FYI Instacart (Grocery delivery, etc.)

[Neal]

Okay, I'm always last to this stuff. We're still iced in here in VA, we've become the new attraction for those seeking icebergs. I really don't need anything but do have some things on the grocery list. My mother calls me and informs me of Kroger first delivery, $20 off, whatever. So I figure I'd check it out, I like Wegman's so I did that option, couldn't find the $20 off at Kroger.

Anyways, if you're not aware of grocery delivery, and more so instacart, check it out. I'll never leave my house again. Amazing era we live in. But if you're sick, or snowed in, etc. it is amazing the options available to us now. It was far worth the time saved and hassle to just go online, pick my stuff, and a short time later it's delivered! And with stores like Wegman's, it knows my selections so it was super easy.

Not affiliated:

https://www.instacart.com/store

 

[Raydawg]

Where we live on an island we have very few options to shop for our needs, and its more pricey too. Our gas for example is a buck plus more on the mainland or even 35 miles up the island, where they have lots of chain stores and normal prices. Years ago they wrote into law that development would never allow such down here as to keep it rural, etc.
So we have used home delivery a lot, even more so since COVID.......
The only downside is the accumulation of cardboard, which I breakdown and once I have enough I take to the recycling center about 10 miles away.

 

[Underboss]

I have used Krogers when not feeling well, it makes life so much easier. I have great neighbors but I do not like to impose on them and when sick its great to have the option

 

[Holdmybeer]

Instacart has reportedly abandoned the dynamic pricing "experiment" that was exposed a few months back. They were cleverly using AI to determine based on demographics what different customers would pay. One customer for example might see a price of $3.99 for the same dozen eggs another would see for $4.49. If you live in a gated community and drive a Wagoneer you were going to be charged differently from someone living in an apartment complex driving a Camry. It was equally as cleverly taking full advantage of the Eco. 101 addage "the price of any commodity is what the consumer is willing to pay".

Instacart does however ordinarily charge more per item than the shelf price because they're a for profit business unaffilated with the grocer and they have to pay an employee to pick the order.

An unsaid advantage with both curbside pick up and delivery, for me anyway, is it cuts out impulse buying. If I go into a grocery store for a loaf of bread I'll come out with a Brisket and a fun size bag of Butterfingers ( as opposed to the disappointing size bag). Then halfway home I remember the bread.