Just when I think technology has finally hit its evolutionary peak, it pulls a fast one and surprises me all over again. For years I was aware certain local grocers offered door-to-door grocery delivery services, but the only folks I knew who used them were recovering from surgery or a particularly bad bout of flu. Today, I’m starting to feel left behind by not ordering my groceries online. Apparently, it’s high time I adjust my hopelessly old-fashioned notions of driving to an actual brick-and-mortar grocery store to acquire my edibles. Of course it just makes sense—we date, file our taxes, job hunt and do practically everything else online, so why not order our groceries online too—especially when delivery service is included! If you’re pressed for time, are a same-list-every-time kind of shopper or simply love being avant-garde while saving money, these resources offer the three cheapest ways currently available to order your groceries online.

Walmart

Walmart isn't a longtime, low-price leader for no reason. If there’s a new popular trend in shopping, they specialize in finding a way to offer it to their loyal customers (basically everyone) for less.  Here are the program highlights:

  • You can order anything that Walmart offers online.
  • Free shipping on orders of $50 or more.
  • Free in-store or FedEx pickup as early as next-day for most items.
  • Returns are always free of charge.
  • You’ll need a photo ID and the text alert Walmart sends to pick items up in-store.
  • For orders less than $50 you’ll be assessed a small fee (around $2.97 – $6.97 depending on whether you need the delivery right away or not).

Amazon

Most people don't realize that Amazon also has an extensive selection of grocery items, including conventional and organic produce, health and beauty, household supplies, medicine and more. Here are the program highlights:

  • You can order anything that Amazon offers online.
  • Free shipping on orders of $35 or more.
  • Free shipping period (on most items) if you’re an Amazon Prime member.
  • Returns are always free of charge.
  • You can easily do price comparisons and search for items with free shipping.

Safeway

Safeway is a nationwide chain that operates under the Safeway, Genuardi's, Vons and Pavilions store names. Their online delivery service is nationwide as long as you live in an area served by one of their stores. Here are the program highlights:

  • As long as you order by 8:30 a.m., you can get your delivery within the hour.
  • You can store your shopping history to easily place new orders.
  • You can try the service totally free the first time by entering the promotional code displayed on the home page.
  • Safeway now offers an online shopping mobile app (for iPhone and Android) that’s free to download.
  • Minimum order amount is $49 (before taxes).
  • You can get a Club Card that allows you to use coupons with online orders.
  • Safeway and affiliates will charge a $9.95 delivery surcharge for orders of $150 and $12.95 for orders under $150, but some delivery windows are discounted or free. You can visit the "Online Savings" page to be alerted for free delivery specials.

 

 

Pressed for Time? 3 Ways to Order Your Groceries Online!