Grocery delivery services in the Puget sound region (greaterseattleonthecheap.com)

There are many ways to streamline grocery shopping and meal preparation, including online ordering with grocery pickup or delivery. These services add expense that I usually like to avoid. Even if delivery is free, online prices are typically higher. Also, I find grocery shopping to be a relaxing activity. So, I prefer to save the money spent on delivery and online ordering.

Still, there can be many times when online ordering with pickup or delivery is a great benefit: when your schedule is hectic, you are house-bound, or simply enjoying a “staycation” from household chores. In these cases, online ordering and delivery can be a time-saver that is well worth the added cost. Listed below are some ways to save money on grocery pickup and delivery:

Request a longer delivery time (one or two days, instead of two-hour or same day).
Be on the lookout for online discounts, which can save money on products. (Note that online specials may be different than what’s offered in-store or published the store’s weekly flyer.)
Use the same ordering service consistently and buy a subscription membership that offers free delivery.

Listed below are available delivery options for groceries in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area. Most deliveries require someone to be at the delivery location to accept the order, otherwise it will be returned and re-scheduled and may incur restocking or other fees. So, confirm these details and make the necessary arrangements.

Local grocery delivery companies

These companies are based in the Pacific Northwest and offer delivery directly or though delivery partners such as Instacart and Prime.

CostcoGrocery online grocery delivery service offers free two-day delivery service on orders of $75 or more. Same day delivery via Instacart is available to qualifying orders.

Fred Meyer stores offer delivery service direct to your door for $9.95. Order your groceries online, apply digital coupons if you have them, use your Shopper’s Card to earn fuel points on every purchase, select a delivery time slot (which can vary based on availability), and check out using your credit or debit card. You’ll receive an alert when your order is on its way. For more info, visit: https://www.fredmeyer.com/topic/clicklist-2

Mercato offers delivery from independent grocery stores. In the days before the supermarket, people went to local shops to get food: the baker, the fruit stand, the small grocery store–the keystones of their communities. With the resurgence of food artisans and independent groceries in recent years, Mercato elevates your access to independent grocers and other food merchants, including fish markets, meat markets, ethnic grocers, and specialty stores.

Pacific Coast Harvest is a Seattle-based company offering subscription delivery of a box of produce from local farmers to Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Shoreline and Mercer Island. Last time we checked, boxes ranged in price form $18-$45, delivered weekly or bi-monthly. Each week a curated selection of seasonal products are offered. Subscribers can customize their orders with add-ons. Add-ons include a broad range of products, such as fruit juices, eggs, pasta, jams and honey, cheeses, chocolate, and more. Your delivery arrives the same day each week. GET $10 OFF your first order using code: PCH. The service is very similar to a CSA subscription. You can try the service once or twice before making more of a commitment.

PCC Community Markets offer online ordering and delivery via Instacart. The first delivery is free if you’re new to Instacart. PCC co-op membership is not required. However, for a $60 lifetime investment, each member owns an equal share of the co-op, and can receive discounts and other benefits.

Local Delivery at Pike Place Market is available through Mercato to addresses within 20 miles of the Market.

National grocery delivery companies

These national companies offer delivery from a variety of sources.

Amazon Prime Now offers free grocery delivery to Prime members on everyday items from Amazon and Whole Foods. Amazon Prime is a subscription service that includes free services such as delivery or shipping on many items, streaming music and video, prescription discounts, discounts on eligible products, and other benefits. Subscriptions begin at $14.99/month (cancel anytime) or $139/year. Discount membership for students and government assistance programs. Anyone can try Prime for free for 30 days.

Instacart is an online ordering service for grocery pickup and delivery available across Washington State. It is used by many local stores, such as Costco, QFC, Safeway, Uwajimaya, Whole Foods and others. Membership is optional via Instacart Express at $99/year or $14/month, which includes free grocery delivery on orders of $35 or more and other benefits. Non-members may use the service and pay a delivery and service fees. Fees vary based on specific products, order size, delivery time, and other factors.

Omaha Steaks offers meats, seafood, sides, and ready-to-prepare slow=-cooker and skillet meals. To save money, peruse sale items and items that include free shipping.

Safeway Delivery offers direct ordering for delivery or pickup from your nearest store through their smartphone app. Delivery is free on qualifying orders.

QFC grocery stores offer online ordering and pickup at your selected store.

Target Grocery offers pickup and delivery for grocery items and other products in their website store or via the Target App. There is a $35 order minimum. Delivery is available through Shipt. For RedCard holders, delivery is free. Non-RedCard holders must pay a $2.99 per-order delivery fee. Target also offers free order pickup, but pickup excludes perishable food, flowers, or adult beverages.

Walmart Grocery offers both pickup and delivery of orders that can include groceries, household essentials, pet supplies, and other goods from their online store. Minimum order is $30. Their pickup service is free. Delivery is $9.95 per-order unless you enroll in their Delivery Unlimited plan, which is $12.95/month or $98/year after their 15-day free trial.

Whole Foods Market, owned by Amazon, offers delivery service through Prime Now. Prime members can shop Whole Foods Market on Amazon.com for free 2-hour delivery and free 1-hour pickup at select locations.

Shipt is a subsidiary of Target and a membership-based online ordering and delivery service for groceries and household essentials. Annual membership is $99 to use the ordering app. Delivery is free on qualifying orders. Shipt is used by many local stores, including 7-Eleven, CVS, Fred Meyer, QFC, Office Depots, PetSmart, Petco, Safeway, Smart & Final, Target, Walgreens, and others. To see what’s available in your area, enter your zip code to see a list of available stores.

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