How to Get Groceries Delivered to Your Door or Your Car

Consumers dealing with the crushing effects of the COVID-19 crisis now have another obstacle to overcome: getting groceries. As health officials and legislators encourage Americans to stay home, consumers are forgoing trips to the supermarket and opting for deliveries instead. Unfortunately, grocery delivery slots are hard, and sometimes nearly impossible, to secure.

There are many theories about why consumers striking out at services like Fresh Direct, Instacart, Amazon, and Peapod. Some believe that an algorithm favors existing, long-time customers. Others think that the opposite is true and that new consumers are prioritized to build a bigger customer base. It’s more likely that a trifecta of explosive demand, limited inventory, and unavailable employees are crushing companies during this unprecedented time. According to these services, they are working around the clock to fulfill orders and keep conditions safe for their essential workers.

1. Buy local. Many small grocers offer curbside pick up and delivery. You won’t have to compete online for time slots, and you will support small, local businesses in the process.
2. Join a local social media group where you can communicate with your neighbors. Consumers can get valuable information from their local community about what options are available. You might even be able to share a bulk delivery with a neighbor.
3. Keep multiple shopping carts active and full. If a delivery slot is released, you’ll be ready to check out quickly.
4. Check often throughout the day. Many consumers have an opinion about the best time to get a slot. Some have luck at midnight, while others have been able to secure slots during the day. No one has successfully cracked the pattern, so check whenever possible.
5. Create a reasonable list and organize it if possible. If you’re looking for hard-to-find items like toilet paper, Lysol wipes, and Purell, there is a very good chance that an Instacart shopper will reject your order.
6. Think outside of the box. Major food distributors like Baldor started residential deliveries. You may have to buy in bulk, but if you can afford large quantities, you can save yourself a few trips to the market. If you prefer smaller amounts, organize with your friends and neighbors to share an order.
7. If you are elderly, immunocompromised, or unable to shop for food, contact your local governing body or place of worship. Many local organizations have names of volunteers who are willing to help and shop for those who can’t.

If you prefer to go to a store, keep these tips in mind:

1. Wear a mask or face covering. This is important to help create a safer environment, and many stores will not let you in without one.
2. Research the stores hours before you go. Some stores have designated certain hours for seniors, and many have cut their regular hours.
3. Find out when your stores receive new stock. If you’re looking for a highly sought-after item, your best chance to get it is on the day it arrives at the store. If your store gets new stock on certain days of the week, make sure you can shop on that day.

At Billshark, we’re ready to lower your monthly service bills and cancel your unwanted subscriptions so you can concentrate on the things that matter most: staying safe, healthy, and financially secure.