In the fast-paced life today, completing simple tasks that were once a part of the routine are now considered a major time drain. One such task that causes people a lot of inconveniences is grocery shopping. When you add everything up, a trip to the grocery store can easily take up two to three hours from your valuable time. But we all need food, right?

Did you know that many stores like Britsuperstore let you shop for groceries online? Just load the groceries into your cart, select a delivery time, and then wait for the groceries to arrive at your door. Sounds like a dream come true? It most certainly does. But, before you start filling your grocery cart, you must weigh the pros and cons of online grocery shopping to decide it’s worth it or not. 

Pros of Online Grocery Shopping

➢ Saves Time

If you are short on time, visiting a grocery store is not an ideal option. Opting for online grocery delivery service means everything can be done at the comfort of your couch and within just a few clicks. This provision of online shopping leaves you with more time to work, enjoy with your family, and concentrate on your future endeavours.

➢ Reduces Impulse Buys

Most of the people complain that a visit to the grocery store makes them feel as if they have earned that extra bag of potato chips, half a litre of Belgian ice cream, and a few chocolate bars. These impulse buys can easily damage your grocery budget. But by using a delivery service, you are less likely to overspend. Hence, impulse buys become a thing of the past.

➢ Makes Price Comparison Easier

When shopping offline, most people don’t have the time and energy to compare unit prices. On the other hand, online grocery shopping makes comparison shopping easy and really quick. Additionally, it gives you a pressure-free environment wherein you can make your decisions one product at a time, and hence, bring your anxiety down.

➢ Ultimate Convenience

Imagine this: You are at home, enjoying the day with your kids when you remember groceries are almost over. Of course, you wouldn’t want to miss the fun moments with your kids to go to a grocery store. That said, with the convenience of online shopping, you can order anything, anytime, and anywhere. You will just have to place the order, and it will be delivered at your doorstep without any hassle.

Cons of Online Grocery Shopping

➢ Can Be Expensive

Depending on the store you order from, cost of usage and delivery fees can add up the final price of the purchase. A few dollars here and there may add up over time, and as a result, online grocery shopping can be more expensive. Especially, if the store charges a high delivery fee.

➢ Delivery Can Take Time

While it doesn’t matter who receives the items, you will have to choose the delivery time slot making sure someone is at home. Although some online superstores drop off the delivery without signature, but you wouldn’t want your stuff left outside your house unattended.

➢ You Can’t Handpick Each Item

Since you cannot check the quality of the item before you receive it, buying fresh produce can be a challenge. On the other hand, when you walk down a produce aisle, you search for the best-looking fruits and vegetables. 

Having said that, while most services guarantee freshness, you might not be able to trust another shopper to select items for you.

➢ You Might Still Have To Go To The Supermart

In the case, you are using an online grocery delivery service for your weekly trip; you might still have to go to the supermart for some items like milk, bread, etc. And in lieu, you will spend money on impulse buys.

Grocery delivery services can complement regular grocery store trips if you don’t get everything on your list. 

The bottom line? Do what works best for you and your budget. 

If you are one of those shoppers who create a grocery list and stick by it, online shopping may be expensive for you. On the other hand, if you are an impulse buyer, or run short on time, Online grocery shopping may just be the right choice for you.

What do you think?

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3 Comments
  • Paul
    Tuesday, November 5, 2019

    Have you considered getting your online groceries delivered to your iParcelBox? Many grocers now allow you to select different times for different prices: choose a cheaper early morning slot eg 5am and your shopping will be waiting for you when you wake up!

    • MummyConstant
      Tuesday, November 5, 2019

      What a fabulous idea. I didn’t think about groceries and iParcelBox . Thanks Paul.

  • Kim Carberry
    Tuesday, November 5, 2019

    I couldn’t be without online shopping. We live out in the sticks and don’t drive so to get our groceries could cost me about £5 to get the the supermarket by bus then about £20 back by taxi. I only buy what I need now and I’ve signed up for a delivery pass which costs about £6 a month which is well worth it x