Grocery delivery has become an absolute game-changer for so many of us, saving precious time and energy. But, like any convenience, it comes with a cost. If you're a Kroger shopper considering having your groceries delivered, you're probably wondering: "How much does it cost for Kroger delivery?"
Well, you've come to the right place! This comprehensive guide will break down all the costs involved, from one-time fees to membership options, so you can make an informed decision and budget effectively.
Step 1: Let's figure out what kind of Kroger delivery you're looking for!
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of pricing, it's important to understand that Kroger offers a few different ways to get your groceries delivered, and the cost can vary significantly depending on which option you choose. So, ask yourself:
Are you looking for a quick, one-time delivery, or do you plan to use the service regularly?
Do you prefer your groceries delivered by a Kroger associate, or are you comfortable with a third-party service?
Your answers will help us narrow down the most relevant cost information for you!
Step 2: Understanding the Different Kroger Delivery Options and Their Costs
Kroger primarily offers two main delivery avenues, each with its own pricing structure:
Sub-heading 2.1: Kroger Delivery (Fulfilled by Kroger Associates)
This is Kroger's direct delivery service, where your order is shopped and delivered by trained Kroger associates.
Standard Delivery Fee: The typical delivery fee for Kroger Delivery ranges from $6.95 to $14.95 per order. This fee can vary based on factors like:
Your specific location (ZIP code)
The day of the week you choose
The specific time slot you select
Kroger has recently updated its fee structure to be more flexible, so you'll see the exact fee displayed when you select your delivery time slot during checkout.
Express Delivery Surcharge: If you need your groceries as fast as possible (often within 2 hours), there's an additional $4.95 Express Fee on top of the standard delivery fee. This makes an express delivery potentially cost around $11.90 to $19.90 per order without a membership.
Minimum Order: While not a direct fee, keep in mind there's typically a $35 minimum order requirement to qualify for delivery services. If your order falls below this amount, you may not be able to proceed with delivery.
Tipping: With Kroger Delivery (fulfilled by Kroger associates), tipping is generally not necessary as Kroger states, "your smile is our reward." Their drivers are compensated directly by Kroger.
Sub-heading 2.2: Third-Party Delivery Services (e.g., Instacart, Shipt)
Kroger also partners with third-party delivery platforms like Instacart and Shipt to fulfill orders. When you choose this option, you're essentially using the third-party service, even if you initiate the order through Kroger's website or app. The costs for these services can be different:
Delivery Fee: Instacart's delivery fees can range, often starting around $7.95 to $9.95 per order for standard delivery.
Service Fee: Third-party services often include a separate "service fee" which can vary based on your order total.
Tipping: Unlike Kroger's direct delivery, tipping is expected and highly encouraged for third-party delivery drivers. They rely on tips as a significant portion of their income.
Item Markups: It's worth noting that some third-party delivery services may markup the prices of individual grocery items compared to in-store or Kroger's direct delivery prices. This is how they often make additional revenue.
Step 3: Exploring the Kroger Boost Membership for Savings
If you plan on using Kroger delivery regularly, a Kroger Boost membership can significantly reduce your delivery costs and offer other valuable perks.
Sub-heading 3.1: Boost Membership Tiers and Their Benefits
Kroger offers two tiers for its Boost membership:
Boost Essential (Annual Membership):
Cost: Approximately $69 per year (or $8.99 per month).
Benefits:
Free next-day delivery on orders of $35 or more.
2X Fuel Points for every dollar spent on groceries and general merchandise (both in-store and online).
A six-month subscription to Disney+ Basic (With Ads), Hulu (With Ads), or ESPN+ (for annual members).
Boost ($99) (Annual Membership):
Cost: Approximately $99 per year (or $12.99 per month).
Benefits:
Free same-day delivery (often in as little as 2 hours) on orders of $35 or more. This includes waived standard delivery service fees.
Discounted Express Delivery surcharge of $4.95 per order (you still pay this surcharge, but it's often the only delivery fee you incur with this tier).
2X Fuel Points for every dollar spent on groceries and general merchandise.
A full-year subscription to Disney+ Basic (With Ads), Hulu (With Ads), or ESPN+ (for annual members).
Sub-heading 3.2: Is a Boost Membership Worth It?
To determine if a Boost membership is cost-effective for you, consider your delivery frequency:
If you order groceries for delivery more than once or twice a month, the annual Boost membership fees can quickly pay for themselves by eliminating per-order delivery charges.
The added benefits like 2X Fuel Points and streaming service access can further sweeten the deal, especially if you already use these services or are looking to save on gas.
For example, if a standard delivery costs $9.95, and you order twice a month, that's almost $240 in delivery fees per year. A $99 Boost membership would save you significantly!
Step 4: Other Factors That Can Influence Your Total Cost
Beyond the direct delivery fees and membership costs, a few other elements can impact your overall expenditure when using Kroger delivery:
Sub-heading 4.1: Sales, Digital Coupons, and Promotions
Kroger's delivery service does allow you to use digital coupons clipped to your Kroger Plus Card account, which can lead to significant savings on your groceries.
Keep an eye out for delivery-specific promotions or coupon codes that Kroger might offer, especially for first-time users or specific order thresholds. These can sometimes waive delivery fees or offer discounts on your total order.
Sub-heading 4.2: Substitutions and Out-of-Stock Items
When an item you ordered is out of stock, Kroger will typically offer a substitution. You can set your preferences for substitutions (e.g., "always allow," "contact me," "no substitutions").
If you accept a substitution, you'll generally be charged the lower of the price of the item you ordered or the price of the substituted item (this can vary slightly by region/store). This means sometimes a substitution might even save you a few cents!
Sub-heading 4.3: Product Pricing
Online prices for Kroger delivery generally reflect the in-store price on the day you place your order.
However, it's possible that some prices may change between the time you place your order and the time it's delivered. The final price will be reflected on your receipt.
Step 5: Comparing Kroger Delivery to Kroger Pickup
If you're looking to save money, Kroger Pickup (formerly ClickList) is often a free alternative that offers much of the same convenience.
Kroger Pickup Cost: It's generally FREE for orders of $35 or more. For orders under $35, there might be a small service fee (e.g., $4.95).
How it works: You place your order online, and Kroger associates shop for your items. You then drive to the store at your selected time slot, and they load your groceries directly into your car.
No Tipping for Pickup: Kroger associates do not accept tips for pickup orders.
If you live close to a Kroger store and don't mind a quick drive, Pickup can be a fantastic way to save on delivery fees while still enjoying the convenience of online grocery shopping.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Kroger Delivery Costs
Here are 10 common questions related to Kroger delivery costs, with quick answers to help you navigate your options:
How to calculate the total cost for a single Kroger delivery?
Answer: Add the delivery fee (varies by time/location, typically $6.95-$14.95) to the cost of your groceries. If using Express Delivery, add an additional $4.95 surcharge. Factor in an optional tip if using a third-party service.
How to get free delivery on Kroger?
Answer: Sign up for a Kroger Boost membership (starting at $69/year for next-day delivery or $99/year for same-day delivery) for free delivery on orders of $35 or more. Occasionally, Kroger may offer promotional free delivery codes.
How to know if my Kroger delivery will be fulfilled by Kroger or a third party?
Answer: During the checkout process, look for "Kroger Delivery" and a "Blue Truck" icon when selecting your time slot. If it mentions Instacart or another service, it's a third-party delivery.
How to save money on Kroger delivery?
Answer: Consider a Boost membership for unlimited free deliveries, look for digital coupons and promo codes, compare prices with Kroger Pickup (which is often free), and avoid Express Delivery unless necessary due to its surcharge.
How to pay for Kroger delivery?
Answer: You can pay for your Kroger delivery orders using a credit or debit card online. Cash, checks, gift cards, and government benefits (like WIC and SNAP) are generally not accepted for online delivery orders.
How to find delivery fees before placing my Kroger order?
Answer: The exact delivery fee for your order will be clearly displayed when you select your delivery time slot during the checkout process on the Kroger website or app after entering your ZIP code.
How to cancel a Kroger Boost membership?
Answer: You can cancel your Boost membership at any time by contacting Kroger Customer Connect at 1-833-557-4278. Cancellation generally takes effect at the end of your current billing period and does not result in a refund for the current period.
How to use digital coupons with Kroger delivery?
Answer: Clip digital coupons to your Kroger Plus Card account online or via the app. They will automatically apply to your eligible delivery order during checkout or be reflected on your final receipt.
How to handle substitutions for Kroger delivery orders?
Answer: During the checkout process, you can set your substitution preferences (e.g., "allow substitutions," "contact me," "no substitutions"). If a substitution is made, you'll generally be charged the lower of the original item's price or the substituted item's price.
How to avoid a minimum order fee for Kroger delivery?
Answer: Kroger delivery typically has a $35 minimum order requirement. To avoid this, simply ensure your total grocery order value is $35 or more before checkout.
