Author Topic: I did something very un-mustachian today...  (Read 8737 times)

andrea-stache

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I did something very un-mustachian today...
« on: January 26, 2015, 12:22:48 PM »
I signed up for Pea Pod delivery.  Pea Pod is the delivery service of Giant Food stores.  I tried Pea Pod for the first time 2 months ago.  They offered free delivery for 2 months to try it out.  They got me hooked!

It cost $120 for one year of delivery.  I am rationalizing this expense as $10 a month or $2.50 per delivery (assume 4 times a month).  I am arguing that my time and gas are worth $2.50 a delivery.  I hate grocery shopping.  I think it is the most inefficient process ever!  You touch the item to put it in your cart, then you touch it again to put it on the belt, then you touch it again to bag it, then you touch it again when you get home to unpack and put away.  I just eliminated all those steps and now I just have to unbag and put my items away!!

Their website is fantastic.  They have some fancy algorithm behind the scenes that learns your orders.  I hit the "guess my order" button and it's got all our basics already in.  I add and subtract based on what we need.   I think I spend less on groceries using pea pod since there are no impulse buys at the store.  Oh, and they accept coupons!  I typically don't have many coupons since most of our groceries are bought on the periphery of the store. 

So what do you think fellow mustachians...face punch or did my rationalizing work on you?

PS-we have no debt and save over 50% of our take home if that helps my argument

slugline

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Re: I did something very un-mustachian today...
« Reply #1 on: January 26, 2015, 12:30:34 PM »
I'm intrigued. My verdict would depend on what you're doing with the time you're not shopping. :)

oriolesmagic

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Re: I did something very un-mustachian today...
« Reply #2 on: January 26, 2015, 12:49:20 PM »
I actually learned about Peapod from this forum (someone here was complaining expressing their opinion about how anti-mustachian it is). The Mrs. and I tried it a few months ago, and now we're hooked. I'm not the quickest grocery shopper, so it probably saves me 30-60 minutes, and I don't miss out on anything that I forget or can't find. It also makes meal planning a bit easier. That's worth $3 to me.

There are some downsides. If they don't have the item you purchased in stock, they'll try to substitute it out. Occasionally, they won't have anything to substitute it with, so you just get refunded for the item.

YMMV

Edit: We haven't yet tried the delivery option, only pick-up.

Guesl982374

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Re: I did something very un-mustachian today...
« Reply #3 on: January 26, 2015, 12:51:08 PM »
I would say your rationalizing worked if you are earning above the median income. My only hesitation would be if you've checked to make sure you aren't over paying or paying full retail for each item. As an example, I live in Massachusetts and anyone here knows that Market Basket is a good 25% cheaper than any other super market.

It seems lazy IMO but if you are truly only spending an extra $120/yr then no big deal but my gut tells me you are propbably overspending on just about every item of food which does justify the deserved face punch.

Zikoris

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Re: I did something very un-mustachian today...
« Reply #4 on: January 26, 2015, 02:40:01 PM »
I used to have a grocery delivery service years ago. It wasn't too outrageous I suppose - I paid $200-$250/month and got a weekly bin of locally, organic groceries delivered to my door. Typical weekly order was a loaf of bread, a carton of soy milk, some sort of veggie meat or tofu or tempeh, healthy breakfast cereal, peanut butter or other incidentals, and a big assortment of whatever local produce was available that week - always enough for one person to prepare meals for a week, plus fruit to snack on.

I spend half that now that I've dropped that, but man, it sure was nice coming home from work and having all my groceries waiting for me.

LouLou

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Re: I did something very un-mustachian today...
« Reply #5 on: January 26, 2015, 05:48:14 PM »
That sounds amazing! I just had a very busy work week that I could not predict - so no fresh veggies or fruits for me!  And no more milk, or meat, or bread...you get the picture.

That said, I could calculate the value.

eyePod

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Re: I did something very un-mustachian today...
« Reply #6 on: January 27, 2015, 06:36:06 AM »
I don't think what you're doing is unmustachian at all.

You are calculating the value of something and deciding if it's worth it - using your whole financial picture as a framework. Now, if you have a ton of loans and credit cards that you're paying interest on, then you're a dumbass.

greenmimama

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Re: I did something very un-mustachian today...
« Reply #7 on: January 29, 2015, 09:53:02 PM »
I have 3 young children, I would love a grocery delivery service, right now that is just called my husband on his way home from work, but I hate that he gets home later when he stops to get stuff for us.

I would like that service for sure!!!!!!!!

MsPeacock

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Re: I did something very un-mustachian today...
« Reply #8 on: January 30, 2015, 08:21:03 AM »
I use delivery from shoprite. I have found their prices lower than pea pod. We have delivery available from pea pod, Safeway, and shoprite. Shoprite is the only one that has the same prices in store as online (including their sales). Plus shoprite frequently offers $15 off online orders. And they double coupons. I mention this only in cae you have options aside from pea pod I your area.

Anyhow, I think it is worth it. I am totally pressed for time and hate grocery shopping. I do much better bring "on task" with an online order and I can order at 11pm on Wednesday. The $9.00 for delivery every two weeksis well worth not spending 2 hours grocery shopping dragging my bored/complaining children with me.

gluskap

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Re: I did something very un-mustachian today...
« Reply #9 on: March 16, 2015, 01:47:57 PM »
So I just recently discovered grocery delivery and since they were offering free delivery on the first order at Vons/Safeway, I figured why not just try it?  I had nothing to lose.  It was great!  It saved me so much time and makes meal planning easier as I can login anytime and add to my list.  Then just schedule the time for them to deliver.  Not only was delivery free they even gave me a case of water and paper towels for FREE!  But normal delivery price was $10 for an order over $150 and $13 for orders less than that which I didn't think was worth the price since I have a Ralphs so close to me that I can walk there.  However, each week they keep giving me a free coupon!  Plus the free delivery usually comes with some free item like bananas, water, etc.  Now some might be thinking that even with free delivery, perhaps I am overpaying for the items themselves.  But I usually only buy whatever is on sale under the Vons club price special and because it's online, it makes price comparisons very easy since I can search for an item and then sort by price from low to high.  And their coupons are right there so I think if anything I might be saving money this way.  There is a $50 minimum order for the delivery but that is just a nice target for me to stop shopping once I hit this threshold and it's been making it easy for me to stay below my monthly budget!

vivophoenix

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Re: I did something very un-mustachian today...
« Reply #10 on: March 16, 2015, 01:52:54 PM »
I would say your rationalizing worked if you are earning above the median income. My only hesitation would be if you've checked to make sure you aren't over paying or paying full retail for each item. As an example, I live in Massachusetts and anyone here knows that Market Basket is a good 25% cheaper than any other super market.

It seems lazy IMO but if you are truly only spending an extra $120/yr then no big deal but my gut tells me you are propbably overspending on just about every item of food which does justify the deserved face punch.


mass now has instacart, an app  which delivers from market basket

MrsPete

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Re: I did something very un-mustachian today...
« Reply #11 on: March 16, 2015, 02:11:05 PM »
I like grocery shopping (and pretty much everything about cooking), so I wouldn't do it myself. 

I would also wonder if I'd missed the better deals:  Comparing the cost of pre-chopped peppers to the 3-pack of whole peppers.  Picking up the unplanned items from the clearance area (for example, I currently have TEN corned beef briskets in my freezer -- they averaged $4 each; no, they weren't on my list, but when I saw the price, I filled my cart).  Noticing that pork chops are on sale; thus, I'd better add the items I need for my husband's favorite pork chop casserole.  Thinking about it this way, I suspect it would cost me more than the published $120/year.

However, I have a friend who has two small children, and she uses an order-online-drive-up-and-get-it service.  She says it's totally worth the money because she doesn't have to get the kids out of the cars /into the buggy /say no 1000 times to cookies and sugary cereal /get the kids into the car ... you get the idea.

And it would be nice at certain times in your life.  For example, my mother had some major surgery recently -- having food delivered might've been worth the cost during her recovery.  And my grandmother stopped driving in her elderly years -- again, a delivery might've been worthwhile for her, if she hadn't had family to take care of her needs. 


BlueHouse

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Re: I did something very un-mustachian today...
« Reply #12 on: March 16, 2015, 04:48:51 PM »
I used pea pod while I was nursing a broken leg.  The delivery team even carried it up the stairs for me!  it was great. After a few weeks of delivery, I started getting into a great routine of planning meals in advance and healthy eating. I also for the first time in my life got a handle on how much food is needed in a week. When you only get it once a week, you need to make sure it lasts.
Unfortunately, after a few months, I started noticing some sleepy produce. Sure, they always took it off my bill, but then I don't have an ingredient that I need for one of my planned meals. Another downer was when they just couldn't get the logistics right.  No prob when I wasn't going out, but when I started to heal, I wanted to go out and I couldn't wait all day because they didn't make their two hour delivery window.  Anyway, now a new grocery went in two blocks from my house, so I have no excuse anymore.

Jacana

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Re: I did something very un-mustachian today...
« Reply #13 on: March 16, 2015, 06:56:12 PM »
We used peapod for a few months after our daughter was born and I was bedridden from complications. It was amazing. They brought all of it straight into the kitchen for me. And I really liked that I could make the list in advance and know exactly what the cost was, plus filtering options by cost per lb was great. Easier than my poor husband trying to find every item while extremely sleep-deprived and impulse buying a ton of stuff instead. I wouldn't use it on a regular basis but I will for sure  if we are ever in a similar situation.

aschmidt2930

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Re: I did something very un-mustachian today...
« Reply #14 on: March 16, 2015, 08:55:48 PM »
You're in the clear on this one.  Cost is low, and frees up time, I can see how that would be worth it.

golden1

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Re: I did something very un-mustachian today...
« Reply #15 on: March 17, 2015, 06:49:49 AM »
I did this for a few years when I had two kids in diapers and I actually saved money overall vs. going to the store myself.  It really helped with the sanity levels.  At the time the delivery was more expensive, like $5 per delivery, but on the bright side, I spent less overall because I wasn't at the store and tempted by impulse purchases, so my overall grocery bill went down by 10-20%.  The down side is that sometimes they would be out of certain items or get stuff wrong, and the produce they picked out would be less than optimal.  Also, you should factor in tipping for the delivery guy.  I used to tip him a few bucks because he brought my groceries into the kitchen.

Scandium

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Re: I did something very un-mustachian today...
« Reply #16 on: March 18, 2015, 11:17:19 AM »
I like grocery shopping (and pretty much everything about cooking), so I wouldn't do it myself. 

I would also wonder if I'd missed the better deals:  Comparing the cost of pre-chopped peppers to the 3-pack of whole peppers.  Picking up the unplanned items from the clearance area (for example, I currently have TEN corned beef briskets in my freezer -- they averaged $4 each; no, they weren't on my list, but when I saw the price, I filled my cart).  Noticing that pork chops are on sale; thus, I'd better add the items I need for my husband's favorite pork chop casserole.  Thinking about it this way, I suspect it would cost me more than the published $120/year.

This would be my worry too. I always shop the sale item if possible, and stock up whenever it makes sense. A function of: deal, expiration time, how much we use. I don't need peanut butter, but it's buy 2,  get 1 free? I'm getting 8 jars! Or I need cheese, but if that other brand/type is on sale I'll change it.

I'd have to look at the ordering system to see if it's possible to do some deal shopping there, otherwise I worry I'd loose out, and pay extra for the privilege! Saving an hour per weekend would be nice though..

2Birds1Stone

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Re: I did something very un-mustachian today...
« Reply #17 on: March 18, 2015, 11:57:37 AM »
I love this service for those of you who are really busy or make insane money and don't like grocery shopping.

Personally I like it, I walk in with headphones on, listening to a podcast usually. Pick out the nicest fresh produce, the meat with the last best by dates, the freshest looking baked goods etc. I go 2x per month on my way home from work or the gym usually.

I can totally see how someone with serious time constraints could take the delivery route.

zephyr911

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Re: I did something very un-mustachian today...
« Reply #18 on: March 18, 2015, 12:21:27 PM »
I signed up for Pea Pod delivery.  Pea Pod is the delivery service of Giant Food stores.  I tried Pea Pod for the first time 2 months ago.  They offered free delivery for 2 months to try it out.  They got me hooked!

It cost $120 for one year of delivery.  I am rationalizing this expense as $10 a month or $2.50 per delivery (assume 4 times a month).  I am arguing that my time and gas are worth $2.50 a delivery. 
You could shop less than once a week. I actually like the grocery store and I like a constant supply of fresh veggies, and I only average once a week. I could easily halve it just by being a little more mindful. The only reason I don't is that it's a 10-minute walk from home and a good excuse to get out with my dogs.

So I say $5 per trip is more realistic.
Quote
PS-we have no debt and save over 50% of our take home if that helps my argument
In strictly logical terms, your SR is irrelevant to the merits or cost-effectiveness of a purchase decision. If your income doubled, would that suddenly make this idea twice as valuable? Of course not. But if your point is that you can afford this little bit of ridiculousness because you consciously avoid ridiculousness in other areas of life, that's reasonable. Have at it.

enb123

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Re: I did something very un-mustachian today...
« Reply #19 on: March 18, 2015, 01:09:00 PM »
We use Peapod as well, and get our groceries from Stop & Shop.  One big benefit is this gets us discounts on gas (at their own Stop & Shop gas stations and a bunch of Shell stations), and the savings there are terrific.  The other day I saved 90 cents a gallon - that was unusual, but fun! 

caliq

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Re: I did something very un-mustachian today...
« Reply #20 on: March 18, 2015, 01:15:04 PM »
We use Peapod as well, and get our groceries from Stop & Shop.  One big benefit is this gets us discounts on gas (at their own Stop & Shop gas stations and a bunch of Shell stations), and the savings there are terrific.  The other day I saved 90 cents a gallon - that was unusual, but fun!


Stop & Shop is excessively expensive.  I've been fighting this battle with my mother for years.  If you're buying enough groceries at Stop & Shop to get 90 cents off a gallon, you're wasting WAY more money every month in inflated food prices than you're saving on a single fill up.

Actually, to get 90 cents off a gallon I'm pretty sure you'd have to spend $900 in a month?  I hope that truly is unusual...

enb123

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Re: I did something very un-mustachian today...
« Reply #21 on: March 22, 2015, 02:59:39 PM »
Ha!  You think that's bad?  We used to go to Roche Bros. (smallish MA supermarket chain) - that was way more expensive.  Baby steps!
« Last Edit: March 22, 2015, 04:24:51 PM by enb123 »