Ordering groceries online is a relatively recent phenomenon for most but one that is catching like wild fire. Why? Because it is the single greatest time saver ever. EVER. I can not stress this enough. But why the hesitation from some? The most common response I get when talking to people who refuse to home shop, but should, is it’s too time consuming and complicated. Nothing could be further from the truth. So to help all of you weary shoppers out, and give you seasoned ones some new ideas, I’ve taken the liberty of listing my top eight tips to simplifying your online grocery shopping experience. You will be a pro in NO time. And save money. And eat healthier. And just be an all around happier human.
- Find the service that works best for you – If you are a home shop newbie, you will need to research what home shop services are available in your area and Lord knows there are no shortage of options; Instacart, Amazon Fresh, Walmart, Harris Teeter, Peapod, Costco, Whole Foods, Google Express. The list goes on and on. Some deliver, some do not. Some have minimum order requirements for delivery, some do not. My suggestion is start with what you know. I order from the grocery store I shopped in prior to making the online switch – it’s where I feel most comfortable. Regardless, this first step is a must.
- Have your list ready – Dinner with the Duffys is kind of key to this step. If you follow along, you already know what you are cooking for the week. Go thru the daily recipes and make a list of the ingredients you need for the week. Or, have dwtd up on your screen and just toggle back and forth from your home shop screen to your dwtd screen. This is what I do. ( As soon as the new site launches, there will be a grocery list option – stay tuned.)
- Keep a running list of items you are out of – Currently, I have a piece of paper taped to the inside of my pantry door but eventually I will have a dry erase board or some kind of similar option. Maybe I’ll stick with the paper, doesn’t really matter. What does matter is you need to keep a list of every item you are running low on or out of. This will keep you from forgetting to order the staples you will most definitely need during the week. So no more 5:45 pm trips to the grocery store when all you want to do is head home and get in your pjs.
- Don’t wait until the last minute – Online g-shopping saves you bookoos of time but you have to plan ahead. Most online orders require you to choose a timeslot that is anywhere from two to four hours from the time your order is placed. Here is what I do – I shop on Sunday mornings. I get up, grab a cup of coffee and take my laptop outside. Twenty minutes later, I’m done.
- Be specific – Another concern I hear all the time is “what if I want overripe bananas or, my turkey cut a certain way?” Simon says – you ask for it!! There is a “notes” option by each item you place in your cart. Use it. If you want something specific, just make the request. That’s why the notes section is there!
- Use the tools – Most home shop options will save your most recent grocery order or even up to your last month of orders. Start there. Everyone has staples they need every week – milk, bread, kids snacks, fruit, coffee etc. All you have to do is click “add to cart” and voila, half of your list is checked off in seconds.
- Be flexible – This may sound odd but there will be times when the store is out of something you need. If you allow for substitutions, you can usually make out like a bandit. For example, if my store is out of the store brand dijon mustard I’ve requested, and I allow for substitutions, they will sub the better quality brand (like Grey Poupon) for the lower brand price. Happens all the time.
- Give it time – If you do the above and stick with it, I promise you will never regret making the online switch. If I can do it, anyone can do it!
Please do not hesitate to reach out and ask me questions – that’s what I’m here for, y’all. I so want you to succeed at home shop. It will change your life.
XO ~ Kelly D.
[…] meals and ordering your groceries online. If you are new to home shop, I highly recommend you click here to read my Home Shop 101 post for everything you need to know to get started and become really […]