How many of you use new retailer delivery services as opposed to actual brick and mortar shopping or mail delivery?

SFC Nikhil Kumra — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 19:26:31 -0400

With the advent of multi-channel retailing, we are seeing newer methods of purchasing products, other than the traditional "walk to the store". Today, you could purchase Chipotle through a Postmates app, or buy every day groceries through sites such as Instacart or even Amazon Prime Now in many cities. These are essentially the grandchildren of companies such as Peapod, which, 20 years ago, was quite the luxury to have (I remember we did not use Peapod simply because we could not afford the service to be tacked on to our grocery bill each month).

Today, I find myself using just about any delivery service I could get my hands on, it saves me literally hours of time each week to be more productive at other things, and really hope that there comes a time where I am not having to do laundry, dishes, or just about anything else.

These services are very popular among millenials and those living in heavily populated urban areas. Anyone sorely against these types of services? Do you believe that this is killing the traditional brick and mortar experience? Is it a waste of money or do you see immense benefit in these types of services? Will this hurt the labor market in the long run?

Do you think delivery drones will be the final thrust which kills the USPS?

Or, does where you live not even offer services like this? I get in one sense this may seem petty, but this is after all the future of how we consume virtually anything...

I know there are a lot of implications with this shift in consumer purchasing, so my apologies for all of the questions.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 21 at 2015 7:30 PM

PO1 John Miller — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 19:30:50 -0400

I'm going to have to look more into this as I haven't heard of some of these alternate delivery services. If I like what I see I may have to use it/them myself. Thanks for the information.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2015 7:33 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 19:33:17 -0400

I've heard and tried a few but still like going to the store to personally pick up what I need just a choice but at least that way I know I'm getting what I want how I want it since using some of these the produce isn't the best quality not saying the stores much better all the time but just a choice

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2015 7:39 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 19:39:56 -0400

I feel that since we (personally) no longer watch commercials as often with Netflix, Hulu, and DVR, I need to walk through the aisles of the store and actually use the time to see what new products are out there. Also, if you have children and have ever used the excuse that you need to go grocery shopping to leave said children with your spouse and just get away, you can truly appreciate the value of 18+ aisles in a store. For a few things that I can't easily find in a store close to home, or that I'm buying as gifts and prefer they come in a nice box that keeps them hidden, I love shopping digitally. This may be a very "woman" thing for me to say, but there are some things about going out and actually shopping that just can't be replaced.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2015 7:51 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 19:51:05 -0400

I still trust traditional stores more than online services.

Seriously doubt drone delivery will make mainstream without issues. Such as theft.

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Jul 21 at 2015 8:30 PM

COL Vincent Stoneking — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 20:30:07 -0400

The only things I tend to get at brick and mortar stores are:
Groceries/Food/Sundries
Things I need right away
Impulse buys

Almost everything else I purchase online and have at my door in 2-5 days.

USPS will never die, given its governmental (or public/private nature if you live in denial...) status. Drones, I am not sold on. Seem needlessly busy.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2015 11:46 PM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 23:46:24 -0400

Anything electronic I buy in a store. I don't trust buying them online (unless it's from a website that also has stores) in fear of something happening & needing to use a warranty (ie laptop). I also have used the store as "me" time to get away from toddlers yelling "mama" non stop, the dogs & husband...there's something wonderful about pushing a cart around a store going through each aisle & no one around rushing you. I guess that being said, there's very few things I buy online. Only idk, my sons toys.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Jul 22 at 2015 6:57 AM

SGM Steve Wettstein — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 06:57:15 -0400

I have problems with crowds so 99% of things that are purchased just for me are purchased online. My boss uses brick and mortar stores for everything else.

Response by Cpl James Waycasie made Sep 22 at 2015 1:18 AM

Cpl James Waycasie — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 01:18:11 -0400

I use EBay and Amazon and other online stores frequently but other options are not readily available in my small City.