Trader Joe’s is a popular grocery store that offers many healthy, delicious products at relatively affordable prices. With all the hype surrounding TJ, I wanted to see what types of delivery options they had available for customers. If you don’t want to leave your comfy couch to indulge in your favorite Trader Joe’s mochi- fear not- there are some delivery options available. But… NOT like what you may be expecting. Read on to learn everything you need to know about Trader Joe’s delivery services.

Does Trader Joe’s Have Their Own Delivery Service?

No.

Unfortunately, Trader Joe’s doesn’t offer any delivery services or curbside pickup options.

Therefore, you cannot order online directly off their website and get stuff delivered to your home.

TJ is UNLIKE many other grocery stores that had to adapt to provide online ordering and additional delivery and pick-up options due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

What 3rd Party Companies Offer Delivery Services from Trader Joe’s?

Dumpling Grocery and TaskRabbit are the top two third-party companies that provide delivery services from Trader Joe’s directly.

However, other third-party companies can come to the rescue if you live in a more rural area where there is limited to no availability on these two platforms.

Read to the end to learn more about these insider loopholes.

See Also: 8 Smart Trader Joe’s Shopping Tips That’ll Help You Save

Is Task Rabbit a Good Option?

Yes.

Task Rabbit is a great platform where “taskers” can buy and deliver your groceries from Trader Joe’s straight to your door.

Follow these 4 simple steps to use Task Rabbit to deliver Trader’s Joe’s to your home:

1. Search “grocery shopping” into the site’s “I need help with…” entry.

2. Provide your zip code and task.

3. Select your tasker who will pick up your groceries and deliver them to your home.

4. Provide your shopping list to the tasker.

It’s important to note taskers on this platform are paid by the hour, not at a fixed fee like most other third-party apps.

Therefore, to ensure your tasker doesn’t waste time struggling to find certain items on your list, be sure to give a comprehensive shopping list upfront.

This will not only save your tasker the time and effort to find your items, but it will save you money not having to pay the tasker for this extra time.

What About Dumpling Grocery?

Dumpling Grocery is another good option for Trader Joe’s delivery that’s quite similar to Task Rabbit.

Follow these 4 steps to order Trader Joe’s from Dumpling:

1. Select your personal shopper on the app by plugging in your zip code.

2. Make sure your shopper offers delivery services from Trader Joe’s.

3. Click on the Trader Joe’s logo and build your order.

4. Create notes on certain item preferences for your shopper to follow.

What Fees Are Associated With These Delivery Options?

Both Task Rabbit and Dumpling Grocery can get rather expensive, especially if you don’t understand how their delivery fees work.

Let’s break it down…

Task Rabbit Delivery Fees

As previously discussed, “taskers” on the Task Rabbit platform charge an hourly rate, not a fixed fee.

Therefore, you must provide clear notes for your tasker before starting to reduce any wasted time your tasker has to find certain items on your list.

Dumpling Grocery Delivery Fees

Unfortunately, Dumpling Grocery fees can rack up fast.

– You first have to pay a one-time $10 fee to set up your Dumpling account.

– You’ll then obviously pay for the groceries you request.

– The personal shopper can then require a minimum tip fee for you to pay before the service even begins.

– Shipping and delivery fees may vary depending on the shopper and specific store; however, expect to pay around 20% of total grocery costs.

– Last but not least, they have a platform fee of about 5%.

3 Insider Tricks To Get Trader Joe’s Delivery

Depending on your location, Task Rabbit and Dumpling Grocery may not be available in your town.

But, there are a few rather unconventional insider hacks you can still do if you are adamant about getting your Trader Joe’s delivered.

1. Amazon: Amazon has a grocery section where you can buy Trader Joe’s branded items via Amazon’s website.

2. eBay: You can buy Trader Joe’s items off eBay and get your order shipped to your house.

3. Craigslist: If all else fails, you can always hire someone through Craigslist.

Create a posting and fill out the necessary job info and wait to see if someone will complete your job.

Or…respond to available postings on Craigslist for personal shoppers looking for work.

Ask the Reader: How do you get Trader Joe’s delivered to your home? Any tips that I may have missed? Let me know.

By Kyle James

Trader Joe’s is a grocery store chain that has a reputation for being affordable and high-quality. But does it accept EBT cards? In this post, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about using your EBT card at Trader Joe’s. I’ll also talk about which food items are not eligible for purchase (and which are) so that you can make smart choices when you’re shopping. Let’s break it all down.

First, What Exactly is an EBT Card?

An EBT card is a government-issued card that is distributed to low-income individuals and families in order to help them purchase specific food items.

The SNAP benefits (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) are loaded onto these cards and replenished each month.

Once you have an EBT card, you can use it to shop for qualifying items at approved retail outlets, just like you would with any other debit card.

PRO TIP: HOW TO KNOW WHAT PRODUCTS QUALIFY

I had a Trader Joe’s employee give me a great tip for figuring out quickly if a product qualifies for EBT. She said that if the back of the packaging shows the “Nutritional Facts”, it’s eligible. If instead, it shows “Supplemental Facts” it probably isn’t 99.9% of the time.

Does Trader Joe’s Take EBT Cards?

Yes.

The short answer is yes, all Trader Joe’s locations accept EBT cards.

Just like other grocery stores, Trader Joe’s is obligated to accept your EBT card for qualified purchases.

Better yet, this popular grocery chain makes it incredibly convenient to use your card in the checkout aisle.

How Does EBT Work at Trader Joe’s?

Essentially, using your EBT card at Trader Joe’s is just like using it at any other approved retailer.

Here are the steps to remember:

1. – First, let the cashier scan all your items.

2. – Next, pay with your EBT card FIRST and it will pay for all eligible items.

3. – Then another total will show up on the display for the remaining non-eligible items.

4. – Use a different form of payment to pay for the non-EBT eligible items.

If you’re ever unsure of your remaining balance, you can have the cashier slide your EBT card on the register and they’re able to check your balance for you.

Keep in mind that your card can only be used to purchase certain food items, which we will get into in the next section.

It’s also worth noting that the same generous Return Policy at Trader Joe’s is available to EBT customers with your refund being put back on your card.

PRO TIP: WHAT TO DO IF EBT CARD IS DECLINED

For whatever reason, I had an employee tell me that EBT users at Trader Joe’s sometimes have their card declined. According to this employee, 99% of the time it has to do with the card reader and NOT the fault of the EBT card holder. Do not let this deter you because the problem is typically easily fixed by a floor supervisor who can quickly do a manual override and get you on your way. Trader Joe’s is known for VERY friendly employees so do not worry about being embarrassed.

Does Trader Joe’s Sort Items Depending On Eligibility?

Yes.

The system at Trader Joe’s does a nice job automatically sorting out eligible and ineligible items when you checkout.

So while you may end up with a remaining balance, you don’t have to worry about being embarrassed by items getting “rejected” and a loud siren going off.

Will Everyone In Line Know I’m Using My EBT Card?

No.

You will use your EBT card just like you would your debit or credit card and no one will be the wiser.

The TJ cashier probably won’t even notice unless you accidentally have items in your purchase that don’t qualify.

What Can Be Bought with My EBT Card?

The key to shopping for groceries with your EBT card is selecting items that are intended for human consumption, aka food items.

Remember, SNAP benefits can only be applied to certain food items, so it is important that you know which items qualify before you fill up your cart at Trader Joe’s.

Here are some of the things that you CAN purchase with SNAP benefits on your EBT card:

1. Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are always covered when it comes to paying with EBT.

Whether these are fresh or canned fruits and veggies, your card will cover them.

2. Meat, Poultry, and Fish

Another item that is covered with your card is meat, poultry, and fish items.

These are packed with nutritious value, which makes them a no-brainer when selecting items to add to your shopping cart.

3. Dairy Products

Dairy items such as milk, cheese, and sour cream are also covered by SNAP benefits loaded onto your EBT card.

According to the USDA, these items are considered essential to a balanced diet.

4. Bread and Cereals

Breads and cereals are also acceptable purchases.

These are essential staples for many diets and can be especially useful for households with children.

5. Snack Foods and Drinks

Some people are surprised to find out that EBT will also cover snacks and soft drinks for your household.

In fact, you can purchase all sorts of non-alcoholic beverages with your SNAP benefits.

6. Seeds and Plants

Another surprising item that is covered is seeds and live plants.

Since these items can be used to grow foods for your household, they are covered by SNAP.

I love the VERY healthy basil plants sold at Trader Joe’s; great for cooking and they live right up until winter starts.

See Also: 8 Trader Joe’s Insider Shopping Tips That’ll Save You BIG

What About Pre-Made Frozen Meals?

Trader Joe’s is known for their very tasty premade frozen meals and have an entire aisle dedicated to them.

My family is a HUGE fan of their frozen Chinese food in particular, especially the orange chicken and broccoli and beef.

So it begs the question do these items qualify as acceptable EBT purchases since they’re considered “pre-made”?

Yes, ALL frozen meals and side dishes at Trader Joe’s are acceptable purchases, it’s only the hot meals where you run into trouble.

What is Not Covered by EBT at Trader Joe’s?

Knowing what is not covered by your EBT card is just as important as knowing what is.

That’s why we’ve put together this list of items that can not be purchased using your SNAP benefits.

• HABA Items – This is a Trader Joe’s specific term and means “Health and Beauty Aid” products.

• Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products

• Vitamins and medicines

• Flowers

• Hot foods

• Pet food

• Cleaning supplies

• Paper products

• Hygiene items

• Cosmetics

Ask the Reader: Have you ever used your EBT card at Trader Joe’s? Let us know how your experience went down.

By Kyle James

When it comes to purchasing fashionable clothes at a reasonable price, sometimes you’ve got to wonder if something is too good to be true. This is the case with booming online apparel store, Shein. As Shein continues to skyrocket in popularity, people cannot help but ask if Shein is legit due to its highly affordable prices and large catalogue of clothes. If you’re looking to snag yourself some new clothes at an unbeatable price but aren’t sure if Shein can be trusted, keep reading on for everything you need to know about this apparel company.

So…Is Shein a Legit Website?

Yes, Shein is a legitimate business and website.

They employ nearly 10,000 employees worldwide and sell to over 150 countries.

While the company started with humble beginnings in 2012, it is now considered the largest online-only fashion company in the world, having earned an estimated $10 billion in revenue in 2020.

Where is Shein Located?

While Shein’s head office is located in China, they have several factories worldwide and countless relationships with external manufacturers and suppliers.

See Also: 15 Smart Ways to Save BIG Bucks at American Eagle

Does Shein Have Good Reviews?

Shein’s reviews are mixed.

They currently have a Trustpilot rating of 3.9/5 stars (based on 107,721 reviews).

While some people have great success with clothing from Shein, others do not.

While not officially BBB Accredited, the BBB has issued an official alert noting that Shein is taking orders and processing payment but not delivering the merchandise or providing refunds.

If you’re not sure what to expect when placing an order, here are a few reviews taken from Trustpilot for reference:

“I love SHEIN. I’ve never had a problem with my order and the price is fantastic” – Charlotte Steadman

“Honestly I like Shein for very convenient shopping but the quality of the products are not 100% satisfying.” – Mary Joy

“I made an order and received the wrong items. I was told I had to send back the incorrect items before they would re-ship the items I originally ordered. I also paid for express delivery and have not even been offered a refund for my inconvenience. I will not be using them again.” – Rebecca Patrick

“Shein is unethical. They treat their workers very badly and their workers get paid a very small wage (not enough to live on). The materials are so cheap, unsustainable and just generally not nice to wear.” – Anonymous

BEWARE OF SCAMS

There is a $750 Shein reward scam going around. They target shoppers by offering a $750 shopping credit with Shein…it is a SCAM. Never click on an email or advertisement claiming this “reward” as it is NOT affiliated with Shein and simply trying to gain access to your personal information.

Is Shein Clothing Good Quality?

Given that Shein sells so many different types of clothing and home items, some are considered good quality while others are not.

It’s helpful to look at each item’s reviews to better understand the quality of each item as the picture does not always reflect what’s received.

So When Does It Make Sense to Shop at Shein?

Because the quality of Shein clothing is a bit questionable, it’s smart to think about EXACTLY what you’re buying from them.

In other words, it doesn’t make a lot of sense to buy the foundation pieces of your wardrobe at Shein because you’ll be replacing them fairly quickly.

Instead, think of Shein clothing as a good place to buy trendy clothing that might only last a season, which is fine because it’ll probably be out of style next year anyways.

See Also: 13 Brilliant Old Navy Shopping Hacks That’ll Save You Money

Does It Take a Long Time to Get Items Delivered?

1-3 weeks.

On average, Shein takes 1-3 weeks to deliver orders to the United States.

This depends on a number of factors such as shipping method and where the buyer is located.

It’s also common to receive items from a single order on different days given that different stock is kept at various warehouses.

Is Their Return Policy Reasonable?

Surprisingly enough, Shein has a straightforward return policy of 30 days after purchase.

If you return clothing items from a single order in one package, the return is free of charge.

All you have to do is note down the items you’re returning, print the return label and ship it.

It’s important to note that Shein does NOT accept returns for the following items:

– Bodysuits

– Lingerie

– Jewelry

– Beauty items

– Party supplies

– DIY supplies

– Pet products

– Cosmetics (if the hygiene seal is broken)

– Items marked non-returnable

If you’re having trouble making a return at Shein, check out our detailed article on their return policy.

Be sure to check out the comments as well as MANY return questions get answered by our readers.

PRO TIP: SHEIN RETURNS NOW AVAILABLE AT FOREVER 21

All return in the contiguous U.S. can now be taken to any Forever 21 store and they’ll process your return within 30 days of your delivery date. They promise a 24 hour turnaround for processing your approved items.

See Also: 8 Highly Clever Tricks to Save Money at Athleta

Does Shein Use Child Labor?

While Shein has been accused of using child labor, they vehemently deny this claim.

It has, however, been found that some of Shein supplier’s workers have been forced to work 75-hour weeks by Swiss advocacy group, Public Eye.

Given that they are a poster child for what’s known as “fast fashion”, they have faced scrutiny over their supply chains and worker conditions.

Is Shein Associated with the BBB?

No.

Shein is not BBB accredited in the least.

This leads some shoppers to believe they might not be a legitimate company.

But they are legit, just not based in the U.S., so they have no need to seek accreditation.

Does Shein Have a Large Selection?

Shein has pages upon pages of clothing items for sale – much more than traditional online clothing stores.

Can I Find Their Clothing on Amazon?

Yes.

You absolutely can purchase clothing from Shein directly from their store on Amazon.

While the pricing found on Amazon is slightly higher than their website, it is still considered low and affordable.

Similar to their website, most of the clothing purchased from Amazon directly still takes 1-3 weeks to arrive even though it’s advertised as FREE Prime Shipping.

But upon further research, there are many Shein items that will delivery in 2-5 days.

PRO TIP

If you’re a Prime member, be sure to check out the Amazon Wardrobe program as it allows you to buy hundreds of Shein styles and try them on at home and only pay for the items you decide to keep.

If you don’t like it, you just send it back for free and you’ll never be charged.

Makes for a GREAT way to test out their product quality, sizing, and styles with ZERO risk.

Also, the majority of Shein clothing sold on Amazon (via their direct shop) is eligible for return, refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.

Ask the Reader: Have you ever purchased clothing items from Shein? What was the process like for you?

By Kyle James