Buying groceries and food online is pretty common these days, but just because more of us are doing it, that doesn’t mean we’re getting BETTER at doing it. The convenience and comfort of buying online can make us blind to some of the cold, hard realities surrounding the experience.
But, as we’re positive people, let’s start with the really good things about buying groceries or food online. For a start, you can buy at a time that suits you, so having to shop within trading hours becomes a thing of the past. You can compare grocery prices at different retailers without having to physically go from store to store. You can stick to your list and stay within budget instead of doing the impulse shopping we all do when we see something at the shops that we don’t need but feel we just have to buy. Think chippies, ice cream, chocolate etc. etc. and you get the idea! And last but definitely not least, there’s the pure convenience of it all. You can leave the car at home, you don’t have to deal with traffic, or find a park, or queue at a checkout. Yes, there’s certainly a lot to like about buying food and groceries this way.
However, there are some things you need to be wary of. If you’re buying food of any sort, you won’t have an idea of its quality until it is delivered to you. On the other hand, shopping in store does allow you to take a closer look at the food items, particularly meat, fruit and vegetables, before you buy. Of course, if you shop online with a reputable supplier, they’ll more than likely stock good quality food anyway. Plus, if you’re a regular and valued customer, they’ll probably be extra conscientious when picking your order.
Delivery fees might differ if you want your order brought to you at peak times, and you might miss out on some discounts or deals that are only available in store. Other considerations include the addictive nature of online shopping. Convenience is FUN, but that can mean maxed out credit cards if you get hooked on this sort of cash-free shopping. And, for the more health-conscious among you, it’s difficult to read the nutritional and ingredient information on packaged food, which is something you can easily do when you’re instore.
Overall, buying groceries and food online fits nicely into our busy lifestyles and budgets, thanks to that reduced impulse buying and being able to stick to your shopping list! When time and money is tight, it really is a good solution, especially if you come across a great supplier who will look after you with prompt delivery of their high-quality produce.