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How to Share a Grocery List: What I Need From You to Shop Successfully

  • Writer: Aaron Wilson
    Aaron Wilson
  • Apr 10
  • 3 min read

Updated: Apr 16


A professional shopping service logo for Aaron Wilson on the left, featuring a shopping cart icon with motion lines. On the right, an assortment of fresh groceries, including vibrant fruits, vegetables, nuts, and herbs, arranged on a clean white background. The image conveys freshness, quality, and a personalized shopping experience.

Introduction: Grocery Lists Don’t Have to Be Fancy—Just Clear


You don’t need a perfectly formatted spreadsheet to get started with my service. In fact, some of my favorite orders have come from handwritten lists and quick texts.


What matters most is that your list reflects what you need, in a way that I can interpret clearly—so I can shop with accuracy and care.


Here’s how to share your list, what details help me most, and tips to make future orders even easier.


1. Send Your List via Text, Email, or Photo


You can choose whichever method is easiest for you. I accept:

  • Text messages with bullet-pointed items

  • Emails with a typed list (or attached photo)

  • Photos of handwritten lists or notes

  • Screenshots of recipes or even online cart screenshots for reference


💡 Bonus Tip: Some stores like Ralphs, Vons/Albertsons, and Sprouts allow you to build a shopping list on their website or app and share it via text or email. You can send that directly to me—it’s a great way to make sure I get the exact products and brands you want.


Just be sure the image or message is clear, well-lit, and complete so I can shop confidently from your list.


2. Include Quantities (or Say “Usual”)


If you need:

  • “2 gallons of milk” or

  • “3 avocados (firm)”


…that’s super helpful. But if we’ve shopped together before, you can also say things like:


  • “Usual size of peanut butter”

  • “Same coffee as last time”


I keep notes so I can remember your regular brands and sizes.


3. Be as Specific or Flexible as You’d Like


Here are examples of both:


Specific:

  • “Dave’s Killer Bread, 21 Grain, only if it’s fresh”

  • “Green bananas only”

  • “No substitutes for brand-name oat milk”


Flexible:

  • “Any brand of black beans”

  • “2-3 types of snack bars for lunches”

  • “Whichever yogurt is on sale”


You don’t have to overthink it—I’ll check with you if I’m unsure.


4. Need Help Building Your List? Just Ask


Not sure where to start? You can:

  • Send me a recipe, and I’ll create the shopping list

  • Tell me your meal plan, and I’ll fill in the rest

  • Share your household size and routine, and I’ll help you shop based on that


Some clients just send me a few meals and a snack request—and I take it from there.


5. Last-Minute Additions? No Problem (Within Reason)


If you forgot something and I’m still shopping, feel free to text me. I can often add it to the cart if I haven’t checked out yet.


⏱ For urgent or same-day orders, the sooner you send your list, the better—especially if we’ve already reserved a time.


Local to Rancho Cucamonga? I’ll Shop from Your List—Your Way


Whether you send a photo, email, or detailed message, I’ll build your order around your lifestyle. I deliver within 15 miles of Rancho Cucamonga and offer same-day and scheduled options.



Not Local? These List-Building Tips Still Work Anywhere


  • Group your list by store section (produce, frozen, pantry, etc.)

  • Review your fridge and pantry before you build your list

  • Save recurring items in a note on your phone

  • Add notes like “if on sale” or “any brand” to make shopping easier


And if you’re curious about getting better at grocery planning, check out my upcoming consulting service for one-on-one help.


Final Thoughts: Clear Lists = Better Results


I don’t need perfection—I just need a glimpse into what your household really needs. With a clear, simple list, I’ll shop just the way you would (maybe even better).


👉 Ready to give it a try? Let’s shop together.

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