I recently started using Peapod (associated with Giant grocery stores) to do my online shopping. And boy am I in love! I have always felt that grocery shopping was such a waste of time. No matter how quickly I try and get it done, it always takes me at least an hour. The first time I tried Peapod, it took me about 15 minutes. Now that I already have ordered, I can pull up past orders and easily click items that I get weekly. I like to use the search feature and type in what I'm looking for...I can type much faster than I can wander through aisles! I haven't done a direct comparison myself, but from what I've read, some products online are slightly more expensive, some less and some the same. In the end, I think it balances out. I'm pretty versed in product prices (I should really get on Price is Right) so I've been able to judge when I should skip something or when it's a good deal. Most companies have a delivery fee, however you can generally find codes online to receive free or discounted delivery. Also, if they are coming to your area already, you can save money by selecting a delivery time close to when they'll be in the neighborhood.
When my groceries arrived, they were even placed on my counter for me. Everything was cold that was supposed to be cold and the produce was absolutely fantastic! I didn't have any damaged items and received everything I needed. Consider me sold! I'm going to be so sad when we move back home for the sumer because we don't have a service like this in my area. Boo!
Here are the 5 reasons I find online shopping to be a win:
No more grabbing random food items because you're hungry or because you see them sitting there in front of you. I figure by not buying the 2+ extra products I would normally buy on impulse, the delivery fee becomes null.
Do you only want to spend $100? $200? $346.92? You can add and remove items in your cart until your total is exactly what you want it to be. It makes sticking with a monthly budget MUCH easier!
Even when I head to the store with a list, I still end up forgetting something on the list. Now you can make sure you have everything on your list. You are even able to change your order until the night before delivery!
Do I need to say anything else?!?!?! This is by far my favorite part. Instead, we can go play at a park or do something that they will actually enjoy. I'm also finding that with two, I have to shop at certain stores who have cart accommodations for me. Out here in the DC area, there aren't too many!
Am I the only who bring their coupons and forgets to use them nearly every single time? Now there is a special area on the online checkout to input the coupon codes so you can't forget. I also like that it shows me all the weekly specials on the home page so I can quickly see if there is anything I need already on sale.
Have you given online grocery shopping a try? What did you think?
*This review was done on my own...I was not asked or compensated...just really, truly loved it!*