Stop & Shop adds automatic surcharge you need to know before you buy

STOP & Shop has a costly automatic surcharge – but shoppers can avoid it by double-checking their items.

Before placing an order from the grocery retailer, customers might want to make sure everything they need is in their cart.

That's because Stop & Shop charges a restocking fee if an order is canceled after an employee begins preparing it, or if it can't be delivered for whatever reason.

The automatic surcharge amounts to $50 in that event, according to the chain's policy.

But if customers have second thoughts about a specific item, they will be subject to a 15 percent fee for each one they request cancellation on.

Shoppers need to additionally keep in mind that all orders come with a $3.95 pick-up fee.

For delivery, customers are charged $9.95 for orders that range between $60 and $100.

Items that are worth at least $100 come with an automatic surcharge of $6.95.

Meanwhile, those who are signed up for Stop & Shop's Go Pass membership, which costs $12.95 per month or $119 annually can pick up their items for free in-store.

Delivery is free for orders that amount to at least $100.

But Stop & Shop customers will want to keep a big change in mind that the company has been making to its stores.

In 2022, the grocer announced that it would commit $140million to improve the experience at its New York City locations.

Part of those changes include expanding “multicultural aisles," which aims to cater to the demographics and diversity of the communities, according to a report from Grocery Dive.

Depending on the demographic makeup of the area, the new aisles might consist of Jamaican, Chinese, Puerto Rican, Dominican, Indian, European, or kosher food.

But Stop & Shop isn't the only one charging fees.

For example, Walgreens has added a surcharge for same-day orders.

But you can avoid it If you have a local Walgreens nearby and select store pick-up.

An associate will be able to get your order ready as quickly as 30 minutes.

Customers can pick up their orders in-store and curbside.

However, keep in mind that there is a $10 minimum requirement to take advantage of store pickup.

But Walmart might have the costliest option with its Express Delivery service.

It allows customers to get their items delivered on the same day as quickly as an hour from the time the order is placed.

While Walmart has dropped the $35 minimum delivery requirement, it costs $10 in addition to the existing delivery charge to use.

Critics call it "crazy expensive."

Like Walmart, Target customers can get free shipping on orders over $35.

However, things at Target can really add up for those who opt for express shipping, which can cost up to $120, depending on weight.

Meanwhile, there are two more options that could be even more expensive.

That's inside-the-door and room-of-choice delivery, which ranges anywhere from $15 to $200, depending on the weight.

For deliveries, it's worth checking to see if your favorite retailer has a membership program.

For example, Walmart+ members can get free shipping with no order minimums.