In the old days, there was pretty much just one way to shop. You went to a store, a brick-and-mortar location, and bought something. The transaction was simple and straightforward.
These days, you can still do that, but there are other options available to you. We’ll go over some different shopping methods right now, and we’ll also talk about some attributes and drawbacks of each one.
DoorDash
In 2021, while some people are hunting for a new job, others are looking for a new shopping method. DoorDash is one that’s becoming a popular option.
You can use DoorDash for food delivery, such as if you want a pizza or some Chinese food from a local spot. In that respect, it’s not so innovative, as most restaurants have offered delivery for quite some time.
What’s noteworthy about this option is that you can also order items from places like Walgreens or Rite Aid. If you have a craving for some Twizzlers and ice cream in the middle of a blizzard, you can tell DoorDash to bring it to you, and they will. If you’re sick, and you need them to bring you cough drops or Advil, they’ll do that too.
It’s nice that you can get lots of different items this way, and not just food items from local restaurants. One drawback is the price tag. You’re paying for the convenience factor, but the delivery cost plus the tip makes everything you buy considerably more costly.
TaskRabbit
TaskRabbit is another company that can make shopping easier. You can install the app on your smartphone, and then you can utilize it for home repair help, furniture assembly, and more. In this context, you can use it for food shopping if you give your helper a list and send them to the grocery store.
Like DoorDash, you can get some shopping done this way. This service is helpful if you have a condition where your mobility isn’t so great. You won’t need to get around the grocery store in a wheelchair or with a cane. Instead, the food comes to you while you wait contentedly at home.
Like DoorDash, you’re paying for the convenience. TaskRabbit charges you to use their service, and they expect you to tip your helper as well. This adds dollars to every grocery store run. Also, it is not available everywhere, so if you live in a rural area, don’t expect this to be an option for you.
Traditional Brick-and-Mortar Shopping
If you want groceries, you can also do it the old-fashioned way. You can head to the grocery store yourself, list in hand.
Using this method, you can get everything on your list, and you can also grab any impulse items you want. That can’t happen if you use TaskRabbit or DoorDash.
You’re also not paying any additional shopping or delivery fees. You’re only paying for the gas money if you drove to the store, assuming you don’t have an electric vehicle, which makes this an even cheaper option.
If you’re thinking about negatives, you have to dress and go out into the world, and until we eradicate Covid-19, there are a lot of people who are reluctant to do that. If you have an immunocompromised condition, in particular, you might be willing to pay the extra fee and have someone do the shopping for you. It’s more costly, but you can stay at home, so you’ll be in no danger.
Goldbelly
Goldbelly is another website and service that offers to bring you food while you wait at home for it. They won’t go grocery shopping for you, but you can get food delivered from all across the country.
Usually, the restaurant you select cooks the food and then freezes it for delivery. You defrost and consume it when it arrives.
You can’t get every grocery item, but you can get a wide array of both cooked and uncooked food. For instance, you can get a wild game package that comes to you with venison, boar sausage, quail, and more. This is an option if you want to try your hand at cooking some of that.
Goldbelly is expensive, though. You’ll pay a lot more for anything you’ll buy on there than you would using one of the other services we mentioned or going to the grocery store yourself.
What’s clear is that there are more shopping methods than ever if you want some supplies. Acquiring food has never been easier.
