Are you tired of spending your precious time wandering through grocery aisles, fighting crowds, and waiting in long checkout lines? Well, you're not alone! The good news is, Kroger's Pickup service—the evolution of what was once known as ClickList—is here to save the day. It's a game-changer for anyone who values convenience and efficiency. Let's walk through the entire process, step-by-step, so you can start enjoying a smarter, simpler way to grocery shop.
Step 1: Welcome to the Future of Grocery Shopping!
Before you can embrace the magic of Kroger Pickup, you need to get set up. This is the foundation of your entire shopping journey, so let's make sure it's done right.
A. Create a Digital Account
First things first, you'll need a Kroger digital account. If you don't have one already, it's easy to create. You can do this on the Kroger website or through their mobile app, which is incredibly convenient for on-the-go shopping. When you sign up, you'll be asked for some basic information like your name, email, and a password. You'll also want to link your Kroger Shopper's Card to your account. This is crucial because it ensures you get all the digital coupons, fuel points, and personalized deals you've come to expect from Kroger.
B. Select Your Store and Method
Once you're logged in, you'll need to specify your preferred shopping method and location. On the website or app, you'll see an option to "Change Store" or "Choose Your Way to Shop."
Select "Pickup": Make sure you choose "Pickup" from the available options (as opposed to "Delivery" or "Ship").
Find Your Store: Enter your ZIP code and select the Kroger store you want to pick up your groceries from. It's important to note that not all Kroger locations offer Pickup, so if your store doesn't appear, you may need to try a nearby one.
How Does Kroger Pickup Order Work |
Step 2: Time to Fill Your Virtual Cart
This is the fun part! You get to shop for all your favorite items from the comfort of your couch.
A. Browse and Search for Items
The Kroger website and app are designed to make shopping easy. You can:
Browse by Aisle: Just like in a physical store, you can navigate through virtual aisles like "Produce," "Dairy," "Meat," and "Pantry."
Use the Search Bar: If you know exactly what you're looking for, the search bar is your best friend. Type in "chicken breast" or "avocados," and the options will appear instantly.
Shop from Your Favorites and Past Purchases: This is a brilliant feature for repeat shoppers! You can quickly add items you've bought before, saving you a ton of time.
Tip: Reread slowly for better memory.
B. Pay Attention to the Details
As you add items to your cart, be sure to look for a few key things:
Digital Coupons: The system will often alert you if a digital coupon is available for an item you've selected. Make sure to "clip" it to your Shopper's Card so the discount is applied automatically.
Special Instructions: This is where you can be a hero to your personal shopper. For items like produce or deli meats, you can add notes. For example, you might write "ripe but firm avocados" or "thinly sliced ham."
Substitutions: When you're adding an item, you'll be asked if you'd like to allow substitutions. This is a critical decision! If an item is out of stock, the Kroger associate will try to find a suitable replacement. You can even suggest a specific substitute. If you'd rather not have a replacement, simply select "no substitutions." This is a very important step to avoid any surprises!
Step 3: Checkout and Schedule Your Pickup
You've built your perfect cart. Now, let's make it official.
A. The Checkout Process
When you're ready to check out, head to your cart. The site or app will show you an estimated total. Remember, this is not the final price. The final price is determined at the time of pickup, accounting for things like substitutions, weighted items (like produce or meat), and any paper coupons you might be using.
B. Select Your Pickup Time
This is where you choose a time slot that works for you. Kroger offers one-hour pickup windows throughout the day. It's a good idea to book your time slot in advance, especially during busy days or holidays, as slots can fill up quickly.
C. Payment Information
You'll need to enter a credit or debit card to complete the order. It's important to note that the card is not charged immediately; rather, a "hold" is placed on your account for the estimated total. The final, actual charge will be processed at the time of pickup. For this reason, it's a good idea to have the payment card you used online with you when you arrive at the store. SNAP EBT is also an accepted form of payment at pickup, and you will process the payment in person when you arrive.
Step 4: Your Groceries are Being Hand-Selected!
QuickTip: Use CTRL + F to search for keywords quickly.
Once you submit your order, the magic happens behind the scenes.
A. The Kroger Team at Work
A trained Kroger associate, often referred to as a "picker," will receive your order. They use a handheld device to navigate the store, gathering each item on your list. They take great care to select the freshest produce and products, following any special instructions you provided. Your order is separated into different totes for ambient, refrigerated, and frozen items to ensure everything stays fresh.
B. What Happens with Out-of-Stock Items?
If an item is out of stock and you allowed substitutions, the associate will choose a replacement. Typically, they will try to upgrade you to a larger size or a comparable brand at no additional cost. You'll be notified of any substitutions when you arrive for your pickup.
Step 5: The Pickup! The Moment of Truth!
The day has arrived! It's time to get your groceries.
A. Notify the Store You're On Your Way
As you head to the store, it's best to use the app to let them know you're coming. There's often a button that says "I'm on my way." This gives the team a heads-up and helps them prepare your order for a quick and seamless hand-off.
B. Arrival at the Store
When you arrive, look for the designated Kroger Pickup parking spots. They are clearly marked with signs. Once you're parked, you'll need to check in. This can be done through the app, or you can call the phone number provided on the sign.
Tip: Write down what you learned.
C. Finalizing Your Order
A friendly Kroger associate will bring your order out to your car. They will:
Review Your Order: They will go over any substitutions and out-of-stock items with you. This is your chance to decline any substitutes you don't want.
Process Payment: If you are using a payment method other than the one you used online (such as a paper coupon, gift card, or EBT), they will process that now. The final charge will be run on your card.
Load Your Car: The associate will load your groceries into your trunk or backseat for you. All you have to do is pop the trunk and get back to your life!
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Place a Kroger Pickup Order?
You can place a Kroger Pickup order by logging into your digital account on the Kroger website or mobile app, selecting a store that offers the service, and adding items to your cart before choosing a pickup time and providing payment information.
How to Use Coupons with Kroger Pickup?
Digital coupons are automatically applied when you have them clipped to your Shopper's Card. For paper coupons, you must present them to the associate at the time of pickup, and they will be applied to your final bill.
How to Change or Cancel a Kroger Pickup Order?
You can usually modify or cancel your order up until a certain time before your scheduled pickup. To do this, go to "My Purchases" in your account. However, once a store associate begins picking your order, it can no longer be changed or canceled.
How to Handle Out-of-Stock Items?
QuickTip: Skim the first line of each paragraph.
When placing your order, you can specify whether you want to allow substitutions for each item. If you allow a substitution, the associate will choose a comparable replacement. You have the right to refuse any substitutions you don't want when you arrive for pickup.
How to Know When to Arrive for My Pickup?
You can arrive anytime within your one-hour pickup window. It is recommended that you use the "I'm on my way" feature in the app to notify the store when you are leaving, which helps them prepare your order for a fast and efficient hand-off.
How to Pay for My Kroger Pickup Order?
You will provide a credit or debit card when you place your order online. The card is not charged until you pick up your groceries, at which point the final total is processed. SNAP EBT is also accepted at pickup.
How to Tell the Picker About My Preferences?
You can leave special instructions for items in your cart. For example, you can ask for "green bananas" or "thinly sliced turkey." This helps the associates hand-select items that are just right for you.
How to Know if My Local Store Has Pickup?
To find out if your store offers the service, simply go to the Kroger website or app, enter your ZIP code, and check if "Pickup" is available as a shopping method for your preferred location.
How to Return an Item from a Pickup Order?
If you are unsatisfied with an item or a substitution after you've left the store, you can return it to the customer service desk inside the store for a refund, following Kroger's standard return policy.
How to Tip a Kroger Pickup Associate?
While you may appreciate their excellent service, Kroger Pickup associates do not accept tips. Their job is to provide you with the best possible service, and they are not permitted to take gratuities.