admin Shopping at a supermarket can be overwhelming sometimes. The vibrant display of items, smells of freshly baked bread, and special discounts may make you put more items in your shopping cart than what you actually came to buy. That’s the magic of a supermarket. However, unnecessary purchases can not only increase your grocery stress but also burden your monthly budget. But that’s not the case when you opt for online Grocery shopping.
When you’re short on budget and time and want to avoid hassle, online grocery shopping can be a great option to ensure you only buy what you really need. And you can even make your online shopping experience even better with some of the best online grocery shopping tips and hacks you should follow now.
Although online grocery shopping is a new phenomenon, its quick adoption, especially in the US, has made it more popular than its traditional counterpart. We think the pandemic could be the biggest driver behind this growing trend. Nevertheless, whatever the reason, one thing is clear: online grocery shopping is the future. So, to help you stay ahead, we have listed down some online grocery shopping tips.
Benefits of Online Grocery Shopping Over Traditional Shopping
When it’s about saving time and money and the hassle of standing in long queues at billing counters, opting for online grocery shopping is a decision you will never regret. Additionally, there are many online service providers that promise to offer same-day delivery to ensure you never get stocked out. While shopping at supermarkets has its own fun, but online shopping is a win-win in terms of convenience.
So, if you still find traditional grocery shopping to be the best, you definitely need to read these benefits of online grocery shopping:
#1. Huge Range of Products
Online grocery sites feature a wide range of items, whereas brick-and-mortar grocery shops might have a limited product range due to space limitations. The hassle of going from one store to another to buy every item on your grocery list will definitely make you switch to online shopping. You just have to add all the items to your virtual cart and have them delivered to your doorstep in just a day or two.
#2. Home Delivery
Who hates carrying those heavy grocery bags from the superstore to your car parking or sometimes even to your home? Literally, all of us! And that’s the major benefit of online grocery shopping over traditional shopping. The groceries you order from online sites get delivered to your doorstep the same day or the next day. You just have to do nothing; just order all the necessary items from the comfort of sitting on your sofa.
#3. Better Prices & More Discounts
The best part of ordering from online grocery sites is that they offer special discounts and better prices than traditional supermarkets. Even if you’re a first-time user, you will get a good discount on your first purchase. However, traditional grocery stores won’t be able to offer discounts due to the cost of transportation, carrying bags, parking space, and more.
#4. Time-saving
Imagine you went for a quick shopping trip to buy bread and milk, and the first-ever distressing thing you would face is traffic. Next up is the time spent finding the parking slot and standing in the queue at the billing counter. You won’t realize when this quick shopping trip eats up your time. But that’s not the case with online grocery shopping. You stay at home, add items to your cart, make an easy checkout, and get your groceries delivered to your home in a few hours or sometimes the next day. So, you saved a lot of time that you could spend with your family doing something productive.
#5. 24/7 shopping
Unlike traditional shopping stores that have fixed operating times, online grocery sites work 24/7, meaning you can order groceries at any time of the day, even at night. So, why rush to supermarkets when they open in the morning when you get the same items at your doorstep? Even these online sites have dedicated customer service, which is always up to date with solving your queries.
#6. Find Products Easily
As said earlier, online grocery apps feature a wide variety of products, which makes it easy to search for what you actually want. You can even check whether your product is in stock or not. But when you choose to buy from the supermarket, you might have to roam to find your product if it’s stocked out.
#7. No Unnecessary Purchases
When you go to a supermarket, it is obvious you will end up buying unnecessary products along with what you actually wanted. However, while doing online grocery shopping, the chances of such happenings are quite low. You just buy the items you really need, which helps you save unnecessary expenses.
#8. Not Boring or Tiring
The excitement of going out and shopping at a supermarket gradually turns into boring and tiring if it takes too much of your time. However, online grocery shopping helps you quickly shop for your required product from the comfort of sitting at home.
#9. Hassle-free Returns & Exchange
The convenience of exchanging or returning a product is much greater in online grocery shopping than in traditional grocery shopping. Even if the store has a return or replacement policy, you have to carry those heavy bags back to them. However, online grocery sites offer hassle-free returns and replacements under which the products will be picked from your doorstep, again saving you from the hassle.
#10. Easy-to-Reorder
It is quite difficult to reorder from a traditional shop as it might get out of stock the next time you need the product. However, online grocery ordering apps maintain a huge database, including a list of previously purchased items. These recommendations can help make your order more quickly.
10 Tips for Online Grocery Shopping to Save Time & Money
To help you make your shopping experience better than ever, here are some of the best online grocery shopping tips you should follow:
#1. Place Orders Early
When shopping for groceries online, placing your order early increases the chances of getting your items delivered on time. Many grocery delivery services in the US offer excellent online shopping experiences, allowing you to buy products from the comfort of your home.
#2. Prepare a Shopping List
Have you ever shopped for groceries while hungry? It’s easy to end up with a cart full of items you didn’t plan to buy. The same thing can happen when shopping online, but it’s even easier to impulse buy without other shoppers around and with unlimited time to browse. To avoid this, plan your meals for the week and make a list of what you need before you start shopping online.
#3. Be Ready for Substitutions
When you go grocery shopping, there’s always a chance that the store might not have what you need. If you’re shopping in person, you can easily find a substitute. But with online shopping, it’s important to specify acceptable substitutions. For example, would you be okay with button mushrooms if they don’t have shiitake? Or ground turkey instead of chicken? What about brands – maybe you love one brand of ketchup but dislike another.
Many services also allow the person picking your groceries to message you through the app. Keep an eye on your phone in case they ask about your preferred substitution or brand choice!
#4. Plan Ahead
You’ll need to choose a delivery day and time window when you order. If it’s a busy day, you might not get your preferred time. To avoid this, plan ahead and order early in the day for same-day delivery, or have your groceries delivered a day or two before you actually need them.
#5. Provide Clear Delivery Instructions
When ordering food for delivery, it’s crucial to give clear instructions. Apartment complexes can be confusing with multiple similar-looking buildings and poor signage. They may also have locked gates that are hard to access. In poorly lit areas, house numbers might not be visible from the street. You might prefer groceries to be left at the back porch instead of the front. Think from the delivery driver’s perspective to ensure your groceries arrive on time and without hassle.
#6. Compare Prices for Smart Shopping
To shop smartly online, compare prices across different websites. This helps you understand the price differences between online and offline markets. By comparing, you can choose the website offering the best products at reasonable prices, saving you money. Once you’ve made your purchase, your groceries will be delivered right to your door.
#7. Look for Discounts and Coupons
When shopping online for groceries, always check for cashbacks, discounts, and offers. Many grocery stores offer great deals during special occasions and festivals. You can use discount coupons while making purchases. Keep an eye out for these special offers to save money and enhance your shopping experience.
#8. Test Different Delivery Options
Not all delivery services are the same. Some offer same-day delivery with a consistent delivery charge, but the grocery prices might be higher. In some cases, the prices online may differ from those in-store. Online grocery shopping saves time compared to shopping in person, as you can avoid queues and have a more efficient shopping experience.
#9. Use Filters for Easier Searching
When looking for specific items like vegan ice cream, gluten-free bread, or plant-based meats, use search filters to narrow down your results. Most services offer filters for gluten-free, kosher, vegan, or organic options, which is helpful for those with dietary restrictions.
#10. Check Your Order
After your groceries are delivered, take a few minutes to check your items against your order details. If something is missing or incorrect, use the Help or Support section in the app or website to request a refund. You won’t know if you need a refund unless you check your order!
Conclusion
Online grocery shopping is both easy and fun. A few simple hacks can save you time and money. Here’s a quick recap – First, make a list before you shop. This helps you save time and effort and avoid buying things you don’t need.
Second, compare prices on different websites. This way, you can find the best deals. Third, look for discounts and coupons. Many stores offer special deals for online shoppers. Fourth, buy in bulk when possible. This can save you money in the long run.
Fifth, use a delivery service. It can be very convenient and saves you a trip to the store. Lastly, try to shop during sales. Many stores have weekly or monthly sales. Following these tips can make your online grocery shopping experience better and more efficient.
FAQs
Should You Tip for Online Grocery Shopping?
Yes, you should tip for online grocery shopping. Delivery drivers work hard to bring your groceries to your door. A tip shows appreciation for their service and can encourage better service in the future. A small tip can make a big difference to the person delivering your groceries.
Why is Online Grocery Shopping Better?
Online grocery shopping is better because it saves time, effort, and even money. You can shop from the comfort of your home. It also allows you to compare prices easily. Many stores offer discounts and deals online. Plus, you can avoid the hassle of crowded stores and long lines. It’s a convenient and efficient way to get your groceries.
What is the Concept of Online Grocery Shopping?
Online grocery shopping is a way to buy groceries using a website or a mobile app. You visit a store’s website or app, select the items you need, and place an order. The store then prepares your order and delivers it to your home. It’s a modern and convenient way to shop for groceries without leaving your house.
