I Hated Grocery Shopping........
Written: Apr 06 '00
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I hated grocery shopping, I really did!!! It took so long to do, it cost so much...... and then to have to put it all away.......only to have it all consumed so quickly!!!
Then along came Priceline.com's WebHouse and suddenly I was actually enjoying doing the family's grocery shopping. I love standing at the check out counter and bragging, to anyone who will listen, about how much money I saved!!! Priceline's new grocery service is the best thing that ever happened to my spirits and my pocketbook.
Signing up for Priceline's WebHouse service is easy enough. There is no need to be a computer expert. Just a few simple questions and then provide a credit card number. I believe you also have to request and wait for a "debit" card, too. I signed up as soon as the service was available in my area and they had put the cards in the Sunday Newspapers, so I was all set to go!!
You log into Priceline.com and go to the webhouse area. There you will find just about every category of grocery item that you would in any supermarket, from fresh produce to HABA (health and beauty aids). You work your way through each category and decide which items you need to purchase. After you find an item you would like to purchase, you must then give priceline two brand names that you would be willing to accept. For example: you need Ice Cream - you are willing to purchase either Eddy's or Breyer's. Once you have chosen the brands, you must then decide on a price you are willing to pay. Priceline gives you 4 preset prices that you may try: low chance, fair chance, good chance, or best chance. You may also name a price that is not listed. To take advantage of the best chance price (which is always 50% off or more) you must use some of your "half price tokens". You earn these tokens by taking advantage of various offers (visiting web sites, trial offers, magazine previews). Once you have completed the list of items that you would like to purchase and the prices you are willing to pay, you then submit the prices to be either accepted or denied. The process sounds so confusing and time-consuming. It is just that the first few times you use it. Once you get used to the system, it is a breeze!!! After your first visit, you also have the ability to return to your previous lists and just click off that you would like to request those same items at the same prices. That is a real time saver for me!
About a minute or two after you have submitted your "bids", Priceline lets you know which prices were accepted. Once these prices are accepted your credit card is charged for the items. You then print out the list, take it to the grocery store, and pick up your pre-paid items. At the check out, you have the cashier ring up all of your priceline items - at the regular store price. Then you use your WebHouse debit card to "pay"! You use the card just like any other debit card....it really is that simple, and the savings are enormous!
A few of the small problems you might encounter are well worth the savings!!
What happens if you get to the grocery store and they are out of an item that you have paid for already?
Simple enough....you may return to that store when the item is available, or you may go to any other participating store and purchase the item. Once your "bid" for an item has been approved, you have 3 months to "pick it up". If it is not picked up within the 3 months your credit card is credited for the amount.
What if I want to buy items that Priceline doesn't provide or I am not willing to accept a brand other than my favorite?
You may purchase items other than your "priceline list" items during the same shopping trip, but you must separate them into 2 orders. The cashier must ring them up seperately.
What about coupons?
Priceline says that you may use coupons on the items you have purchased through them, but your account will be credited within 10 days. This is sometimes a problem, and I do not count on those savings. It is too much of a headache to keep track of. If it is important to you, you need to keep good records.....I DON'T!!!!
What if I have a problem or a question?
I have had to call customer service on two occasions. There is an 800 number on the back of your webhouse card. Both times, I found the representative knowledgeable and helpful. For my troubles, I also received some extra 1/2 price tokens!!
I highly recommend using priceline for your grocery shopping as soon as it comes to your area. Month after month I save money and am still amazed at how much savings is available. I do not use priceline for all of my shopping. There are some brand-specific items I purchase, and I'm not willing to use another brand. Over the months, priceline has constantly added new items to their selection. I am hoping that eventually they will provide the ability to save on every grocery item.
Who wants to pay $3.00 for a gallon of milk? I pay...$1.50!! ......and how about...
Eddy's Ice Cream....$1.99
Oreo's.....$1.25
Chip's Ahoy.....$1.37
12 pk soda.....$1.57
Tropicana OJ....$1.25
Give it a try, you won't be sorry!!!!!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
ktharris
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Member: kathy
Reviews written: 29
Trusted by: 82 members
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