Andrea McCarthy ’06 would rather drive from the beach and take the time to go shopping at a nearby grocery store than endure Virtual Grocer’s less than convenient process of downloading an order form, printing it out, faxing or hand delivering it to the Stag Snack Bar, then picking it up 24 hours later.
This is a common preference among students living both on and off campus. Students have agreed that they don’t find any benefit in ordering their groceries from Virtual Grocer since the service was first offered in the fall of 2005.
The most common gripe about Virtual Grocer is that they do not deliver.
“Maybe I would use it if they delivered, but I definitely won’t use it knowing that I have to go pick it up,” said McCarthy.
Greg Surette ’06, who lives in the apartments, feels the same way. He said it would be more convenient for students if the items were delivered.
“It seems like too much of a hassle for me,” he said. “I can always get a ride to the grocery store.”
Surette said it would be easier to e-mail the list, rather than going through the process of printing and later faxing or hand-delivering the order form. However, this is currently not an option.
McCarthy agreed and described the process as somewhat of a “pain.”
Students also complained about the high prices of the items.
“It is more expensive to use virtual grocer than just going to the store myself,” said McCarthy.
Virtual Grocer offers beverages, baked goods, cereal, soup, microwaveable items, snacks, vegan/vegetarian selections, cleaning supplies and paper goods. Students agreed that they could find more reasonable prices at local grocery stores.
However, some students feel that it can be beneficial for underclassmen.
“Maybe if I were a freshman without a car, I would use it,” said Kristen Varina ’06. “But probably not as a sophomore or junior.”
Virtual Grocer order forms can be downloaded from www.fairfielddiningservices.com in an Excel spreadsheet.
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