Better Ask Barry: Grocery delivery tips during isolation

If you've tried to order groceries online recently chances are you've come across messages like this: "We're sorry, all shoppers are busy for today."

An attempt to buy sourdough bread got, "Due to increased demand, some items might be out of stock when we shop your order."

And then there are the limited or unavailable delivery dates.

According to aptopia.com, grocery delivery apps are seeing a record number of daily downloads because of concerns over the spread of the coronavirus.

They say in one month, Instacart, Walmart grocery and Shipt have seen their daily downloads surge by 218 percent, 160 percent, and 124 percent.

If you are getting your groceries delivered here's some advice:

• Avoid a direct handoff. Arrange to have the items delivered to your doorstep.
• Tip electronically so you don't have the hand the delivery person money, and order earlier than you usually do, because with higher demand you will have to wait longer.

Another way to limit contact with other shoppers is with grocery store pickup. That way you'll only have contact with one grocery store employee from their curbside parking space.

If you have a question or a story idea for us, contact Better Ask Barry at our website, kion546.com.