How I Get My Groceries Delivered to My Door (And It’s Cheaper Than Driving)
My Dad’s New Favorite ‘Chore’
My dad hated grocery shopping. The crowded aisles, the heavy lifting—it was a stressful weekly ordeal. I signed him up for a Walmart+ membership. Now, he uses their app to add items to his cart throughout the week. When he’s ready, he picks a delivery time, and the groceries just show up at his door. The ninety-eight-dollar annual fee is less than what he was spending on gas for the trips, and with free delivery, he’s saving both time and money. He says it’s the best “chore” he’s ever had.
The Amazon “Subscribe & Save” Feature That Saves Me 15% on Household Goods
Automating My Most Boring Errands
I was tired of constantly running out of things like paper towels, cat food, and coffee. It meant extra trips to the store. I discovered Amazon’s “Subscribe & Save” feature. I found the items I buy regularly and chose to have them delivered automatically every month or two. By subscribing, I get an automatic 15% discount on everything. Now, my essentials just show up at my door right when I need them, and I’m paying less than I would at the store. It’s a brilliant way to automate my most boring errands.
I Compared Instacart, Shipt, and Walmart+. Here’s the Winner.
The Great Grocery Delivery Showdown
My mom wanted grocery delivery but was overwhelmed by the options. We decided to test the big three: Instacart, Shipt, and Walmart+. Instacart had the widest selection of stores but was the most expensive. Shipt, which is owned by Target, had excellent, communicative shoppers. But for my mom, the winner was Walmart+. The annual fee was the lowest, delivery was consistently free, and since she mostly shopped at Walmart anyway, it was the perfect fit. The best service really depends on which store you prefer.
How to Use a Shopping App to See If a Product Is Cheaper Online
My In-Store Price-Checking Weapon
I was in Best Buy, about to purchase a new coffee maker for eighty dollars. It seemed like a fair price. But I paused and pulled out my phone. I opened the Amazon app, tapped the camera icon in the search bar, and scanned the barcode on the box. In seconds, it pulled up the exact same coffee maker on Amazon for just fifty-five dollars, with free one-day shipping. I put the box back on the shelf and ordered it from my phone right there in the aisle.
The Secret to Getting Free Shipping on Almost Everything
The ‘ShopRunner’ Perk I Didn’t Know I Had
I hate paying for shipping when I shop online. I discovered a service called ShopRunner that offers free two-day shipping from hundreds of different stores. The best part is that I didn’t have to pay for it. Because I have an American Express card (and it works with many other cards and PayPal accounts), I get a lifetime membership for free. I just log in with ShopRunner at checkout on sites like Saks Fifth Avenue or Crate & Barrel, and the shipping cost vanishes.
I Ordered My Prescriptions from an Online Pharmacy and Saved $50
The Mail-Order Meds That Changed My Budget
My dad’s monthly prescription was costing him over one hundred dollars at our local pharmacy. His doctor mentioned we could try an online pharmacy like Cost Plus Drugs or Amazon Pharmacy. We had the doctor send the prescription there instead. The process was simple, and the medication arrived by mail a few days later. The price for the exact same drug from the exact same manufacturer? Just fifty dollars. It’s a legitimate, safe, and incredibly effective way to cut down on high medication costs.
How to Spot Fake Reviews on Amazon
The ‘Verified Purchase’ Litmus Test
My dad was about to buy a product on Amazon that had a perfect five-star rating, but something felt off. I showed him how to spot the likely fake reviews. First, we looked for reviews that were overly emotional or vague. Second, we checked the dates—many of the reviews were posted on the same day. But the most important tell was the lack of a “Verified Purchase” tag. This little tag means Amazon can confirm the person actually bought the product. We filtered to only show verified reviews, and the rating dropped to three stars.
The “Honey” Browser Extension That Automatically Finds Coupon Codes for Me
The Lazy Way to Save Money
I love a good deal but I’m too lazy to go hunting for coupon codes online. My daughter installed a free browser extension on my computer called Honey. It works silently in the background. Now, when I get to the checkout page of an online store, a little box from Honey pops up and asks, “Try Codes?” I click it, and it automatically tests all the known coupon codes for that site. More often than not, it finds one that works. It’s a brilliant tool that saves me money with zero effort.
I Used DoorDash to Get Food From My Favorite Restaurant Delivered
My ‘Night In’ Got a Major Upgrade
My wife and I love the food from a local Italian place, but some nights we just don’t have the energy to go out. In the past, that meant we were out of luck. I downloaded the DoorDash app and was thrilled to see our favorite restaurant listed. I was able to order our usual dishes right from the app. About 40 minutes later, a friendly driver delivered a hot, delicious meal right to our door. It’s a wonderful service for those nights when you want restaurant-quality food in the comfort of your own home.
How to Safely Store Your Credit Card on Amazon
The ‘One-Click’ Convenience, Made Safer
I love the convenience of Amazon’s one-click ordering, but I was nervous about having my credit card just sitting there. To make it safer, I did two things. First, I made sure my Amazon password was long, complex, and not used anywhere else by using a password manager. Second, and most importantly, I enabled Two-Factor Authentication. Now, even if someone steals my password, they can’t make a purchase without the special code that gets sent to my phone. It’s the perfect blend of convenience and security.
The “Buy Online, Pick Up in Store” Option That Saves Me So Much Time
The ‘Skip the Aisles’ Shopping Hack
I needed to get a few specific things from Target, but I didn’t have an hour to wander the aisles looking for them. I used their app to place my order. I chose the “In-Store Pickup” option. Two hours later, I got a notification that my order was ready. I walked into the store, went straight to the customer service desk, scanned a barcode from my phone, and they handed me my bag. I was in and out in less than three minutes. It’s a free service that is an absolute game-changer for busy people.
How I Create a Master Shopping List on My Phone That My Spouse Can See
The ‘We’re Out of Milk’ Solution
My husband would always call me from the grocery store to ask if we needed anything. It was so inefficient. We started using the “Reminders” app that’s built into our iPhones (Google Keep works the same way). I created a new list called “Groceries” and shared it with him. Now, whenever one of us notices we’re out of milk or bread, we just add it to the shared list. When he’s at the store, he can see the up-to-the-minute list right on his own phone. No more frantic calls.
The Trick to Finding High-Quality, Low-Cost Items on Etsy
Beyond the Cutesy Crafts
My wife loves the unique, handcrafted items on Etsy but was sometimes disappointed with the quality. I showed her the trick to finding the best stuff. Instead of just searching for an item, we now use the filters. We filter by “Star Seller,” which highlights shops with a proven record of great service and reviews. We also filter for shops located in our own country to ensure faster shipping. These two simple filters have dramatically improved the quality and reliability of our purchases, helping us find true artisans.
How to Return an Item You Bought Online Without a Hassle
The Amazon-Kohl’s Connection
I bought a shirt on Amazon that didn’t fit. I dreaded the thought of having to find a box, print a label, and go to the post office. Then I saw a new return option: “Kohl’s Drop-off.” I selected it, and Amazon gave me a QR code. I didn’t have to box or label anything. I just brought the shirt to my local Kohl’s store, they scanned the code on my phone, and the return was done. They even gave me a 25% off coupon for the store. It was the easiest return process I’ve ever experienced.
I Used Facebook Marketplace to Sell My Old Furniture. It Was Surprisingly Easy.
From ‘Old Junk’ to Extra Cash
We bought a new patio set, and our old one was just taking up space in the garage. I thought we’d have to pay someone to haul it away. On a whim, I took a few pictures of it with my phone and listed it on Facebook Marketplace for one hundred dollars. I described it honestly, noting the rust spots. Within a day, I had five inquiries. A nice young couple came the next day with cash and took it off my hands. It was surprisingly easy to turn my “junk” into someone else’s treasure.
How to Protect Yourself When Buying From a Private Seller Online
The ‘Public Meetup’ Rule
I found a great deal on a used camera on Facebook Marketplace. The seller seemed nice, but I was still nervous about meeting a stranger and handing over cash. I followed two safety rules. First, I insisted we meet in a public place during the day—we chose the parking lot of our local police station, which has a designated “safe exchange” zone. Second, I brought a friend with me. The transaction was smooth and friendly, but taking those simple precautions gave me complete peace of mind.
The Price-Tracking Website That Tells Me When My Item Goes on Sale
The ‘Buy at the Right Time’ Alert
I wanted to buy a new KitchenAid mixer, but it was expensive, and I was in no rush. I found the product on Amazon and then copied the link. I went to a website called CamelCamelCamel.com and pasted the link. It showed me the entire price history of the mixer, so I could see what a “good” sale price was. Then, I set a price alert for three hundred dollars. Two months later, I got an email: the mixer had dropped to two hundred ninety-nine. I bought it instantly, knowing I was getting the best price.
Is Amazon Prime Worth It for a Senior? A Complete Breakdown.
More Than Just Free Shipping
My neighbor, a senior on a fixed income, asked if he should pay for Amazon Prime. We sat down and looked at the benefits beyond just free two-day shipping. He realized he could use Prime Video to watch movies and shows, which could let him cancel another streaming service. He could use Prime Reading for free e-books. And with his EBT card, he qualified for a discounted Prime membership at just $6.99 a month. For him, the combined value of shipping, entertainment, and the discount made it absolutely worth it.
How I Used a Meal Kit Delivery Service (Like Blue Apron) for a Week
A Cure for My ‘What’s for Dinner?’ Burnout
My wife and I were so tired of trying to figure out what to make for dinner every night. We decided to try a meal kit service called HelloFresh for a week. We got a box with three different meals, complete with pre-portioned ingredients and step-by-step recipe cards. It was fun to cook together, and the meals were delicious and things we would have never tried on our own. It was a great way to break out of our dinner rut and inject some creativity back into our kitchen.
The Best Way to Track a Package on Your Phone
All My Deliveries in One Place
I order things from different stores online, and I used to have a mess of different tracking numbers and emails. I downloaded the Shop app (by Shopify). It automatically scans my email for tracking numbers and pulls all my orders into one simple, visual timeline. I can see at a glance that my package from Target is out for delivery and my order from Chewy is scheduled to arrive Friday. It’s a single, clean interface that tames the chaos of online shopping.
How to Avoid “Porch Pirates” Stealing Your Deliveries
The ‘Amazon Locker’ Solution
I was getting nervous about having packages left on my doorstep all day while I was out. I didn’t want to install a camera. I discovered Amazon Lockers. Now, when I check out on Amazon, I can choose to have my package delivered to a secure locker at my local Whole Foods or gas station, for free. I get an email with a six-digit code. I just go to the locker, type in the code, and a little door pops open with my package inside. It’s a completely secure and convenient solution.
I Set Up a “Dash Button” for My Mom to Reorder Her Favorite Coffee
The One-Press Reorder
My elderly mom loves a specific type of coffee from Amazon but gets confused by the website. For her, I set up a “Virtual Dash Button.” In her Amazon account, there’s a section that lists all her past purchases. I found her favorite coffee and clicked the “Add to your Dash buttons” option. Now, at the top of her Amazon app, there’s a big, friendly button with a picture of her coffee. When she’s running low, she just taps that one button, and it’s reordered.
The App That Lets Me Try on Glasses Virtually
My Living Room is Now an Optical Shop
I needed new glasses but hated the process of going to a store and trying on endless frames. I used the Warby Parker app. It uses the phone’s camera to take a detailed scan of your face. Then, you can browse their entire collection and “virtually” try on any pair. It’s incredibly realistic; I could turn my head and see how they looked from every angle. I found the perfect pair from my couch, ordered them, and they arrived a week later. It was a seamless, pressure-free experience.
How to Tell if an Online Store is Legit or a Scam Site
The 3-Point ‘Scam Check’
My wife found a website selling designer handbags for 70% off. It seemed too good to be true. We did a quick three-point scam check. First, we looked for a physical address and a real phone number on the “Contact Us” page; there was only a generic form. Second, we searched for reviews of the website itself (not the products) and found many complaints. Third, the website URL was something weird like “besthandbags-sale.biz.” It was clearly a scam site, and we closed the tab.
The “Wish List” Feature I Use for Christmas and Birthday Ideas
The ‘Perfect Gift’ Guarantee
My kids and grandkids always ask me what I want for my birthday, and my mind goes blank. Now, I use Amazon’s “Wish List” feature as a year-round idea bank. Throughout the year, if I see a book, a garden tool, or a gadget I’m interested in, I just click the “Add to List” button. When my birthday gets close, I can just share the link to my list with my family. They can choose a gift they know I’ll love, and it even marks it as purchased so I don’t get duplicates.
How to Use an App to Get a Ride to the Grocery Store
My Personal Driver for Errands
Since I stopped driving, getting to the grocery store has been my biggest challenge. I don’t always want to rely on my kids. I started using the Uber app. I already have my home address and the grocery store saved as favorites. I just open the app, tap the grocery store icon, and a car comes to pick me up in minutes. The fare is often less than what I would have spent on gas and car maintenance. It’s a powerful tool that has helped me maintain my independence.
The Best Apps for Comparing Prices Across Different Stores
My Secret Weapon for Finding the Best Deal
I was about to buy a new vacuum cleaner at Target. Before I went to the checkout, I opened the Google Shopping app on my phone. I scanned the barcode on the box, and the app instantly showed me the price for that exact same vacuum at Walmart, Amazon, Best Buy, and several other stores. It turned out Walmart had it on sale for thirty dollars less. That simple, five-second scan saved me real money by ensuring I was buying from the cheapest retailer.
I Got My Pet Food Delivered Automatically. My Back Is Thankful.
The End of the 40-Pound Bag Haul
Lugging a forty-pound bag of dog food from the pet store into my house was becoming a real pain for my back. I went on the Chewy website and found my dog’s specific brand of food. I set up an “Autoship” order to have a new bag delivered every six weeks. Not only do I get a small discount for using Autoship, but the FedEx driver now does the heavy lifting, bringing that giant bag right to my front door. My back has never been happier.
How to Read the Fine Print on a Return Policy Before You Buy
The ‘No Surprises’ Pre-Purchase Check
I was about to buy a final sale item online, but I paused. Before I click “buy,” I now have a rule: I always find and read the return policy. I look for keywords like “restocking fee,” “store credit only,” or “buyer pays return shipping.” If the policy is confusing or seems unfair, I often decide not to buy. A few minutes of reading the fine print upfront has saved me from the frustration and expense of a difficult return later on.
The Pros and Cons of Big-Box Store Delivery (Walmart, Target, Costco)
Convenience vs. Choice
I’ve used all the major store delivery services. The “pro” of using a service like Walmart+ or Target’s Shipt is that you get in-store prices and can use store coupons, which is often cheaper than a third-party app like Instacart. The “con” is that you are locked into that one store. An app like Instacart gives you the choice to shop from multiple stores, like a specialty market or a drug store, all in one order. For my weekly stock-up, I use Walmart+. For specialty items, I use Instacart.
How to Leave a Review for a Product or Service
Sharing My Experience to Help Others
I bought a fantastic new coffee maker and wanted to share my positive experience. I went back to the website where I bought it, found my order history, and saw a button that said “Write a Review.” I gave it five stars and wrote a few sentences about what I liked: it’s quiet, it’s fast, and the coffee is hot. I know that I rely on honest reviews from others when I shop, so I feel it’s my duty to contribute back and help the next person make an informed decision.
The “CamelCamelCamel” Trick for Seeing Amazon’s Price History
The ‘Is This a Real Sale?’ Detector
Amazon’s prices change constantly. I saw a blender listed with a “sale” price, but I had no idea if it was actually a good deal. I copied the Amazon link and pasted it into a website called CamelCamelCamel.com. It showed me a graph of the blender’s price over the last year. I could see that the current “sale” price was actually higher than it was two months ago. The site also lets me set a price alert, so I can get an email when it drops to a genuinely low price.
I Ordered a Custom Gift Online. Here’s How I Made Sure It Was Perfect.
From Digital Proof to Perfect Print
For my anniversary, I wanted to order a custom photo book for my wife. I was nervous that the colors would be wrong or the pictures would be blurry. Before placing the full order, I looked for a “Digital Proof” option. The company sent me a PDF file that was an exact replica of what would be printed. I was able to double-check all the photos and text for errors. Taking that extra step to review the proof ensured that the final product that arrived was absolutely perfect.
The Best Online Plant Nurseries That Deliver to Your Door
My Garden, Delivered
I love gardening, but my local nursery doesn’t always have the unique plants I’m looking for. I discovered online nurseries like Proven Winners and Burpee. I was hesitant at first, worried about getting a sad, damaged plant in the mail. But I was amazed. The plants arrived in clever, secure packaging, healthy and ready to be planted. It has opened up a whole new world of possibilities for my garden, allowing me to order specific varieties that I could never find locally.
How to Tip Your Instacart Shopper or DoorDash Driver
The Right Way to Say ‘Thank You’
I rely on delivery services, and I want to make sure I’m tipping properly. My rule of thumb is based on the service. For an Instacart shopper who spends an hour in the store carefully picking my produce and dealing with substitutions, I always tip at least 20%, just like in a restaurant. For a DoorDash driver who is just picking up a prepared bag and driving it to me, I usually tip a few dollars or 15%, whichever is higher. These people work hard, and a good tip is the best way to show appreciation.
I Sent Groceries to My Sick Friend in Another State Using an App
The ‘Digital Chicken Soup’ Delivery
My old friend who lives three states away came down with a bad flu. I felt helpless being so far away. Then I had an idea. I opened the Instacart app, typed in her address, and chose a grocery store near her house. I ordered chicken soup, crackers, orange juice, and a few other comfort items. I paid with my own card and had it delivered to her doorstep an hour later. It was a simple, practical way to show I was thinking of her and to provide real help from a distance.
The Safest Way to Pay Online: PayPal vs. Credit Card
The ‘Middleman’ That Protects You
I used to enter my credit card number on every website I shopped at. My daughter explained that using PayPal is often safer. She said, “Think of PayPal as a secure middleman. You give your credit card number to PayPal one time. Then, when you buy something, you pay PayPal, and PayPal pays the store. The store never even sees your real card number.” This means if the store’s website gets hacked, my financial information is not at risk. It’s an extra layer of security that I now use whenever possible.
How to Find Out Where a Company Ships From (And How Long It Will Take)
The ‘Based in China’ Surprise
I ordered what I thought was a handcrafted item from a cute online boutique. A month later, it still hadn’t arrived. I finally found the “Shipping Policy” page on their website and realized the company was just a “dropshipper”—they were taking my order and having it shipped directly from a factory in China. I now always check the shipping policy or FAQ page before ordering. If it says shipping takes “15-30 business days,” that’s a huge clue that the product is coming from overseas, not from a local warehouse.
The “Live Chat” Customer Service Feature That Is Better Than Calling
No More ‘Your Call is Very Important to Us’
I had a problem with an online order and I dreaded having to call customer service and wait on hold for 20 minutes. I went to the company’s website and saw a little “Live Chat” button. I clicked it, and a text-based chat window opened. I was able to explain my problem to a real person by typing, and they solved it in minutes. I could even save a transcript of our conversation. It’s a much more efficient and less frustrating way to get help.
I Used a TaskRabbit to Have Someone Assemble My New Furniture
The ‘IKEA Nightmare’ Averted
I bought a new bookshelf from IKEA and was filled with dread when I saw the box of a million tiny pieces and the wordless instruction manual. I knew it would take me all day and end in frustration. Instead, I went on the TaskRabbit app. I was able to hire a local, experienced “Tasker” who specialized in furniture assembly. He came over the next day with his own tools and had the whole thing perfectly assembled in under an hour. It was the best sixty dollars I’ve ever spent.
How to Report a Problem with Your Online Order
The Path to a Resolution
I received a product I ordered online, and it was damaged in shipping. I wasn’t sure what to do. The first thing I did was take pictures of the damage. Then, I went to the website I ordered from, logged into my account, and found my “Order History.” Next to the damaged item, there was a link that said “Report a Problem” or “Return Item.” I filled out the form, explained the issue, and uploaded the photos I had taken. The company sent me a replacement the very next day.
The Best Online Stores for Hobby Supplies (Crafting, Gardening, etc.)
My Niche Hobby, Easily Supplied
I’m an avid model railroader, and my local hobby shop closed years ago. I thought my hobby was over. Then I discovered the world of online specialty stores. Websites like “ModelTrainStuff.com” have a selection that is ten times larger than any physical store could ever have. I can find rare parts, specialty tools, and unique scenery items. For any niche hobby—whether it’s fly-tying, beekeeping, or crafting—there is an online specialty store that can deliver exactly what you need right to your door.
How to Avoid Accidental “One-Click” Purchases on Amazon
The ‘Oops’ I Didn’t Mean to Buy That
I was browsing Amazon on my phone and my thumb slipped, accidentally hitting the “Buy Now with 1-Click” button. I had just purchased a book I didn’t want. While I was able to cancel it, I decided to prevent it from happening again. In my Amazon account settings, under “Your Payments,” there’s an option to disable One-Click ordering. Now, I have to go through the regular cart and checkout process, which gives me an extra step to confirm my purchase. It’s a simple change that has prevented any more accidental buys.
The Grocery App That Lets Me “Clip” Digital Coupons
The ‘No-Scissors-Needed’ Savings
I used to spend time every Sunday clipping paper coupons from the newspaper circular. It was a hassle. Now, I use my grocery store’s app (in my case, Safeway). Before I shop, I open the app and go to the “Deals” section. I can scroll through all the available digital coupons and tap a button to “clip” the ones I want. When I check out and enter my phone number, those coupons are applied to my bill automatically. It’s easier, more organized, and saves me just as much money.
I Compared Chewy vs. Petco for Pet Supply Delivery
The Battle for My Dog’s Dinner
I decided to start getting my pet supplies delivered. I compared the two biggest players: Chewy and Petco. Petco had the advantage of physical stores, so I could do same-day pickup if I was in a jam. However, Chewy’s website was easier to navigate, their prices were slightly lower on my preferred brand of dog food, and their customer service is legendary. For my needs, Chewy won out because of the price and service, but Petco’s same-day option is a great feature for emergencies.
How to Check the Status of Your Online Order
“Has My Package Shipped Yet?”
After I place an online order, I’m always eager to know its status. The easiest way is to find the order confirmation email they sent me. This email almost always contains a link that says “View Your Order” or a tracking number. Clicking that link takes me to a page that shows me if the order is still being processed, if it has shipped, and where it currently is in transit. It’s the most direct way to get an up-to-the-minute status without having to search around on the website.
The Secret to Finding Great Deals in the “Warehouse” or “Outlet” Section Online
‘Like-New’ Products for a ‘Used’ Price
I wanted a new KitchenAid mixer but didn’t want to pay the full five-hundred-dollar price. I went to Amazon and instead of searching on the main site, I found a section called “Amazon Warehouse.” This is where they sell products that have been returned or have minor cosmetic damage to the box. I found the exact mixer I wanted for three hundred fifty dollars, listed as “Used – Like New.” It arrived in perfect condition. It’s a fantastic way to get a huge discount on perfectly good items.
How to Use a QR Code in a Store to Get More Product Info
The Digital Information Kiosk
I was at Home Depot, looking at two different drills, and I couldn’t decide which one was better. I noticed that the price tag for each drill had a small QR code on it. I opened my phone’s camera, pointed it at the code for the first drill, and it took me directly to that product’s page on the Home Depot website. I could see detailed specs, customer reviews, and even a video of the drill in action. It was like having a product expert in my pocket.
The App That Delivers Almost Anything from Any Store
My ‘Personal Errand Runner’
One day I needed a specific type of lightbulb from the hardware store, some allergy medicine from the pharmacy, and a bottle of wine from the liquor store. The thought of driving to three different places was exhausting. I used an app called Postmates. I was able to place three separate orders from three different stores, all within the same app. One driver went and picked up everything for me and delivered it all at once. It’s an incredible service for those days when your to-do list is longer than your energy level.
My Checklist for a Safe and Successful Online Shopping Experience
The ‘Before I Click Buy’ Final Check
I’ve learned to be a smart online shopper by using a simple mental checklist before I ever enter my credit card number. 1. Is this a reputable website? (Do I know the brand, or have I checked reviews of the site itself?) 2. Have I read the return policy? (Are there restocking fees?) 3. Is the final price, including shipping and tax, a good deal? 4. Am I paying with a secure method, like a credit card or PayPal? Running through this quick check has saved me from countless headaches.