12 Things You Need to Know Before Grocery Shopping Online
Updated: Dec. 17, 2023
These tips for online grocery shopping will let you skip a visit to the supermarket.
Getting started: Strategies for online shopping success
With the help of cutting-edge technology, there are a variety of user-friendly ways to skip the supermarket and still have easy access to just about everything you need, including fresh produce, frozen foods, dairy products, pre-made meals and fragile items, such as eggs. If you are considering using an online service, good news! Consumers are finding it convenient and reliable—and stores are known for providing the highest quality products.
You can order on the go
Most online grocery stores offer convenient mobile apps that you can download and easily shop and track your order from anywhere. Check to see if your online grocer offers this service if you are frequently “on the go.” Here are the best grocery shopping apps.
Consider customer service
Check to see if your preferred online grocer has a hotline in case you have a question or need to speak to a live person. This can be very helpful if you need to change an order, track a late delivery or get credit for a damaged food item such as a leaking carton of milk or mashed bunch of banana. These are the best grocery stores in the US.
Watch out for fees
Online grocers each have different fee structures: In some, you pay for delivery as you go and others allow unlimited deliveries over the course of weeks or months for a set subscription fee. Make sure you know exactly what you are paying for as these can quickly add up. These things frustrate grocery store employees.
It’s all in the timing
Before you begin your order, learn the timing of the online grocer and decide if you will be home to receive the groceries (or not!). Some delivery quickly and others need a larger window. You’ll need to book in advance for holidays or other busy times, like before the Super Bowl or a predicted snowstorm. Read about these grocery store secrets you probably don’t know yet.
Search for coupons and codes
Before ordering (or even signing up), search online for coupons or discounts. Some offer special pricing, especially for first-time customers.
Double (and triple-check) your order
User error is the most common issue you’ll encounter the first time you shop online. For example, carefully check the type of yogurt you choose, as there are numerous options, from Greek to fat-free to soy. And when ordering produce, take note if you are ordering one apple or one pound.
What to know about Amazon Fresh
Amazon Fresh now offers grocery delivery, including a variety of fresh food items, health and beauty products and local market offerings. As an added convenience, shoppers can select from a one-to-three-hour delivery window, with either an “attended” or “unattended” delivery, which provides special bags that keep your items cold. If customers order by 10 a.m., they receive same-day delivery. If you order by 10 p.m., you can choose for your groceries to be delivered by 6 a.m. the next morning. Amazon Prime members are charged $14.99 a month for this service (with a minimum order of $40 required for free delivery).
What to know about Fresh Direct
Providing fresh, high-quality foods delivered right to your doorstep, Fresh Direct focuses on their strong relationships with local farmers and related businesses to bring customers ingredients for tasty meals. Known throughout the Northeastern U.S. as a fast and reliable service, Fresh Direct will be expanding to other states in the future. They deliver just about any food—from fruits and vegetables to beer and wine—to your home or office. Delivery times are between 6:30 a.m. and 11 p.m., depending on the area. According to Fresh Direct, customers are not obligated to tip the driver, but welcome to do so if they wish. Quick note: There are plenty of promo codes, discounts and special pricing available, so be sure to search online before signing up for this service. Here, find out the best day to go grocery shopping.
What to know about Jet.com
With a focus on budget-friendly options for food and other items, Jet.com does not require a membership and offers discounts to consumers. The site’s high-tech shopping engine allows the “prices to drop the more you shop,” so customers receive discounts when they purchase more items. On Jet.com, options abound: Customers can “opt-out” of free returns or pay with debit card and earn Jetcash, too, for future purchases. Shipping is usually two to five days (for orders over $35), with expedited shipping for thousands of everyday essentials. They also offer free returns within 30 days. A quick tip: Keep in mind there is a $5.99 shipping fee added to orders under $35. Learn the grocery store shopping secrets you need to know.
What to know about Safeway
Offering the best of both words, Safeway provides grocery delivery to most U.S. cities and suburban areas, providing a localized service for customers. Customers can purchase anything that is currently in the store—including frozen food, lunch meat and bakery items. Safeway offers a “100 percent satisfaction guarantee” and has a hotline for customers to call if they have any questions or issues. In addition, when using the Safeway website, customers can add notes to the “personal shopper,” and save their shopping list of products they have selected for future orders. You can also choose to pick up your own groceries or have them delivered within a pre-selected delivery time.
What to know about Boxed.com
For those who prefer to shop in bulk, there is an innovative online grocery option for you, too. Boxed.com ships everywhere in America and unlike “big box” stores, it does not require a membership fee. Most Boxed orders are shipped within one or two business days, and their process allows for customers to earn a 1 percent cash reward through their loyalty program. The company also offers free shipping on your first order, if you meet the spending requirement, which varies from state to state.
