Are You Using Same-Day Delivery Offers That Lower…

Are You Using Same-Day Delivery Offers That Lower Price Tags Before Coupons?

In a surprising reversal of the “delivery markup” norm, smart shoppers have discovered a new pricing anomaly in late 2025. For years, the rule of thumb was that grocery delivery services inflated shelf prices to cover their overhead. However, fierce competition for market share between giants like Amazon Fresh, Walmart+, and Kroger Boost has led to a new phenomenon: “delivery-only” base prices that are actually lower than the physical shelf price. When combined with digital coupons, this creates a double-dip savings opportunity.

The “Dark Store” Pricing Model

The secret behind these lower prices lies in how orders are fulfilled. Many retailers are now fulfilling same-day delivery orders from “dark stores” or automated fulfillment centers rather than the local supermarket down the street. Because these facilities have lower overhead—no decor, no cashiers, and optimized layouts—retailers can afford to price items more aggressively. A gallon of milk or a family pack of chicken breasts might be priced ten percent lower on the delivery app simply because it is coming from a cheaper-to-run facility.

Digital-Exclusive “Flash” Markdowns

Algorithms now control delivery pricing. If a local fulfillment center has an excess of strawberries that need to move today, the app can instantly drop the price for delivery customers in that zone. Physical stores cannot react this quickly; changing a paper tag or even updating an electronic shelf label takes time and coordination. Delivery apps can flash a “50% off” price for two hours to clear inventory. Shoppers browsing the app at the right time see a base price that is significantly lower than what their neighbor walking through the store sees.

Stacking the Savings

The real magic happens when you apply a manufacturer’s digital coupon to these lower base prices. Most apps allow you to clip a “$2.00 off” coupon regardless of the base price. If the delivery app has lowered the price of a laundry detergent from $12.99 to $9.99 to drive volume, and you apply the $2.00 coupon, you pay $7.99. The in-store shopper pays the full $12.99 minus the coupon, ending up at $10.99. You save three dollars just by choosing delivery.

Avoiding the Service Fee Trap

To make this strategy work, you must avoid the service fees that usually eat up these savings. This is where subscription tiers come in. Services like Walmart+ or Amazon Prime waive delivery fees on orders over $35. By consolidating your shopping into one or two large delivery orders a week, you unlock the lower digital pricing without handing those savings back to the delivery driver in fees.

Checking the “In-Store Prices” Label

Not all apps offer this benefit. You must check the fine print. Apps that promise “Everyday Store Prices” usually charge the same as the shelf price. You are looking for apps that offer “Online Exclusive” deals or dynamic pricing. A quick cross-check between your store’s weekly ad and the delivery app will reveal if your zone is participating in this new pricing war.