Top 5 Little-Known Perks of Grocery Delivery Services

Having groceries delivered rather than going to the store yourself can cost more -- at least at first glance. After all, the prices tend to be higher than you would pay in store and you usually have to either pay a delivery fee or buy a subscription to avoid one -- and you'll need to tip your shopper on top of that.

But, despite that, it may still make sense to break out the credit cards to have your groceries delivered. Here are five little known perks of doing so -- beyond saving time -- that just might convince you having your groceries delivered is best for your checking account in the end.

1. It makes meal planning easier

When you shop for groceries online, you need to have a plan so you can put your order together. You can't just wander the aisles and see what looks good. And when you make a meal plan, you are more likely to actually use the ingredients you buy and eat at home rather than dining out since, after all, you did make that plan. This can help to cut food waste and slash your grocery bill.

2. You're less likely to forget things you need

When you have your groceries delivered, you can add items to your cart as you run out of them. You can also check your stock at home to see exactly what you need as you're placing the order, so you don't have to try to remember if you actually have ketchup or laundry detergent.

And you won't be wandering through the aisles and end up forgetting stuff -- which happens to me all the time if I can't find something, I intend to go back to a store associate later, and I just don't.

3. You're less likely to double-buy items

Since you can check your stock in real time as you're deciding what to purchase, you're also less likely to double-buy products you already have. You won't be standing in the middle of the store aisle with your hand on the milk wondering if you do have enough at home after all, since you can just walk to the fridge.

4. You can shop at more stores

If you're going grocery shopping, chances are good you're going to one or maybe two stores at best. Otherwise, you'd be wasting your time and gas. But if you are getting grocery delivery, you can arrange to have deliveries made from multiple stores -- including those that may be inconvenient for you to get to.

This could open up the door to being able to take advantage of different sales offered at stores throughout your community, or to getting bargains at stores that are off your beaten path.

5. You can skip impulse buys

Impulse buys account for up to 62% of all grocery store sales, which is a shocking number. The good news is, if you aren't at the store, you won't be tempted. The money you save on not buying those chips or that roll of cookie dough each time you go to the store could provide enough savings to more than cover the added costs of shopping with a delivery service.

The best way to decide if grocery delivery is right for you is to compare your bills from when you do your weekly shopping in store versus when you do it online. This will help you determine if shopping online makes financial sense for you or if you're better off with the old-fashioned approach of just visiting the store in person.