Why Curbside Pickup and Grocery Delivery Might Just Save Your Sanity

Let’s be real for a second—grocery shopping is not exactly the highlight of anyone’s week. Whether it’s navigating crowded aisles, hunting for that one obscure ingredient (that’s always out of stock), or waiting in checkout lines that never move fast enough, it’s an ordeal. But thanks to technology and a couple of super convenient services, you might never have to deal with it again. Enter: curbside pickup and home delivery for groceries.

If you’ve been sitting on the fence about these options, let’s break it down. Here’s why they’re trending, who’s using them, and why some people are still holding out. Plus, we’ll sprinkle in some tips to make the most of these services if you decide to jump on board.

Why Everyone (And Their Grandma) Is Trying It Out

Curbside pickup and home delivery have been taking off faster than a toddler spotting a cookie jar. The numbers don’t lie. In 2024, a whopping 22% of consumers were using online grocery or delivery services, according to Drive Research. Add to that the fact that millennials are basically obsessed, with nearly two-thirds of them using curbside pickup for their shopping (Statista).

The Perks? Oh, They’re Big:

• Time Savings: Skipping the store means saving 30 to 60 minutes per trip—or more if you’ve got kids in tow. Business Insider found families save hours each month.
• Convenience: No more dragging yourself out the door after a long day. With home delivery, the groceries just… show up. It’s like magic.
• Healthier Choices: Believe it or not, shopping online helps some people avoid impulse buys—goodbye, three extra bags of chips. Or five bags for those of us who fall for the bundle coupons!

Who’s Loving These Services the Most?

• Millennials: If it’s convenient, techy, and saves time, millennials are in. About 65% of them are big on online grocery shopping (Statista).
• Families: Busy moms and dads love the way these services free up time for other things—like chasing their kids.
• High-Income Households: Let’s face it, home delivery isn’t always cheap. People with higher incomes are more likely to embrace the extra fees for the luxury of convenience (Pierbridge).

So… Why Are Some People Still Avoiding It?

Of course, not everyone’s on board just yet. Here are the biggest reasons people give for skipping curbside pickup and delivery—and some hacks to work around them:

1. “I Need to Pick My Own Produce”
   Let’s be honest, nobody trusts a random stranger to pick out their avocados. If this is your concern, most apps let you leave notes for the shopper. Write things like, “Look for bananas with no spots” or “Only firm tomatoes, please.”
2. “It’s Too Expensive”
   Yes, delivery fees and service charges can stack up. But here’s the thing: if you’re a chronic impulse buyer (we see you, random snack aisle splurges), you might actually save money by staying out of the store. Some stores even waive pickup fees if you spend enough.
3. “I’m Not Tech-Savvy”
   A lot of people shy away from these services because they’re not sure how to use the apps. Pro tip: most grocery stores have tutorials online or staff happy to help. And once you’ve set up an order once, reordering is a breeze.
4. “It’s Not Available in My Area”
   Rural areas sometimes miss out on these services. But don’t give up hope—check smaller local grocery stores. Many are starting to offer curbside pickup, even if big chains don’t.
5. “The Orders Aren’t Always Right”
   Mistakes happen, but most apps have easy refund options. If something’s wrong, you can usually get a credit or refund without hassle.

Final Thoughts: Should You Give It a Go?

If you hate grocery shopping (and let’s be real, most of us do), curbside pickup and home delivery can be game-changers. You’ll save time, avoid crowded stores, and maybe even skip some stress along the way. And if you’re still on the fence, start small—try curbside pickup first. It’s usually cheaper than delivery and gives you a chance to ease into online shopping without fully committing.

Whether you’re a busy parent, a time-crunched professional, or just someone who values their sanity, these services might just be the solution you’ve been waiting for. Your future self (and maybe even your wallet) will thank you.