We almost never go to the store at all anymore. Or out to eat. Everything is dropped off at our house either through grocery services or restaurant delivery. My wife does once in a while go "grocery shopping" but I know that's just an excuse to get away from me and maybe the kids but probably just me.
I hate when my wife says she's going to Costco for just a couple of things. That's code for she's about to make a heavy investment in Costco...
Years back one of the buyers I dealt with at their Corp office told me that on Saturdays the average purchase per customer was $830. A large % of of purchases are done by business's of all sizes too.
Yes. I shop online with Fred Meyers which uses instacart. I'm happy with it. Sometimes the shoppers don't read the replacement product instructions though. I appreciate people bringing food right to my front door.
I've gone to Costco without spending a nickle. If they didn't have what I'm looking for, I walk out. That said, I've probably charged nearly $250,000-$300,000 on my credit card(s) over the past 10 years and have paid absolutely zero interest. I've certainly enjoyed their perks, though.
That's not that simple. Pre covid many restaurants used delivery apps as a way to attract new customers. It's viewed as a way to get your name and food there similar to Groupon or other coupons. It falls under the cost per new customer acquisition. When covid hit suddenly that was their only way to continue to operate because their in restaurant dining had been eliminated or severely reduced. They've gone from using those services making up 20-30% of their business to 100%. That is not sustainable much less profitable.
Convert some of their own staff to packaging/delivery capacities. With the fees they're paying those deliver services, I'm pretty sure they could come of with some creative alternatives. I sure know I would. That was then, this is now. Food delivery is destined to be part of our post-COVID life for maybe forever.
@ABM you might like something like Daily Harvest. They send you chef cooked meals made specially for you. Soup too.
This is awesome! There are going to be some restaurants that are willing to sell for pennies on the dollar. With what you've come up with I think you're looking at amazing investment opportunity. Buy one cheap and then profit!
Look at it this way. Restaurant food delivery/curbside is here to stay. Adjustments will have to be made, but they'll adapt. And, no thanks, I have no desire to own a restaurant. I enjoy cooking free of headaches.
All I am saying is that this is a horrible time for restaurants along with many small businesses. Many experts are predicting that 50% will close their doors by the first of the year. Fellow Americans are hurting. When it comes to restaurants I'm just saying that you could really help them out by calling them directly instead of using an app because of an offer of free delivery. The restaurant you're wanting to do business with is ultimately going to eat that "free" benefit. You have shared with us your wonderful life of homes, trips, vacation homes, timeshares, etc. I'm not sure if free delivery is something that will break you when it comes to getting food to eat. If you love this country and the small businesses that are the backbone of our economy then you shouldn't really mind me pointing out to you that you in your own small way could help them. You wanting to debate that they should change the way they do business so you can get free delivery doesn't make a lot of sense to me. But you really seem to know this industry more than I do so you get that deal and enjoy your meal!
I understand. Actually, we're in kind of a remote area, so we get what we get out here. That said, if I didn't have the plague, we'd be eating IN their restaurants. My wife and I LOVE restaurant experiences and do it often...probably two to three times per week. Count us in as helping the cause!
I've been shopping/delivering for Instacart since April. AMA To address the comments about replacements, the customer is supposed to give a second choice for when the product they want isn't available. You can also choose to just skip/refund the item if it's unavailable. If you don't choose a second option or refund, the app highly encourages the shopper to select a replacement on our own. Some shoppers are better than others at this. I usually send a text to the customer asking what they would like as a replacement, but most times I don't get a response.
I could be wrong but I believe the ACA allows individuals to be self insured thus protecting the public from stiffing medical services when an emergency comes up while allowing individuals to not be under the precise dictates that you object to.
