Online grocery shopping, really?
Yes, really. This is convenience at your fingertips from the comfort of your own home! Ordering groceries online doesn't have to be hard. Whether you're stuck at home, unable to get out, or just want to avoid the large crowds and lineups, online grocery shopping definitely has its advantages.
Follow these easy steps to get your online grocery shopping experience started:
1. Don't forget the list, making a list before you start shopping (or scrolling) will save you time, extra shopping trips, and it will help guide you through the online experience. Check the next tab for a master grocery list.
2. Download mobile grocery apps.
Go to your app store on your mobile device and type in the search bar at the top the desired service:
Upon opening the app, it may ask you to access your devices location, choose the option "allow only while using the app".
3. Make an account, whether you are using an app or your local grocery store's website they will ask you to register for an account. This takes only a couple of minutes, and you only have to do it the for the initial using of the service as it will remember your information to make future purchases even easier.
Check the How to Shop Online tab for full instructions on how to use these services and apps as well as step-by-step videos.
Follow these easy steps to get your online grocery shopping experience started:
1. Don't forget the list, making a list before you start shopping (or scrolling) will save you time, extra shopping trips, and it will help guide you through the online experience. Check the next tab for a master grocery list.
2. Download mobile grocery apps.
Go to your app store on your mobile device and type in the search bar at the top the desired service:
- Instacart Canada
- Save-on-Foods
- Uber Eats: Local Food Delivery
- SkipTheDishes - Food Delivery
Upon opening the app, it may ask you to access your devices location, choose the option "allow only while using the app".
3. Make an account, whether you are using an app or your local grocery store's website they will ask you to register for an account. This takes only a couple of minutes, and you only have to do it the for the initial using of the service as it will remember your information to make future purchases even easier.
Check the How to Shop Online tab for full instructions on how to use these services and apps as well as step-by-step videos.
Pros & cons
Pros:
- Time Management - avoid standing in lines and aimlessly looking around for certain items. With the convenient search 🔍 tool you can look up items in a snap.
- Convenience - wherever you may be - order online 24/7, the internet doesn't have a closing time! If you didn't get around to ordering what you need during the merchant's hours of operation, you can pre-order for the following day or two. (This does not mean 24/7 delivery, please check your local grocery store times).
- Stick to your budget - as you add items to your shopping cart, it will display a total for you in real time so you can stay within your price range.
- Avoid impulse buying - online grocery shopping can help keep you from spending money you didn't plan on because you aren't walking around being distracted by all the pretty, shiny things that want to jump into your cart.
- Compare prices - once you search the item you are looking for, it will bring up similar and related items and you may compare between prices to select the item that fits within your budget and suits needs.
- Encourages meal planning - shopping online can help you find the proper items you need for that special recipe and keep your traditions rolling.
- Delivery - depending on the merchant, get it within a couple of hours, within the next few hours, or get it delivered tomorrow. Some merchants even offer free delivery when your shopping cart reaches a minimum total.
- Curbside Pickup - skip having to bag your groceries, some store operations will even load your order right into your car.
- Service fees - here is another hidden fee we all love to hate. Some retailers will charge a service fee, usually between $1-$5. Some apps even ask for a tip option, watch for this.
- Delivery fees - prepare to add this to your grocery list. Online ordering groceries to be delivered to your doorstep has its advantages, but delivery fees are annoying for everyone. Check the retailer's/app's special offers and you could get free delivery.
- Missing items/out of stock - most stores have a substitution option, but if the store is out of stock on a requested item it will not appear in your bag.
- Experience - shopping online eliminates the grocery store experience; the lights, the smells, the frozen isle, the vibrant colors of the fresh produce, eye-catching sale signs and captivating marketing that leads you to explore new and exciting products.
- Quality of produce - because you don't get to hand pick each item yourself, you may not get the best produce as you would shopping in-store.
- Can't pay with cash - shopping online is a debit and credit only type of service. It's best to keep your money in the bank if you're going to be using online shopping services.
Should I buy in Bulk?
Buying in bulk can save you a few trips to the store, a few trips of loading and unloading up flights to your apartment, and possibly save you some money.
What is buying in bulk?
Some think it's buying in large quantities, for some it's shopping from the bulk bins, shopping wholesale, or stocking up on sale items. Is it worth it? There are advantages and disadvantages to buying in bulk:
Advantages:
What is buying in bulk?
Some think it's buying in large quantities, for some it's shopping from the bulk bins, shopping wholesale, or stocking up on sale items. Is it worth it? There are advantages and disadvantages to buying in bulk:
Advantages:
- Fewer shopping trips
- Rarely run out of items
- Savings
- Lack of variety
- Some items do not last
- Space is required to store large quantities
- You should do your research to find out if you're really getting the best price
- Shampoo
- Pastas
- Sugar Substitutes
- Bread (freeze)
- Pet Food
- Toilet Paper
- Paper Towels
- Household Cleaners
- Laundry Detergent
- Paper Plates
- Coffee & Tea
- Oats, lentils & nuts
- bottled water (although you should consider getting a water filter)
- Honey
- Toothpaste
- Mason jars (for storing)
Online Safety
Although online shopping websites can be easy and fun, let's not get carried away and forget that there are websites that are only out there to hurt us. These can be disguised and sometimes hard to recognize.
To learn all about the online dangers and safety measures, please visit the Canadian Bankers Association website. There you will learn:
To learn all about the online dangers and safety measures, please visit the Canadian Bankers Association website. There you will learn:
- How to spot fake websites and apps
- How to protect yourself while shopping online
- What to do if you are a victim of an online shopping scam
