Hi! I know some of our members are using delivery services, especially those chefs who are in urban areas like Manhattan or Chicago where driving and parking are really difficult (or near impossible) and lugging a cooking kit and food on the El or the Subway is out of the question.
When I was cooking full time I tried a delivery service once to check it out, but found there was no guarantee the order would be delivered by the time I arrived at the client's house in the morning, and I was uncomfortable NOT selecting the produce, fish, and other provisions myself. I felt that selecting everything I would be preparing for my client was part of my responsibility to the client, and I actually enjoy the shopping. The produce managers, butchers and fish mongers are actually a source of referrals as well, so if I wasn't in touch with them daily, the relationship broke down. Just my two cents, candy
I gave it a trial run in my own home to see if I could use it. As Candy mentioned, the whole not being able to choose it yourself thing was too hard to overcome, although Peapod did deliver on schedule without fail. But -- if they didn't have broccoli, it just wouldn't show up.
That's a problem if you show up at the client's house with a menu and labels for garlic-roasted broccoli. Did it happen a lot? (I only used the service at home 4 times and it only happened once.) No -- and I suppose I could've just hopped in the car and gone and gotten some. Heaven knows, I've forgotten enough ingredients on my own!
But it's not a big deal to cruise by the market here, so it's just not worth the hassle.
On the other hand, I do encourage my clients to consider the service. Now that I'm taking care of their meats, most of their produce, there's not a big need for them to hit the market in person.
On the other hand -- you may have small markets in your area that may be able to fill parts of your order and deliver it -- or at least have it ready to pick up. There's a produce store near my parents in CT, that does an absolutely phenomenal job of choosing produce (it's the kind of store where no one is allowed to touch the produce except for the salesperson. Nothing's been pawed, sneezed on or dropped on the floor!) when I do a party at my parent's hosue, I can call in my order, it gets put on their tab and I can just cruise by and pick it up. There's a local fish store here that has it ready and charged to my credit card.
So, even if grocery delivery won't work for you -- there are ways of "sharing" some of the work with the people you buy groceries from.
Thank you for your two cents after all pennies do add up to dollars. I live in one of those Urban areas (Chicago) I have only used the delivery service for personal use and so far have never had a problem I can narrow the delivery time down to about an hour e.g. 7-8am. I enjoy shopping too I don't think I can go a day without stopping in Whole Foods. I was just inquiring seeing if possible I could save some time somewhere. Thank you for your reply and I received your phone message the other day, thank you for the call. I will be talking to you soon.
Chef Diedra
<Diedrajm>
Posted
Thanks for the reply Golden goose. All points made are valid. I guess I have to weigh the pros and cons of each situation. Since I am just starting out this is just an idea that popped into my head. Thank both of you again.
Like everyone said, you're at the mercy of their delivery times, and also of their shopping techniques. I have to pick out my own food items. You really, really do need a vehicle to do this job. And I think, too, that shopping for the client personally is something they pay for and they should get that personal touch. If you're in it to "save time" then you might want to re-think getting into the job. That extra time does make a difference, and if I were a client, I'd wonder why you were using a delivery service. It's also going to be much more expensive for you...so you'll need to adjust your prices and perhaps have to charge more to break even. I doubt Pea Pod will pick out items on sale for you. Good luck though in your endeavors...it's a great profession!
Again I thank you Hot Tamale for your input however I think there is a general misunderstanding of how it works. I pick out the items and yes they have sales and I can pick sale items the prices are usually in line with your local grocery store and the selections are always top notch ALWAYS. There is an entire list of items(with pictures & detailed descriptions) I didn't think I implied I was in it to "save time" I don't think anyone is but "time" is an issue not the most important one but one nonetheless. I am a Chef because I love to cook and I love being in the kitchen and I love to feed other people nowhere in there did I say I love to save time. I am still shopping personally for the client and my standards are very high if Peapod did not meet them then I would not use them. As for the client ALOT of people in Chicago already use Peapod for themselves so if they see me using them they will already know that I use the best. Maybe you should investigate before replying so negatively and making assumptions. Every PC uses what works for their particular area, situation and client. Once again I thank you for your input I take all comments positive or negative into consideration. I think my main concern about delivery is delivery time consistency. Prices are average sometimes better, sales and other discounts are available, quality is A+, convenience is a definite because living in the inner city parking is a definite issue, sometimes you can drive around for an hour and not find anywhere to park. This issue is still under consideration and I would still like comments from anyone who has tried this option or has an opinion
