Using Safeway Delivery:
A Comprehensive and Honest Review

{Photo by Darwin Bell}

So is this a mother's dream? or a disastrous disappointment?

I've surveyed moms who use the Safeway delivery service (since it's not in my area) to provide an honest review. Hopefully this information will help you decide whether a Safeway delivery is in your future.

Before we jump right in, let me share where Safeway will deliver. If you're not in this area, there's no reason for you to finish reading this article. However, I'd encourage you to glance and see if there is another grocery delivery service in your area.

On the Eastern Coast, you can use Safeway Delivery if you live in the Washington DC / Virginia area. In the West, Safeway will deliver to homes found in California, Arizona, Oregon, and Washington.

Things You'll Love About Safeway Delivery

• Product details included photos, sizes, and price per weight to help you comparison shop.
• Using the Safeway Club Card (that you use in the store) allows you to grab in-store specials online.
• Occasionally you can find web-only specials.
• Some items are actually cheaper online than in the Safeway stores.
• You can leave notes for your "personal shopper" that you'd like the really ripe avocados or the green bananas.
• Previous orders are saved, so return shopping is even easier.
• "Express Shopping" lets you type in your list, instead of searching item-by-item.
• Delivery charges can be discounted, depending on how long you want to wait for delivery. Four-hour delivery windows are less than two-hour delivery windows.
• Orders over $150 get a 50% discount on delivery charges. Add a 4-hour delivery window, and you get it delivered practically for free.
• Delivery drivers will carry the order inside and place it wherever you'd like it. If drivers are going to be late, they call ahead. Usually that delay is only 10-15 minutes past the delivery window.
• Tipping drivers is not allowed.
• Safeway is generous with emailing good coupons for discounted or free delivery codes.
• In checkout you can specify that if a product is unavailable, which substitutions are acceptable, if any.

On the Other Side of the Coin...

{Photo by Mrs. Magic}

• The prices are not always the cheapest (compared to Aldi), but when they do have sales, they're good.
• Manufacturer coupons or foodstamps are not accepted through this service. You have to go into the store to use them.
• Safeway is also a sister-site of Genuardi's, so occasionally a "Genuardi's" logo will show up online. This can be confusing, since Genuardi's only delivers to a small area of the East Coast. Even if the logo appears, if you were on the Safeway website, you're good for delivery.
• It seems the product-freshness was a toss up. Some moms reported excellent produce, others complained it wasn't as fresh as it could be. The only way to test this one is to try it for yourself.

The Verdict on Using Safeway Delivery

Coupon Alert!

Safeway is currently offering free delivery PLUS a free case of water for your first order.

Use coupon code CJEXCLUSIVE during online checkout to receive this special.

This offer expires on September 30th!

The biggest "Con" factor was not being able to use manufacturer coupons. The "anti-tipping" policy regarding delivery drivers makes the pressure of how much to tip nonexistent. A small benefit, but not unnoticed.

So, in summary, if you live in a Safeway delivery area, it's definitely worth a try. Especially if you can get free delivery on your first order.

Browse around Safeway's online grocery delivery service.

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