In the future, the refrigerator will do all your grocery shopping for you. That's right. That large, heavy, immobile object in your kitchen -- the same one that keeps your salads crisp and your frozen foods frozen -- will soon be keeping track of what items you're low on, and then will actually order them for you. At least, that's what futurists and the technology industry are predicting.

If the idea of not having to stand in line at the checkout counter appeals to you, then you probably can't wait for the refrigerator of the future. In fact, you're probably already making a shopping list for that handy fridge. The bad news is: you've got a few years of waiting to do. The good news is: there's another option available to you now. It's called online shopping.

A number of grocery stores and specialty food suppliers are now selling their products through the Internet, and will deliver to your home. Check out Grocery Gateway they deliver a full line of groceries in the Greater Toronto Area. If you live in or near Ottawa, you'll want to visit the Online Grocer and the Peachtree Network services various locations across Canada. Did you know you can even order a live lobster over the Internet? Clearwater Fine Foods and Lobster Direct both offer fresh lobster and other seafood on their web sites. Just watch for those pincers when that lobster comes knocking on your door!

Shopping for quality

Some people are reluctant to shop for groceries online, because they're afraid they won't get quality merchandise, especially from the produce department. If you're among this reluctant group, a little bit of research might put your mind at ease. Find out from relatives and friends if they've ever purchased food and other grocery products online, and from whom. Discuss the subject with a chat group. You might be surprised at the number of referrals you come up with. If there's a particular web site you are interested in ordering from, find out which company is behind it. Grocery Gateway, for instance, gets its products from Longo's, a reputable and well-established chain of groceries in Ontario.

What about delivery charges?

Most online grocers and food suppliers charge for delivery. Depending on where they and you are located, the charge could be anywhere, starting at $5. In some cases, the delivery charge is offset by the savings that result from ordering through the 'Net. Many companies also require a minimum order for delivery.

What if the product delivered isn't the product ordered?

Before ordering anything, be sure to check the company's return policy. If it isn't stated anywhere on the web site, contact the company by e-mail or phone to find out.

Paying for the goods

Most companies give you the option of paying by credit card, cash or money order. Other companies, like Grocery Gateway and Online Grocer, have portable devices for processing credit cards or Interac payments right at your doorstep.

Quirks

Want to know how you can tell a healthy lobster from a sickly one? Go to Lobster University at http://www.clearwater.ca/. You won't get a degree, but you will be able to impress your friends with all sorts of lobster trivia.