Buying online for order pickup

[Deleted]

Reckon coronavirus will be a boon for buying groceries and whatever all else from retailers like Walmart, Target, Kroger? Customers wouldn't have to come in contact with others and have limited contact with retailers' employees.

I haven't noticed many shoppers taking advantage of order pickup parking spaces. Maybe it's just the hours when I'm out.

Do you take advantage of order pickup? 

[steph08]

I love grocery pickup. I live too far in the boonies to get them delivered, but I love ordering and just driving to pick them up. It saves me so much time and money (because I'm not picking up random crap I don't need).

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

Yep, but it depends upon the type of shopping I am doing.  I find that seeing fresh food can give me ideas as to what to make for dinner.  When TD’s car was in the shop and he was driving mine, I would put in a grocery order and he would bring it home.  While I was putting together the order, I bought the standards that we always need, but I had a hard time being inspired as to what to make for meals.  

FWIW.....when I went to pick up groceries earlier this week (I got some really pretty leeks for soup), there were a lot of orders being put together by store staff.  Seemed like more than usual.

[haapai]

I've only seen a customer using the order pickup parking space once in the months since my store put up the signs. 

On the other hand, the Shipt folks have been very busy recently.  They are showing up earlier and earlier and moving faster and faster.  I'll ask them tomorrow how much busier they are.  I work in a grocery store. 

We've been exceeding our sales goals recently but it may be because of a thaw and glorious 50-degree weather.  So far, I have not seen a whole lot of empty shelves except for liquid hand soap and sanitizer.  Nor have I seen customers pushing carts that scream, "We're preparing to be shut in for weeks."

[Chocolate Lover]

I love the grocery pick up and the after work hours are the ones that see a lot of action. If I pick up after work, I might be there with 10 other cars and wait a while. If I send my DH on one of his days off in the middle of the day, he is in and out much quicker. 

[NoNamePerson]

Mar 5, 2020 11:02:53 GMT -5 The Walk of the Penguin Mich said:

Yep, but it depends upon the type of shopping I am doing.  I find that seeing fresh food can give me ideas as to what to make for dinner.  When TD’s car was in the shop and he was driving mine, I would put in a grocery order and he would bring it home.  While I was putting together the order, I bought the standards that we always need, but I had a hard time being inspired as to what to make for meals.  

FWIW.....when I went to pick up groceries earlier this week (I got some really pretty leeks for soup), there were a lot of orders being put together by store staff.  Seemed like more than usual.

And lord help you if you should cross paths with one of those staff with their two decker filled with baskets for getting items for car pickup/delivery. They will run over your ass in a heartbeat. How dare you be in the store actually shopping 

If I worked and had a boat load of kids I would be one of the call in pick up pEEps also. But I go when store opens on Sunday morning. I always say not crowded since Christians are in church and us heathens are shopping 

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

Mar 5, 2020 11:36:00 GMT -5 NoNamePerson said:

Mar 5, 2020 11:02:53 GMT -5 The Walk of the Penguin Mich said:

Yep, but it depends upon the type of shopping I am doing.  I find that seeing fresh food can give me ideas as to what to make for dinner.  When TD’s car was in the shop and he was driving mine, I would put in a grocery order and he would bring it home.  While I was putting together the order, I bought the standards that we always need, but I had a hard time being inspired as to what to make for meals.  

FWIW.....when I went to pick up groceries earlier this week (I got some really pretty leeks for soup), there were a lot of orders being put together by store staff.  Seemed like more than usual.

And lord help you if you should cross paths with one of those staff with their two decker filled with baskets for getting items for car pickup/delivery. They will run over your ass in a heartbeat. How dare you be in the store actually shopping 

If I worked and had a boat load of kids I would be one of the call in pick up pEEps also. But I go when store opens on Sunday morning. I always say not crowded since Christians are in church and us heathens are shopping 

Prime shopping.  My ritual when I was single was to read the paper ads while I drank coffee to figure out what was on sale to make for dinner that week.  By 9 am, I’d be at the grocery store, it would have just been restocked and almost empty.  

Now, I try to go in the middle of the weekday.  It still can be crazy, but I live in a large retirement city.

[GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl]

I admit to using Whole Foods Prime Now DELIVERY on a fairly frequent basis. Whole Foods doesn’t have a curb-side pick up option here, so delivery it is. Like others, I avoid spontaneous purchases so the minor cost of the tip (and the fractional cost of my Prime membership) is negligible.

[buystoys]

My sister places her order for pick up every Tuesday.  She loves it.  I'm a bit picky on fruit and veggies, so I can't see myself really using it.

[Deleted]

Mar 5, 2020 20:02:14 GMT -5 buystoys said:

My sister places her order for pick up every Tuesday.  She loves it.  I'm a bit picky on fruit and veggies, so I can't see myself really using it.

That's what stops DD, too...the fruit and veggies. Has your sister been satisfied with the produce they choose for her?

[steph08]

I am pretty picky with my fruits and veggies, too, especially strawberries. However, I have the most beautiful and non-bruised produce every time! So, at least at my store, they seem to take their time and choose the nicest items.

I only had a mix-up once - they gave me envy apples instead of jazz (when I went into the store the next time, I saw they were right on top of one another so understand the confusion). No biggie.

They also inform you of any substitutions. And you can reject the substitutions if you don't want them (i.e., they were out of low fat vanilla yogurt so gave me whole milk vanilla yogurt of the same brand). But if they substitute up, they don't charge you extra (ordered 1.5 dozen eggs, and they were out so gave me two 1-dozen containers).

[buystoys]

Mar 5, 2020 20:15:46 GMT -5 @missrigby said:

Mar 5, 2020 20:02:14 GMT -5 buystoys said:

My sister places her order for pick up every Tuesday.  She loves it.  I'm a bit picky on fruit and veggies, so I can't see myself really using it.

That's what stops DD, too...the fruit and veggies. Has your sister been satisfied with the produce they choose for her?

She has been.  I try to buy green bananas so they'll last until we eat the rest of the fruit.  Sis says they always give her good fresh produce but it's all ripe when she buys it.  So she buys less so it doesn't go bad. 

[Anne_in_VA]

I don’t buy groceries for pickup, but I do shop online and go pick it up.  It’s much easier than going to the store only to find they don’t have it or I can’t find it.  I’m way to picky about my groceries and produce, so I don’t do that.  Walmart is notorious for substitutes, so I wouldn’t use them anyway.  I may try Harris Teeter though to see how they do.  It would help reduce me picking up other stuff too.

[dannylion]

I've been very pleased with the quality of the fresh produce I've been getting with my grocery delivery and pick-up orders.  It really looks like the folks selecting the items for my order are choosing what they would choose for themselves.  Grocery delivery and order-for-pickup services have been a lifesaver for me since I've been ill.  I think I'm probably saving money, too, because I don't get a lot of random stuff I hadn't planned on buying.  

[cktc]

My issue with ordering produce isn't that they don't pick the best strawberries, it's that I would rather have blueberries, or kiwi, or grapes if the best strawberries are bruised. When I send DH I say buy whatever fruit/veggies that are on sale that look fresh. So normally when ordering I just avoid ordering the more fragile fruits like berries and grapes. Apples, oranges, bananas, melons and pineapples are usually all fine.

[Deleted]

Mar 6, 2020 11:37:21 GMT -5 cktc said:

My issue with ordering produce isn't that they don't pick the best strawberries, it's that I would rather have blueberries, or kiwi, or grapes if the best strawberries are bruised. When I send DH I say buy whatever fruit/veggies that are on sale that look fresh. So normally when ordering I just avoid ordering the more fragile fruits like berries and grapes. Apples, oranges, bananas, melons and pineapples are usually all fine.

You and minnesotapaintlady have the best avatars ever! Please don't get a wild hair and change

[NastyWoman]

Mar 6, 2020 11:17:28 GMT -5 dannylion said:

I've been very pleased with the quality of the fresh produce I've been getting with my grocery delivery and pick-up orders.  It really looks like the folks selecting the items for my order are choosing what they would choose for themselves.  Grocery delivery and order-for-pickup services have been a lifesaver for me since I've been ill.  I think I'm probably saving money, too, because I don't get a lot of random stuff I hadn't planned on buying.  

wowowowowowow, what did I miss? How long have you been sick? Get well soon!

[Deleted]

I'm too picky with fruit and veggies to let someone else do it, besides it only takes me 10 mins at Aldi to get in and out, I know what I want before I go there.  

[weltschmerz]

Mar 5, 2020 10:54:30 GMT -5 @missrigby said:

Reckon coronavirus will be a boon for buying groceries and whatever all else from retailers like Walmart, Target, Kroger? Customers wouldn't have to come in contact with others and have limited contact with retailers' employees.

I haven't noticed many shoppers taking advantage of order pickup parking spaces. Maybe it's just the hours when I'm out.

Do you take advantage of order pickup? 

No, I live across the street from a major grocery store chain. I can't justify order pickup. That being said, I make sure I don't touch my face while shopping, because who knows what cooties are on the shopping cart handles?
I wash my hands immediately after coming home.

[Deleted]

Mar 6, 2020 16:40:01 GMT -5 weltschmerz said:

Mar 5, 2020 10:54:30 GMT -5 @missrigby said:

Reckon coronavirus will be a boon for buying groceries and whatever all else from retailers like Walmart, Target, Kroger? Customers wouldn't have to come in contact with others and have limited contact with retailers' employees.

I haven't noticed many shoppers taking advantage of order pickup parking spaces. Maybe it's just the hours when I'm out.

Do you take advantage of order pickup? 

No, I live across the street from a major grocery store chain. I can't justify order pickup. That being said, I make sure I don't touch my face while shopping, because who knows what cooties are on the shopping cart handles?
I wash my hands immediately after coming home.

Our stores, including Walmart, have been providing wipes that you can use to wipe down the shopping cart handles.  I still wouldn't touch my face, but washing your hands when you get home is really too late.  Those "cooties" are now all over your door handle and steering wheel and who knows what else.  Maybe try hand sanitizer (if you have any) before getting in the car?

[NastyWoman]

Mar 6, 2020 16:47:10 GMT -5 @bamafan1954 said:

Mar 6, 2020 16:40:01 GMT -5 weltschmerz said:

No, I live across the street from a major grocery store chain. I can't justify order pickup. That being said, I make sure I don't touch my face while shopping, because who knows what cooties are on the shopping cart handles?
I wash my hands immediately after coming home.

Our stores, including Walmart, have been providing wipes that you can use to wipe down the shopping cart handles.  I still wouldn't touch my face, but washing your hands when you get home is really too late.  Those "cooties" are now all over your door handle and steering wheel and who knows what else.  Maybe try hand sanitizer (if you have any) before getting in the car?

I sincerely doubt weltschmerz gets into her car just to cross the street with her groceries, though I may be wrong of course

[NoNamePerson]

Just live in hazmat suit?? Heck I’ve seen warnings about drugs on shopping carts causing death instantaneously at stores  Have never personally witnessed anyone dying on the spot but that is the latest thing. Also saw a warning about the dangers of hand sanitizers 

[weltschmerz]

Mar 6, 2020 16:47:10 GMT -5 @bamafan1954 said:

Mar 6, 2020 16:40:01 GMT -5 weltschmerz said:

No, I live across the street from a major grocery store chain. I can't justify order pickup. That being said, I make sure I don't touch my face while shopping, because who knows what cooties are on the shopping cart handles?
I wash my hands immediately after coming home.

Our stores, including Walmart, have been providing wipes that you can use to wipe down the shopping cart handles.  I still wouldn't touch my face, but washing your hands when you get home is really too late.  Those "cooties" are now all over your door handle and steering wheel and who knows what else.  Maybe try hand sanitizer (if you have any) before getting in the car?

Again, I literally live across the street. I don't take the car.

[dannylion]

Mar 6, 2020 15:22:08 GMT -5 NastyWoman said:

Mar 6, 2020 11:17:28 GMT -5 dannylion said:

I've been very pleased with the quality of the fresh produce I've been getting with my grocery delivery and pick-up orders.  It really looks like the folks selecting the items for my order are choosing what they would choose for themselves.  Grocery delivery and order-for-pickup services have been a lifesaver for me since I've been ill.  I think I'm probably saving money, too, because I don't get a lot of random stuff I hadn't planned on buying.  

wowowowowowow, what did I miss? How long have you been sick? Get well soon!

Thanks, NastyWoman!  I will get better, but it will apparently take some time.  For the past few months, I have had some significant inflammation and pain in all of my joints that my rheumatologist has decided is the result of an acute viral illness I had last year.  It's hard to get around, and I haven't been able to get much exercise, so my fibromyalgia is flaring now, too, so it's a sort of perfect storm.  It will get better.  

[NastyWoman]

dannylion, I am glad to read that you are expected to get well. May it be soon and with minimal pain

[weltschmerz]

Mar 6, 2020 16:55:07 GMT -5 NoNamePerson said:

Just live in hazmat suit?? Heck I’ve seen warnings about drugs on shopping carts causing death instantaneously at stores  Have never personally witnessed anyone dying on the spot but that is the latest thing. Also saw a warning about the dangers of hand sanitizers 

I'm taking REASONABLE precautions. Do I freeze or microwave the mail I get? Think of all the grubby hands in the Ukraine that have touched it. Think of my mailman's hands, handling my letters after touching all those apartment building door handles and railings, etc. Where does it end? 
So, I'm taking reasonable precautions and not going crazy. Going further would put me into Howard Hughs territory, wearing Kleenex boxes on my feet and hoarding my own urine in glass jars.

[NoNamePerson]

Mar 6, 2020 21:17:04 GMT -5 weltschmerz said:

Mar 6, 2020 16:55:07 GMT -5 NoNamePerson said:

Just live in hazmat suit?? Heck I’ve seen warnings about drugs on shopping carts causing death instantaneously at stores  Have never personally witnessed anyone dying on the spot but that is the latest thing. Also saw a warning about the dangers of hand sanitizers 

I'm taking REASONABLE precautions. Do I freeze or microwave the mail I get? Think of all the grubby hands in the Ukraine that have touched it. Think of my mailman's hands, handling my letters after touching all those apartment building door handles and railings, etc. Where does it end? 
So, I'm taking reasonable precautions and not going crazy. Going further would put me into Howard Hughs territory, wearing Kleenex boxes on my feet and hoarding my own urine in glass jars.

My learn something new for the day. I have read/seen a lot abut HH over the years but this was new to me about the Kleenex boxes (or I forgot that fact, which is possible). I'm off to read up some more on him. Yep, I think common sense and reasonable precautions are a good thing and just plain common sense but I'm under the impression that Common Sense and Elvis have left the building long ago.

[Blonde Granny]

I was notified this morning that some of the entrances to the VA where I volunteer will be closed starting Monday. Mine is one of them. I'm one that could easily be placed in the category of high risk, so I guess for now, my volunteer days are over.

[NancysSummerSip]

Mar 6, 2020 17:49:45 GMT -5 dannylion said:

Mar 6, 2020 15:22:08 GMT -5 NastyWoman said:

wowowowowowow, what did I miss? How long have you been sick? Get well soon!

Thanks, NastyWoman !  I will get better, but it will apparently take some time.  For the past few months, I have had some significant inflammation and pain in all of my joints that my rheumatologist has decided is the result of an acute viral illness I had last year.  It's hard to get around, and I haven't been able to get much exercise, so my fibromyalgia is flaring now, too, so it's a sort of perfect storm.  It will get better.  

First I'd heard of you being ill as well dearie. Get well soonest!