Picking up your Kroger order, often referred to as Kroger Pickup (formerly ClickList), is designed to be a convenient and time-saving experience. But how long does it really take, from placing your order to driving away with your groceries? Let's break it down!
The Kroger Pickup Journey: From Click to Car
Are you ready to streamline your grocery shopping? Let's dive into how Kroger Pickup works and what you can expect in terms of timing!
Step 1: Placing Your Order – The Digital Cart Experience
This is where your Kroger Pickup journey begins! It's all about making your selections from the comfort of your home.
Online or App: You can place your Kroger Pickup order either through the Kroger website or their mobile app. Both offer a user-friendly interface to browse products, add them to your cart, and manage your shopping list.
Selecting Your Store and Time Slot: This is crucial for determining your pickup time.
Choose Your Location: First, you'll need to select your preferred Kroger store for pickup. Make sure it's a store that offers the pickup service!
Pick Your Time Slot: Kroger allows you to schedule your pickup in one-hour increments. You can typically reserve a time slot up to seven days in advance. This is where you have the most control over "how long to pick up" your order.
Pro Tip: Early morning slots (e.g., 7 AM - 8 AM) can sometimes lead to more substitutions or out-of-stock items, as stocking may still be in progress. Afternoon or evening slots might offer more complete orders. However, some employees suggest avoiding early morning slots if possible, as it can create a backlog if customers don't pick up on time.
Payment: You'll typically pay for your order online using a credit, debit, or Kroger gift card. SNAP EBT is also accepted at all pickup locations.
Important Note: Your final total may vary slightly due to weighted items, substitutions, or coupons applied at pickup. Always bring the payment method you used online and a backup in case of any issues.
Modifying Your Order: For next-day pickups, you often have the flexibility to modify your order (add or edit items) until midnight the day before your scheduled pickup. However, same-day orders usually cannot be changed once submitted. If you forget something, you might need to cancel and re-place, potentially losing your original time slot.
Step 2: The Shopping Process – Behind the Scenes at Kroger
Once you've placed your order, the magic happens at the store.
Expert Personal Shoppers: Kroger employs dedicated associates who are trained to handpick your items. They work to ensure you receive fresh produce and quality products, just as you would if you were shopping yourself.
Order Fulfillment: Your order isn't picked all at once by a single person. Instead, it's often divided into different categories (ambient, refrigerated, frozen, oversized) and picked by various associates. They use specialized trolleys with multiple order totes to maximize efficiency.
This process typically starts several hours before your scheduled pickup window. For instance, orders for an 8 AM pickup might begin being picked as early as 5 AM.
Substitutions: If an item you ordered is out of stock, Kroger associates will often offer a suitable substitution. You'll be notified of these substitutions, sometimes via text or within the app. You have the option to accept or reject them when you arrive at pickup.
Step 3: Notification and Arrival – Your Cue to Go!
Knowing when to head to the store is key.
"Order Ready" Notifications: Kroger will usually send you a text message or app notification when your order is ready for pickup. It's important to note that this notification might come before your actual scheduled pickup window. While it means your order has been picked and is staged, you still need to adhere to your chosen time slot. Some users report receiving "order ready" alerts up to 20 minutes before their pickup window, but the app won't allow check-in until your scheduled time.
Driving to the Store: Head to your selected Kroger store.
Locate the Pickup Area: Look for designated "Online Pickup" or "ClickList" parking spots. These are typically well-marked and often have signs with a phone number or instructions for using the app to check in.
Check-In:
App Check-In: The most common and often preferred method is to use the Kroger app's "I'm Here" feature (or similar). Make sure your location services are enabled on your phone for this to work seamlessly.
Phone Call: If the app isn't working or you prefer, you can call the phone number provided on the pickup signs. Inform the associate of your name, order number, and parking spot.
Step 4: The Pickup Itself – Quick and Convenient!
This is the fastest part of the process!
Waiting in Your Car: Once you've checked in, stay in your vehicle. A Kroger associate will bring your order out to you.
Loading Your Groceries: The associate will load your groceries into your car (usually your trunk or back seat). For safety and efficiency, it's generally requested that you do not get out of your car to help.
Reviewing Substitutions and Payment: The associate will review any substitutions with you and confirm your order. If you have any paper coupons, they can be applied at this time. Your final bill will be processed, and you'll receive a receipt.
Driving Away: Once your groceries are loaded and payment is finalized, you're all set!
So, How Long Does it Really Take?
While the entire process, from placing an order to picking it up, can span hours or even days depending on your chosen time slot, the actual hands-on pickup time at the store is remarkably quick.
From Arrival to Departure: Once you arrive at the designated pickup spot and check in, the process of an associate bringing your order out and loading it into your car typically takes anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes. This can vary based on store busyness, the size of your order, and staffing levels.
Preparation Time: The time it takes for Kroger to prepare your order (picking, staging) can range from a few hours to the full duration until your scheduled pickup window. They aim to have orders ready within your chosen one-hour slot.
Factors That Can Affect Pickup Time
While Kroger strives for efficiency, a few things can influence how long your pickup might take:
Store Busyness: Peak hours (evenings, weekends) will naturally have more orders and potentially longer wait times.
Order Size: Larger, more complex orders might take slightly longer to load.
Staffing Levels: Adequate staffing ensures quicker turnaround times.
System Issues: Occasional technical glitches with the app or payment systems can cause minor delays.
Customer Traffic: If many customers arrive at the very beginning of their pickup hour, it can create a temporary bottleneck. Arriving slightly later in your chosen hour might sometimes lead to a quicker experience, as the initial rush has cleared.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Kroger Pickup, focusing on "How to" inquiries, along with quick answers:
How to Place a Kroger Pickup Order?
You can place a Kroger Pickup order through the Kroger website (kroger.com) or the Kroger mobile app. Simply sign in, select "Pickup" as your shopping method, choose your store and desired pickup time slot, and then add items to your cart.
How to Change a Kroger Pickup Time Slot?
Unfortunately, once a Kroger Pickup order is placed, you cannot change the pickup time or location. If you need to pick up at a different time, you would generally have to cancel the existing order and place a new one, which means you might lose your original time slot.
How to Modify a Pending Kroger Pickup Order?
For next-day pickup orders, you can typically add or edit items until midnight of the day before your scheduled pickup. Visit "My Purchases" in your account to modify. Same-day orders cannot be modified once submitted.
How to Know When My Kroger Order is Ready?
Kroger will send you a text message or app notification when your order has been picked and is ready for pickup. Keep in mind this alert may come before your actual scheduled pickup window.
How to Check In for Kroger Pickup When I Arrive?
When you arrive at the Kroger store's designated pickup area, you can check in using the Kroger mobile app's "I'm Here" feature (with location services enabled) or by calling the phone number displayed on the pickup signs.
How to Handle Substitutions for My Kroger Pickup Order?
Kroger associates will inform you of any substitutions when they bring your order to your car. You have the option to accept or decline these substituted items at that time. If you decline, the item will be removed from your bill.
How to Use Coupons with Kroger Pickup?
Digital coupons linked to your Kroger Shopper's Card will automatically apply to your online order. If you have paper coupons, you can hand them to the associate when they bring your order out, and they will apply them to your final bill.
How to Pay for My Kroger Pickup Order?
You pay for your Kroger Pickup order online when you place it, using a credit card, debit card, or Kroger gift card. SNAP EBT is also accepted. The final amount is confirmed when you pick up your order.
How to Cancel a Kroger Pickup Order?
To cancel a pending order, sign in to your Kroger digital account, go to "My Purchases," select the order you wish to cancel, and choose the "Cancel" option. If you have trouble, you can contact Kroger Customer Service.
How to Ensure a Smooth Kroger Pickup Experience?
For a smooth experience, ensure you arrive within your scheduled one-hour pickup window, use the app to check in, have your payment method ready (even if paid online), and allow the associates to load your groceries. Consider placing your order in advance during off-peak hours if you want to minimize the chance of substitutions.
