Online Grocery Shopping Comparison

Online Grocery Shopping?

Why consider online grocery shopping? It’s convenient. If you are a seasoned reader of Twisted Tastes you will know I am the mother of five children. Sure they are getting older, but taking the younger ones into the store is a chore.

Nearly any parent would agree, and would rather NOT go into the store with their children. Sipping wine, watching Gotham, and shopping in my chair sounds more my speed. Children cause temporary parental ADD in the store (for me). There is absolutely no focus going on, and I spend more. I’m a strong proponent for shopping online at this stage in my life.

Online shopping is also convenient if one is handicapped in some manner. My mother still gets around but it’s a struggle sometimes. The image of her lugging a case of water or soda around is haunting. She uses online ordering too occasionally. For her, Peapod’s delivery service is the best option.

The General Online Grocery Shopping Experience

For the most part, my experience has been similar for the different online grocery shopping services in my area.

1. Sign up for an account
2. Find the closest store on the list and choose a time slot for pickup.
3. Beginning shopping and add items to your cart.
4. Checkout. Some allow you to pay during the checkout process and some make you pay when you pick the items up.
5. Follow the arrows in the parking lot to pick up your items during your selected time slot.

The Pick-Up / Delivery Experience

With the exception of Peapod, most of the store only offer pick-up service. Peapod offers attended or unattended delivery. I’ll get to that later.

1. Arrive at the store within the time slot you chose during while shopping for your groceries online.
2. Each store has a designated parking area that is clearly marked for curbside pick up. Park in one of the pickup spots.
3. Call the number on the sign and let them know you have arrived. Usually, you just need to mention your name and which spot you’re in. They are numbered.
4. Wait for the associates to bring out your order. This typically takes about five minutes. I spend a couple minutes catching up on news on my phone while I wait.
5. They’ll come to your car and explain the checkout process, mention any substitutions they had to make or any items which are out-of-stock.
6. They load up your groceries and you go about your day.
7. When first started using these services I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to tip. I tried the first few times, but they refused to accept the money and asked me to fill out the email survey (which comes later that day usually) and give positive feedback instead. With the exception of Peapod, none of the stores’ associates would take a tip.

The Comparison

Of the four online grocery shopping services that I have tested, I’d have to say that Peapod is my favorite. I know delivery vs. pickup isn’t an “apples to apples” comparison, but I love the convenience of having the groceries put on my counter. The only drawback is the turn-around time is longer than the pick-up services. Of the pick-up services, I will have to say that Walmart is my favorite. I like the website and online payment better. However, they usually take longer to get my groceries to the car.

Since I am limited to reviewing the services available in my area (Central Indiana), I would love to hear from some of the readers about their experiences. Let us know in the comment section below or shoot me an email and I might add your experience to the comparison chart (better chart coming soon).