While I was in what seemed like an endless line at the local grocery checkout, the woman in back of me mentioned she usually shops through Peapod, only coming to the store for a few occasional pick-up items. At that moment, that sounded pretty good to me, even though I had tried and reviewed Peapod some time ago, finding it not to my liking. But, after quizzing her on some of my pet peeves about the service (did I mention we were waiting on line endlessly?), it sounded like they had instituted enough good changes to check it out again.

I shopped at Peapod over the period of two months, usually getting weekly deliveries. Some weeks I did go to the grocery store instead of (though generally not in addition to) ordering online, but it was not for any unhappiness with the service. It was usually because I found I needed groceries RIGHT NOW, and couldn't wait for a delivery.

And speaking of waiting: one of my problems with the service previously was that I had to often wait several days for delivery: highly impractical. Now, while I wasn't offered delivery every day of the week, the waits are significantly shorter. In fact, there were occasions I received my order just a few hours after I placed it. Now THAT'S what I call an improvement! And Saturday and Sunday deliveries are now available, as well.

This eliminated the prior confusion about placing an order this week, but getting delivery next week and therefore paying next week's prices -- often meaning missing this week's sale prices. The charges on the database (accessible via direct modem dialup -- not over the Internet) didn't usually reflect the sale prices, but Peapod was good about making sure a little sale symbol appeared next to the items on special that week.

There is still a $4.95 per month "membership" fee. I still find it odd that I am charged for the opportunity to shop with them, since they require me to also pay a delivery fee (5% of the grocery total), but after the $30/month membership fee at Streamline (and that doesn't include the delivery charge), I now find this easier to swallow. They also have a no-monthly-fee plan, and it comes with a flat $15 delivery charge. For some shoppers, this may be more economical.

All groceries are from Stop and Shop, so if you've been there you know what to expect. They delivered good (though perhaps not quite pick of the litter) produce and meats. They have generally followed my special instructions. When a product is out of stock, sometimes they have tried to call me asking if I'd like something else. Generally they don't, simply not delivering that item, which can get a little dicy if you're counting on it for that night's dinner. I suspect this could be partly relieved by my figuring out their substitution options, but I have thus far found them a little confusing.

There are just a handful of videos rentals available in addition to the in-store items. Peapod will also bring your prescriptions to you if they are filled at the Bedford Stop and Shop Pharmacy.

The computerized shopping interface is about the same as it was previously. Servicable, not fabulous or wonderful to look at. Fairly well thought-out, but not the work of genius. They do offer nutritional information on many items, but I really would have liked to have been able to examine an ingredients list, which is not available. Peapod is reachable by 800-number (email is very slow) and they are pretty responsive. They do not have the varied types of services, bells and whistles of Streamline (reviewed here), nor do they offer their incredible level of sweet customer service.

I did find it efficient to use, saving me time and effort. Using it was an adequate -- though not grand -- experience. Peapod provides a basic kind of shopping and delivery service that seems to work pretty well at a reasonable cost. Right now, that's good enough for me: this time, I'm going to continue with them...until I find another shopping service that needs reviewing!