Ordering groceries from Walmart has become increasingly popular, offering convenience and time-saving benefits to shoppers. The cost of this service can vary depending on several factors, including delivery options, membership status, and order size. Understanding these costs is crucial for budget-conscious consumers looking to take advantage of Walmart’s grocery delivery service.
Walmart provides multiple ways to order groceries, including pickup and delivery options. The pricing structure is designed to accommodate different customer needs, from those who prefer free pickup to those willing to pay for the convenience of home delivery. Let’s break down the various costs associated with ordering groceries from Walmart to help you make an informed decision about which option best suits your needs and budget.
| Service Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Pickup | Free (minimum $35 order) |
| Standard Delivery | $7.95 – $9.95 |
| Express Delivery | Additional $10 |
Walmart Grocery Pickup Costs
Walmart’s grocery pickup service is a cost-effective option for those who don’t mind driving to the store. This service is completely free for orders of $35 or more. Here’s what you need to know about the costs associated with Walmart grocery pickup:
- No service fee: Walmart does not charge any additional fees for using their pickup service, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious shoppers.
- Minimum order requirement: To qualify for free pickup, your order must meet the $35 minimum threshold. Orders below this amount may incur a small pickup fee, typically around $5.99.
- No tipping required: Walmart’s policy prohibits their employees from accepting tips for pickup orders, so you don’t need to factor this into your costs.
- Same prices as in-store: The prices for items ordered for pickup are the same as those you’d find shopping in-store, ensuring you’re not paying a premium for the convenience.
- Potential savings: By using pickup, you might actually save money by avoiding impulse purchases you might make while wandering the aisles.
It’s important to note that while pickup is free, you’ll still need to factor in the cost of gas and time spent driving to and from the store. However, for many shoppers, the time saved by not having to walk through the store and select items makes this a worthwhile tradeoff.
Walmart Grocery Delivery Costs
For those who prefer the ultimate convenience of having groceries delivered directly to their door, Walmart offers a delivery service. The cost structure for delivery is more complex than pickup and includes several factors:
- Standard delivery fee: Walmart charges a delivery fee ranging from $7.95 to $9.95 per order, depending on various factors such as delivery time and demand.
- Minimum order requirement: Similar to pickup, there’s typically a $35 minimum order requirement for delivery. Orders below this threshold may incur an additional small-order fee.
- Express delivery: For an additional $10 fee, Walmart offers express delivery, which guarantees your order will arrive within two hours.
- Tipping: Unlike with pickup, tipping is customary for delivery drivers. While not mandatory, a tip of 10-15% of your order total is generally considered appropriate.
- Walmart+ membership: For frequent users of Walmart’s delivery service, a Walmart+ membership can significantly reduce costs. We’ll explore this option in more detail in the next section.
It’s worth noting that during peak times or in high-demand areas, delivery fees may be higher. Additionally, Walmart sometimes offers promotional discounts on delivery fees, so it’s worth checking for these before placing your order.
Walmart+ Membership and Its Impact on Costs
For regular Walmart shoppers, the Walmart+ membership program can offer significant savings on grocery delivery costs. Here’s how Walmart+ affects the cost of ordering groceries:
- Membership fee: Walmart+ costs $98 per year or $12.95 per month.
- Free delivery: Members get unlimited free delivery on orders of $35 or more. This can lead to substantial savings for those who order groceries frequently.
- Free shipping: In addition to grocery delivery, members get free shipping on Walmart.com orders with no minimum purchase required.
- Fuel discounts: Members save up to 10 cents per gallon at participating fuel stations, which can offset some of the costs associated with pickup orders.
- Scan & Go: This feature allows members to scan items as they shop in-store and pay through the app, potentially saving time and reducing the temptation for impulse purchases.
To determine if a Walmart+ membership is cost-effective for you, consider how often you order groceries for delivery. If you place at least two delivery orders per month, the membership could pay for itself in delivery fee savings alone.
Additional Costs and Considerations
When calculating the total cost of ordering groceries from Walmart, there are a few additional factors to keep in mind:
- Substitution costs: If an item you’ve ordered is out of stock, Walmart may substitute it with a similar product. While they aim to provide equal or greater value, there may be slight price differences.
- Price fluctuations: Online prices may sometimes differ from in-store prices and can change between the time you place your order and when it’s fulfilled.
- Minimum order fees: If your order falls below the $35 threshold, you may incur a $5.99 small-order fee in addition to any delivery charges.
- Peak pricing: During high-demand times, such as holidays or weekends, delivery fees may be higher.
- Service fees: While not common, some areas may have additional service fees added to delivery orders.
It’s also important to consider the potential hidden savings of ordering groceries online:
- Reduced impulse purchases: Shopping online can help you stick to your list and avoid unplanned purchases.
- Time savings: The time you save by not physically shopping in the store can be valuable, especially for busy professionals or parents.
- Fuel savings: Delivery orders can save you the gas money you would have spent driving to and from the store.
Maximizing Savings on Walmart Grocery Orders
To get the most value when ordering groceries from Walmart, consider these money-saving strategies:
- Compare pickup and delivery costs: If you’re able to pick up your order, this is almost always the most cost-effective option.
- Meet the minimum order requirement: Ensure your order meets the $35 threshold to avoid small-order fees.
- Use Walmart’s coupons and offers: Take advantage of digital coupons and special offers available in the Walmart app or website.
- Consider Walmart+: If you order groceries frequently, calculate whether a Walmart+ membership would save you money in the long run.
- Plan ahead: Avoid express delivery fees by planning your orders in advance and choosing standard delivery times.
- Check for free trial offers: Walmart occasionally offers free trials of their delivery service or Walmart+ membership, which can be a great way to test the service without commitment.
- Combine orders: If possible, combine smaller orders into larger ones to meet the minimum requirement and reduce the number of delivery fees you pay.
By carefully considering these factors and strategies, you can minimize the costs associated with ordering groceries from Walmart while still enjoying the convenience of the service.
FAQs About How Much Does It Cost To Order Groceries From Walmart?
- Is there a minimum order amount for Walmart grocery delivery?
Yes, there’s typically a $35 minimum order requirement for free delivery with Walmart+, or to avoid additional small-order fees for standard delivery. - How much does Walmart charge for grocery delivery without Walmart+?
Standard delivery fees range from $7.95 to $9.95 per order, depending on factors like delivery time and demand. - Can I get free grocery delivery from Walmart?
Yes, Walmart+ members get free delivery on orders of $35 or more. Non-members can get free pickup on orders of $35 or more. - How much should I tip for Walmart grocery delivery?
While tipping is optional, it’s customary to tip 10-15% of your order total for delivery drivers. - Is Walmart+ worth it for grocery delivery?
If you order groceries for delivery at least twice a month, Walmart+ can be cost-effective due to the free delivery benefit.