Grocery shopping ranks low on our excitement scale. It feels like a chore, just like doing taxes. But Walmart’s delivery service changes the game. You can stock your fridge without leaving your home. Before you sign up, let’s clarify how Walmart delivery works. There are some details to consider.
Checking Walmart’s Delivery Availability
First, is your home located in the Walmart delivery area? Checking is simple. Log in to your Walmart account. If you don’t have one, creating an account takes just moments. After logging in, find the ‘How do you want your items?’ option on the homepage. Click on ‘Pickup or Delivery’ and then choose ‘Delivery’. Walmart will check your address for delivery eligibility. Good luck!
If you’re in the delivery area, a local driver will bring your groceries to your door. Think of them as grocery ninjas. When your items are selected, you’ll get a notification. Delivery usually takes up to two hours. It’s not instant teleportation, but still quite handy. Remember, this is for standard delivery.
Introducing InHome Delivery
If you want more convenience, try Walmart InHome delivery. Imagine groceries inside your house, right where you want them. We mean putting items in your fridge. This service is enhanced and tip-free. Dedicated Walmart associates handle the deliveries, not third parties. Customers can trust Walmart employees. So, what’s included in InHome?
- Delivery to Any Location: You can have groceries delivered to your garage, kitchen counter, or fridge.
- Tip-Free Service: No cash or tips needed. InHome is designed to be straightforward.
- Trustworthy Associates: Walmart employees handle your groceries, adding assurance.
InHome is about convenience for busy people. Just be ready to tidy up a bit if someone enters your kitchen to unpack groceries.
Understanding Delivery Costs
Next, let’s discuss costs. Convenience isn’t free. Walmart’s delivery fees follow a tiered system. Being a Walmart+ member impacts your expenses a lot.
Standard Delivery Fees
If you’re not a member, you’ll pay delivery fees between $7.95 and $9.95 per order. Think of it as the basic fee for convenience. These charges add up if you frequently order without a membership. Luckily, there are ways to avoid these fees.
The $35 Minimum Order
You need to know this: Walmart requires a $35 minimum order for “free delivery.” It’s not truly free, as conditions apply. Spend $35 or more to avoid delivery fees if you aren’t a member. If your order is below $35, expect a minimum order fee. It’s a penalty for not buying enough groceries.
The Minimum Order Fee
If your order doesn’t hit $35, there’s a minimum order fee of $6.99. This can make a small grocery run less appealing. This fee encourages larger orders, improving efficiency for Walmart. It persuades customers to either increase their orders or pick up items themselves.
Express Delivery
If you need it fast, Walmart offers Express Delivery in select areas. This option promises quicker service but comes with an extra charge. The fee isn’t stated, as it varies by location and demand. Expect to pay more for this speedy service. It’s for emergency grocery runs.
About Walmart+ Membership
Now, let’s discuss Walmart+, the membership that competes with Amazon Prime. For grocery enthusiasts, Walmart+ provides many benefits. Let’s explore what this membership includes and if it is worth the price.
Benefits of Walmart+
The perks of Walmart+ extend beyond free delivery. Benefits make your shopping experience easier and possibly cheaper. Here’s what you get:
- Free Delivery from Store: Members avoid delivery fees and the minimum order requirement.
- Free Shipping with No Minimum: Shop online without worrying about minimum purchase.
- Video Streaming with Paramount+: Enjoy access to movies and shows as part of your membership.
- Gas Savings: Save on fuel at participating stations with discounts of up to 10 cents per gallon.
Cost of Walmart+
How much does all this cost? Walmart+ is priced at $12.95 per month or $98 per year. The annual plan saves money compared to paying monthly. Analyze your shopping habits to decide if it’s worth it. If you shop frequently at Walmart, the annual plan likely offers better value.
Walmart+ Assist and AARP Discount
Walmart aims to keep costs low for everyone. They offer discounted memberships for specific groups:
- Walmart+ Assist: Seniors on government assistance pay $6.47 monthly or $49 annually.
- AARP Discount: AARP members save $20 on annual plans, costing just $78 yearly.
The 30-Day Free Trial
Not sure if Walmart+ is right for you? Try a 30-day free trial available for new members. Experience the benefits without upfront costs. Use this time to explore delivery services, streaming, and other perks. It’s a way to see if it meets your needs.
Walmart+ before you pay.
Is Walmart+ Worth It? The Million-Dollar Question
Is Walmart+ worth the cost? The answer is “it depends.” If you shop at Walmart often, especially for groceries, it can be worth the price. Consider delivery convenience and gas savings. Membership is appealing for busy families. It pays for itself through saved time and discounts.
Delivery vs. Pickup: Choosing Your Grocery Retrieval Method
Walmart offers delivery and pickup. Let’s compare these options to help you choose.
Pickup: The Middle Ground
Walmart’s pickup allows you to order groceries online. Then drive to the store for pickup. It’s a hybrid between delivery and traditional shopping. Pickup has considerations.
Pickup Fees: The Under-$35 Pickup Penalty
Walmart previously charged a $6.99 fee for pickup orders under $35. Now, pickup fees are eliminated. It’s free for any order total. This makes pickup ideal for smaller orders or for those who prefer self-service.
Free Pickup: The Budget-Friendly Option
Pickup is free for all orders now. This change eliminates previous fees. If you want to save money and can drive to the store, consider pickup as a great choice.
Tipping Your Walmart Delivery Driver: The Etiquette Lowdown
Tipping drivers is common. However, Walmart’s system has nuances. Let’s clarify Walmart’s tipping rules.
Tips are Optional: Your Choice, Your Power
First, tipping Walmart drivers is “optional.” Walmart states this clearly. You are not required to tip. The choice depends on your satisfaction with the service.
When and How to Tip: Flexibility is Key
You have options for tipping at Walmart. You can tip before or after ordering, or after delivery. The Walmart app and website allow easy tip addition at any stage.
Tip Adjustment: Change Your Mind? No Problem.
Sometimes, you may want to adjust your tip. Walmart allows edits for up to three hours post-delivery. This is a handy feature for changing your tip based on service.
100% to the Driver: Where Your Tip Goes
If you tip, rest assured it goes entirely to the driver. Walmart takes no portion of your gratuity. This ensures your tip benefits the driver directly.
Tip Baiting: The Unpleasant Reality
Let’s discuss “tip baiting.” This happens when a customer promises a tip to expedite service but later reduces it. While Walmart allows adjustments, tip baiting is unethical. Be fair and tip based on service, or avoid tipping altogether.
Walmart Delivery Time: Setting Realistic Expectations
How long will your Walmart delivery take? Times can vary due to factors.
Delivery Time Estimates: Variables at Play
If you live close and order a small amount, expect delivery in around 15-30 minutes. However, this estimate is for ideal conditions. If far from Walmart or the order is large, expect up to two hours. Factors include:
- Distance to Store: More distance means longer delivery times.
- Order Size: Larger orders take longer to process.
- Driver Availability: Availability affects delivery duration.
- Traffic and Weather: External factors impact delivery times.
Anticipate these variables and avoid expecting quick delivery during peak hours or in low-density areas. Walmart’s timeframes are reasonable, but plan ahead.
Who Are These Delivery People? Walmart’s Delivery Personnel Explained
Who delivers your groceries? Walmart has various delivery personnel.
Third-Party Drivers: The Gig Economy in Action
A local, third-party driver typically brings your order. These drivers work through delivery services, similar to food apps. They are independent contractors, not direct Walmart employees.
Spark Drivers: Walmart’s Dedicated Delivery Network
Walmart uses independent contractors, called Spark Drivers, for deliveries. Spark Drivers work through Walmart’s delivery platform. They focus primarily on Walmart deliveries, ensuring consistent service.
InHome Delivery Drivers: The Walmart Employee Advantage
InHome delivers using local Walmart Associates. Only full-time Walmart associates can provide InHome delivery, ensuring accountability and familiarity.
Beyond Walmart: Other Delivery Options in the Arena
Walmart is not the only grocery delivery service available. Let’s review some alternatives.
Target: The Bullseye Delivery Experience
Target offers same-day delivery via their app or website, using Shipt. They leverage their owned service to compete with Walmart’s offerings effectively.
Instacart: The Multi-Store Marketplace
Instacart partners with various grocery stores, including some Walmarts. An annual fee is $99, and the monthly fee is $9.99. Instacart’s model allows shopping from multiple retailers, unlike just Walmart.
Other Things to Know: Walmart Delivery Odds and Ends
Let’s cover more information about Walmart delivery.
Multiple Addresses: Delivery to Different Locations
You can save multiple delivery addresses in your Walmart account. This allows easy deliveries to different places, like home or work, as needed.
Guest Checkout: Order Without an Account?
If you prefer not to create an account, use the “Continue as Guest” option during checkout. Guest checkout allows one-time purchases without a full account. However, having an account has benefits like saved addresses.
Prescription Delivery: Medication with Your Milk?
You can add prescriptions and refills to grocery orders. This service is free for Walmart+ members, enhancing membership convenience.
No Price Markups: Store Prices Online
Walmart’s online grocery prices match in-store prices. They do not inflate prices for delivery or pickup orders over $35.
consistent with in-store prices. They do not inflate prices for delivery or pickup orders. Price transparency is maintained.
The Spark Driver Life: Behind the Wheel of Walmart Delivery
For those curious about the delivery side, let’s glimpse into the world of Walmart Spark Drivers.
Your Own Wheels: Vehicle Requirements
“Walmart delivery drivers, using the Spark Driver platform, use their own vehicles.” Spark Drivers are independent contractors. They rely on personal vehicles to deliver. This model is standard in the gig economy.
Spark Driver Requirements: What You Need to Drive
To become a Walmart Spark Delivery Driver, you must meet certain requirements:
- Age: “Drivers must be at least 18 years old.”
- Vehicle: “A reliable vehicle is needed.”
- Driver’s License: “A valid driver’s license is a must.”
- Insurance: “Proof of auto insurance is required.”
These are standard for delivery drivers.
Spark Driver Earnings: The Payday Picture
“Drivers can expect to earn around $15.57 per hour or $33,658 to $44,925 per year.” These are average estimates. Actual income varies due to location, demand, and hours worked. Delivery driving offers income potential, but consider expenses.
Gas is on You: The Fuel Factor
“Most money made goes towards gas.” This is an important fact. Delivery driving has earning potential, but a large portion of income goes to fuel costs. Vehicle maintenance, insurance, and other expenses also affect profits. Flexibility exists, but managing costs is crucial. The idea of delivering groceries may seem appealing. However, the economics include more than just the hourly rate – gas and upkeep are key factors.
Walmart’s delivery service offers options for grocery shopping. From standard delivery to premium in-home service, and Walmart+ member perks. There are layers of convenience to explore. Understanding costs, delivery times, tipping etiquette, and roles of delivery personnel will help you navigate Walmart grocery delivery like a pro. Now, I need to order some groceries… delivered, of course.
