Last week, I revisited my grocery app receipt. The cost of items was just over $100, but the total charged was surprisingly high.

Since delivery fees, service fees, and tips are listed separately, it's easy to overlook the total at a glance. So this time, I calculated the costs on an annual basis.

First, there's something to note. The figures below are commonly referenced in consumer guides and company information, and actual amounts can vary based on the store, time of day, and shopping cart.

Let's start with Instacart. When using it without a membership, delivery fees for same-day orders over $35 often start at $3.99.

If the order amount is small or if you choose a busy time, delivery fees can rise to over $7.99. Therefore, it's advantageous to schedule your desired time with a bit of buffer.

Additionally, there's a separate service fee. Instacart's official help states that the service fee varies based on location and the number of items, and it does not go to the shopper as it's not a tip.

Many guides indicate that this service fee is around 5% of the order amount. Since it's not a fixed rate, be sure to check the checkout screen.

The default tip is reportedly set at 5%. You can adjust it up or down at the time of payment or within three days after placing the order.

For reference, Instacart offers a discount on the service fee if you pay an annual membership fee, but since there's no publicly disclosed fixed amount for the discount, I'll calculate based on non-member rates.

Now, let's assume you order $100 worth of groceries weekly. With a delivery fee of $3.99, a service fee of $5, and a tip of $5, that adds up to an additional $13.99 each time.

Multiplying that by 52 weeks gives you $727.48. This means you're spending over $700 a year on fees and tips, separate from the cost of the items. I was a bit shocked when I saw this number.

But that's not all. One guide noted that Instacart prices are often 5-15% higher than in-store prices. While this varies by store, considering this difference increases the burden.

What about using a membership? Instacart+ is advertised at $99 per year or $9.99 per month, and delivery fees are waived for orders over $35.

However, the service fee does not disappear; it's just discounted. You still need to pay the tip. So, the membership primarily addresses the delivery fee aspect.

I also compared Walmart+. It's advertised at $98 per year or $12.95 per month, and delivery fees are free for orders over $35.

Without a membership, many sources indicate that Walmart delivery fees range from $7.95 to $9.95. For orders under $35, there's a minimum order fee of $6.99, so it's best to avoid small orders.

With Walmart+ membership, delivery tips are optional. Still, if you're ordering heavy items like water or rice, I find it's nice to give a little something.

Now, let's talk about pickup. According to Jewel-Osco's official FAQ, there may be a service fee for delivery or pickup orders under $30.

Conversely, if you fill your cart adequately, there are almost no additional costs for pickup. The exact conditions vary by store and time, so you should check the app.

There's also no tipping obligation for pickup. If you park and wait, an employee will load your groceries into your trunk, reducing the time spent wandering around the store.

To summarize with numbers: using non-member delivery results in annual costs in the $700 range, membership delivery incurs an annual fee of $99 with discounted service fees and tips, and pickup has almost no additional costs if you meet the minimum amount.

Of course, there's a logic to delivery as well. Many people feel that the fees are worth it when considering the time spent driving, gas costs, and the hassle of shopping with kids.

Especially on snowy days or when you're feeling unwell, delivery is truly appreciated. In areas with long winters, that value can be felt even more.

On the other hand, if the store is just a 10-minute drive away and you can stop on your way home, the situation changes. In that case, pickup is a choice that saves both time and money.

So, what should you do? First, add up the fees, service fees, and tips from your grocery receipts over the past three months.

If you use delivery two to three times a month, compare that with the membership fee. If it's only once a month, it might be better to go without a membership.

You can also consider using pickup for regular grocery shopping and only using delivery on bad weather days or when you're in a hurry. That's how I've been mixing it up lately.

Make sure your order amount exceeds the minimum threshold of $30-$35. If it falls below this, the fees will add up, making small orders the most costly.

I don't think tips should be something you skimp on. If you're going to use delivery, it's best to give the shopper their due, and instead, reduce the number of delivery orders for a cleaner approach.

My conclusion is that pickup should be the default, and delivery should only be used when necessary. If there's a difference of several hundred dollars a year, it's definitely worth considering a change in habits.