Ordering Groceries Online

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Online grocery shopping can be a real time-saver, perfect for those pressed for time, or who absolutely hate to walk the miles of aisles in their local grocery store. Back in the ‘90s, the online grocery business sputtered and just about died. But today it’s making a comeback, allowing you to take advantage of a service that delivers the groceries you need right to your door, or waiting for you for pickup at your local store, thereby cutting the time you spend shopping by up to 90%.

Steps to Online Grocery Shopping Freedom

The first step requires a quick Internet search for Online Groceries and your city name. You’ll need to narrow down the range of service areas by entering your zip code. Not all stores deliver to all areas. Some areas may be restricted because of high crime. Compare service areas and delivery policies for charges and minimum order requirements. Also note that you may not be able to use manufacturer's coupons on the site - but that can often be balanced by special online-only offers (such as 15% off the order for selected delivery times). Usually you will be allowed to enter your store's savings card number to take advantage of store offers.

Do Your Online Grocery Shopping

Having done this, click on a category of foods to shop for: cereal, soda, coffee and dairy are some. Pop-up windows provide product and nutritional information, price and promotional offers. Some online groceries also have a list-making function that you can use to make a list of items you’d like to buy beforehand. Make your choice, add it to your cart and continue on until finished. Total the order and select a delivery or pick up option.

Easy Price Comparisons

Once you’ve developed a list of stores in your area that deliver, you can comparison shop by going up to each store’s Web site and view the weekly advertised specials. Use a list to make quick comparisons. Usually, we consumers buy the same items over and over again, so once you become acquainted with prices more or less, you’ll know which store has the better deal. This works well since you can split your order between a few online grocers, as long as you make the minimum order requirements. Ditto for minimum order amounts to avoid delivery charges.

Delivery Restrictions

Delivery fees are usually fairly low. If you option for delivery, choose a delivery time with a 30-minute window when you can receive the goods. Undeliverable goods will be charged a restocking fee, or you‘ve be charged an additional fee to have your groceries redelivered. Some online grocers will leave non-perishable items on your doorstep, but this is risky. Groceries can quickly disappear. Nor will frozen food, tobacco or alcohol products be delivered to a doorstep. Stores are liable for minors getting their hands on tobacco or alcohol products, so they will never leave them unattended on your doorstep. Nor will they deliver to post office boxes.

You can also have groceries delivered to someone else's address, in case you cannot be home for delivery. You can establish weekly recurring orders automatically sent to you or your designated delivery address at a specified time. This is a real time saver.

Take a Test Drive

Make your first order a test for the online grocer you’ve chosen. Order a similar variety of produce, veggies, meats and dairy, so you can judge the quality of the items they select and their condition once delivered. Save the containers and packaging of any food product that is spoiled or damaged, and return it to the store for a refund. Speak to a manager and alert him or her to the problems you encountered. They should refund your purchase without question, and perhaps even offer an incentive to continue to buy.