Are you looking for a way to get your groceries without having to leave your couch? Here are the best options!
As we try to navigate the pandemic by balancing work, online schooling, and multiple video calls per day, it’s helpful to find ways to eliminate unnecessary stress. If you feel like you don’t have time for errands and you also want to avoid large crowds, having your groceries delivered helps you achieve both of those goals.
Not only does delivery help save time, but it can help save on gas money too. During a time when finances and budgeting are of vital importance, saving money (and time) when you can is a big deal!
We’ve compiled a list of grocery delivery options with all of the details that you need, such as delivery fees, store choices, and more. Each of these options can be used online on your computer or through an app on your smartphone.
Grocery delivery can be a time saver for you, as well as a great way to promote local jobs.
Here are five ways that you can get groceries delivered straight to your doorstep:
1.) InstaCart – This option has the most store choices, and provides grocery delivery from both large membership warehouses as well as smaller grocery stores.
If you use Instacart in Louisville, KY, you can have items such as food, personal care items, and office supplies delivered from Costco, Sam’s Club, The Fresh Market, Kroger, Aldi, CVS, Staples, Petco, Big Lots, and more.
The delivery fee ranges from $3.99 to $7.99, along with a $2.00 to $4.00 service fee for one grocery order drop off (the fees are higher on the weekend and in the evenings, so if you choose a weekday morning, for example, you’ll most like only pay around $6.00 total for delivery and service fees).
Membership subscription is optional, but if you sign up for a membership, it’s $9.99 billed monthly or $99.00 a year (billed immediately) for unlimited deliveries.
With Instacart, you’re able to choose replacement items for things that are out of stock, and you can add a note to individual items in your shopping cart. For example, if you prefer green bananas instead of ripe ones, you can a note to the banana order asking your shopper to choose green ones.
You can also send messages to your shopper as they’re shopping, and you receive text updates when your shopper is at the store, checking out, and on their way to your house!
2.) Kroger Delivery and Kroger Click List – Kroger grocery delivery is $9.95, and you can order additional items such as cookware, office supplies, pet food, and more.
If you opt for Kroger’s ‘Click List,’ you can order from your local store and drive there for pickup, where a Kroger employee will load up your car, and that service is free!
3.) Shipt – In Louisville, Shipt delivers items from Target, Meijer, CVS, Office Depot, and Petco. Shipt requires a membership of $14.00 billed month or $99.00 a year (billed immediately), and is very similar to Instacart (except Instacart doesn’t require a membership subscription).
If you’re particular about your order or want to be able to tell your shopper that you accidentally left some things off of your list, Shipt gives you direct communication with them (just like Instacart).
That way, if you need to replace certain items that are out of stock or add extra ingredients for your dinner recipe, you can do that even after you’ve submitted your order (as long as your shopper is still at the store).
You’ll receive text messages regarding updates on your order, item replacement, and the ETA for when your shopper will arrive at your house.
4.) Amazon Prime – If you have Amazon Prime, you can get some of your favorite treats from Whole Foods delivered within two hours. Since you’re already signed up for a subscription plan (Amazon Prime), one of the perks is that you can have your groceries delivered for free!
Don’t feel like cooking? You can order entrees, sushi, soups, salads, cakes, breads, and other freshly-made items from Whole Foods. Every once in a while, you need to toss the recipe book aside and treat yourself!
5.) Walmart – Walmart grocery delivery is similar to the Instacart setup ~ a membership is not required, and you can get groceries brought to your front door $7.95 to $9.95 per order. If you want a monthly membership, it costs $12.95, and an annual membership costs $98.
This could be a great option if you need a one-stop-shop that also provides a wide variety of school supplies, sunscreen, pool toys, art supplies, and other seasonal items.
We’re living in unprecedented times, and juggling the stresses of our modern era has gotten all the more complicated during the pandemic. While we always recommend finding ways to cut out unnecessary spending, paying a grocery delivery fee seems like a legitimate exception.
If spending a few extra dollars allows you to avoid crowded stores and to devote more time to your job and/or family, then why not do it? If it helps you keep your sanity, you can’t really put a price on that. Also, you’ll be boosting the local economy by supporting the grocery shoppers who serve you.
It’s a win-win for all involved!
All the best,
Tracy L. Hirsch
Attorney-at-Law
Need a free consultation? Text or call me at (502) 435-2593!