Become an Online Grocery Shopping Pro with These Tips from an Expert

Turn online grocery shopping from a hassle into an effortless experience with these quick tips from DoorDash executive Fuad Hannon.

Grocery shopping can be a cherished task—dreaming up what you might cook in the week to come, picking out all your favorite snacks, and stocking up the fridge tends to feel refreshing and invigorating. However, everyday life sometimes gets so busy that the thought of shopping loses its charm, and we’re left dreading it. The good news? You probably don’t need to step foot in the grocery store ever again (if you don't want to).

Though they took some time to gain traction, online grocery shopping services like Instacart, FreshDirect, DoorDash, and more made it possible to browse pantry and produce staples without leaving the comfort of your home. And while grocery shopping from bed isn’t for everyone, its convenience can have some real perks.

“Whether you’re a parent juggling family and work, a busy working adult looking to optimize your day, or even a college student juggling school and extracurriculars, outsourcing grocery shopping saves you time so that you can focus on doing the things that matter,” says Fuad Hannon, the vice president of new verticals at DoorDash.

Related: The 10 Most Popular Instacart Items Over the Last Decade

While these online shopping services save you time and energy, they have a few quirks—and you should know some tips before opening up the app. By being strategic about how you’re shopping (and what you’re shopping for) you can snag better food, and even better deals.

When to Place Orders

According to DoorDash consumer data from last year, the most popular time for grocery orders is just before dinner—generally between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. And, as is the case with in-person shopping, weekends are far more hectic than weekdays, with Sunday proving the busiest for online orders.

While you'll avoid dodging shopping carts and full-to-the-brim parking lots by using an online service, you’re still beholden to the grocery store’s stock. DoorDash and other companies allow you to choose backup items as substitutes, but it’s always disappointing to miss out on the foods you’re craving.

Go for weekdays or weekend mornings to skirt the rush and have your pick of the store’s stock. You can also schedule ahead with some services, so you won’t need to enter your list into the app at an inconvenient time—no matter when you order.

“We recommend preplanning a grocery list and then reserving about 20 minutes to add your grocery list to your online grocery shopping cart on DoorDash in the morning or during downtime,” Hannon says. “Use the schedule ahead option to ensure a busy day doesn’t get disrupted by a delivery or if you want to be at home when your order arrives.”

Products to Avoid

Some products are easy for anyone to pick up in the store, but others take more consideration. For example, produce can require a personal touch—getting the right color and ripeness for the meal you have in mind might matter more to you than the convenience of having a personal shopper.

Aside from fruits and vegetables, though, Hannon warns against purchasing perishable or frozen items if you might not be around for the delivery. Consider reserving your grocery delivery for snacks and pantry items.

How to Get the Best Prices

One of online grocery shopping’s biggest perks is its organization—most of the big apps and websites allow you to search through products and filter them by price. Hannon suggests taking advantage of this feature to minimize unnecessary expenses.

“You can easily tap through each and select the item and price that works for your budget,” he says.

Related: 5 Foods That Cost Less This Year

Also, keep an eye out for deals and coupons offered by your website of choice—they’re often quite generous and can help you save on your monthly grocery budget.

How to Avoid Unwanted Swaps

When placing your order, choose your desired substitutes in case your shopper has to make a replacement. The shopping solutions often provide you with options for second-best picks that make these decisions easier. You can also request a refund if they're unavailable. If there are items you don’t want to compromise on, save them for in-store trips.

“If you’d prefer to be contacted directly or refunded if your preferred brand isn’t available, keep your notifications and ringer on when the order is in progress so your Dasher can contact you to confirm substitutions,” Hannon says. “Some stores will allow you to pre-approve substitutions so take advantage of this when available.”

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