Frequently asked questions

Getting started

Who will do my shopping?

St. Pete Shopping Company is locally owned and mother and daughter operated. You are not handing your list to a random gig worker from a national app, and you will not reach a call center. You work with a local, family run company that learns how your household likes things and answers you directly.

How are you different from apps like Instacart or Shipt?

We are a small, locally owned business, not an app with a rotating pool of strangers. When you text or call, you reach Stacey or Caylee directly, there are no membership fees, and 100% of your tip goes to your shopper. We shop nearly any local store, remember your preferences, and handle errands and pre-arrival vacation stocking the big apps simply do not offer.

What if I am not happy with an order?

If you are not happy with the service provided, reach out and we will make it right.

Pricing & payment

Is there a membership or subscription fee?

No. We never charge annual or monthly membership fees. You are only charged when you place an order.

What are your fees?

Personal grocery shopping is 20% of your checkout total, with a $15 minimum. Restaurant and catering delivery is 20% of the total, with a $15 minimum. General errands start at $15 per task, plus reimbursement for anything we purchase. Items over 20 lbs each may carry a heavy-item fee, and pre-arrival kitchen stocking has an additional fee.

How and when do I pay?

Every order is totaled and charged before we leave the store, never after. App orders are charged automatically: your store total plus our shopping fee, and a tip if you preselected one. All other orders are invoiced through Square, where you can add a tip. We do not accept cash or checks.

Will there be a hold on my card?

App orders include a small pre-authorization to confirm your card is valid. It is not a charge, and it is released automatically.

What does my receipt show?

You will get a full breakdown: the amount spent in-store, our service fee, and any tip, along with the actual store receipt. If a store receipt ever goes missing, we will text you a copy for your records.

How is my payment information protected?

For app orders, your card is entered directly in the app, stored securely by Dumpling, and processed through Stripe. Neither your shopper nor the Dumpling team can see it. For all other orders, Square stores and processes your payment securely, so your shopper never has access to your card details.

How does tipping work?

Tips are always appreciated and never expected. When you do tip, 100% goes directly to your personal shopper.

Errands & concierge services

Can you pick up prescriptions?

Yes, from all local pharmacies and veterinary offices, including pet food and pet prescriptions.

Can you handle package returns?

Yes. We pick up Amazon and other returns and drop them at the post office or UPS Store.

What other errands do you run?

Dry cleaning drop-off and pickup, post office runs, gift deliveries, and more. If you are not sure whether we can help with something, just ask.

Do you deliver restaurant meals and catering?

Yes. We pick up and deliver meals and catering from any local restaurant, ideal for small events and family gatherings.

What about holiday meals?

Yes. We deliver catering platters and holiday meals, plus limited delivery of fully cooked hot restaurant meals on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Easter.

Vacation & pre-arrival grocery delivery

Can you stock our rental before we arrive?

Yes. We will fill your fridge, pantry, and countertops before you get there, so you walk into a fully prepared kitchen. Perfect for late-night flights and arrivals after check-in. Just text or call 727-893-8840 and we will work through the details.

Can you deliver during our stay?

Yes, before, during, or after arrival, including midweek refreshes of snacks, drinks, or sunscreen.

What if our travel plans change?

No problem. We stay in close contact and adjust delivery timing around delayed flights and late check-ins.

How do you get into our vacation rental to deliver?

For access to your vacation rental, reach out to us and we will walk you through the details.

Delivery

What is your standard delivery area?

St. Petersburg, Gulfport, Tierra Verde, Isla del Sol, Pass-A-Grille, St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island, Madeira Beach, Redington Beach, North Redington Beach, Redington Shores, Indian Shores, Indian Rocks Beach, Belleair Beach, and Clearwater Beach are all served as one area with no extra fee. Not sure if your address is included in our standard delivery area? Call us or text 727-893-8840 and we will confirm.

Do you deliver beyond your standard area?

Often, yes. For addresses outside our standard delivery area, we can usually still help for an additional fee based on the distance. This includes areas like other parts of Pinellas County, Tampa, and Anna Maria Island. Because the fee depends on how far we travel, we always quote it before you place your order, so nothing is a surprise. Call or text 727-893-8840 and we will confirm whether we can reach you and what it would cost. 

What are your delivery days and hours?

We deliver 10 AM to 9 PM, seven days a week, nearly every day of the year.

Do you offer same-day delivery?

Sometimes, but it is never guaranteed, so ordering ahead is always best, especially for larger orders. Please call or text before placing a same-day order.

Do you deliver to multi-story buildings?

Yes, and inside delivery with help unpacking is always available. Just let us know in advance.

How far in advance should I book?

You can book days, weeks, even months in advance. If you are booking more than a week out, text or call us for scheduling help.

How do you keep cold and frozen items cold?

We use insulated bags and ice packs to keep cold items cold.

Can I set up a recurring or weekly order?

Setting up a recurring order is simple, just place an order each week through our app. Many of our regular clients, including several retirees, keep the same day and time blocked off for their weekly order.

Our shopping app

How do I download the app?

Download our shopping app at mydumpling.us/biz/st-pete-shopping-company. It works on smartphones and on tablets and iPads.

I got logged out. How do I log back in?

A four-digit code is sent to the phone number you used when you set up your account. Any trouble, contact us and we will be glad to help.

How do I place an order?

After adding a payment method and delivery address, tap the plus symbol next to Your List or Create a List on the home screen. Scroll the listed stores or use Request a Store for local stores not listed. Want help with your first order? Just ask, we are happy to walk you through it.

How do I find a store's catalog?

When you select a store you will first see the option to write in an item, where you can build a list and upload photos of exactly what you want. Some stores, including Publix, also have a catalog: tap the magnifying glass in the bottom left corner.

Why does the app show estimated pricing?

App prices are estimates based on national averages. You always pay the actual in-store price rung up at checkout, and you receive the original store receipt with your order. We apply all available promotions, including BOGOs, weekly sales, and manager specials, as we shop.

What if I cannot find a specific item?

Three options: select a similar item and add a note describing what you want, write the item into your list with as much detail as you like, or text us photos of additional items after scheduling your order.

What if something is on sale and I did not know?

You always pay the shelf price. If we spot a sale we tell you so you can grab more, and if an item is buy two get one free, we always let you know and grab the free products.