The Rise of Grocery Delivery
From Instacart and Amazon Fresh to Walmart+ and Target’s same-day delivery, grocery delivery has become more convenient than ever. It’s ideal for busy households, elderly shoppers, or anyone without easy access to transportation. But does it actually save you money compared to traditional in-store shopping?
Breaking Down the Costs
Delivery services often include multiple fees—delivery charges, service fees, tip recommendations, and sometimes higher item pricing. For instance, Instacart may mark up products 5–15% compared to in-store tags. On top of that, subscription services like Walmart+ or Amazon Fresh offer “free” delivery, but only after you pay a monthly or annual membership.
The In-Store Advantage
Shopping in person means you see prices clearly, have access to unadvertised in-store specials, and can avoid service fees. You’re also more likely to catch clearance markdowns and manager’s specials that don’t appear online. Stores like Aldi and Trader Joe’s don’t offer delivery at all, keeping their prices low by focusing on the in-store experience.
Where Delivery Can Save You Money
If you’re prone to impulse buys, delivery may help you stick to your list—and your budget. It also saves on gas and time, especially with rising fuel costs. Services like Target’s Drive Up or curbside pickup at Kroger provide a hybrid option: online ordering with no delivery fee.
Combining Delivery with Cashback Apps
Online grocery shopping can still work in your favor if you pair it with rebate tools. For example, get cashback at Whole Foods by using a gift card purchased through Fluz, then stacking it with Ibotta or Rakuten offers. Many cashback apps allow receipt scanning or loyalty card linking for seamless rewards even on delivery orders.
Who Should Choose What?
- Go with delivery if you need convenience, can stick to a strict digital list, or have free/discounted membership access.
- Stick to in-store if you value deal hunting, need to compare prices closely, or shop stores that don’t participate in delivery services.
