Frequently Asked Questions
Everything You Need to Know
We know you may have questions before handing your grocery list to someone new, and we are here to help. Below we have gathered the questions clients ask us most, grouped by topic so you can jump straight to what matters to you, from how our pricing works to how we keep cold and frozen items cold on the way to your door.
If you do not see your question here, reach out any time and text or call 727-893-8840.
You will always get a real answer from Stacey or Caylee, never an overseas call center or an automated bot.
Getting Started
Who will do my shopping?
Stacey or Caylee, the mother-daughter team who own St. Pete Shopping Company. You're never handing your list to a random gig worker. You work with the same trusted people every time, who get to know how your household likes things and answer you directly.
How are you different from apps like Instacart or Shipt?
We're a small, locally owned business, not an app with a rotating pool of strangers. 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 don't 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 only pay for the orders you place.
What are your fees?
- Personal grocery shopping: 20% of your checkout total ($15 minimum)
- Restaurant and catering delivery: 20% of the total ($15 minimum)
- General errands: from $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. See our Pricing page for full details.
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 don't 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 isn't a charge, and it's released automatically. You'll find more app-specific answers in the Shopping App questions below.
What does my receipt show?
You'll 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'll 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.
Groceries & Stores
What stores do you shop?
Just about any local store, from the big grocery chains to your favorite neighborhood butcher, seafood market, bakery, and florist.
Can you shop more than one store in a single order?
Yes. We'll hit the grocery store, the butcher, and the local bakery all in one order.
What happens if something on my list is out of stock?
If time allows, we'll reach out about a substitution so you get something you're happy with, never just a guess. And if it's something you really want, we'll stop at another store to track it down.
Do you shop outside Pinellas County?
Yes. We regularly make trips to Detwiler's Farm Market in Palmetto.
Is there anything you can't shop for or deliver?
We can't deliver any single item weighing 40 lbs or more, and items over 20 lbs each may carry an additional fee.
Errands & Concierge
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're 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
Can you stock our rental before we arrive?
Yes. We'll 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'll work through the details. See our services for visitors for more.
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 & Coverage
What's your delivery area?
St. Petersburg, St. Pete Beach, Pass-A-Grille, Treasure Island, Madeira Beach, North Redington Beach, Indian Shores, Indian Rocks Beach, and Clearwater Beach. Not sure if you're covered? Text your address to 727-893-8840 and we'll confirm. You can also see our full Delivery Area page.
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's never guaranteed, so ordering ahead is always best, especially for larger orders. Please call or text before placing a same-day order.
What happens at my first delivery?
We ask that someone be home for your first delivery so you can meet your shopper. After that, contactless delivery is available anytime.
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.
The App
Optional help for clients using our shopping app. Prefer not to use it? You can always order by phone, text, or a handwritten list. Download the app.
How do I download the app?
Download our shopping app at dumpling.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 + 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 (photos welcome), 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.
Client Reviews
Rated 4.9 stars on Google & 5.0 on Facebook
★★★★★
"It was so nice to arrive at our vacation rental to find our refrigerator and cabinets thoughtfully stocked. Thank you!!"
Bevin N.
★★★★★
"The best custom shopping experience I have ever had. Friendly, fast and flexible. Far better than the big corporate shopping options out there."
Scott C.
★★★★★
"You are a name to them and not a customer number."
Debbie W.
Locally Owned and Family Run Since 2022
TELL US WHAT YOU NEED AND CONSIDER IT HANDLED
Pick the way that suits you and send your first list. We will take it from there.