Do you have an empty fridge but going to the grocery store is not on your agenda? Good thing for grocery delivery.
But will the fees eat up your cost?
I ordered 13 items from Safeway... Once using the Safeway delivery services and once using Instacart.
I was floored at the difference in cost.
Get this. My total cost for 13 items was $49 using Safeway’s delivery service.
The cost is about $60 using Instacart. Again, shopping at the same store for the exact same items.
So we know which route is cheaper, but how about the actual delivery time?
We scheduled both deliveries to arrive between 7 and 8 p.m.
The Safeway delivery arrived at 7:31 p.m. and all of the food was in good shape -- ice cream still frozen and everything.
We received a confirmation email at 4 p.m., a reminder from Instacart that the delivery would be on time.
But that time passed and eventually we got an email that the order was canceled. No explanation and no groceries.
But we did hear back from Instacart They say the shopper actually arrived early but didn't get an answer. They add, their Community Support team also attempted to call but didn't leave a message.
So we simply reordered for the next morning and our groceries were on time.
In the end, Instacart had a higher cost.
Still, Instacart is definitely a convenient option for grocery delivery, especially for stores that don't deliver. But unless they have a specific partnership with the store, you will pay a higher price.
Another observation: Instacart has more flexibility when it comes to delivery times and we must add that we’ve used Instacart on several occasions and the groceries arrived on time.
As for Safeway, we saved more money because their delivery service gives you Safeway Rewards so you can get the deals that are happening in the store.
Something else to consider: Safeway delivery requires a minimum of $49.
So what about deals?
For first-time users to Safeway delivery, you can get $20 off and free delivery using the promo code “TWENTY.” Regular delivery ranges from $10 to $13, depending on how much you spend.
For Instacart, I found a promo code for $10 off and free delivery on retailmenot.com. Its regular cost is $6.
My advice, if you’re shopping at Safeway, use their delivery service to save the most. Before you pay, always check for coupon codes. We have great luck with www.retailmenot.com.
