Picnic has changed the way people in the Netherlands shop for groceries. With its recognizable electric vans, Picnic delivers your groceries to your door for free at supermarket prices. In this article we explain how the Picnic app works, how to place an order and what makes this delivery service so special.

What is Picnic and how does it work?

Picnic is an online supermarket that works exclusively through an app. There are no physical stores: everything is packed fresh in distribution centers and delivered to your home by electric delivery vans. What makes Picnic unique is that delivery is always free, regardless of the amount of your order. The savings on physical stores are passed on to the customer.

Delivery works with fixed routes. You don't choose an exact time, but a 20-minute time slot in which your order is delivered. The evening before, you receive a more precise time for when the van will arrive at your place. This system makes efficient delivery possible and keeps prices low.

Installing the Picnic app and creating an account

Download the Picnic app for free from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. When you open the app, you enter your postal code to check whether Picnic delivers in your area. Picnic is active in large parts of the Netherlands, but not everywhere yet. If your postal code is covered, you can create an account with your email address and a password.

After registering, you enter your delivery address and select a default delivery moment. You can choose from various time slots spread throughout the day. Picnic delivers from early in the morning until late in the evening, so you can pick a moment that fits your schedule. You can always change this later for each order.

Waiting list and availability

In some areas Picnic works with a waiting list. This means you can't order right away, but first have to wait until capacity becomes available. The waiting time varies from a few days to weeks, depending on your location. You'll receive a notification as soon as your account is activated and you can place your first order.

Ordering groceries through the app

The Picnic app is clearly organized into product categories. You'll find everything you'd expect in a regular supermarket: fresh produce, dairy, meat, bread, drinks, cleaning products and more. Browse the categories or use the search function to find specific products.

Each product shows its price, contents and often nutritional information as well. Tap a product to add it to your shopping cart. You can easily adjust the quantity and keep shopping with a single tap. The app also remembers your previous purchases, so you can quickly find and reorder your favorite products.

Recipes and inspiration

A handy feature in the Picnic app is the recipe section. Here you'll find meal ideas complete with an ingredient list. With a single tap you add all the ingredients you need to your shopping cart. This makes meal planning easy and helps you cook varied meals with fresh products.

Deals and money-saving tips

Picnic has deals that change every week. In the app you'll find a special section with discounted products and combo deals. Prices at Picnic are sharp anyway, but with the deals you save even more. Also keep an eye out for the 'Laatste kans' ("Last chance") products with a shorter shelf life at a reduced price.

A smart money-saving tip is to bundle your orders. Although there is no minimum order amount, it's more efficient to place one large order than several small ones. You can add products to your shopping cart and only complete the order once you have everything you need.

Picnic credit and promotions

Picnic regularly runs promotions in which you can earn credit. This credit is automatically applied to your next order. You can also earn credit by inviting friends. If they sign up through your link and place their first order, you both receive a bonus.

Delivery and drop-off moment

After completing your order, you choose a delivery time slot. Picnic shows which time slots are available in your area. The evening before your delivery, you receive a more precise time through the app and a push notification. On delivery day you can follow live where the van is and how many stops are left before your address.

Picnic's delivery staff are friendly and take the time to deliver your groceries neatly. You can indicate whether you want to receive your groceries at the door or in the hallway. You can also leave instructions, for example about a doorbell that doesn't work or an alternative delivery address if you're not home.

Flexible delivery

Do you unexpectedly have to leave at the scheduled delivery time? In the app you can move your order to a different time slot or another day, as long as you do this in time. The deadline for changes is shown with your order. This gives you flexibility if your plans change.

Sustainability and the environment

An important aspect of Picnic is its focus on sustainability. All delivery vans are electric, which results in no direct emissions. Thanks to efficient routes and bundling orders in the same neighborhood, the number of trips is kept to a minimum. Picnic claims to emit up to 3 times less CO2 than traditional shopping by car.

Packaging is also approached sustainably. Picnic uses reusable crates that the delivery driver takes back right away. Products are packed with as little plastic as possible, and Picnic works on reducing food waste by purchasing precisely based on orders.

Frequently asked questions about Picnic

Picnic offers a wide range of products, but not all brands and products you'll find in a physical supermarket are available. Picnic selects products based on quality and price. If you're missing a specific product, you can report it in the app and Picnic will then consider adding it.

Payment at Picnic is by automatic direct debit. You link your bank account to your account, and the amount is debited automatically after delivery. This makes ordering quick, and you don't have to enter your payment details every time. You can set a spending limit for extra control.

Picnic is ideal for anyone who wants to combine convenience and savings. The free delivery, sharp prices and user-friendly app make it an attractive alternative to traditional grocery shopping. Give it a try and discover why more and more people in the Netherlands have their groceries delivered by the green van.

Frequently asked questions

Is delivery at Picnic really free?

Yes, delivery at Picnic is always free, regardless of the amount of your order. There is no minimum order amount. Picnic saves on physical stores and passes this benefit on to customers.

How do I know whether Picnic delivers in my area?

Enter your postal code when you open the Picnic app. The app immediately shows whether delivery is possible. Picnic is constantly expanding, so if your postal code isn't covered yet, you can sign up for the waiting list.

Can I cancel or change my order?

You can change or cancel your order until the stated deadline, usually one day before delivery. Go to your order in the app to add or remove products or change the delivery moment.

How do I pay at Picnic?

Picnic works with automatic direct debit. You link your bank account to your account once. After each delivery, the amount is debited automatically. You can set a spending limit for extra control.

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