In the past months, the number of people turning to the Internet to get what they need and want has increased significantly. More consumers went online to order food from restaurants, buy medicines, and of course, get their usual fashion, home improvement essentials, and other staples.
The number of people that started ordering their groceries through websites and apps went up as well.
If you have also started shopping for your groceries through an app or website, you already know the convenience this option offers. However, not all platforms are the same; some provide a smooth experience that makes you want to use them repeatedly, while others can be so troublesome that you end up abandoning your cart.
Grocery Shopping Apps That Stand Out
The main difference between the grocery shopping mobile app you want to keep using and the ones you uninstalled from your device immediately lies in their features.
But what are the key features of grocery shopping apps that make going through this chore more enjoyable and convenient? Here are the top ones:
1. Hassle-free registration
When you go shopping the traditional way, you simply enter the supermarket or store and start getting the items you want to buy. Your experience when buying groceries online should be more or less the same.
This means that once you have downloaded the app, you should never have difficulties using it, which should begin when you register.
The best online grocery shopping apps have a registration process that is user-friendly and simple. Everyone should be able to follow and complete the steps within a few minutes.
Another related mobile app feature that will make your online shopping experience more convenient and enjoyable is its capability to remember your login details. This means that you don’t have to type your name, address, and other information before you can start putting items on your virtual grocery cart.
This feature allows you to save time on the whole grocery shopping experience.
2. Easy-to-use virtual shopping list
Creating your shopping list can take time, and following it as you use the app can also be time-consuming.
An app that allows you to copy and paste your grocery shopping list enables you to save time as you purchase all your essentials on one page. You won’t have to exert effort looking at your notes, scrolling up or down, or tapping other icons then going back to get everything you need.
If you choose your online grocery purchasing and delivery tool correctly, it might be able to save your shopping list, too. With this capability, you won’t have to keep typing or copying and pasting the items that you buy regularly. You will only need a few minutes to tweak it to complete it.
3. Quick product search
Although one of the joys of shopping for groceries is looking at the different products in the store, this can take up plenty of time. You may also find that browsing through dozens of items on the app can be troublesome as well.
The right online shopping tool has a product listing function that makes it easy for you to look at and find grocery items. As a result, you will have a smooth and stress-free shopping experience.
Additionally, with all the products having detailed descriptions, you will find it easier to narrow down your options and find the item you are looking for.
4. Multiple supermarkets and stores to choose from
If you like hopping from one shop to another to find the freshest proteins and produce or get great deals, look for an app that allows you access to a variety of supermarkets and stores.
With the right app, you can look at the different brands and products your preferred shops carry in the comforts of your home. This makes it easier for you to compare prices and find the best one that meets your requirements.
Also, with the selection of stores, you will have no difficulties finding the nearest one to your address so that you can get your groceries faster.
5. Same-store prices and real-time updates
One of the reasons some people are hesitant to order their groceries online is that they think they will pay more for the products due to some additional charges imposed by the delivery service provider.
However, if you choose the right app, you will be able to get the same products at the prices at which supermarkets and stores sell them. Because of this, you won’t have to pay more for your usual grocery staples.
Moreover, if the shop changes the prices for their products, these will be reflected in the app right away. Since you will be able to see these adjustments immediately, you will avoid being surprised by a sudden increase in your grocery bill. You can also look at more affordable alternatives if you want to.
6. Notifications for special offers, deals, and other promotions
Coming across discounted products, “buy one, take one” deals, and other promotions is always a wonderful experience when you are grocery shopping. However, to become aware of these deals, you have to look for them online or read them on newspapers or magazines,
When you use an app, you won’t have to search for these promotions before you shop; you will get notifications when your preferred supermarkets have them. For instance, if you are on the lookout for special deals from Al Adil Supermarket Dubai, you will receive alerts on your phone once they run them.
Because of these real-time alerts, you can put these items on your grocery cart and buy them immediately, thereby ensuring that you don’t miss out on these great deals.
7. Quick reordering and advance ordering functions
The easy-to-use shopping list helps you save time when you order your groceries after a week or so. Since you only have to add or remove some items, you can complete the process within minutes.
Moreover, the best apps allow you to schedule your delivery days or weeks in advance. As such, you won’t experience any delays in getting your essentials even if the supermarkets are busy with numerous orders.
You will be able to get your groceries as scheduled as well.
When your grocery shopping mobile app has these features, you will surely have a smooth, stress-free, and straightforward experience every time you replenish your pantry and home essentials.
AUTHOR BIO
Xavi Nunes is the Co-Founder and CMO at El Grocer, a digital platform for grocery stores and specialty and gourmet shops in the UAE. The company is reinventing the grocery shopping experience, integrating the best local stores into the mobile-first environment.