I AM THINK OF STARTING A GROCERY SHOPPING SERVICE IN MY AREA. HAS ANYONE HAD ANY EXPERIENCE DOING THIS OR ANY KNOWLEDGE THAT THE COULD SEND MY WAY? ANY SUGGESTIONS OR IDEAS APPRECIATED!!

I haven't done it but our local Kroger store (king soopers) will do it for a $15 fee I think. You send them the list, they shop and deliver to your door. You should check with your stores to see if they offer this service as well because you want to be competitive.

good luck!

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Proud to say I haven't shopped at a Wal-Mart since Sept 2003

I have used Simon Delivers about once every year or two for the past 7 years. The prices (not including delivery fees) *are* more expensive than local grocery stores. They do take coupons, but no doubling. I only use them when I am so strapped for time that trips to the grocery stores would add the straw that might break this camel's back. And I also only use them when they offer at least a 25% discount via coupon code or specials. We have a larger than average fam, so it isn't economical for us to use them all the time (wish I could!).
I have also used Let's Get Cooking probably about once or twice a year. That's one of those places where you go and make 4-12 dinner meals all at once and throw them in your freezer when you get home. When we have had severe time constraints on us and I've gone nuts trying to figure out how to feed everyone, I will do that before I'll do Simon Delivers. Again, I only do it with coupons or specials offered by them.
MZ

I was thinking of doing the service and using my coupons on their shopping list and only charging them half of what I can save them. Of course there will be times when I will have to charge a fee (depending on order size). I have contacted a couple of the retirement communites and asked if they would have a need for this service and they said that they would. Do you think I should charge the fee and half of what I save or just half of what I save? I am thinking that I need to make about $50 on each person with large orders. Any comments or suggestions?

I would think you would charge roughly $10/hour. I would not tie anything to coupons. What if someone wanted two notepads. a package of Dollar Store tissues, a roll of stamps, and fruit from the local orchard? Obviously, no coupons. And, you would be running all over town. You might want to do a price structure based on time and number of stores required. You must remember when you get into the retirement community population, they generally have very specific items that they want. How much time are you going to put into gettng their lists plus delivery time? If you have ever tried to hurry a 90 year old you will know what I mean. Also, you have to consider if you will shop for the retirement center on certain days or if each person can call you and say, "Now I want..." you run to the store, only to return and find Mabel wants something, you run to the store, only to find Peter wants something. See what I mean? I would suggest a list with the usual stores you want to go to and I would keep a file on each person. If Mabel calls and wants 3 bananas (very ripe), hand lotion (unscentled) etc. I wuld have a card file so as soon as I hear the name I can pull out the person's preferences. I used to be a Home Health and Hospice nurse. We also ran a Home Helpers Agency. You will be shocked at the time it will take you to do simple chores. What happens if you get to the store and they do not have Mabel's ripe bananas? Do you go elsewhere or return with nothing. Can you substitute? Lots of things to think about.

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Lyn Clarke