After returning from our Europe trip and testing positive for COVID, I found myself trying out grocery delivery for the first time. I have several apps, including Albertsons and Instacart, but decided to try Amazon fresh since I have a Prime account and the physical store is not too far away in Irvine Marketplace. Since “free delivery” was offered on orders > $35, my first order was about $40. That was on June 24. Since then, I have made three more orders, with the most recent being delivered about two hours ago.
Initially I thought the prices would be much higher than if I shopped in person, but the prices on Amazon fresh are competitive with what I find at the local Albertsons. I am still not sure about relative product availability, but I was able to find most items I was looking for. Since delivery is usually after two hours, I have not had issues with frozen or refrigerated goods. I usually tip 10% of the order for the driver so costs may be slightly higher overall, but justifiable. I still go to Albertsons regularly since stuff like soda and bulkier items are not great with delivery. Maybe I will start alternative weeks between online and real-life grocery shopping.
==========
Hmm, with the Omicron BA.5 COVID variant case count increasing, grocery shopping online also seems a bit less risky of getting infected again. Since the driver sends a notification when he/she is about to arrive, I have been opening up the garage for them so they do not have to navigate the walkway to my front door.
Life with chronic diseases 