Now the Market Will Come to Your Front Door
Getting groceries to your front door takes just a few simple steps.
Like most people these days, you’re likely on a budget. And if you are trying to get into “L.A.” shape, you are likely trying to eat healthy. These two factors are a great incentive to cook your own meals and eat at home. (Or maybe, you just enjoy making your mom’s recipe for chicken and rice.) But also, like most people these days and those new to L.A. it is highly unlikely that you work a 9 to 5 shift, thus making those trips to the grocery store a total hassle. But, in this great city of ours, many grocery chains and services offer grocery delivery options at reasonable prices. That means, no more buggy-dinged car doors, aisle 7 or crazy ladies buying 72 cans of cat food, just the food you want at your front door.
Back when I first moved to L.A., I was without vehicle for a good amount of time. The closest grocery store was about 9 blocks away. Sounds pretty do-able right? That is until you are laden down with pounds of drinks, snacks and meals fixins. At that point, 9 blocks is a miserable experience. I thought the only helpful option was to get one of those old lady wheelie carts, and that was something at age 26, I just couldn’t resign myself to. So, when I found out about the revelation that is grocery delivery, I was elated at the prospect. But how does it work?
First, you have to find a store in your area with the delivery option. Many of the national chains offer this service. I used Albertson’s, and was happy with the results. Yummy.com and Pink Dot are popular options in L.A. There are also companies such as Amazon that offer FedEx delivery on select items. Once you find a store that delivers to you, you set up an order online, pick a delivery window that fits your schedule, pay via credit card (you can even still get the membership discounts) and place the order. Usually, delivery can be as early as a few hours or the next day depending on the service you choose and when you place the order. The charge for the service varies from free (if you spend a certain amount) to about $10 to $20. It’s still a good value when your time is tight.
The most common and understandable concern for most people with this kind of delivery service is the quality of things like produce and meat. I do have to admit, if you are very picky about this sort of thing, you might want to make a separate trip to the market for those needs. In my experience, I was happy with the produce I ordered. Usually, they would send items that were what I would pick out myself, or slightly under-ripe, so they lasted a little longer. With meat, you can usually make comments or requests.
So, when in a time crunch, save yourself one chore. And if you really think about it, cooking several meals at home will definitely cover the charge of delivery verses eating out at a restaurant or fast food joint. So next time you need some Coke Zero and Wheat Thins, ditch the paper and plastic, and get thee to a laptop. – Lori Bartlett
Comment by Connie — August 30, 2010 @ 8:56 pm
I used Yummy.com when I had ankle surgery and then just kept using it whenever I was too busy to do shopping. The best part was you could schedule when you wanted to drop off the groceries. Also, depending on the service, tips are sometimes encouraged but with other services tips are not allowed. Either way, don’t be afraid to ask what the norm is.
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