Forgive me for a stupid question, but I haven't been out of the house in weeks...

[Raven]

how does this pick up thing work at stores?

[Thomas Hurt]

1. usually you get on line, place your order and schedule a day and time range to pick up.

Show up, text that you have arrived and they bring it out to you.

[janterry]

2. depends on the store

at Michaels, they had a table out front. You ordered online, they texted when the order was ready - you went to the table and showed your license -they brought out what you ordered.

Other stores will bring it right to your car.

[Historic NY]

3. Call ahead with order, credit card etc...

they give you a pickup time. Check with the store they all have different ways.

[Rhiannon12866]

16. Exactly, it's taken me awhile to learn the protocol for different stores

That's why I keep choosing the same ones. It usually tells online - or you can call to find out.

[PoliticAverse]

4. It's 2020 which means there are at least 10 youtube videos showing someone going through

the process of online ordering and curbside pickup at most every large store offering the service.

Tell us your favorite store.

[redstatebluegirl]

7. Be kind not everyone is a tech savvy as you are.

[CurtEastPoint]

8. I believe he was offering to help if you'd name your store.

[redstatebluegirl]

9. Ok, I guess it was the "it's 2020" I found a little condescending. My nephew uses that any time

I need a little tech help. I stopped asking him, I'm not a moron just born in a different time. I use technology to write grants and research them, although I still prefer the actual library I do use youtube for entertainment.

[secondwind]

5. You can google up "nearest supermarket that delivers near me"......... or

there are supermarkets that will take an order in advance, and you can schedule when you want to pick it up..
We've been ordering online for weeks.. the prices are a bit more expensive, though, and sometimes they don't have what you want, but if you order every two weeks, you will be bound to get what you want!

Good luck.

[Jamastiene]

6. It depends on the store, but

usually you shop online and fill a virtual cart, then pay for it with debit/credit/PayPal, then they send you an email or text when the order is ready. You go pick it up and they put it in your car for you.

Where I live is very limited, so Walmart is the only place that will do it. Since this virus, I have had to use them because Food Lion's shelves have been half empty. I have to use an Android app on my tablet to let them know I'm coming. I don't have a smart phone. If you have a smart phone, it is much easier.

[procon]

10. At Wal-Mart you make your order on line.

It's very easy to add or change it, and your stuff stays there until you either delete it or complete your order. Most everything you'd see in the store is available online and is hand picked for you by a personal a shopper.

You can select from a choice of pick up times that suit you. Then you drive into the designated PU area and phone in your arrival. In short order a Wal-Mart worker brings your order to your car. You don't have to get out or come into contact with anyone. If you have bags and boxes they will put your stuff in them. The service is very fast and polite.

I'm disabled and I've been a satisfied customer for over a year. The Wal-Mart shoppers pick the best produce and meats. Sometime they make substitutes which are generally of comparable quality and price, (I ordered ink pens and got a different brand, that was fine) but you can reject them if it's something you don't want.

[Lars39]

11. I use Kroger and Walmart

You order online. If you’re not in a hurry, put a few things in your cart, snag a time a week away and pay. You then have a week to modify the order, usually up to a few hours or so before you pick up at the designated time in the designated place at the store parking lot. They usually have early shopping hours for seniors, too, if you want to go in the store.

[smirkymonkey]

12. You might also be able to use Instacart and they will do the shopping for you and deliver

to your door. They have contactless delivery so they can just drop the bags on your porch or in your lobby. You usually have to pay a fee and it's nice to leave a tip.

If you live in an urban area, a lot of grocery stores also have their own delivery services so you don't have to go pick it up yourself. I find it very convenient. I don't mind paying a little more for delivery and tip since I am not spending money on anything else right now and these people are putting themselves out there for our convenience.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

[Buckeye_Democrat]

13. In addition to what others already posted...

... I'd like to let you know that you can request the receipt be placed in the trunk (or wherever) with the items.

The first time I did it, I grabbed the receipt like I HAD to accept it by hand.

Oh, and any items not fulfilled should not show up in the receipt or the final bill, of course -- i.e., the cost should be less than the initial preauthorization amount, but the adjustment may not appear immediately through the bank/creditor.

[LeftInTX]

14. It's weird and awkward!!

It's pretty straight forward for dry good places like Office Depot or Lowe's, but with groceries, you have to schedule a time. Usually it's several days out. Then you "grocery shop" on your PC/Phone, which is weird. Then you have to remember to "check out"...Yes, one time I didn't "check out" and went to pick up my groceries....duh...

[littlemissmartypants]

15. Thanks for bringing this up, Raven. I was wondering how to do it as well.

I am so thankful for the generous folks here.

All the best to you!
❤ lmsp