Ever since my kids were little, ten or more years ago, I tried four grocery delivery services at one point or another. To say grocery shopping was a challenge with three kids under three in tow would be an understatement. Each delivery company has their own system and fee structure but, for me, one definitely stands out from the rest.
Peapod
The first one I tried. I loved everything about it: the convenience, the big, green truck, even the slogan on the truck “honk if you’re hangry” was hilarious to me. I also enjoyed being able to “shop the aisles” from the comfort of my home while the kids were napping or working on something else. Besides being able to get through my weekly grocery list, I occasionally splurged on their AMAZING chocolate dome cake. If Peapod still serves your area and you love chocolate, I highly recommend it. I was so disappointed when Peapod stopped delivering to my state (IL) and really miss that cake.
Instacart
Other than having “easy access” to one of my favorite grocery stores – ALDI – and a quicker delivery schedule than Peapod, I really didn’t have many positive experiences with Instacart. If something was out of stock, they would substitute the item with something I didn’t want. I eventually learned I could turn that feature off. I also didn’t appreciate the double hold on my checking account each time I placed an order. So, if my purchase came to $50, a $100 hold would lock my account for several days until the second $50 mysteriously disappeared. Their customer service wasn’t much help either. Instacart blamed my bank for that issue and my bank blamed them. I ended up canceling my account because of it.
Amazon Fresh
If you are an Amazon Prime member, Amazon Fresh will deliver your minimum $35 order of groceries free. Yes, the Prime membership is a bit pricey but when you consider it includes so many other services – streaming music, movies, tv shows, free delivery of their many other products, and so much more, I feel it is worth the investment.
There are only two things I wish were better. One would be the ability to receive my orders in more timely manner. It is rare that I place an order in the morning and there is a time slot available so that it’s here by evening. A typical scenario is ordering the night before and it gets delivered the next day. I do like that they have several two-hour time frames to choose from, unfortunately, they fill up very fast. Basically, you have to be quicker than the many other shoppers in your area trying to claim the same delivery time slot.
The second thing is the availability (or lack there of) the products I want to order. I know things are a bit hectic right now. The pandemic and other issues have caused major delays in delivery of products to store shelves. So, I don’t blame any retailer for being out of stock on some things right now. However, with one very picky eater in the house and his food choices are almost always out of stock, it can get a bit frustrating.
Door Dash
By far, the most expensive of the delivery services in my opinion. I use them more often for fast food delivery than groceries. Although, Door Dash did come through for me when my kids and I were sick and Amazon Fresh wasn’t available to deliver the same day. Within one hour of placing my order for things to help us feel better, Door Dash was delivering them. I also appreciate the delivery tracking map. I can see where the driver is at any given point: still at the store (or restaurant), and the route he or she takes when they’re on their way.
Have you tried any of these or other grocery delivery services? I know there are several more out there. I just haven’t tried them…yet.
