Review: HonestBee

We had to stay at home due to Typhoon Domeng. However, we were running out of pantry items and some home essentials like toothpaste. So, we decided to try HonestBee, an online grocery and food delivery service.

Comparing with another grocery delivery service, Honest Bee can deliver to our place in Metro Manila. Previously, our address wasn’t in their serviceable areas and it was a surprise that they do now. They had more choices, items are priced within the average range, plus they offer a PhP 500.00* off on your first delivery. This was a no-brainer for us. 

Like most Filipinos, we like doing our groceries ourselves because we can choose the items especially if we need produce and meats. But there are times when we just can’t do it ourselves (just like our typhoon situation), and when we would go for convenience when the bulk of our list has big and heavy items. 

Our friend also had a nice insight in using HonestBee: she stuck to her list and didn’t buy any junk food! How many times did you go overboard your budget or ruin your diet just because you went through the snack aisle?

So how does it work?

If you are used to online shopping, these steps are familiar to you.

Step 1: Create an account at HonestBee Philippines. 

To check if your area is serviceable, it is best to input your address first. As of writing, Robinsons Supermarket is Honestbee’s grocery store partner. Aside from groceries, you can also order ready-to-eat meals and cold cuts but this is limited to some areas in Metro Manila.

Step 2: Add items to your cart

HonestBee will ask for a substitute product in case the item is out of stock. Otherwise, you can leave it to the Shopper Bee to decide for you. In our experience, the Shopper Bee sent us a message and called us to confirm if we were okay with the replacement products. The total amount to be paid will be adjusted based on the changes.

Step 3: Pay

There are two options for payment: card and cash on delivery. If you use credit card as your payment mode, necessary changes in your total amount will also be reflected after. Also, there is a PhP 49.00 delivery fee but is waived with a minimum spend of PhP 2,500.00 and a PhP 99.00 concierge fee for the shopper who does the work for you. We didn’t mind this because our usual fare to the grocery would cost more.

Our Takeaways

• HonestBee partners with a grocery store that is already familiar to us. Unlike other online stores that only offer hard-to-find or premium items, this platform actually works for us in our common household needs.
• We have to commend the Bee Shoppers for their good customer service skills. They were always communicating with us regarding changes in the items and also in the delivery.
• When it comes to products, packaging is king for us. We love their yellow eco-friendly bags with the cute bee logo.

How about you, how was your HonestBee experience?