Cool or Lazy?
I'm not sure which I am (actually, I am sure, but you probably aren't sure which one I am).
I loved HomeGrocer.com. Remember them? You may have had something similar in your area called PeaPod.com. Webvan bought HomeGrocer.com about 5 years ago and that's when they started circling the drain. My opinion is that Homegrocer had a much stronger brand image than Webvan (Hello, Peach Guy! And can we even talk about naming here..."webvan" could be just about anything).
I ordered stuff from Homegrocer because I used to live in an apartment building and it was easier to have someone deliver stuff to my door. The quality of the produce was excellent and they used to slip little grocery presents into my bag. Plus it was just really a pleasure to deal with them...the kind of pleasure that grocery shopping usually isn't. Well, that's a fond memory...fast forward to now.
I am trying out a new local organic grocery delivery service called Spud.com. My current diet is pretty devoid of all the processed food stuff (with the exception of Splenda laced items), so I thought this would be a good fit for me. Plus, you can get a box of organic fruits and veggies delivered automatically on a regular basis, based on what is in season. My mom has been getting organic veggies delivered to her door (different state, different company) and she's been praising all the new stuff she's been eating (who knew bok choy would receive such rave reviews?).
I guess part of it is that I'm ready to up my commitment to healthy eating since I've been feeling so good (mentally and physically) about what I have been doing so far. You know how some people, at the end of their blog post, tell you what music they are listening to? I'm going to resist the urge to tell you what vegetable I am eating.
Anyway, with all my talk about grocery stores here (and with a new PCC opening nearby), I thought I would give spud.com a shot.
Comments
- Anonymous
May 15, 2006
I'd vote cool. Or at least "opportunistic"...
I use Freshdirect.com here in New York. Their stuff, 99% of the time, is better than what you'd get at the local grocery store, the website is very user-friendly (and educational), and they deliver until 11:30 at night. Also, and this is a huge thing for me, their customer service is friendly and helpful.
There's no shame in using stuff that frees up your time to do other things... - Anonymous
May 15, 2006
I also use Freshdirect.com in NY and I find them to be often better than the quality of food at local supermarkets. Being so busy at times shopping can be a pain and im thankful for the service they provide. I want to check out Spud.com to see what they have to offer though I am not into organic foods. Keep up the good work!
Wes
www.wesleydjones.com
illmaticwes.blogspot.com - Anonymous
May 15, 2006
Michael and Wes, I found the same when I was using HomeGrocer...the quality was just better. Plus, here's the kicker with spud.com, free delivery of orders over $35 in my area. I think that is because they just deliver here once a week but that's no big deal for me. I just found another hour and a half in my week. Whee! - Anonymous
May 15, 2006
The comment has been removed - Anonymous
May 15, 2006
I wouldn't be surprised if Whole Foods bought some smaller companies or started offering the service on their own. I kind of like farmer's markets but really it's more entertainment than grocery shopping, especially since you never know what you are going to get.
I think Seattle is probably a prime place for this kind of stuff. I'm not sure about LA. But I will admit that I am jealous that you have In'N Out Burger (one of my favorite indulgences) and KooKooRoo (healthy and yummy at the same time). - Anonymous
May 16, 2006
Like Wes and Michael, I am also a FreshDirect user. I like using it when I have company as I can order platters and ready made foods. The downside to it, is that they only offer 1 or 2 brands of things, so if you are choosy it doesnt necessarily work. Also good for getting wine, household items, toiletries, etc. delivered. I often wonder if it is being lazy. Then realized I live in NYC and have to carry what I buy a few blocks home, so its definitely worth it. The fresh products and ready made meals are great. - Anonymous
May 16, 2006
Wine-Oh, I felt the same when I lived in Chicago but all we had at that time was a grocery store (Treasuer Island) that would deliver your groceries after you shopped...you still had to go there. - Anonymous
May 16, 2006
I wonder if there is anything in Mass... - Anonymous
May 16, 2006
I'm not in the US of A but you might want to consider looking at
Whole Foods -
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/01/whole_foods_nat.php
(check the comments section) - Anonymous
May 17, 2006
blah-I have (and blogged about it). The Redmond store has not been opened yet, unfortunately. I'm looking forward to it though. - Anonymous
May 17, 2006
Sorry, I should have been clearer - apart from Whole Foods itself, the comments in that post should throw up some decent alternatives :) - Anonymous
June 26, 2006
Well, Safeway offers a similar service in the Seattle area, but at this point I have to give it two paws WAY DOWN.
My bank account has been charged, and their website shows order status "Delivered," but I have no groceries.
When I called the Consumer Service Center their answer was "I dont know. Try clicking refresh and entering your order again.
So, I'm out over $200 and not so much as an olive to show for it. - Anonymous
June 26, 2006
The comment has been removed