Even if you’re able to get to the grocery store, these days, many people are finding that using grocery delivery and pickup is a helpful alternative to browsing the aisles of the grocery store with their lists. 

Whether you’re trying one of these options for the first time, trying it again after a break, or it’s something you use regularly, I hope this post can give you lots of helpful tips and guidelines for saving money with grocery delivery and pickup. I’m going to cover the basics of each option in case you’re unfamiliar, and then I’ll share my best advice for saving money.

Saving Money with Grocery Delivery and Pickup

How Grocery Delivery Works

The first step with grocery delivery is choosing a service. Some individual stores have delivery through their own sites (Walmart, Safeway, Kroger, Whole Foods, Harris Teeter, and Food Lion, for example), while other stores do delivery through services like Instacart and Shipt.

Some of these sites and services have their own apps that allow you to place your order on your phone, although I usually find it’s easier to do it on my computer. It’s up to you. When you’re ready to place your order, it’s time to look at your meal plan and decide what you want to buy. Remember that depending on the delivery service, some items might be marked up to a higher price than you’re used to. You will also have to pay some kind of delivery fee (sometimes it’s a flate rate; someties it’s a percentage of your order).

Now you’ll need to schedule a time for the groceries to be delivered (note: some sites have you pick this time before you place your order). It’s usually an hourlong window during which your groceries will come to your house. And hopefully, the delivery person will let you know when they’re on the way!

While your order is being shopped, sometimes you may hae the opportunity to communicate with the shopper. Depending on the service, they may talk to you if they can’t find something or if they are attempting to substitute an item that is out of stock.

Finally, you’ll receive your groceries, pay for your order, and tip the delivery person (usually done in the app). Remember that these shoppers are working hard to get you exactly what you ordered, so make sure to tip them well! You’re paying for the luxury of not having to go to the store.

How Grocery Pickup Works

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