Tired of navigating crowded aisles and long checkout lines? Kroger's Pickup service (formerly known as ClickList) is a game-changer for busy individuals and families! Imagine having your groceries hand-picked by a dedicated associate, ready for you to simply drive up and have them loaded into your car. It's convenient, efficient, and surprisingly easy.
Ready to give it a try? Let's walk through the process, step by glorious step!
Your Ultimate Guide to Picking Up Your Order at Kroger
Step 1: Get Started with Your Kroger Digital Account
This is where your journey to grocery pickup bliss begins. If you're already a Kroger loyalist with an online account, you're ahead of the game! If not, no worries – it's a quick and easy setup.
1.1. Creating a New Account:
Visit the Kroger Website or Download the App: Head to Kroger.com or search for the "Kroger" app in your mobile app store (available for both iOS and Android).
Click "Sign In" then "Create Account": You'll be prompted to enter your name, email address, and create a password.
Link Your Loyalty Card (Highly Recommended!): If you have a Kroger Plus Card, Rewards Card, or similar loyalty card, definitely link it during this step. This ensures you continue to earn fuel points and can access all those fantastic digital coupons. If you don't have one, you'll be assigned an alternative ID.
Confirm Your Email: You'll likely receive a confirmation email. Click the link within it to verify your account.
1.2. Signing In to an Existing Account:
Simply go to Kroger.com or open the app and click "Sign In." Enter your registered email address and password.
Step 2: Set Your Store and Choose "Pickup"
Once you're logged in, you need to tell Kroger where you want to pick up your order.
2.1. Selecting Your Preferred Store:
On the Website: Look for a "Pickup at" or "Change Store" option, usually near the top of the page.
In the App: The app often prompts you to set your store preference upon launch or has a clear option to do so.
Enter Your Zip Code: Input your zip code to find nearby Kroger locations.
Choose "Pickup": From the available options (which might include "Delivery" or "Ship"), select "Pickup."
Confirm Your Store: Browse the list of stores and select the one most convenient for you. Click "Start Shopping" to confirm.
Step 3: Shop Your Heart Out!
Now for the fun part – filling your virtual cart with all your grocery essentials!
3.1. Navigating the Online Aisles:
Search Bar: The quickest way to find specific items. Type in "milk," "bananas," "chicken breast," etc.
Browse Departments: Explore categories like "Produce," "Dairy & Cheese," "Meat & Seafood," and "Pantry."
Start My Cart/Buy Again: For returning customers, this feature is a lifesaver! It allows you to quickly add frequently purchased items.
Weekly Ad & Digital Coupons: Don't forget to browse the weekly ad and "clip" digital coupons. These savings will automatically apply to your order at checkout!
3.2. Adding Items to Your Cart:
When you find an item you want, click the "Add to Cart" button.
Adjust Quantities: You can use the "+" and "-" buttons next to an item in your cart to increase or decrease the quantity.
Special Instructions (Crucial for Certain Items!): For items like produce or deli meats, you can often add special instructions. For example, for bananas, you might write "2 green, 3 yellow." For deli meat, "sliced thin." This helps the pickers get exactly what you need.
3.3. Handling Substitutions (Your Choice!):
Kroger gives you control over substitutions if an item you ordered is out of stock.
Allow Substitutions: You'll often see a toggle or checkbox to "Allow substitutions" for your entire order or individual items. It's generally a good idea to allow them, as it helps ensure you get a similar product instead of nothing at all.
Specify Preferences: For individual items, you can often choose "Best Match," "Specific Item," or "No Substitution." If you select "Best Match," consider adding a note in the special instructions if you have a strong preference (e.g., "If no name brand, store brand is fine").
You can always decline substitutions at pickup! The associate will review them with you.
Step 4: Review Your Order and Schedule Your Pickup
Once your cart is full, it's time to finalize everything.
4.1. Reviewing Your Cart:
Click on your cart icon (usually in the top right corner) to see a summary of your order.
Double-check all items and quantities. This is your last chance to make changes before checkout.
4.2. Proceeding to Checkout:
Click "Proceed to Checkout" or "Check Out Pickup Items."
4.3. Scheduling Your Pickup Time:
You'll be prompted to select a one-hour pickup window that works best for your schedule. Kroger typically allows you to schedule pickups up to seven days in advance.
Be mindful of popular times. Early mornings and evenings can fill up quickly.
Consider timing: Some experienced users recommend picking up later in your chosen hour, as the initial rush might have subsided.
4.4. Payment Information:
Kroger Pickup primarily accepts credit, debit, and gift cards. Cash and checks are generally not accepted for online orders.
You'll enter your card details (number, expiration date, security code, name on card, billing address).
SNAP EBT: Kroger now accepts SNAP EBT payments for pickup orders at most locations. You'll usually choose this option during checkout and swipe your card upon arrival.
An estimated total will be shown. The final price might adjust due to weighted items, coupons, or substitutions.
Always bring the payment method you used online and a backup card, just in case.
4.5. Confirming Your Order:
Review all details one last time.
Add your mobile phone number for text updates, which are extremely helpful for knowing when your order is ready and for arrival notifications.
Click "Submit Order." You'll receive an email or text confirmation.
Step 5: On Your Way to Kroger!
The big day has arrived! It's time to get your groceries.
5.1. Getting Ready to Depart:
Clean Out Your Trunk/Cargo Space: This is a huge help to the associates and speeds up the loading process. Make sure there's ample room for all your groceries.
Have Your ID Ready (If Applicable): If your order includes age-restricted items like alcohol or tobacco, have your government-issued photo ID ready for age verification.
5.2. Using the "On My Way" Feature (Highly Recommended!):
In the Kroger App: Once you're heading to the store, use the "On My Way" feature in the app. This notifies the store of your estimated arrival, allowing them to prepare your order for a smoother pickup.
Location Services: Enabling location services on your phone for the Kroger app can also automatically notify associates when you're close by.
5.3. Arriving at the Store:
Follow the Signs: As you approach the Kroger store, look for clear signage indicating the "Pickup" or "ClickList" parking spots. These are typically well-marked and close to the entrance.
Park in a Designated Spot: Pull into one of the numbered pickup parking spaces.
5.4. Notifying the Store of Your Arrival:
Scan the QR Code: Many pickup signs will have a QR code. Use your phone's camera to scan it, which will open a link to check in and provide your parking spot number.
Use the App's Check-in Feature: The Kroger app will often have a direct check-in option when you're in the vicinity of the store.
Call the Provided Number: If you're having trouble with the app or QR code, there will typically be a phone number on the pickup sign to call and let an associate know you've arrived and your parking spot number. Be patient, as associates might be busy.
Step 6: Receiving Your Order
Almost there! The final step.
6.1. Waiting for Your Associate:
Once you've checked in, a Kroger associate will bring your order out to your car. They often use specialized carts with totes.
Stay in Your Vehicle: For safety and efficiency, please remain in your vehicle while the associate loads your groceries. They are trained to do this efficiently.
6.2. Reviewing Substitutions (If Any):
The associate will usually go over any substitutions made for out-of-stock items.
You have the right to refuse any substitutions you don't want. The associate will then adjust your bill accordingly.
6.3. Payment and Receipt:
The associate will finalize your payment. If you're using SNAP EBT, you'll swipe your card at this point.
They will provide you with a printed receipt, which will reflect any final adjustments due to substitutions or weighted items.
Paper Coupons: If you have valid paper coupons, present them to the associate for processing before they finalize your payment.
6.4. Drive Away Happy!
Once your groceries are loaded and payment is complete, you're all set! Enjoy your freshly picked items without the hassle of shopping yourself.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some common questions about Kroger Pickup:
How to pay for Kroger Pickup?
You can pay for Kroger Pickup orders using credit cards, debit cards, and Kroger gift cards online. SNAP EBT is also accepted at most locations; you select this option during online checkout and then swipe your EBT card when you arrive at the store for pickup.
How to modify a Kroger Pickup order?
You can usually modify your Kroger Pickup order up until the night before your scheduled pickup day. Log into your Kroger digital account, go to "My Purchases" or "Order History," and look for the option to edit or modify your active order.
How to cancel a Kroger Pickup order?
To cancel a Kroger Pickup order, go to your "Order History" or "My Purchases" within your Kroger digital account on the website or app. You should find an option to cancel your order if it hasn't been picked yet. If it's close to your pickup time, it's best to call the store directly.
How to use digital coupons with Kroger Pickup?
Digital coupons that you "clip" on the Kroger website or app will automatically apply to eligible items in your Kroger Pickup order at checkout. Ensure your loyalty card is linked to your digital account.
How to check if my Kroger Pickup order is ready?
You will typically receive a text message or email notification when your Kroger Pickup order is ready for pickup. Using the "On My Way" feature in the app also helps the store prepare for your arrival.
How to find the Kroger Pickup area at the store?
Look for clear signage around the Kroger store parking lot that says "Pickup," "Online Pickup," or "ClickList Pickup." These spots are usually marked with numbers and are located close to the store entrance.
How to get substitutions with Kroger Pickup?
During the online shopping process, you can choose whether to allow substitutions for out-of-stock items. You can often set preferences for "Best Match," "Specific Item," or "No Substitution" for individual items. At pickup, the associate will review any substitutions with you, and you can decline them if you wish.
How to tip Kroger Pickup associates?
Kroger's official policy for Pickup (curbside) services is that tipping is generally not expected or allowed for their associates, as they are providing a store service. However, policies may vary by location or if a third-party delivery service is involved for a delivery order. For pickup, associates often appreciate a kind word or positive feedback to management.
How to schedule a Kroger Pickup time?
During the checkout process on the Kroger website or app, you will be prompted to select an available one-hour time slot for your pickup. You can typically schedule a pickup up to seven days in advance.
How to deal with missing items from a Kroger Pickup order?
If you discover a missing item after you've left the store, check your final receipt to see if it was charged or noted as out-of-stock/substituted. Then, contact Kroger customer service (via phone or their website/app's help center) or call the store directly to report the issue and request a refund or resolution.
