Substitutions: how to tell us what you want

When something on your list is not on the shelf, we follow the substitution option you picked on the order form: Call me, Closest match, or Skip it. Add a short note with your brand, size and any swaps you would accept, and we can shop the way you would.

Here is how each option works and how to choose.

What are the three substitution options?

The order form gives you three choices.

• Call me. We phone you from the store and you decide. Good for anything you are particular about.
• Closest match. We pick the nearest equivalent: same type, similar size, similar brand. Good when you just need the thing.
• Skip it. We leave it off. Good when it is that item or nothing.

Which option should I choose?

It depends on what you are ordering and how available you are.

Choose Call me if:

• You are ordering wine, spirits or a specific beer.
• You have a pet on a particular food.
• You are ordering a pharmacy item or an everyday basic you only buy one way.
• You will have your phone handy while we shop.

Choose Closest match if:

• You are ordering everyday groceries like bread, milk or pop.
• You are mid-party and just need the ice and mix to arrive.
• You would rather not take calls.

Choose Skip it if:

• A swap would not be useful to you.
• You only want the exact item and would rather pick it up yourself later.

How do I write notes you can shop from?

The option sets the default. Your notes fill in the detail, and they matter most. A few examples:

• “Any brand of plain Greek yogurt is fine, but no flavoured.”
• “If the large bag is out, two small bags.”
• “Red wine: a similar Malbec is fine. Do not swap to a different grape.”
• “No substitutes on the coffee. Skip it if it is not there.”
• “Bananas a little green, please.”

Notes like these let you mix and match. You can choose Closest match overall, then flag one or two items as “call me” or “skip” in the notes.

What if I order by phone? Same idea. When you call 289-275-0767, tell us your preference and any notes as you go through the list. We will write it down the way you say it.

When you order online, dispatch, a real person, calls every order to confirm the details and give you an approximate delivery time. That is a good moment to check your substitution choice too.

Why does Bottle Buddeez ask about substitutions?

Because we would rather get it right than get it fast and wrong. Personalized service is one of the things we care about most. You tell us your brand, your size and your swaps, and we treat your list like you are standing in the aisle with us.

Where do I start?

Open the order form. List your stores and items, choose a substitution option, and add your notes. We pick up groceries, LCBO and Beer Store orders, pharmacy basics, pet food, hardware and more. See our services page for the full list, or our FAQ for common questions.

Each additional stop on the same order starts at $4. In Ajax and Whitby, the published delivery fee is $8.99, and Brooklin, Oshawa, Courtice and Bowmanville are call for pricing.

If your order includes alcohol, have photo ID ready at the door. You must be 19 or older to purchase alcohol in Ontario.

Send your list and your substitution notes through the order form or call 289-275-0767. We will take it from there.