Show HN: Ernie's, Click & Collect Groceries

Show HN: Ernie's, Click & Collect Groceries
erniesgrocery.com

Excellent interface. I have to be able to browse your selection as easily as I can browse in a store. This means I can find things I didn't intend to find. (That's good for you and me, both.)

Fast service at the curb. There's no point in saving the time inside the store if I just waste it sitting in the parking lot.

Reliable time estimates. (Actually, this dove-tails with the last one, doesn't it?)

Selection. I know you said you have selection, but I've yet to find 2 stores that had the same selection. I'm not terribly set on brands, but it does matter sometimes.

Stock. As in, things had better be in stock. Nothing makes me angrier than when the store is out of something I need. Yes, not even long lines.

Deli/Bakery/etc. When you've just dealt with a shopping trip, you don't feel like cooking that night. Bringing home something delicious and/or hot is a must.

And you should seriously consider delivery, and not just curb-side. I know it's a logistical nightmare, but it eliminates 2 of the things above quite neatly.

I also love the possibilities for the store itself. Because the customer never enters the store, all the standard storefront stuff is eliminated. You can use portable tablet registers to let the customer pay, and standard shopping carts are eliminated. You can use whatever is most efficient, or even invent something to make it better. And you can start off with people plucking things from shelves, but it may become economical to have robots doing that. (I believe Amazon does that, but they're pretty big and centralized.)

In short, do it right and you'll make me (and a lot of other people) really happy.

"Excellent interface"

We have built a streamlined interface that is uniquely designed to handle grocery shopping. We believe that there is a fundamental difference in shopping for groceries online and the way we shop for other consumer merchandise (such as clothes or books). Being fast, intuitive and discoverable are the overarching goals.

"you should seriously consider delivery"

At a later date, perhaps. "Logistical nightmare" is absolutely right. When/if we do delivery, I want to treat it as an outsourced add-on priced at/near cost (which will still mean a hefty delivery charge in low population density areas).

"I also love the possibilities for the store itself"

Absolutely. In addition to your suggestions, consider the long-term opportunities related to merchandise packaging and private label goods. Customers are no longer walking the aisles making buying decisions based on physical packaging. The right packaging/private label strategy (think Trader Joe's on steroids) could eventually lead to some amazing gross margins.

Good luck to you and I hope it succeeds!