It seems like everywhere you look, you see advertising for grocery delivery services. Like everything in life, some are better than others. Today, we're going to look at the top 5 grocery delivery services that make life more convenient.

When you look at the subscription and delivery fees, grocery delivery services may appear expensive at first glance. But when you scratch below the surface, you can see that they can add value to a busy lifestyle.

How do these services add value? Quite frankly, it can save you a lot of time. Time is a commodity that you can't get back. It's up to you to make every minute count.

Life today is busy. We have jobs, kids, leisure pursuits, and maybe even side hustles to increase our wealth.

Ordering groceries online with a few clicks of the mouse and having them dropped off at your door can keep you focused on the activities that you value most.

Even if you forget something, you can always jump back online and place another order! Especially if (like me), the closest grocery story is almost 20 miles away, that's a real time saver.

Now let's take a look at a few of the best grocery home delivery services:

1. Shipt

Shipt is an online delivery service which allows you to order from your Android or iPhone with their user-friendly app. They partner with local “shoppers” who will go to the store, purchase your items, and deliver them the same day.

Fees: The annual membership fee is $99. Spend $35 or more and there's no delivery fee! However, their prices for products also tend to be about $5 more per $35 purchase than you would pay if you went to the store. But if that saves you 1-2 hours of time, it may just be worth it.

Availability: Shipt is rapidly growing. Their services are primarily in larger metro areas. They currently have availability in: Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin.

2. Costco Grocery

Warehouse club Costco now has grocery delivery service throughout the entire 48 contiguous United States. The service is called Costco Grocery. Once Costco only delivered to major metro areas. While they still do offer the same-day delivery to those major cities throughout the USA, they have rolled out 2-day delivery to even the most rural counties (like mine!).

Fees: $60 annual membership fee. Delivery fees in the 2-day zones are waived with a $75 order.

Availability: The entire “lower 48” states.

3. Instacart

Instacart is a grocery delivery service that allows user flexibility. You can order from either a computer or a phone app. Instacart partners with localized, reputable stores throughout major metro areas in 37 states. They are rapidly expanding.

Fees: The best program is Instacart Express with an annual fee of $149, which gets you free delivery. On the other hand, you can pay as you go with $5.99 for $35 and up orders. That's the better deal if you don't order frequently.

Availability: 37 US States and the District of Columbia.

4. Amazon Fresh

When it comes to online shopping, few names are more trusted than Amazon. Online shoppers feel secure when they shop with Amazon and their entities. Amazon Fresh is available only to Amazon Prime customers. Always a step ahead of the competition, they have delivery windows with turnaround times as little as 15 minutes in some markets!

Fees: $99 Prime membership + $14.99 monthly subscription to Amazon Fresh. Free delivery on orders over $40.

Availability: Amazon Fresh is only in major metro areas. However, they are shifting their business model to offer pickup locations in select markets in the near future. This could bring Amazon Fresh closer to you!

5. Walmart Delivery

WalMart is one of America's most loved and hated companies. Even as we lament the decline of Mom & Pop's Grocery Store, we flock to the giant retailer for the steep discounts. WalMart Grocery is now diving into the grocery delivery game, with an added twist. Not only will they deliver your groceries, they will bring them into your home and put them away for you. A video camera system monitors the delivery process so that you can feel secure in the service. While it may not be everyone's cup of tea, thousands are loving the convenience. This service is being tested in several areas right now.

Fees: $30 minimum order, $9.95 delivery fee. As you'd expect, WalMart's fees are by far the most affordably priced.

Availability: WalMart is still rolling this service out. When you order online, as though you are going to “pick up in-store,” you will be notified if delivery is available from your local Super Center.

In summary

Using a grocery delivery service does cost more upfront. However, when you factor in things like fuel, time, and precious weekend moments, you may find that they are more affordable than you'd think.

Written by Deborah Ann Tayloe

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