay $99 a year or $10 per month for unlimited deliveries (you’ll still have the tip).

Amazon Fresh for Prime Members

Amazon Fresh is a good option for some people. They have a great selection. But only Amazon Prime members can take advantage of their services. And Since Amazon owns Whole Foods, you’ll have access to their 365 brands.

They have an easy platform, and deliveries can often be on the same day. Amazon Fresh also has competitive prices.

But if you want to take advantage of Amazon Fresh, you'll have to act fast. Amazon is closing some of its stores and doesn’t expect to expand.

You’ll have to pay the $139 Prime membership, and the minimum order is $35.

FreshDirect in Northeast

Only available in the Northeast, FreshDirect has a great selection and is very competitive. Their meats and produce are comparable to what you would find at Wegmans and Stop & Shop.

FreshDirect has great customer service and, with no questions asked, will credit or replace an item if it isn’t right.

Membership for unlimited deliveries starts at $39 yearly or $6.50 per month. A one-time delivery is six dollars.

Shipt From Target

Owned by Target, Shipt is similar to Instacart. The main difference is the discounts. They focus more on discount retailers for your groceries. So you should find numerous deals.

You can have your groceries delivered on the same day. And sometimes you'll have them within an hour of ordering. Other services require you to schedule delivery times in advance. Shipt is great for last-minute planners. But the website and app could be better.

One advantage is you can order from the pharmacy, pet food or even a lamp if it’s coming from Target.

Yearly membership for unlimited deliveries is $99, or you can pay $11 monthly. A one-time delivery is ten dollars.

Walmart Grocery Services

You can buy everything from grocery products and cosmetics to pet food and appliances. Walmart can deliver same day, or you can schedule it out.

You still receive the discounted Walmart prices.

Unlimited delivery cost is $98 yearly or $12.95 per month. Or you can choose a one-time delivery ranging from $7.95 to $9.95.

Grocery Delivery Services Pros

One big advantage to grocery shopping online and having it delivered is that it encourages you to stay within your budget. You won’t overspend if you’re not walking down the grocery aisle looking at all the new products. There’s little temptation to try something new.

You won’t be spending all that time driving to the store and walking around it. You merely sit down at your computer or phone, make your selections, and it shows up at the door. It’s a time saver. And you save money on gas as an added bonus.

If you have small children, it saves you from dealing with both shopping and kids, which is often not a good combination. No more temper tantrums in the candy aisle.

Grocery Delivery Services Cons

Grocery delivery services can be pricey. Keep in mind you’re not only paying for the delivery, but you have a 15 to 20 percent trip to give your shopper/driver. That needs to be factored into your budget.

You also can’t pick your produce or meat. You won’t know the quality until you take it out of the bag. The food delivered may not be as fresh as what you would have found in the store.

Even though you use a delivery service, you still may need to go to the grocery store periodically for perishables.

There’s also a lot of waste with the amount of packaging.

Grocery Delivery Services Convenient

Even if you’re shopping with the discount chains’ delivery services, you still could be spending more with grocery delivery services. If you are a frequent user, you’ll want to purchase a membership to cut down on delivery fees. And don’t forget, tipping the shopper can add up.

But if convenience is your thing, it’s hard to beat a grocery delivery service. Especially if you have small children.

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