Peta Wales: Is it worth it to buy groceries online?

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Q: My husband and I have been married a long time and worked hard to save for retirement. We were doing OK until a medical issue meant that we had to put an end to the consulting work we were doing. Thankfully we don’t have too much debt and have been able to adjust, but the one thing we still seem to spend a lot of money on is our groceries. I think it’s because we go shopping together and it’s kind of a weekly date for us. We go for lunch with friends first and then make the rounds to the various stores where we like to buy our food. We mentioned this to our daughter, and she suggested that she’s been able to save money by ordering her groceries online. While we do shop online for certain things, we’ve never considered it for groceries. Is it actually worth it? ~Elizabeth 

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A: With the ability to buy online expanding to that of groceries in the recent years, it’s convenience, combined with the increased safety of shopping from home, that led to a new habit formed by many during the pandemic. After all, the appeal of swapping grocery store trips for a few online clicks is hard to deny. Like any service aimed at consumers however, online grocery shopping comes with its own pros and cons. From saving time or avoiding the crowded aisles to grappling with delivery fees, scheduling, or concerns over produce selection, it’s up to those using the service to ensure that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

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With that in mind, here are tips to be mindful of as you decide if online grocery shopping is worth it.

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Convenience, but is it worth the cost?

The most significant advantage online grocery shopping offers is convenience. You are able to shop any time, anywhere, without worrying about store hours or long checkout lines. You’re even able to order while on vacation, so that you can either pick it up or have your order delivered once you get home. It also saves significant time that you would otherwise spend travelling to and from the store or browsing the aisles.

However, convenience comes at a cost. Delivery fees can vary widely and may significantly increase the total cost of your groceries, especially for smaller orders or if you shop frequently. Delivery fees can be avoided or reduced by picking up your order, but the store’s pick up hours might not match your availability. Depending on the service and your location, you might have to wait several days for a delivery time-slot that works for you, which requires advance planning and isn’t ideal for urgent needs. In addition, some services require a minimum order amount for delivery, which can be inconvenient if you only need a few items.

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3 Tips to Save Money When Shopping Online 

Will planning your purchases lead to savings or waste?

Another significant advantage of shopping for your groceries online is that you can stay focused on what you need because many online grocery platforms allow you to save your shopping lists or repeat past orders. When shopping from home, you’re also able to verify what you already have while adding items to your virtual cart. This can help streamline meal planning and keep you on track with your grocery budget, especially when you’re hunting for deals from several retailers. With the internet at your fingertips, online shopping provides the ability to quickly compare prices between stores and take advantage of online-only deals. Checking items off your list when ordering will further reduce the chances of being tempted by in-store promotional displays and items showcased at the ends of the aisles that often lead to impulse purchases.

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6 Ways Meal Planning Will Save You Money 

But even the best laid plans can face difficulties. Technical glitches mean that your lists can get lost, platforms can go down in the middle of placing an order, and connectivity issues can be frustrating. However, some of the biggest challenges lie with product selection and substitution surprises. When you’re not physically picking out your produce, meat, and bakery items, you’re relying on someone else’s judgment, which may not meet your standards for freshness or quality. With dairy and packaged items, many people like to check expiration dates which isn’t possible when you don’t hand-pick your own items. There may also be a lack of local or specialty products available through the ordering platforms, limiting your ability to support local farms or small businesses. In addition, when an item in your order is out of stock and a replacement is chosen by the store, it might not be what you would have chosen, leading to disappointment.

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25 Grocery Shopping Tips to Stay on Budget and Save 

Priceless or pricey?

If you’ve ever schlepped home heavy grocery bags or boxes, had difficulty obtaining groceries due to inclement weather or living in a remote location, or find getting around difficult, delivery might be the game-changer you’ve silently been wishing for. Seniors, people of varying abilities, and busy parents typically find it especially helpful, as do those who prefer privacy when purchasing certain items. It’s a discrete way to shop without judgment.

However, the trend of purchasing groceries online has notable downsides, particularly regarding environmental effects and social isolation. The surge in delivery traffic, leading to increased road congestion and pollution, is a growing concern for environmentally conscious consumers. Additionally, online shopping can feel isolating for those who enjoy the social interaction and meaningful communication that comes with traditional in-person shopping. A lack of social interaction, or even extreme concern over one’s ecological footprint, can adversely affect someone’s mental and physical well-being, making the cost of online grocery shopping too high.

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Budgeting Guidelines for Your Income Level 

The bottom line on whether it’s worth shopping online for groceries

If you’re unsure whether online grocery shopping fits your budget and lifestyle, let your own experience guide you. Experiment with it for one or two bigger shops when a free delivery offer is available, and see how it feels on your wallet. While there are some trade-offs with shopping online, when used wisely, with only a few clicks, online grocery shopping can simplify your life, save time, and possibly reduce your costs.

Related reading: 

How to Lower Fixed Expenses in Your Budget 

Looking for More Ways to Save Money on Groceries? 

Break Free from Relying on Credit Cards to Make Ends Meet

Peta Wales is President and CEO of the Credit Counselling Society, a non-profit organization. For more information about managing your money or debt, contact Peta by email, check nomoredebts.org or call 1-888-527-8999.  

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