A family guide to online grocery shopping amidst COVID-19

This is branded content.

Online shopping isn't that new. It was around pre-pandemic. But, only now has it been pushed into the spotlight as the main mode of shopping by many individuals.

Now almost everything can be bought online, through same-day delivery or curbside pick-up. One of the most in-demand during this pandemic: groceries.

To meet the demand of the general public to shop from the comforts of home, even supermarkets have penetrated the online platform, starting with this Coles catalogue, and those of other supermarkets within your area as well.

With a few clicks, you can complete your grocery shopping online. This doesn't just enable a safer mode of grocery shopping, but also a more time-efficient one. You can avoid the crowds and the queues expected from busy supermarkets.

As the pandemic has pushed families to the safer option of online shopping, here's a quick guide for the entire family, as you shop for groceries online.

1. Buy perishable food only in quantities you're sure to use

While the pandemic may have taught you the importance of stocking up for at least a month's worth of food, this shouldn't include perishables.

Otherwise, you may end up with a lot of wasted, spoiled food. Especially during this pandemic when you may also be on a tighter budget, you have to be smarter about your purchases.

Only buy the perishables that you need for the week. Not only are you avoiding food waste, but you're also ensuring your meat, vegetables, fish, and fruits are fresh.

2. Order early

Always order your groceries early. Give yourself at least a day before you need something so important, as it's wrong to expect deliveries to come early if you order at the last minute.

Similar to a physical grocery store, the online platform will also follow a queuing system.

This means the orders are processed according to who ordered first. Depending on the volume of online orders the grocery store is processing, you may have to wait a few hours before the order arrives.

If you have young kids at home, a good rule of thumb to follow is to place your grocery order in the evening, when they're already asleep and you have some peace and quiet time to yourself.

This allows you to focus on your list. You won't end up forgetting anything and your grocery order may also be one of the very first to be fulfilled when the shop opens the next day.

3. Buy in-season fruits and vegetables

Another advantage of shopping online for your groceries is that you no longer have to go through aisles and aisles of products. With a few clicks, you can literally find what you're looking for.

This eases your shopping process, as you can instantly see your options.

In this regard, when it comes to your fruits and vegetables, focus on buying those that are in season.

These are usually priced cheaper. And, with the uncertain economy this pandemic has, every dollar of savings you can have from your expenses is a big deal.

4. Keep your phone nearby

In that time frame from when you placed your online grocery order and before it gets delivered to your home, be sure to keep your phone nearby.

Don't put it on silent mode, so you can immediately respond to notifications or texts which may concern your grocery orders. The faster you're able to respond, the faster your order also gets fulfilled.

For instance, if a specific item you ordered isn't in stock, or if the quantity isn't available, then the grocery's employee or shopper may call you for replacement options in terms of brand, item, or quantity.

5. Stick to your grocery list

Another advantage with online shopping platforms is it's very easy for you to keep track of your running total. Hence, as much as possible, do stick to your grocery list.

The more you divert away from it, the higher the bill is going to be.

If there's anything this pandemic should teach households, it's to be smarter and wiser with the expenses. Don't get distracted by other items on the online app or website which you may think you need, but actually, you don't.

If there's anything on special, however, which you know you'll end up using frequently, then you may want to take advantage of those offers as well.

Think about shampoo, dishwashing soap, and common food items your family usually go through.

Conclusion

In the wake of the global pandemic, homeowners are now opting to shop for their grocery needs online.

Not only is it safer, but it's also more time-efficient. Families are faced with so much more on their hands now that the entire family is working and studying from home, and, depending on where you live, there are restrictions on kids going out.

Online shopping is the saving grace of many families, and the tips above can ensure that your online shopping trips to the virtual supermarket are just as effective as if you were shopping at the physical store.