Amazon’s New Grocery Delivery Service: How Does It Work?
Amazon recently launched a new service in which it delivers groceries to your garage. The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated this innovative business model. The lockdown, following the spread of the virus, saw many people unable to access grocery stores. Others were afraid to leave their homes and get exposed to the virus, especially those with underlying conditions. Seeing this trend, Amazon became creative and designed grocery delivery services. With the service readily available, you now need not worry about shopping for groceries.
How Does the Service Work?
Amazon’s delivery service is safe and convenient. All you need to do is sign up for the service on Amazon’s website. Using your Amazon Prime account or the Fresh app, you can start shopping for groceries. You can choose to have an attended delivery, in which you receive the groceries personally. Alternatively, suppose the delivery time is when you’re away from home, you can choose to have an unattended delivery. In this case, they will drop off your order in your garage in temperature-controlled tote bags.
Once you place your order, you will receive an email that shows the details, including your estimated order total and the scheduled time of delivery. Having your package placed in the garage is safe instead of leaving it on the doorstep, especially if you live in neighborhoods with low-security levels.
How Does the Delivery Service Provider Access Your Garage?
Amazon has partnered with several companies that make garage door openers connected to Wi-Fi. You can use them to open your garage door remotely using an app on your phone. The garage openers have the Alexa app installed to make the process smooth for you and the delivery service providers.
Alexa enables the garage opener to work with a unique Amazon key to open your garage door. When your package is delivered, the service providers input the unique key to allow them to gain access into your garage and place your groceries. They can then close the door behind them as they leave. The key is designed for use only once, enhancing your security, as no one can use it again to access your garage.
This approach gives you peace of mind. While you may not know when your groceries will arrive, you have the assurance that they will be safe even if you’re not home.
What Happens If Your Package Contains Perishables?
If you order perishables like chicken or things that need to be cold, Amazon will place them in a cold pack for you. The bag is designed to remain cold as it contains some ice packs or some frozen packs to keep your perishables cold. These packs will last for the better part of the day, and you need not worry about your food going bad before you get home.
This idea is borrowed from meal delivery services that gained popularity during the pandemic. They would deliver meals in boxes insulated in cold packs to keep the meals fresh.
When Does the Amazon Grocery Delivery Service Start?
If you’re looking forward to placing your order for groceries on the Amazon platform, the time is now. The service is currently available, and you can shop for whole foods as well. Visit Amazon Whole Foods website to sign up for the service. You will get an email when Amazon receives your membership request. Also, wait for another email that confirms your approval to use the service. Remember to check the website for the key to your garage once you sign up for the service.
If you’re new to Amazon’s grocery delivery service, you might not be fully aware of how it works. This service brings convenience to your life by saving you the time you spend shopping. If you’d like more information on how it works and how to stay safe while shopping online, read more on our blog.
