Depending on where you live, online ordering right now may be easier said than done. If you’re trying to place an order for groceries and there aren’t any delivery windows available, chances are it means that there aren’t enough shoppers on the schedule. While we can’t solve that problem, there is a way that you can help when you do get to place an order: be kind to your shopper! In the words of one Ship shopper we interviewed, “Be kind. Respond to our messages. Tip generously.” Because, after all, they’re out there so you can stay home, stay safe, and—hopefully—stay healthy. If you are grocery shopping, here are 10 tips to stay safe.
Top 10 Tips For Online Grocery Shopping in Coimbatore Right Now
Shop and place your order as early as possible. Typically you can expect to have your order delivered the same day you place your order. Consider placing an order a few days ahead of time and setting a recurring order. Your order will be automatically delivered when you have a scheduled delivery window, with no effort from you. You may also be able to change your delivery schedule at any time by clicking a link in your online shopping cart.
You can track your order online or by calling a dedicated Shipt Customer Care representative. There will be a red bar under the order amount that indicates when it is ready for delivery. If you notice an order that is past the date when you scheduled your delivery window, click the “My Shopper” link in your online shopping cart.
Be kind to your shopper
We interviewed 16 Shipt shoppers and some said that they wish shoppers would be nicer to them. If a shopper has a question or is feeling anxious, respond with a smile. Also, do not show up after the shopper has already finished their shift, especially in big cities, as the shopper may not have been able to finish the rest of their work before coming in. That means that a shopper could get an awful lot of deliveries and not have time to pick up your order, and if that’s what happens, say something! Here’s what some Shipt shoppers have said:
“We’re pretty regular customers of Shipt and we work 12-hour shifts. Shoppers [on our end] are good people, too, and they’ll understand if you arrive after we’ve delivered. We are all really tired after a shift.
Tip your driver
While customers have the option of tipping their delivery person, many choose not to do so. This means that in addition to having a happy driver, you also have a safe driver. It is also an opportunity to encourage others to get online ordering—because we promise you that the more online shoppers there are, the more people who can make deliveries.
Consider holding up the line
When you’re at the checkout, consider the line you’re holding up. Whether it’s two people or a couple dozen, everyone is doing the same thing, so you don’t have to be in a hurry. Have some cash on hand so that you don’t have to pay out of your pocket if your order isn’t ready when you get to the front of the line. Even if your order is ready when you get there, you can wait in the store a few more minutes.
What can you buy online?
Most grocery stores offer a few staples—just in case you forgot what it is you need to cook—but most of us are savvy enough to know what we need to buy, so shopping online is as easy as ordering from a list.
How do I get an online grocery delivery?
The first step is to go to the store’s website and set up a login. Depending on the store’s policies, you may need to provide some information about your personal income levels or other information that’s legally required, but the requirements are fairly minimal. Most stores will deliver to a minimum of 4 feet, so make sure you have the measuring tape ready! From there, it’s fairly easy:
Choose how many members you want to be on your order, or how many different locations you want to deliver to.
What can’t you buy online?
Cooking and baking essentials—anything that you cook is up in the air. While prepackaged groceries like soup and chili are sometimes an option, canned goods, condiments, juices, and dairy products are usually not. The same is true for bread, cereal, and cookies. Other things that can’t be purchased online are protein and meat. In order to be prepared for unexpected household emergencies, you’ll need to have these items on hand at all times. Of course, the problem isn’t just that some food items aren’t available. There are plenty of food scares and recalls each year.
Conclusion
We’re not trying to scare you with the potential dangers of online ordering groceries. We’re trying to point out the problem. It’s important to take personal precautions when using online ordering to ensure that you stay safe and healthy while grocery shopping. It may seem silly to put yourself at risk for catching a cold or possibly getting food poisoning when you could just get them at the store, but you can’t be too careful. If you’re worried about food safety, make sure to read our infographic on the dangers of cross-contamination or let your online grocery shopper know what’s for dinner so they can take the extra precautionary measures. Happy grocery shopping!
For better or for worse, we’re living in a world where most things can be purchased online.