5 Advantages & Disadvantages of Online Groceries

Australians are buying groceries online now more than ever. An article in the Financial Review reports that in the past 12 months, online grocery shopping has increased by 22%. This growth is ten times faster than overall grocery growth, but does it ultimately save or cost you more? Here are some hip pocket advantages and disadvantages to online grocery shopping.

Five advantages of online grocery shopping

1. You can shop anytime – The world seems to be moving to what is inevitably becoming a 24/7 society. Online grocery shopping allows you to shop from anywhere, anytime, and schedule delivery at a time which suits you. Alternatively you can ‘Click and Collect’, quickly dropping in and picking up your made up order.
2. You can easily compare prices – Typing in a product, such a bread, will list all the breads and their prices in the search results of the online grocery site. This makes price comparison extremely quick and easy. You can also compare prices quicker across different retailers.
3. Reduced impulse buying – Luckily there are no chocolate stands at the online checkout, or eye catching aisle end displays. Online grocery shopping helps you bypass the carefully positioned products to concentrate on what you need.
4. Online only specials – Grocery retailers often have specials only available to online customers. This can help to save more money on top of the in-store specials.
5. Running tally as you shop – Grocery shopping online has the big benefit of having a running tally of how much you have spent. This is extremely useful for sticking to a strict budget or shopping list. Knowing what your current spend tally is may also deter you from making those ‘unnecessary’ purchases.

Five disadvantages of online grocery shopping

1. No ‘reduced to clear’ options – Often some great bargains can be found on perfectly good products at reduced prices. Product close to their use-by dates, with damaged packaging or deleted items are often sold cheaper.
2. Reduced brand knowledge – Shopping online reducing the likelihood of finding newer, cheaper or different alternatives to the products you normally buy. If you usually use a certain brand of shampoo, you would most likely type in that specific product. By doing this, you will not see the other options available, as you would in-store shopping.
3. You can’t hand pick your fresh produce – When it comes to their fresh fruit, vegetables and meat, people can be very picky. When online shopping, you give away your ability to choose specific pieces which appeal to you. This could potentially result in repurchasing the product and wasting money and produce.
4. You can’t get your groceries straight away – Shopping online is generally convenient, unless you need something in a hurry. If you run out of something between when you order and when it is delivered, you are faced with a decision. Wait until it is delivered (which is not always an option) or buy another one in-store, knowing that you have one coming.
5.  Pay for delivery – While you can often find free delivery with some retailers, these are often offered for restricted or unpopular delivery times. Delivery is also at times offered for spending over a certain amount, potentially encouraging unnecessary purchases to meet the minimum spend.

For advice on your budgeting needs, give Steve May Financial Services a call and start a conversation today.