Should I Buy Grocery Online?

Buying groceries online isn’t a foreign concept to most people. Australians, especially, have been exposed to this during the COVID-19 lockdown. Victorians, who experienced the strictest lockdown, relied heavily on online grocery services to continue their day-to-day life.

However, after the lockdown is lifted, is there still a need for online grocery? 

The Rise of Online Groceries

Online groceries are still very much alive. In 2024, it is thriving and grocery delivery stores are popping up left and right. More people are going online to shop for their essentials, revelling in the convenience. With a few clicks that take at most fifteen minutes, people can purchase everything they need without spending transport money. 

People with disabilities also benefit because of the increased accessibility. Their essentials can be delivered to their doorstep, eliminating the hassle. Grocery shopping online helps with the rising cost of living, too. Most online grocery stores offer deals and sales periodically, helping people save more than $100 each month. 

Despite the obvious benefits, many still have the false notion that online products are lesser in quality. If they can’t see it, then there is no guarantee that it is good. This sentiment is not unfounded, because perishables like vegetables and fruit can deteriorate during shipping. 

However, if you choose your store right, you can get your money's worth. 

Choose Your Store Wisely 

With all the online grocery stores competing to give you the cheapest price, it can be overwhelming. You don’t have to stick with just one, but make sure that all of your go-to stores have met all the criteria below.

Large Selections

Everyone has different tastes and needs, so it is best to make sure that your trusted stores offer everything you need. A versatile store provides ingredients for any cuisine, from Italian herbs to quail eggs, a staple in Asian dishes. 

They should also recognise dietary preferences, like gluten-free, dairy-free or carb-free food. Low-carb potatoes and lactose-free full-cream milk should be among the options. 

Delivery Areas

This is a no-brainer. Your online grocery should be able to deliver to your address. Not all stores have a big coverage. Some only deliver to the neighbouring suburbs or a few kilometres outside of their warehouse. Therefore, make sure that your postcode is included in their delivery areas before you order.

Food Safety Certification

We can’t see how fresh the produce is when we buy online. To eliminate this doubt, research if the company have complied with food safety standards. In Australia, grocery stores that meet the standards are accredited by HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points). 

A HACCP-accredited store demonstrated that they have high standards in hygiene, food handling, and food safety. These high standards came from having a well-maintained facility to store food and prevent contamination.

Same Day Delivery Cut-Off

Perishables like vegetables, meat, and fruit can deteriorate throughout the day. It’s hard to maintain their freshness in shipping, especially if you live far from the warehouse. Hence, pay attention to the stores’ same-day delivery policy.

Stores should cut their same-day delivery quota by a certain hour, usually from 11 am until noon.  More than that, the produce that arrives at your door won’t be as fresh as you expect it to be. They should allow time to sort and pack your items the best they can to preserve the quality. 

Clear Return Policy

Your stores should communicate their return policy in detail. Communication about damaged or faulty products should be seamless and easy to find. Make sure that their website provides an active phone number, email, and fillable complaint form. This way, you can claim your money back without much hassle.

Fair Pricing and Free Shipping

Last but not least, a grocery store should have fair pricing, both to you and their sources. Your items should be accessible without hurting the local farmers. Hence, search for stores that have a long-established history in their community.

Moreover, stores should offer free shipping after a certain amount of purchase. Without free shipping, the overall price will skyrocket and eventually be more expensive than shopping in-store. This defeats online grocery’s purpose to help people save money.

Conclusion

Online grocery is helpful on many levels, so you should enjoy the benefits it offers. However, choose your stores carefully before purchasing to ensure that you get your money's worth. Select a few stores as your go-to and start saving time and money now.