Taking a Byte Out of the Daily Grind

As a HomeGrocer.com aficionado, I was very interested in your article regarding Internet grocery shopping (“Should Your Mouse do the Shopping?,” May 31). I have a few points to add as a counter to the drawbacks listed: No, I don’t get to use my coupons and double coupons with HomeGrocer. However, I cannot tell you how many times I went to my local store to shop, armed with coupons, only to find the advertised item out of stock. Usually, it was not worth the hassle to get the rain check and keep the coupons for next week’s shopping.

HomeGrocer does not carry a few items we regularly use. However, it is much more convenient to run to the store for three to five items and use the express lane than it is to make large, regular weekly shopping trips.

Lastly, as the parent of a 2-year-old and a 10-month-old baby, any glitches encountered with Internet shopping are well outweighed by not having to take my brood shopping. Finding room for two little ones in a cart, shopping for 45 minutes, checking out, loading up the car, unloading the car at home and finally, unpacking the groceries at home is not my idea of a pleasure trip. It is far more convenient to have groceries brought to my kitchen counter during my kids’ nap time!

DARBY ZIEGLER

Huntington Beach