Jessica emailed in the following tip:
I am currently reading Say Goodbye to Survival Mode and the section on building margin into your day made me realize I should write about something that has added two hours of margin into my life each week!
At a friend’s suggestion, I tried a local grocery chain’s Shop from Home program. The system allows me to shop online and then pick up the order at a set time at the store. The store also offers a delivery option for an additional fee (this fee is waived with any $100 total purchase).
Shopping online cuts way back on impulse purchases, and with coupon linkups online, I still know to stockpile sale items. I am able to use my coupons once I get to the store, plus this grocery store chain often offers coupon codes online for buying a certain amount of a certain brand’s item, so those savings are added on to my coupon deals.
I highly recommend this to all stressed out moms in particular. I work outside the home, so ordering my groceries online has given me more time with the kids — or sometimes just some very needed alone time! I imagine for stay-at-home-moms, this might also make their days much simpler! -Jessica
Jenny says
I love ordering my groceries online, as I am typing this someone is grocery shopping for me, while my sick daughter can rest in bed, and i don’t have to drag her out of the house to run errands.
I agree it saves money, or it doesn’t for us anyways. Although I do it through Shipt, and they do charge a small fee plus you tip your delivery person(they bring your groceries home), I still save money because I don’t have the temptation to buy things I don’t need, I just get what I really need, I can check my fridge and pantry as I am making my order to avoid ordering doubles, and little kids are not at the store sneaking things into my cart. Add that to the gas and time and it takes out of my day to go shopping and I end up spending less by staying home and letting someone else do it for me.
I used to spend about $120 on groceries a week, now my order is about $90-100 with all feed and tip included.
My Shipt goes to Lidl which is a huge help, since their groceries are already on the low side. I would also highly recommended for those who live where Shipt shops at Aldi, or Trader Joe’s, or just you’re usual grocery store. 🙂
Sheryle says
I live in southern NH and I’m not sure but don’t think there’s anything like this for us…does anyone know? I have Market Basket, Shaws (expensive unless on sale though), and whole foods (I buy particular items there each week and their 365 brand as we buy a lot of organic and I have to shop a few stores to get best pricing). Any neighbors to me in this blog? ?
Cristina says
Kroger guys! It is awesome!
Becki @Running with Team Hogan says
I haven’t used it yet, but stores near us (Giant in particular) are starting to offer this service. I keep thinking that those weeks when the kids are all sick (and you can’t take them with you to the store) or the weeks when the van is in the shop would be great. I used to love shopping with my 4 kids when they were preschoolers, but now with homeschooling, time is at a premium. I have a feeling I’m going to try this out someday in the not too distant future.
Deana says
Is there a program like this in Cincinnati?
Carol Cannon says
I wish we had something like this here. I am disabled and in a power chair. Grocery shopping is very difficult for me. This would make my life so much easier. One of our “BIG CHAIN” grocery stores is looking into this idea, but the fee is proposed to be $45.00….. Definitely not in my budget.
Kathleen says
I love the idea for shopping from home especially when the weather would not be ideal or I am not feeling so hot. I also though like taking my kids to the store. It takes us two carts when we go to the grocery store. Usually one for little kids and one for groceries. But, my older kids have their own basket and a list with coupons. They have learned to match the coupons good prices and save money. So I see the positives in both of these situations!
Heidi says
There are no stores near me who offer this, but I have told my husband numerous times that I wish I could start my own business doing this for others because I would use it! It would be so much easier for my family if this were an option.
Jessica says
Thanks to Crystal for printing the tip. I use Shop Rite, which I know is in the NY, NJ, CT area. They have a delivery option or you can pick up at the store (I pick up). I’ve never had a problem with their produce selection. I use it for my big shops, so the shopping fee is waived because I spend over $100. I shop myself when I’m just running in for milk or to re-stock fruit and vegetables. The shopping tool on Shop Rite’s website is very user-friendly. It doesn’t take long at all to fill out my order online. I figure I’d rather be sitting at home shopping than in the store. I’ve filled out an order at 11 p.m. before heading to bed and picked it up the next afternoon. Very convenient!
julie says
Ours in CT doesn’t waive the fee if its over $100, as mine always are! 🙁
julie says
I’ve used ShopRite’s shop at home program for about two years now. I choose the pick up option and choose my time. Its all bagged and ready for me. If they have a substitute they show me and ask if it’s okay. They will give me a bigger size if they are out of a smaller size I order for the same price. Plus if they substitute for a different brand they will still let me use my coupon! Same prices as in the store, same specials. With a weekly code the cost is $5 and every fifth one is free. $20 for five shopping trips is well worth it to me. My time that I gain is worth more than that to me. LOVE it! I went big grocery shopping last week for the first time in ages and realized again how much I love shopping at home. So much easier to “find” things with the click of a button!
Natalie says
This is also a great option for seniors, people who are sick and cannot get out of their homes, people with disabilities, etc. Kroger/King Soopers has the Shop At Home/Home Delivery online. I have used it numerous times while battling breast cancer twice. It’s a life saver!
Sheryle says
Hope you’re ok now – you’re my hero! Hugs! ❤️
Shannon Ellis says
Are there some options in the Seattle area without extra charges?
CottageHomestead says
I recommend this as well. When we lived near a bigger city I would order mine online and have them delivered, it was so worth it and I found that I actually spent less because I wasn’t as tempted. Now that we live in the middle of no where I do miss this!! 🙂
Missionary Mom says
That is really cool! I know I could use more time not doing things at home or with the kids 🙂
Mommy of 2 says
I’m betting Stop ‘n Shop was the subject. Their ‘peapod’ program lets you pick up at certain stores or they will deliver. I used the home delivery frequently after each of my kids were born, but the pricing is often more expensive than in-store (plus the delivery charge). They’re not offering store pick-up at all their stores yet, but they just built a huge store near us & I know they do it there so I’m tempted to try it out. I’m curious if their item pricing is the same as delivery & you’re just saving on delivery.
Debbie L. says
This is so timely! I’ve been contemplating this for a while. I live in the Chicago suburbs and Peapod is offered where I am. I remember my mom using it a few times when we were growing up; it has been around for years. We live by a lot of stores though and so I almost feel guilty about wanting to use it like it’s some kind of “luxury!” Plus, the prices seem to be quite a bit higher than grocery store sales but maybe it would help curb the impulse spending, thus actually lowering the bill. But I think it would be such a time saver. I shop on Saturdays due to my work schedule (I freelance from home) and my three kids schedules, etc. and I’d love to get those hours back every week! I just might give it a shot.
Sharon says
I used Peapod for about 3 years in Columbus, Ohio. When Kroger canceled their contract, and Peapod pulled out of the market, I had to go to the grocery store. My bill doubled. Grocery stores sell groceries. If you enter the store, you will buy more than what’s on your list.
Coupons, whatever techniques will not save you money until you can shop your list. Peapod let me shop my list and I miss it today after 12 years without it.
Sue says
I recently began using Peapod (Stop and Shop) home delivery. The website is easy to use, with a photo of almost all items. One thing I love about it Is that by clicking on an item you bring up all the nutritional information. It’s much easier than reading labels in the store. There are specials on the web that are not in the store. You can even click on tabs to just bring up all the specials. After you choose your delivery day and time, and place your order, you can still return to the site and change your order. That’s great if you think of something you forgot to order. Payment is done online by credit card. My cold items arrive cold, and my frozen items are frozen solid. Produce and deli items have been fresh. They not only deliver, they bring the items right into your kitchen. This would be great for elderly or disabled persons. t’s also great when you have lots of heavy items such as beverages and canned goods. You can also use manufacturer’s coupons, which you hand to the driver. Your total is adjusted accordingly. Tipping is optional but appreciated.
Dahlia says
I totally agree. I do a lot of my shopping through Amazonfresh (local option if you’re in the Seattle area) and hit costco every other week for staples there while my boys are in their lego engineering class. It’s a lifesaver! It’s also nice to order groceries when on vacation and have them delivered around the time we’ll be getting home or even the next morning.
Stacey says
I know Safeway in N CA does this. I like it and have used it. The only thing I dont like is when I forget to click do not substitute and when they are out of stock of something I have had them sub the 1.99 flushable wipes for the 7.99 pack instead. They took them back but I would have never purchased those. They also bring them into the house for you and everything that is cold is packed in there. THey are good about when you buy meat when you ask it be about a certain price or size and I like my bananas a little green and they look. I dont like that I cant see what mark down meat they have. I get ground beef Saturday nights usually for 50% off
AL says
I shop mostly at ALDI, so my trips are very quick, and the carts can seat both of my little kids. But I’m in the Chicago area, and we have Peapod, Artizone, Instacart…and probably others. During my busy seasons (I’m a work-at-home freelancer), outsourcing grocery shopping and various other things keeps me sane. 🙂
TIP: many online services advertise $15 or $20 off for a first order, so even if you only do it once, that could be a great deal!
Julie says
I have been shopping online with Sams “Click and Pull” for a few years now. We have five children to feed so I love the big quantities we can get. I shop every two weeks and spend the two weeks ahead of time adding things to my cart as we “run out” or “get low”. This allows me to add and subtract “impulse” items and stick to a budget as well as healthy living. We also have the wonderful program, “Bountiful Baskets” that come every two weeks so we can get our farm fresh produce and organic WW bread. I LOVE that I don’t have to shop at the store. We have saved so much money this way!
Krista says
Amazon Subscribe and Save has saved us quite a bit, but like everywhere, you have to know your prices. So far, though, big savings for us!
At our Sam’s Club it just isn’t worth the time. By the time you stand there waiting for your items and then for someone to ring them up at customer service, you could have found the stuff yourself and been rung up normally. (And we always have at least one full cart.) It sure does help with the impulse buying, though! 😉
Cynthia M. says
I have tried Pea Pod from Stop n’ Shop many times with no complaints. If there is a problem with the an item you call and depending on what it is, sometimes they just remove it from the order and you keep it, or tell you to return it on the next order or to the store when you get a chance. I find they usually pick very good quality fruits and veggies for you. They often have coupons for discounts or free delivery.
Ashlee says
Oh I love online shopping. It’s significantly cheaper here. The peapod store is in New Jersey. Their prices can really be 50% less than here. And they bring them in the apartment. I try and stock up on about a months worth to make the $6 delivery fee worth it. Dairy and produce aren’t that much cheaper than locally.
Chris says
This is a fabulous idea for busy moms! However I’m a stay at home mom and I love going to the grocery store and shopping for some alone time and getting out of the house. But also going to the store is a great way to get my 19 month old out and about and learning what different foods are and colors and shapes, etc. But when he’s older and there is possibly a sibling involved I can see this being a great tool.
Jennifer says
I know farm fresh has a shop at home program but haven’t tried it before.
Julie G says
I don’t think anyone offers that in my area. We have Publix, Kroger, Whole goods me Trader Joes. If anyone knows that they so this, please let me know.
j k says
I used to do this when Vons offered 15off or free delivery and bought things that were bogo free or on sale. Couple times, shopathome issued $10 for buying groceries at Vons online. It was very convenient when I had my second baby. Now she’s bigger and I can go out more often.
Anne says
We did Safeway home delivery when our daughter was born. It was nice to stay at home. It was before I learned to coupon, though.
Awmeme says
You should still be able to do the shopping online delivery and coupon as one of the features safeway offers is that you can load coupons, normally you can use them multiple times or have long expiration dates jut make sure to read them as you put them on, directly to your card. Just register for the website and go through there various pages like special offers, coupons, just for you and so on adding stuff to your card. A couple that I get offered almost monthly are $5 off of $25, 20% off all produce on top of the just for you stuff which most of the time say there is a sale price on kiwis for 3/$1 I’ll have an offer to get them 4 or 5/$1. So by going through the website weekly for about 10 min. you can still save money
Alicia says
We have been buying a lot of our groceries from Amazon’s subscribe (probably already mentioned) and save – it is a huge time saver for us!
Julie G says
I tried subscribe and save but the prices kept fluctuating.
Adrienne says
I agree, but the prices are often comparable to the fluctuations in the Brick and Morter stores.
Fay says
Safeway in Phoenix offers this program.
Maria says
Oooh wish they did here, but the do offer delivery – for a fee.
I think I read on another blog that Sam’s Club does this, but we don’t have one of those here.
Jennifer says
HEB in TX is testing something like this in two of their stores. I hope they expand the program. I’ve done online ordering with SAMS and it wasn’t very helpful there as for any cold items (most of my order) they waited until I showed up before they were pulled and so I just stood at the front and waited almost as long as having done the shopping myself.
Christina says
I wish the HEB near me would do this. I know a friend that does this at Sam’s Club which is helpful she orders what she needs and picks it up I don’t think they deliver.
margaret says
have looked all over for something like this near me, but believe it or not in the large city of Houston, I have not found anything that services our area (N side of town). Sure wish they did!
Sara says
I am a huge fan of shop from home! I started using the delivery option last winter when my twins were born as there was no combiner way to put them and my two year old in a cart. Now I use the pick up option and it really does help with our budget. No impulse buys, I can use coupons AND the store I use offers anywhere from a $10 off to $20 off your online purchase each week ( on top of waiving the fee if your order is $50 or more). I’ve even started showing local moms how to do it. I’ll take grocery shopping with a glass of wine, sime reality tv and sleeping toddlers any day over braving the store with three little ones any day 🙂
laura says
How do i start to do the online grocery shopoing? What would be some tips?-thanks!!
Sarah says
YES. My twins (and my singletons, for that matter) are the reasons I want to try this! Even if they behaved perfectly – which they don’t – the child-to-grocery ratio in the cart doesn’t work when shopping for our family of 6. 🙂
Adrienne says
Right there with you! 😉
Jessica says
I guess I am the odd one out in that I like going to the store grocery shopping. I usually go on a weekday morning and I have my 3 1/2 year old and 14 month old with me. However, if I have to get a ton of stuff or do complex coupon procedures, I’ll go when my husband is home. When I do take the kids, I turn it into an educational experience. We talk about healthy foods, counting, cooking, money, etc. When I go by myself it’s like a mini-vacation.
Sarah says
You’re not alone! I enjoy going to the grocery store with my little ones as well (almost 4 yr old and 8 month old) although I tend to bring them each out individually. I’m still getting used to being a mom of two and I still find it a little bit difficult to manage getting out alone with both of them! I almost don’t know what to do with myself when I end up at the store alone. It really is like a mini-vacation.
Jennifer says
I enjoy going to the store with my kids too. We also turn it into a learning lesson….having them help me bag fruits/veggies or having them help me find something on the shelf that is on my list. I also love going by myself after my husband has come home or on the weekend. There is nothing more relaxing to me than getting a cup of coffee and strolling through the store by myself.
Abigail's Mommy says
She works outside the home. She probably has to go when they are busy. Much different than mid morning during the week.
Mandy says
Oh yes! I work outside the home (and a single parent too!) and I only can go on Saturdays. So crowded and rushed. Nothing like midweek mornings. At all.
ann says
I enjoy taking my kids (ages 4 and 8) too! We live in a small town, so they enjoy talking to all the store employees (the employees have said they enjoy it too!) I talk with both kids about how to find good produce, what we should make with the ingredients we choose, how much of each we will need, etc. We also talk about nutritious choices, how to read labels, and spending our money wisely. My oldest even does her own transactions at times (when the store isn’t busy) so that she can estimate her total, plan her coupons, learn to use self-scan, and count change! 🙂
Rebecca says
Its amazing how many stores are offering pickup now! We recently moved out of town 20 minutes, so pickup really saves me an extra trip and so much time! Aldi is now offering grocery pickup!!
Heaven says
I enjoy going shopping by myself, as I have 4 kids now (ages 5, 3 1/2, 2 and 7 weeks). It’s a bear taking them, but I absolutely love your idea of turning it into an educational experience. I’m not so good with thinking of “fun” ways to do stuff. Personality quirk – when something isn’t fun I just try to get it over with. I will try that the next time I have to brave the store alone. I’m going to look into that online option though. I’ve never heard of such a beautiful thing!
Kerrie McLoughlin says
I don’t mind, but when my husband is traveling and I have to take all 5 kids with me, it can be a pain. This would be great for those times.
Molly says
Wow, that is great, I wish my stores here did that.
Sarah @ Little Bus on the Prairie says
This sounds amazing! What grocery chain offers this? The only one that I know of local to me is Vons and I don’t think they waive their delivery fee. Plus they’re expensive to boot.
Heather says
I’m pretty sure Harris Teeter does
Angela says
Yes, Harris Teeter is the only one in my area that does it, but I’m not sure if they take coupons once you get there. I think I will ask them the next time I go. Would be worth the small fee when I’m alone with my three kids.
Marlene says
Sounds like Shop Rite.
Adrienne says
Vons has amazing specials and a good coupon policy. I’d encourage you to try it out. It’s also only $4.95 for delivery. I really wish we had Vons and their delivery here where I live! My only option is an even more expensive local chain and NO delivery. Boo.
Jody says
I really like this idea! . It’s actually something I’ve been contemplating lately…I’m going to check and see if any stores here offer something like this. If not has anyone tried Amazon Fresh or any other particular shop from home programs that they recommend? Thank you so much for sharing this tip!
Adrienne says
Amazon Fresh is not offered where I live now, but it’s offered in the city where I grew up. Several friends use it and love it. I wish we had it here!
Luba says
What a great idea!