CCF asked about how I shop online for groceries so I thought I would dedicate a post to it. I'm no expert but I will do my best to explain.
Okay so here in the UK we can shop online for most of the major supermarkets: ASDA, Tesco and Sainsburys. I'm sure there are a few others but I'm only really aware of those three, but I've only used two of them: Tesco and Asda (Walmart) As far as I know this started a few years, maybe more, and there are Home Shopping departments in most stores I think. Customers have the option of either choosing a home delivery slot or a click and collect slot. The click and collect slot is something I've never used because we haven't got a car. Basically, to click and collect, you would place your order then choose a time to collect. You drive to the store car park where there is a colleague sitting in a van waiting for you. They unload your shopping into your car for you. I'd assume that they would tell you if there were any substitutions (if they don't have your item they upgrade a brand, but you only pay for what you've chosen so therefore don't pay more) I always go for the cheapest home delivery slot - usually £1.
When I am shopping online, I log in and choose my items. I have the option of choosing a delivery slot which they hold for two hours. Today I am going to choose my items then save my list because payday isn't until tomorrow. I've never done this before, I usually just do it on the day, so I'm hoping it works out okay. DH suggested that I use my credit card to pay it then pay it off tomorrow but I'm not going down that route. Once I've picked my slot, confirmed order etc I have until 23.59 the night before my delivery slot to amend my order. This is really handy and something I've used a few times when I've forgotten to add something.
We started shopping online more when I was recovering from surgery, and then when J was born because I find it so much easier. I have a Tesco clubcard so I will get points from shopping there. They send me a quarterly statement with a money off voucher. I try to compare prices and I've found that since so many supermarkets are in competition these days, a lot of their prices are similar, if not the same, especially on items like fruit (68p/kg bananas in Tesco and Asda)
Any other questions? I thought this would have started in the states before here to be honest. Aldi and Lidl have become major competition for the supermarkets and shopping online is something that they can't do.
Shopping Online
December 11th, 2014 at 01:17 pm
December 11th, 2014 at 01:26 pm 1418304418
So you are picking up at your store at a particular time? That way the store knows when to have your order ready, correct? Do you just have to order 24 hours in advance, or could it be a shorter turn around time, like an hour?
December 11th, 2014 at 01:30 pm 1418304616
December 11th, 2014 at 01:34 pm 1418304875
Oh we can also order a DVD/clothes from the Direct part of the website and either have it delivered or collect in store for free. They send you a text message letting you know when your item is in store.
December 11th, 2014 at 02:15 pm 1418307323
We set up my dad-in-law with this though, and it's been wonderful. The driver even brings in the food and puts his frig food away (this is above and beyond his duties, but it's SO nice!) This allows him to get what he wants, and not always rely on us with our busy life (though we still do it often enough!) The customer service has been great too.
I should look into it again for my household, as you could really plan out what you need, and nothing more (or less, and have to make another trip to the store!)
Good for you, Sarah!
December 11th, 2014 at 11:34 pm 1418340868
December 11th, 2014 at 11:53 pm 1418341983
December 12th, 2014 at 09:32 am 1418376730
It is also problematic to use coupons AND the prices tend to be more expensive overall than my average 4 stop grocery store shopping trip. Plus I do several additional errands on the same route while out (post office, bank, drug store, library......).