Article - The Butcher, The Baker, The Online Grocer?

Are you too tired or busy to go to the supermarket? Are you finding it more difficult to read the packaging, reach the shelves or push the cart around the aisle? Online grocery shopping just might be the perfect thing for you. While some people feel they need to choose their groceries in person (particularly produce), you may find that online grocery shopping is so much easier that it is worth letting someone else make the selection for you.

Dynamic Living has done some investigative reporting into online grocery stores to give you the scoop on what's available, how to access it, and the general pros and cons of using these services.

Availability

Online supermarkets

• Have excellent shopping and delivery options for people who live in the urban and suburban areas that their stores cover. Unfortunately, if you live in a rural area, it is unlikely that you will be able to order from a well-known supermarket for delivery in your area.

• Usually deliver your groceries by refrigerated truck within a 2-4 hour time slot of your choosing.

Online mail order groceries

• Offer a great deal of non-perishable items, but very few offer fresh produce.

• Offer excellent specialty products such as gourmet, vegetarian or vegan items that you may not find in your local supermarket. This can be particularly valuable if you have allergies and need to stock up on hard to find products.

• Deliver by FedEx, UPS or USPS directly to your door.

How to find online grocery shopping that delivers in your area

Online supermarkets

To find out if your local supermarket chain delivers to your area, either ask at your local store or go to their website:

1. Using your favorite search engine, enter the name of your favorite supermarket chain.

2. If the supermarket offers online shopping, there should be a link available on the supermarket's homepage to determine if they deliver to your area.

3. To find out if the supermarket delivers in your area you usually need to provide your zip code.

You may also want to check supermarkets that don't have a store in your immediate vicinity as they may actually deliver to your area.

Online mail order groceries

To find a shop that suits you:

1. Using your favorite search engine, simply enter "buy groceries online". If you're looking for something special, you can be more specific, such as "Latino groceries online" or "Italian groceries online".

2. Start browsing the variety of options your search engine displays!

Pros and Cons

The staff at Dynamic Living has discovered many positive reasons for shopping online, but there are a few things to think over as well:

A positive shopping experience

• Websites save your shopping lists: Many online shops save the information from your previous orders to create shopping lists that you can use on subsequent visits. Alternatively, if you are heading to the store, some supermarket sites enable you to print your shopping list to bring along with you.

• Saves time: While the first time you do your grocery shopping online may take a bit of time, subsequent shopping orders can usually be done quickly and easily. And no waiting on check out lines!

• Easy home delivery: Your groceries will be delivered right to your door or in some cases right into your kitchen!

• Easier budgeting: You will be less likely to splurge on unnecessary items and it is easy to keep track of previous purchases using online receipts.

• Provides overview of items on sale/discount: Most online shops display their sale items on their main page or a clearly defined set of pages. Some offer special deals to online customers.

• Provide nutrition and ingredient information: Many sites provide this information in a more readable format (larger font and clearer) than it may be on the packaging. When you shop online you can take your time reading the label.

• May deliver prescriptions: Some supermarket delivery services will also deliver prescriptions at the same time as your grocery order

Food for thought

• Less opportunity to leave the house: You may look forward to those weekly supermarket trips or need them as your excuse to get out of the house

• Repetition: You may find that you always purchase the same things and never try anything new. (Although some people find this a positive side of online shopping, in that you will never forget to get your milk or eggs!)

• Availability: You may not be able to buy all the grocery items you need through online shopping (or in one online shop).

• Coupons: Very few online supermarkets or mail order companies accept coupons.

So, what are you waiting for? Online grocery shopping is fun and easy. Save your strength and time to shop for items you cannot find online or for those times when you feel like shopping. Get online and buy some groceries today!

© Copyright 2008 Dynamic Living, Inc.
Dynamic Living Newsletter may only be redistributed in its unedited form. Written permission from the editor must be obtained to reprint or cite the information contained within this newsletter.

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