7 Top Alternative Ways of Getting Trader Joe’s Delivery


7 Top Alternative Ways of Getting Trader Joe’s Delivery

Trader Joe’s is a grocery store located across the United States which tends to be a fan favorite. Thanks to their ready-to-eat sandwiches, salads, and wraps, and plenty of frozen meals, this store has become more well-known for its variety and accessibility of meal options. Oh, and let us not forget the snacks!

Trader Joe’s does not offer delivery, but there are alternative methods of getting Trader Joe’s delivered to you. You can use third-party delivery services like Dumpling and Amazon or hire services like TaskRabbit. Additionally, you can post ads on Craigslist or Trader Joe’s Facebook Groups. Unfortunately, many mainstream delivery services like Postmates and Doordash do not deliver from Trader Joe’s.

So, if you are looking to order Trader Joe’s but need a way to get your groceries delivered, this may be the piece for you. We will go over why Trader Joe’s doesn’t offer delivery, what some alternative methods of delivery may be, and more.

Does Trader Joe’s Offer Delivery?

Unfortunately, Trader Joe’s does not have their own delivery service.

This means that, in order to get your favorite Trader Joe’s items delivered, you will need to use a third-party service.

More than likely, this is going to be the case for quite some time. Even during the height of the pandemic, Trader Joe’s relied on third-party services as opposed to creating a delivery option of their own.

Curbside pickup is also unavailable. So, in order to interact directly with the store and its processes, you would need to physically enter a Trader Joe’s of your choice to buy your groceries.

Why Doesn’t Trader Joe’s Offer Delivery?

Due to the resources needed to invest in delivery, curbside pickup, or online shopping options, this can be quite a big ask.

Trader Joe’s simply made the decision to focus more of their resources on offering a great in-person shopping experience.

Especially during the pandemic while other stores were laying off workers and trying to streamline and automate processes, this came up.

Trader Joe’s was able to instead keep their staff and limit capacity while remaining an in-person establishment.

The focus on avoiding an infrastructure that eliminates the need for personal interaction is something very central to the store’s ethos.

Top 7 Alternative Ways of Getting Trader Joe’s Delivery

It is wonderful to know that this lack of access exists because it is better for the employees. However, that reasoning may not eliminate your need for Trader Joe’s delivery.

So, here are the top 6 alternative ways of getting groceries delivered from Trader Joe’s:

1. Amazon

  • This is a good option if you are in a pinch, but not if you are looking to save a buck.
  • Since Amazon sells TJ’s goods through resellers, prices may be jacked up.
  • You can use Amazon’s platform as a way to get the essentials that you need.

2. TaskRabbit

  • If you only use this app to connect to people to help you paint, do laundry, or clean, you’re missing out.
  • You can hire ‘Taskers’ to pick up your groceries and deliver them to your door.
  • As independent contractors, these shoppers will have their own rates set, meaning that prices of shopping may vary.

3. eBay

  • Search Trader Joe’s on eBay and see what is available to purchase.
  • This one is like Amazon, in that there will be products from other sellers on the site.
  • You may pay more, but isn’t it worth it for your favorite easy meals or snacks?

4. Dumpling

  • This platform helps users get connected with personal shoppers, in the same way that many similar services do.
  • Essentially, you make a shopping list and submit it to a personal shopper that can help you get your groceries.
  • You’ll see that the personal shoppers can set their own schedule and rates, meaning that there may be different pricing each time.
  • There is also a 5% fee paid to the app, on top of your grocery cost, any tips, and the delivery fee itself.

5. Trader Joe’s Facebook Group 

  • There are several Trader Joe’s Facebook groups, such as “Favorite Trader Joe’s Products”
  • You can post your request for delivery, and perhaps someone in your area may be able to help!
  • Many have offered to even pick up and ship products for fellow group members.

6. Craigslist

  • This is a less typical option and will take longer than using a same-day delivery service.
  • Posting an ad for a TJ’s shopper might take a few days to give you results, if it’s necessary.
  • If you are in dire need of some Trader Joe’s cheese for an event, there are ways to get it.

7. Have a Friend Swing by For You

  • While this may not be the conventional type of delivery you are looking for, ask a friend!
  • Offer to pay them in dinner, or by adding some groceries to what you are asking them to grab.
  • This is potentially the most reliable option, if your friends or family know your go-to TJ’s items.

It should be noted that Doordash used to be an option for getting Trader Joe’s delivery, but that is no longer the case. So, if you see that as an option but are not finding it on the app, know that it is not user error but a change in services offered.

Will Trader Joe’s Ever Be on Instacart?

This might leave you asking whether TJ’s will ever be on delivery apps, like Instacart, for example.

Instacart is growing more popular, but Trader Joe’s is not registered with the service, so they cannot deliver for them.

Based on the ethos of the store and its focus on in-person shopping, I would not wait around for this option.

Does Trader Joe’s Offer Curbside Pickup?

Trader Joe’s also does not offer curbside pickup.

This may seem like an inconvenience in today’s grocery shopping climate. We are used to things being available at the click of a button or the opening of an app.

TJ’s prefers to have their cashiers helping customers in store and does not offer a curbside option currently.

Does Trader Joe’s Have Online Shipping?

Okay, but does TJ’s have online shopping at all?

Like the lack of curbside pickup, the answer to this is no.

Not only does the store avoid delivery, it also does not have the option to pick out products ahead of your arrival at the store.

For any shopping that does not take place in-store, you’ll need to rely on a friend or a third-party service.

How Much to Tip Delivery Drivers

Since we are on the topic of utilizing delivery services and drivers, let’s talk tipping.

This is a standard practice, but one that is not as clearly defined as it is in locations like restaurants. You may be unclear on proper tipping etiquette.

It is common to tip about 10-15%, depending on if there is already a delivery charge. However, if weather is bad or if the delivery ask is large, tipping 20-30% is the range that you want to expect to tip within.

Best Grocery Delivery Services for Online Food Shopping

When it comes to deciding which grocery delivery services are the best for online food shopping, it may be difficult to sift through the different names out there.

So, we’ve created a list for you so you can review the highlights of our top 5 grocery delivery services.

While these do not apply to Trader Joe’s, unfortunately, you’ll find a great deal of success using them with other grocers.

Without further ado, our top 5 grocery delivery services:

1. Instacart

  • This is quite a flexible option, allowing you to order same-day or a couple weeks out, even.
  • If you are in a pinch, planning a big event, or anything in between, this app is reliable.
  • The annual membership fee is $99.

2. Shipt

  • A year-long membership of $99 will give you access to same-day delivery.
  • You’ll also get unlimited delivery from participating stores, which you’ll see listed for your area.

3. Fresh Direct

  • At $129 for an annual membership, you can also get any day delivery for 6 months at just $79.
  • If you are flexible and can get a 6-month plan that only works Tuesday through Thursday, you’ll pay just $39.
  • This option is only available in parts of New York, currently.

4. Thrive Market

  • At only $60 annually, this is a great option. In fact, I personally use Thrive Market the most.
  • You may not see certain brands you want, but the site allows you to distinguish options by food allergy, which is great.
  • You get organic products at a low cost, and without the need to go to the store in person.

5. Amazon Fresh

  • An increasingly popular option, this one is great for a few reasons.
  • It is free with an Amazon Prime membership.
  • You can order from Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods locations and expect delivery within 2 hours.

These delivery services are all comparable, but one may work better for you and your needs.

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Choosing Nutrition Team

Here at Choosing Nutrition, our goal is to help people with making smarter food choices. Whether you're wondering about vegan, keto, paleo, or other diets, we'll help you determine which options fit your nutritional lifestyle. Our staff is composed of registered dieticians, nutritionists, and health-conscious individuals.

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