How to Use Grocery Delivery Services Without Overspending

When life gets busy, grocery delivery services can feel like a lifesaver. You skip the store, save time, and everything shows up right at your doorstep. But, without some smart strategies, convenience can come at a higher price than you expect. The good news? It’s entirely possible to enjoy the ease of grocery delivery without overspending, and I’m here to show you how.

Let’s dive into practical, everyday tips that’ll help you keep more money in your wallet while still benefiting from the convenience of grocery delivery.

1. Stick to a List—Seriously

This is the first rule of grocery shopping whether you’re at the store or using delivery services. Impulse buys are much easier to make when you’re clicking through an app or website, especially with tempting promotions or suggestions popping up. It’s like a digital form of wandering down the candy aisle.

To combat this, always shop with a list. Use a note on your phone or a meal planner to write down exactly what you need, and stick to it. Resist the urge to browse and add unnecessary items. The fewer items you add that aren’t on your list, the more you’ll save.

Additionally, many apps allow you to create a saved shopping list for recurring purchases. This can help prevent you from adding items you don’t really need while also speeding up your ordering process.

2. Compare Prices Between Stores

Most people don’t realize that many grocery delivery services work with multiple stores. For example, services like Instacart or Shipt may partner with several supermarkets, giving you the ability to choose where your groceries come from. Don’t be afraid to shop around virtually.

Compare the prices of your usual items between the available stores. You might find that one store charges significantly less for essentials like milk or bread, while another offers better deals on meats or snacks. The ability to price compare means you can always go for the best deal without leaving your home.

3. Take Advantage of Store Loyalty Programs

Many grocery delivery services now integrate with store loyalty programs. If your favorite grocery store offers a loyalty card, make sure it’s linked to your delivery account. This way, you still earn points, cash back, or other rewards, just as you would if you were shopping in person.

What’s more, some delivery services allow you to use store coupons. It’s a bit of extra effort, but the savings can add up quickly. Keep an eye out for digital coupons within the app itself or sign up for emails from your chosen store to stay updated on the latest deals.

4. Watch Out for Delivery Fees

One of the hidden costs of using grocery delivery services is the delivery fee. These fees can vary depending on the service, how fast you need the items, and even the time of day you’re ordering. Sometimes, the delivery fee can add up to $10 or more, which can really eat into your grocery budget.

Here’s how to avoid or minimize delivery fees:

Look for free delivery promos: Many services offer free delivery on your first order or during special promotions. Use these when available.
Use a subscription: Some services, like Instacart Express or Amazon Fresh, offer subscription models where you pay a monthly or annual fee for unlimited free deliveries. If you order groceries often, these subscriptions can save you money in the long run.
Opt for flexible delivery times: Some services charge less for deliveries during non-peak hours. If you can schedule your delivery for later in the day or even the next day, you could save a few dollars.

5. Avoid Convenience Add-Ons

Most delivery services offer various “convenience” add-ons to make your shopping experience easier, like pre-cut fruits, deli meats, or ready-made meals. These items are often marked up considerably compared to the same items you’d buy whole and prep yourself.

For example, a pre-cut fruit tray may cost twice as much as buying the whole fruit and slicing it at home. The same goes for ready-made meals or pre-chopped vegetables. If you’re aiming to save money, avoid these convenience items and opt to do the prep work yourself. You’ll pay less and still enjoy fresh, healthy food.

6. Use Cashback Apps and Browser Extensions

Yes, you can even earn cashback on your grocery delivery orders! Apps like Rakuten or Ibotta offer cashback on certain grocery purchases, and some of these rewards can even be stacked with store promotions or loyalty programs.

In addition to cashback apps, browser extensions like Honey or Capital One Shopping automatically search for promo codes or additional savings when you check out. These tools can save you money without you even needing to search for discounts yourself.

Be sure to check which apps or extensions work with your chosen grocery delivery service to get the best deal every time you order.

7. Buy in Bulk When It Makes Sense

Another way to save money when using grocery delivery services is by buying in bulk. Many delivery services offer discounts on bulk items like household goods, snacks, or pantry staples. But, just like in-store, buying in bulk only saves you money if you’ll actually use all of what you’re buying.

For non-perishable items like paper towels, toilet paper, or canned goods, bulk buying can be a great way to reduce your grocery expenses over time. However, avoid the temptation to buy perishable items in large quantities unless you know you can use them up before they spoil.

8. Skip the Tipping on Smaller Orders

This tip may be a bit controversial, but it’s worth mentioning. If you’re ordering a small or minimal grocery order, you might want to reconsider tipping big. While it’s always polite to tip delivery drivers, tipping a percentage of a small order, such as 20% on $20, can inflate your costs quickly.

Instead, consider tipping a flat amount on smaller orders, or use a percentage-based tip only on larger orders. If you’re doing a huge grocery shop, by all means, tip generously, but for minimal purchases, keep tipping proportional to avoid spending more than necessary.

9. Don’t Over-Order

It’s easy to feel like you need to order a lot of groceries when you use a delivery service, but this can actually lead to waste. Since you’re not physically walking through the store, you might overestimate what you’ll need for the week, leading to spoiled food and wasted money.

Before you order, take stock of what you already have in your pantry, fridge, and freezer. Only add what you truly need to your cart to avoid over-purchasing items you already own or won’t use.

Meal planning for the week before placing your grocery order can help ensure you don’t order more than necessary. This way, you’ll know exactly what you need for each meal and avoid throwing out uneaten or expired food.

10. Take Advantage of Subscription-Based Groceries

Some grocery delivery services offer subscription models where you receive certain items automatically at regular intervals. Amazon Fresh, for example, allows you to subscribe to essentials like coffee, snacks, or household items at a discount if you set up regular deliveries.

Subscriptions can be a fantastic way to save money, especially on items you use consistently. However, be careful not to over-subscribe. Review your subscriptions regularly to make sure they still align with your needs, and cancel or adjust deliveries as necessary to prevent over-ordering.

Final Thoughts

Using grocery delivery services doesn’t have to break the bank. With a few strategic moves, such as sticking to your list, comparing prices, and taking advantage of rewards programs, you can enjoy the convenience without the overspending. It’s all about being intentional with your purchases and finding ways to cut down on extra fees or unnecessary splurges.

Grocery delivery is here to stay, and by applying these tips, you’ll master the art of saving money while still keeping your pantry fully stocked!

By following these simple, practical tips, you’ll not only save time but also manage your grocery spending with ease, leaving you with more money for the things that matter most.