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points by the__alchemist 14 hours ago | 0 comments

IMO grocery delivery is a game changer. I don't use either service, but use a different one[s]. Even with a tip (I have been doing $15/per delivery), it's not much more expensive than normal groceries at Trader Joe's etc, and I don't have to put on outdoor clothes, walk to my car, navigate traffic, navigate the aisles, wait in line, reverse... IMO big QOL of life increase.

And second-order effects like I can always have fresh fruit + veggies / not worrying about rot by getting it in smaller quantities delivered more often.

For those wondering about price: It's much cheaper than takeout or prepared food delivery, but more expensive than getting your own groceries. Offset a bit by less food waste.

[–] galkk 12 hours ago

> Even with a tip (I have been doing $15/per delivery), it's not much more expensive than normal groceries at Trader Joe's

In my experience its significantly more expensive for groceries: up to 20% for items + service fee + subscription + tip.

I was canceling Instacart subscription and they offered me another year for discounted price ($17). I kept it but I won’t ever extend it for full price given how much more it costs.

[–] the__alchemist 12 hours ago

I should clarify: I'm referring to Amazon (prime or whole foods), which I understand is significantly cheaper than Instacart. It might be worth cross-shopping in this case.

[–] Mashimo 13 hours ago

How can that be profitable on the long run?

Feels like it will end up more expensive in a few years

[–] the__alchemist 13 hours ago

I suspect this as well. Enjoying it while it lasts... I suspect the facilities being vertically-designed for this helps, but not enough(Especially the prime groceries; I suspect Whole foods has some but not the same extend?)

[–] toomuchtodo 14 hours ago

But if they were gone, the worst is you're putting pants on and getting your own products. There are not essential, they're simply a labor and regulatory arbitrage for gig workers to schlep product to consumers at very low wages.

[–] unregistereddev 12 hours ago

I get this, but there are a few scenarios where grocery delivery is genuinely amazing.

- My parents are determined to age in place in their home. They get tired more easily than they used to, and aren't capable of doing as much. Especially in the winter, grocery delivery is a huge help for them.

- People with disabilities may or may not be capable of going to the store. Even for the ones who are capable, it is a much larger time commitment.

- For parents of young kids, leaving the house isn't just putting on pants. It's checking diapers, getting the kids to wear shoes, and timing the trip so it doesn't interfere with naptime, feedings, etc. This is a temporary phase! It doesn't take long before the kids are big enough to enjoy a trip to the store.

[–] toomuchtodo 11 hours ago

I agree, these are all valid use cases, but you don’t need a tech platform to offer and perform delivery.

[–] Toynbeeidea 14 hours ago

Not everyone can just "put their pants on." For some, its more of an ordeal at a physical level.

[–] KineticLensman 12 hours ago

Yes. I can’t drive for medical reasons and I live in a rural area with poor public transport. If my wife had to stop driving we would have to use grocery delivery or move

[–] apparent 10 hours ago

Does DD or IC deliver reliably in rural areas in general?

[–] reaperducer 14 hours ago

if they were gone, the worst is you're putting pants on and getting your own products

Says someone with no problems putting on his pants and making a grocery run.

Just try to remember your own words when you get older. You'll get your turn. Everyone does.

[–] 999900000999 13 hours ago

Only the lucky get old.

Anyway what a strange attitude to have on a tech forum. Why do we need HN, let's discuss this over a game of bowling!

[–] reaperducer 11 hours ago

what a strange attitude to have on a tech forum.

How so? Do tech people never get hurt? They never slip on ice? Blow out a knee playing a sport? Trip over a power cable?

What a strange attitude to think that everyone on a tech forum is identical, and also in identically healthy shape.

"Game of bowling?" Are you a bot, or something?

[–] 999900000999 11 hours ago

I’m trying to agree with you, the strange attitude is being anti instacart

[–] the__alchemist 14 hours ago

Valid!