The Great Woolworths Delivery Debate: Uncovering the Cheapest Option
In the ever-evolving world of online grocery shopping, Woolworths, Australia's leading supermarket, has recently expanded its delivery services, offering customers more choices but potentially more confusion too. With the addition of DoorDash to its existing lineup of delivery platforms, Woolworths shoppers now have a range of options to consider. But here's where it gets controversial: which option is actually the cheapest, and how do these prices stack up against in-store shopping?
Let's dive into the details and uncover the truth behind Woolworths' delivery services.
DoorDash: A New Player in the Game
DoorDash has recently partnered with Woolworths, promising customers "more choice for last-minute top-ups and weekly shops." This move comes after Coles, Woolworths' rival, decided to go exclusive with UberEats. When Woolworths announced this partnership, they highlighted that their "on-demand grocery offering" now accounts for a significant 40% of all e-commerce orders.
To test this out, we added a selection of common grocery items to our DoorDash cart: Helga's bread, bananas, Pura milk, Omo laundry liquid, basmati rice, and Manning Valley eggs. The total came to $61.05. However, when it came to placing the order, we were hit with additional fees: a 25-cent bag fee and a $7.33 service fee, bringing the total to $68.88. DoorDash also charges a delivery fee, which can range from $4.99 to $11.99.
The Woolworths Website: A Pricey Alternative?
Surprisingly, the same items on the Woolworths website were cheaper, totaling $56.50. But, when we factored in the $2 paper bag fee and the $15 delivery fee, the total jumped to $73. Woolworths offers a cheaper $2 delivery fee, but only if you plan ahead and allow a six-hour window for delivery. This option would have reduced our total to $60.50, making it a more economical choice for larger online orders.
UberEats: A Familiar Face
UberEats offers identical prices to DoorDash, with our test basket totaling $61.05. The total increased to $66.40, including the $5.99 service fee. UberEats also has a subscription option, Uber One, which waives the delivery fee and offers additional discounts. However, without the subscription, our order would have been $74.30, more expensive than DoorDash.
Milkrun: Woolworths' In-House Rapid Delivery
Milkrun, Woolworths' own rapid delivery service, offers similar prices to DoorDash and UberEats. In our test, the laundry liquid and basmati rice were slightly more expensive, while the eggs and milk were cheaper. Our basket totaled $61.70. Milkrun waived the $5 delivery fee on this occasion, and the estimated delivery time was 52 minutes.
In-Store Shopping: The Traditional Way
Heading to the nearest Woolworths store, we found that the prices were identical to those on the Woolworths website. The only difference was the price of bananas, which were sold by weight, making them slightly more expensive. Our basket totaled $56.53.
The Verdict: Uncovering the Best Value
As expected, in-store shopping is the cheapest and most time-consuming option. However, the most surprising finding is that shopping on the Woolworths website is the most expensive option when it comes to delivery, especially if you want your items delivered quickly. Our basket cost $20 more when delivered compared to in-store shopping.
When it comes to delivery services, Milkrun seems to offer the best value and convenience. It may not be available everywhere, but in our case, it was cheaper and faster than UberEats and DoorDash.
A Woolworths spokesperson emphasized that they aim to meet the demands of shoppers who seek fast and flexible grocery delivery options. They acknowledged the additional costs associated with express delivery, but also highlighted other convenient options, including their free click-and-collect service and traditional home delivery.
So, which delivery option will you choose? Do you prioritize convenience or cost? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! Is there a hidden gem of a delivery service we missed? Let's discuss and find the best deals together!
