Cost of On-Demand Shopping

Remember when on-demand shopping was limited to a phone call for pizza delivery? I do!

Today, nearly half of Americans have used an on-demand service. Think Instacart, GrubHub, Postmates, Netflix, or Uber.

The Harvard Business Review reports that the on-demand economy is a $58-billion-dollar industry. Its convenience and personal touch leads many to overspend.

Research shows consumers will pay 11% more for convenience in restaurant take-out or grocery delivery.

The cost of service fees, minimum orders, expedited service, and tips quickly add up. Convenience is necessary at times and fun at others, but not at the expense of busting your budget. 

Consider the words of Solomon:

“Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise.

Without having any chief, officer, or ruler,

she prepares her bread in summer

    and gathers her food in harvest.

How long will you lie there, O sluggard?

    When will you arise from your sleep?

A little sleep, a little slumber,

    a little folding of the hands to rest,

and poverty will come upon you like a robber,

    and want like an armed man.” (Proverbs 6:6-11)

Save money by planning ahead. Take food, for instance. Always stock groceries that you can prepare quickly.

Plan for a traditional meal for each week. We have Salmon Sundays. That’s a treat that we cook and look forward to after church. My wife, Ann prepares ahead by shopping and stocking ahead of time.

Some on-demand services are helpful, but it’s best to plan ahead for optimal savings!

Now if credit card debt has you in a bind, contact Christian Credit Counselors. They can help create a pay-off plan just for you. You can learn more at Crown.org/ccc or call the Crown Help Line at 800-722-1976.