Online grocery shopping
17 Dec 2013
Time spent navigating the aisles of the supermarket or queuing at the register is a thing of the past with a number of Australian supermarkets now offering online grocery services.
Supermarket chains such as Woolworths and Coles deliver groceries straight from their shelves, while other websites such as AussieFarmersDirect, GroceryShop, and GroceryRun feature a selection of brands from a variety of sources.
How it works
All these services are easy to use, with the products broken up into different categories, such as Bread and Bakery, Fruit and Vegetables, Dairy, Pantry and Frozen.
These sections can be segmented further based on brand, type, dietary and allergen requirements or lifestyle, for example vegetarian.
In the case of Coles’ online shopping service there is a section solely devoted to promoting current specials and offers, so you don’t miss out on last minute bargains. Shoppers also have the option to search for specific products to save time.
Again using Coles as an example, every product is identified with a written description that includes name, serving size and price as well as an image.
To add an item to your trolley all shoppers have to do is select the quantity and click ‘Add to trolley’.
A toolbar along the top of the screen displays a running tally of the total cost of your shop and the contents of your trolley can be viewed at any time.
The items in your trolley are saved for 10 days, so there’s no rush. You can add items as you think of them or consult the family to make sure you haven’t missed any essentials.
Setting up an account
Shoppers are required to set up an account with a login and password before using any online service.
Having an account however offers a number of additional benefits, recording your previous orders and a master list of your usual items and allowing users to save shopping lists.
The service is intuitive, reminding you if you have missed any items that are regularly on your shopping list.
Coles, much like most of the other sites offers home delivery or the option to pick up your packaged purchases. Shoppers who elect to have their groceries delivered choose a delivery time slot, minimising the time you spend waiting around or perishable items spend out of the fridge.
Pros and cons
The most obvious benefit of buying your groceries online is the convenience it offers. You can do your shopping any time of day and you’re guaranteed to never wait in line.
For older individuals who have limited access to transport or are unable to move freely by themselves, online grocery services give back an element of independence.
What this does take away, however, is the social interaction grocery shopping rewards.
Another downside is the fact that you can’t hand pick your items.
For people who prefer to buy their bananas ripe or their avocados ready to eat, this poses a considerable problem.
And of course online grocery shopping is not suitable for those last minute ‘need now’ items, as you have to wait at least one day for delivery.
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