Customers trust you to pick and deliver their groceries just the way they would. Following a few simple habits helps keep every order fresh, safe, and professional from store to doorstep.

Here are some tips and tricks to make your Shop + Pay deliveries run smoothly.

1. Prepping for perfection

Preparation is a key ingredient for smooth deliveries. A few minutes of setup before you start can save time and prevent issues later.

Hygiene & safety first

• Washing or sanitizing your hands before handling a grocery order is always advisable. Keeping sanitizer handy can help with quick touch-ups between stops. It’s also best to avoid touching your face while shopping or handling groceries.
• Keeping your vehicle clean helps, too. A quick check to clear out old items or debris before starting your shift creates a tidy space for safe transport.
• Cross-contamination can happen easily, so try to keep food separate from non-food items, especially cleaning products or scented supplies.

Thermal gear essentials

• Thermal bags are your best friend for keeping groceries at the right temperature. Cleaning and sanitizing them at the start of your shift is a great habit to build.
• Keeping bags zipped between orders helps prevent unnecessary temperature changes.

Pro tip: Adding gel or ice packs to your thermal bags can help perishable items stay colder for longer.

2. Picking with care

When you’re shopping, you’re the customer’s eyes and hands. Paying attention to small details helps ensure every order meets quality and safety standards.

Shop smart

Starting with dry goods and saving refrigerated or frozen items for last can help reduce the time temperature-sensitive products spend outside proper storage.

Inspect and protect

• Checking expiration dates and packaging is always worthwhile. Choose items that are sealed and free from dents, leaks, or tears.
• When picking produce, aim for freshness — firm, bright, and free from bruises or overripe spots. Frozen products should feel solid, and refrigerated ones should be cold to the touch.

Handle with care

• Glass bottles and jars benefit from a little extra care to avoid breakage.
• When carrying multiple bags or items, make sure the weight is evenly distributed to prevent spills or strain.

Safety tip: When lifting heavier items, bend your knees and use both hands to protect your back during longer shifts.

3. Mastering the art of packing

Packing carefully helps protect groceries and makes unloading easier at drop-off.

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Keep things separate

• Food safety: Raw meat, poultry, or seafood should always be bagged separately from produce and ready-to-eat foods to prevent cross-contamination.
• Chemicals vs. cuisine: Toiletries, cleaning products, and strongly scented items should be kept separate from all food items.
• Age-restricted items: Alcohol and other restricted products should be packaged separately. (You can review your alcohol delivery requirements in our Age-Restricted Items article.)

Pack smart

• Heavier items such as cans, jugs, or bottles fit best at the bottom of the bag.
• Lighter or fragile items like bread, chips, or pastries stay safer on top.

4. Delivering with care

Once your order is packed, a few thoughtful steps can help you deliver efficiently while keeping the order in top condition.

Thermal transit

• Cold items are best placed directly into your thermal bags with ice or gel packs if available.
• If the order includes prepared food, a separate hot bag helps keep it warm.
• Placing your thermal bags in the main cabin of your car instead of the trunk can help maintain temperature, especially on warm days.

Plan your route

Planning your route to minimize time on the road helps groceries stay fresh until delivery.

The final drop-off

For contactless deliveries, choose a clean, dry, and shaded spot when possible. Avoid placing bags directly on the ground; a step, chair, or table surface works well for this.

5. Keep it consistent

Health and safety come down to small, consistent habits.

These simple steps help you deliver every Shop + Pay order with confidence and care, from store to door.If you ever need support during an order, tap Support in the app for quick help anytime.