This post is sponsored and contributed by Olivia Yates O’Donnel, a Patch Brand Partner.

Community Corner

The New Face of Grocery Delivery

With dumpling, customers can finally use a shopper they trust. Each shopper is a solopreneur, so customers can feel good supporting a local!

Why Grocery Delivery?

Americans spend over $600B a year on groceries, yet only 3% of this happens online. One of the main reasons for this low percentage is that online groceries today are primarily delivered with an on-demand model that is overwhelmingly focused on efficiency and driving down cost, and treats shoppers as interchangeable cogs in a machine. dumpling is changing this by shifting the focus back to the person.

While the on-demand approach works when it comes to ordering pantry staples and cleaning supplies, it falls short when it comes to items that require a keen eye and knowledge of customer preference. In short, the experience for both customers and shoppers is absolutely terrible in the present online grocery space.

The Person Matters

dumpling knows that the shopper providing the service matters and makes a significant difference for customers. This is particularly true when it comes to orders that include more than just non-perishable items. When customers are given the choice to place orders via a faceless app delivered by an anonymous shopper, or a local, small business owner who shops for their customers like they do their own family- the choice is clear.

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“You can’t go wrong with Kristin! She has been my personal shopper for groceries for over a year—professional, smart, accurate, energetic, punctual, communicative, goes the extra mile to offer excellent service—she is the definition of a five star personal shopper.” -Customer, Barb L.

Find a Local Shopper

First, you must find your personal shopper. Customers are encouraged to download the dumpling app. Once registered, they will be prompted to enter a zip code to find shopper’s in their area. dumpling encourages customers to review the shopper profiles, to find the shopper who is the best fit for their lifestyle.

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“Dumpling allows me to serve my community while also creating communal bonds. People love their mailman, dog walkers, and babysitters. I want to foster that kind of relationship with my customers, especially for people who really value the importance of the connection of food and community." Shopper, Wolfgang E.

Customers can also search for a shopper online, before downloading the app. Once you’ve connected with a shopper, you’re ready to start building your grocery list!

Build Your Grocery List

Once you’ve connected with a shopper, you can select your favorite local store. dumpling shoppers can shop and deliver from ANY local store that accepts credit cards, including: Costco, Trader Joe’s, PCC, Whole Foods, Local Co-ops, Farmer’s Markets, and more!

After selecting the store, customers can find products by browsing categories, just as if they were walking through the aisles, search for products by name, or even input a custom item! The dumpling app provides customers with large item photos, extensive item details, and price estimates, to help with budgeting.

Don’t Forget, It’s Personal!

Your Personal Shopper is there to customize each and every order to your specific needs and wants. So, the dumpling app allows you to enter notes to help the shopper shop for you, just as they would their own family. If you know you want Salmon for dinner, but want whatever is freshest- just say so! If you want your bananas slightly green, you got it. Even better news, your shopper gets better with every shop, as they learn your preferences.

“Alviena is absolutely amazing! She made it a point to contact me for questions, concerns and really took the time to get to know my preferences. Her shopping was quick as well as the actual delivery and it was an all-around great experience. I would 10 out of 10 recommend.” - Customer, Tyajah P.

So, whether you are a busy professional who doesn’t have time to grocery shop between work, travel, and family life, a stay-at-home mom who doesn’t want to haul her kiddos to the grocery store, or just someone who has a hard time making it out the house- dumpling can help. Your personal shopper is waiting!

Download the dumpling app!


This post is an advertorial piece contributed by a Patch Community Partner, a local sponsor. The views expressed in this post are the author's own.

For more about Community Partner, click here.

This post is sponsored and contributed by Olivia Yates O’Donnel, a Patch Brand Partner.