Trader Joe’s is arguably one of America’s most famous grocery store chains. Among the many reasons, customers keep coming back to Trader Joe’s is its emphasis on unique products.
There is always something on the shelves (albeit not big brands), from a memorable ready-to-eat frozen meal to eclectic seasonings that you can find nowhere else.
What’s more, is that they offer great prices for everyday essentials.
Unfortunately, Trader Joe’s does not offer delivery or curbside pick-up, unlike many competitor grocery chains that have long digitized their shopping experience.
So, what do you do when you need something from Trader Joe’s but no time to stop by their store location? Well, in this article, we tell you exactly that. Read on as we reveal five hacks to get your hands on Trader Joe’s products from the comfort of your home.
5 Hacks To Have Favorite Trader Joe’s Goods Delivered
If you are anything like me, it’s all too easy to get hooked to one (or too many) of Trader Joe’s unique offerings. However, making a trip to a brick-and-mortar store is not always feasible.
So, if you’re craving some Trader Joe’s goodies that you have long given up on getting (since they aren’t essentials and your routine doesn’t allow for a grocery run), think again!
While you will not find Trader Joe’s on third-party delivery platforms like Instacart, all hope is not lost yet. Here are five tried-and-tested ways to have all the TJ branded cheese and cookie butter delivered to you while you lounge in your pajamas.
1. TaskRabbit To The Rescue
Many do not think of TaskRabbit for grocery delivery, but you can use their service to fill up your pantry. All you need to do is provide a local Tasker with your shopping list, and they will hop to Trader Joe’s near them and get the products for you.
However, there is no estimate for the delivery charges. According to TaskRabbit, every tasker is an independent contractor who charges their set hourly rates depending on the task.
If you have budget constraints, the best practice is to make your tasker aware of them before you hire them. As for the tasker’s hourly rates, you will be able to view them before you hire them.
When you select a tasker, look for the mention of Trader Joe’s delivery runs on their profiles (many mention them). The process of hiring a tasker is simple. All you have to do is enter your street address and describe your task.
After that, you will be shown a list of eligible taskers with their hourly rate. You can select one, choose the date and time and confirm details. Then, all that’s left to do is wait for your doorbell to ring for your TJ goodies.
2. Take Aid From Dumpling Grocery
Another workaround to scratch your TJ itch without moving an inch is to opt for Dumpling Grocery. You need to access the Dumpling Grocery app to select personal shoppers, who can shop for you from various grocery stores, including Trader Joe’s.
One thing to be mindful of is that the service may not be available for your zip code despite being available in your state. A good practice is first to check the availability of shoppers on your zip code and then prepare your shopping list.
Be aware that there are several fees to pay if you opt for Dumpling Grocery.
From spending on a flat rate (or some percent of your grocery bill), the platform fee if required, and a tip (should you choose to add it) to cover the cost of your groceries, the overall bill is much steeper than if you visited the store yourself.
However, one unique thing about this platform is that the personal shoppers are marketed as small business owners. Thus, any money you may be paying goes to a local small business, which grows with your support.
You can choose to shop again and again with one shopper you have connected with, or you can select a new shopper by clicking on the five lines on top of your shopping screens.
Once you connect with your shopper, you can also add items that you may have forgotten after your order is placed.
3. Turn To Craigslist
While Dumpling and TaskRabbit may work just fine for most folks to have TJ groceries delivered, there are instances when you need alternative options.
For example, TaskRabbit only operates in 53 cities for now, and your zip code might not have any Dumpling shoppers as yet. In such cases, you can turn to Craigslist.
All you have to do is post a listing on Craigslist to find someone to pick up the required groceries for you. It might not be the quickest delivery option out there, but it gets the job done, although you cannot rely on it for same-day delivery.
However, for instances where you are looking to stock up non-essentials, you can post the advertisement a few days before your need.
4. Try Your Luck Through Amazon
Well, it is Amazon; need I say more?
While you may not have the entire rostrum of scrumptious Trader Joe’s offering on Amazon, you are very likely to find numerous cult-favorite items like the “Everything But The Bagel Seasoning.” So, what is the catch? Well, you will have to pay more (sometimes way more) than the actual product price if you were to go to Trader Joe’s yourself.
On Amazon, third-party vendors sell these items for a profit. But, if delivery from Trader Joe’s is the need of the hour, Amazon is a very valid option.
So, if you are craving for Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups or looking for Everything But The Leftovers Seasoning Blend to make all your meals smell like Thanksgiving, head on over to Amazon to order one now.
5. Ask a Friend
It might be the last resort, but you will never know if you never tried, right?
If you have a friend who shops at Trader Joe’s, you can always request them to pick up groceries for you. To thank them, offer to do something for them in exchange, or better yet, pay them extra to buy off your shopping list.
Potentially, a friend already making a trip to a Trader Joe’s wouldn’t mind grabbing a few extra items for you, especially for something in exchange.
Why Doesn’t Trader Joe’s Deliver Anyway?
It is safe to say that Trader Joe’s sales would boom if they chose to add a delivery option for their stores. So, why don’t they? Through their podcast, Trader Joe’s gave the reason for their lack of delivery service – something that has had their customers scratching their heads for quite some time.
According to Trader Joe’s vice president of marketing, Matt Sloan, despite the high demand for curbside pick up or delivery service, Trader Joe’s will stay off digitizing their stores.
This is because such a service platform requires a lot of funds, which the grocery chain feels are better invested in their employees.
Trader Joe’s believes that a delivery option will eliminate the need for people, and personal touch is what makes shopping at this grocery chain special.
Final Thoughts
Trader Joe’s is not only unique for innovative, truly one-of-a-kind recipes, blends, and sweet treats, they also differ from most US grocery stores in another aspect: they do not offer a delivery service or curbside pick up.
However, if you do not have the time to shop at a Trader Joe’s near you physically, you can choose one of the five hacks mentioned above.
Go for Dumpling or TaskRabbit to send someone your shopping list, or post an ad on Craigslist; try finding your favorite item on Amazon, or call a friend to make the trip for you.
