I love the idea of ordering online, and have done so a few times. The first was fine, but the second time the sweet delivery girl kept calling saying the store was out of this item, then this item, then that item, etc. etc. No problem because I substituted the items, but for a higher price. It was a bit pricey for tip, delivery fee, and service fee attached to the tab.
I haven’t tried buying groceries online yet, largely because I like to inspect produce and other items before I buy them. That way I can avoid dented cans, crushed or opened packages, etc.
Some suggestions -
1. Look around for flash delivery specials and other deals on sites like SlickDeals.net - you can see your delivery fees drop to nothing, or find a discount on a delivery service memebership that pays for itself in just a few weeks.
2. If you live in some areas, you can get Amazon/Whole Foods fresh food delivery cheap or free with a Prime subscription.
3. Many sites do have real time inventory online for their stores. Walmart and Sam’s Club online inventories bear only the most coincidental resemblance to reality so if you’re getting some sort of same day delivery of an order, they’re the most likely to need substitutions that can drive up the price.