Want to know the real scoop on Kroger delivery costs? You're in the right place! Navigating grocery delivery fees can feel like solving a complex puzzle, but with this detailed guide, you'll be a Kroger delivery cost expert in no time. Let's break down everything you need to know, from per-order fees to the benefits of a Boost membership, and how to get the most bang for your buck.
Understanding Kroger Delivery Costs: A Step-by-Step Guide
Getting your groceries delivered by Kroger is incredibly convenient, but it's important to understand the associated costs. Here's a comprehensive breakdown:
Step 1: Are you a Kroger Delivery Regular or an Occasional Shopper?
This is the first and most crucial question to ask yourself. Your answer will largely determine the most cost-effective approach for your Kroger delivery needs.
Occasional Shopper: If you only use Kroger delivery once in a while, perhaps for a special event or when you're feeling under the weather, paying per delivery might be your best bet.
Regular Shopper: If you foresee yourself using Kroger delivery frequently, say once a week or even every other week, then a Boost membership is likely to save you a significant amount of money in the long run.
Step 2: Unpacking Per-Order Delivery Fees (Without Boost)
If you're not a Boost member, you'll pay a delivery fee for each order. These fees can vary based on several factors, including:
Delivery Speed:
Same-day or Later Delivery (Kroger Delivery): This option typically comes with a lower delivery fee, often around $6.95. Look for the blue truck icon at checkout, indicating it's handled directly by Kroger associates.
As Soon as 2 Hours (Third-Party Partner - Instacart/Shipt): For faster delivery, often within a couple of hours, the fee is generally higher, around $9.95. This service is usually fulfilled by third-party partners like Instacart.
Location: Delivery fees can also vary slightly depending on your specific geographic location and the demand in that area.
Promotions: Keep an eye out for occasional promotional offers that might waive or reduce delivery fees for a limited time.
Sub-heading: Other Potential Per-Order Costs
Beyond the base delivery fee, there are other potential costs to consider:
Service Fees: Some delivery services, especially those through third-party platforms, might add an additional service fee. While Kroger's direct delivery aims for transparency, when using Instacart through Kroger, you might encounter additional fees.
Tips: While tipping is not required for Kroger's own delivery drivers (they are paid by Kroger), if your order is fulfilled by a third-party partner like Instacart, tipping the driver is customary and highly recommended. A typical tip can range from $2 to $7 or more, depending on your order size and satisfaction with the service.
Price Differences: Occasionally, prices for items ordered online for delivery might differ slightly from in-store prices. This isn't a common occurrence with Kroger's direct delivery, but it's worth noting, especially if using a third-party app.
Step 3: Exploring the Benefits of a Kroger Boost Membership
For frequent users, a Kroger Boost membership is designed to provide significant savings. It's essentially a subscription service that offers free delivery and other perks.
Sub-heading: Boost Membership Tiers and Costs
Kroger generally offers two tiers for its Boost membership:
Boost with Free Delivery (Standard):
Cost: Approximately $99 per year or $12.99 per month (plus applicable taxes).
Benefits:
Free delivery in as little as 2 hours on all orders of $35 or more. This is the key benefit for frequent users, as it quickly offsets the membership cost.
2X Fuel Points for every dollar spent on groceries and general merchandise, both in-store and online (for pickup or delivery). This can lead to substantial savings at the gas pump.
Exclusive access to over $100 in savings on Kroger's Specialty Brands.
Streaming benefits: Often includes a promo code for a six-month subscription to select streaming services like Disney+ Basic (With Ads), Hulu (With Ads), or ESPN+ basic, when you sign up for an annual membership.
Boost Essential (Next-Day Delivery Focus):
Cost: Approximately $69 per year or $8.99 per month (plus applicable taxes).
Benefits:
Free Next-Day Delivery on orders of $35 or more. This is a great option if you plan your grocery shopping a day in advance.
2X Fuel Points on groceries and general merchandise.
Six months of streaming benefits with a yearly plan (similar to the standard Boost, but usually for a shorter duration).
Sub-heading: Is Boost Worth It For You?
To determine if Boost is a good investment, consider how often you order:
If you place just two orders per month with a typical $9.95 delivery fee, that's almost $20 per month in fees, or $240 per year. A $99 Boost membership pays for itself in less than five months!
Factor in the fuel points and exclusive savings, and the value proposition becomes even stronger.
Step 4: Maximizing Your Savings on Kroger Delivery
Once you understand the basic costs, here are some pro tips to keep your delivery expenses low:
Hit the Minimum Order Threshold: Most free or discounted delivery options (including Boost benefits) require a minimum order of $35 or more. Always aim to meet this to avoid additional small order fees.
Utilize Digital Coupons: Kroger offers a plethora of digital coupons on their app and website. These can significantly reduce your grocery bill, making the delivery cost a smaller percentage of your total spend.
Watch for First-Time User Promotions: If you're new to Kroger delivery, check for special offers like "$20 off your first pickup or delivery order."
Consider Pickup: If delivery fees are a concern and you have a Kroger nearby, their free pickup service (on orders of $35 or more) is an excellent alternative. You still get the convenience of online shopping without the delivery charge.
Strategic Shopping: Consolidate your grocery needs into fewer, larger orders rather than multiple small ones to minimize per-delivery fees.
Paper Coupons: Good news! For Kroger's direct delivery orders, you can often provide paper coupons to your driver at the time of delivery, and the savings will be reflected on your final receipt. However, this is generally not the case for orders fulfilled by third-party services like Instacart.
Step 5: Understanding How Payment and Final Charges Work
When you place a Kroger delivery order, you'll typically use a credit or debit card. Here's what to expect:
Estimated Total: You'll see an estimated total at checkout.
Final Charge: You won't be charged for your order until it's delivered. The final price may vary slightly due to:
Weighted Items: Produce, meat, and other weighted items are charged based on their exact weight, which can fluctuate slightly.
Substitutions: If an item is out of stock and a substitute is offered and accepted, the price might change. You'll typically be notified of substitutions and can approve or reject them.
Coupons and Promotions: Applied digital coupons and other promotions will be reflected in your final charge.
Taxes: Applicable sales taxes will be added.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some common questions about Kroger delivery costs:
How to calculate the total cost of a Kroger delivery order?
To calculate the total cost, sum your grocery subtotal, the delivery fee (if applicable), any service fees, and your optional tip (for third-party deliveries).
How to get free Kroger delivery?
You can get free Kroger delivery by signing up for a Kroger Boost membership (on orders of $35 or more) or by taking advantage of special promotional offers.
How to know if my Kroger delivery is handled by Kroger or a third party?
When selecting your delivery time slot at checkout, look for the "Blue Truck" icon and "Kroger Delivery" underneath the time slot. If it's not present, it's likely fulfilled by a third-party partner like Instacart.
How to use coupons with Kroger delivery?
Digital coupons automatically apply to your online order. For Kroger's direct delivery, you can hand paper coupons to the driver at delivery. For third-party deliveries, paper coupons are generally not accepted.
How to avoid delivery fees with Kroger?
To avoid delivery fees, you can either sign up for a Boost membership, choose Kroger Pickup (which is free for orders over $35), or wait for special promotions that waive delivery fees.
How to change my Kroger delivery time or date?
You can usually modify your delivery time or date through your Kroger online account or app before your order is processed for shopping. Look for an "Edit Order" or "Change Delivery" option.
How to cancel a Kroger delivery order?
You can typically cancel a Kroger delivery order through your online account or app before the shopping process begins. Refer to Kroger's specific cancellation policy for details.
How to tip a Kroger delivery driver?
For Kroger's direct delivery, tipping is not necessary. If your order is fulfilled by a third-party service like Instacart, you can typically add a tip through the app or website after placing your order, or give cash directly to the driver.
How to sign up for a Kroger Boost free trial?
Kroger often offers a 30-day free trial for Boost membership. You can typically find a sign-up link on the Kroger website or app under their Boost membership section.
How to save money on groceries when using Kroger delivery?
Beyond using Boost and hitting order minimums, maximize savings by clipping digital coupons, shopping weekly ads, looking for "Pickup & Delivery Only" deals, and buying store brands.
