These days you can have just about anything delivered straight to your door. So, if you don’t already do it, you’ve likely at least considered having your groceries delivered. The question is, is it worth the money? And, where do you start?
Trying to figure out what will work for you is a bit overwhelming. Here is some basic information to save you the hassle.
Stores that do it themselves
Lunds & Byerlys will deliver your groceries for $9.95, regardless of the size of the order. You’ll need to go online see if it’s available in your location. Someone must be home at the time of delivery, and if you have alcohol in your order, someone over the age of 21 must be present to accept. You can also order groceries for pick up. That will cost you $4.95.
Hyvee's aisles online website says your delivery cost will depend on your location. You’ll need to go through the process of creating an account to figure out if you are in an area that provides delivery.
Coborns Delivers has been in the game longer than most. The pricing is pretty straightforward. Next day delivery will cost you $5 for orders over $50, and $9.95 for orders under $50. Need those groceries today? You can get it, but the delivery cost bumps up to $9.95 for orders over $50 and $14.90 for those under. No one needs to be home at the time of delivery, which is nice, and they ask that you don’t tip your delivery person.
Target uses Shipt
If you want Target groceries delivered you'll need to go to the site Shipt.
This one is a membership-based service. It will cost $99 a year, or $14 a month, and you can get all the groceries your little heart desires delivered for free. Well, all orders over $35 that is. Orders under that will cost you $7 for delivery, and they do recommend you tip your driver.
Amazon Prime Now
Amazon Prime Now delivers just about everything. This one will cost you your annual prime membership which just went up to $119 a year. Delivery fees are based on size of order. If you're a Whole Foods fan you can get free two-hour delivery in certain areas.
Instacart
Instacart is interesting and slightly confusing. For the most part delivery is $5.99 for orders over $35, $9.99 for smaller orders. However, it could change depending on when you want it delivered. Instacart has what’s called "busy pricing" meaning it will cost you more to have something delivered during busy times. There’s also a service fee on top of your delivery fee, which is 5% of your order according to the website.
Buried inside Instacart's website you'll find more on the service fee. "The service fee helps support the Instacart platform and covers a broad range of operating costs including insurance, background checks, and customer support. The service fee is not a tip and does not go directly to the shopper delivering your order,” it says.
Speaking of a tip, there's another 5%. It's "suggested" but will be tacked on unless you go in and change it at the end of your order. Now you've just added 10% to your bill, but hey, you saved time, right?
So ultimately, it’s up to you to decide how much you’re willing pay for convenience or if you’re willing to pay at all.