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| - Update 11/22/17- Surprisingly, I came here with no shopping plan. Just a jotted list of another entree I wanted to make for Thanksgiving, basic necessities and of course, some wine hehe. I had a budget and spent almost exactly that. Got 2 cents back! I'm getting really good at this budgeting, no I'm not.
Cashiers were busy, they still haven't hired additional help, wait was not that long though. They were happily conversing with customers which was nice to see. Keep that up!
Smart and Final is my store when I get the chance to prepare my menu for 1 or 2 weeks. I can buy small quantities or in bulk like Costco. I like that. This place used to be Food For Less before it became Smart and Final. I like this store better because I can buy in bulk and it's cleaner, more organized and employees are friendlier. Not as friendly as Smith's but it will do.
When I first started shopping here (right when they opened), they lacked cashiers. It has somewhat improved but it could be better. They need more employees. It's not like Smith's where if they see you waiting in line, they rush to open another register. Still, I come here due to sale prices. When I compare advertisements between here and Smith's, Smart and Final is always cheaper.
Now, they started a delivery this week. My delivery is processing as I type this review. Here are the details:
1. First delivery is free plus $20 off on your next order if you buy $35 or more. Promo code is SHOPSMARTANDFINAL.
2. I got charged $11.89 service charge. Their delivery service is through Instacart. Membership is $149 per year or $14.99 monthly. Now, I shop considerably, I have 4 boys (you guys know that already). My cart is always overflowing. I discussed the pricing with my husband and I think this will be beneficial for us. In terms of convenience and gas, since I have a small window of time. I'm a working mom and my husband works 80hrs a week. We are actually considering this. I can pick up my boys and just wait for my delivery to arrive while I'm cleaning. Then cook!
3. The prices they have on their advertisement is available online for delivery. Unlike Vons (which I've used several times), prices for delivery is higher. THIS is very important to me. I'm on a budget and if I can get it cheaper by going to the store myself, I'll do it. Although, I'm shopping on the last day of their advertised sale prices, so the items I wanted were mostly all gone.
Tip: shop as soon as you are able when the circular arrives to get the best deals.
4. They have items when you buy 2 eligible items, you get $5 off. I'm not brand conscious, so I got to take advantage of this deal. Cha-Ching!
5. They charge your card more than what your total is, so there's room for adjustments. In my case, they charged me $20 more than my total. I'll update here once my card has been processed. So that you know how long it takes.
6. I put my order in at 3:55pm. I got a text from my shopper 5mins later that he is working on my order. Unlike Vons, this is FAST! With Vons, you're lucky to get a deliver time for the next day. And, no text messages to communicate. You just select if you allow replacements for items that are not available. With Smart and Final, you are updated in realtime. You approve replacements as they shop. I even called my shopper. His name is Philip. Thank you Philip!
7. My delivery window time was 5-6pm, I was notified when they were on their way (picture attached). They arrived on the dot and within the time I had picked. Philip was friendly and professional. My groceries were placed on my kitchen counter and no items were missing or broken. With Vons, my eggs were smooshed or shampoo leaking. I was told to call customer service to get refunded which I did. Too much trouble, I'm too busy.
8. Lastly, I was told by Philip that the beginning of the month is very busy for the store due to EBT being distributed. As to why most of my sale items were already out of stock. So there's a tip for you. I'm not sure how EBT works but I guess they are distributed the first of the month.
Tip your shopper!
Overall: I'm liking this, for busy families, this is the way to go. I've picked up my kids, hubby is at an open house for one the boys and I'm able to do other things while I wait for my groceries. Ordered on the same day!
One problem: I called Instacart regarding a coupon for hamburger buns that I could've gotten for $0.99 instead of $2.49. I got disconnected on the first call. I tried calling back and I got a busy signal. Fix this! I will forgo the savings this one time since this is a new service. Kinks and all but you need to be available when customers call. Especially when your site says open 24/7.
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