Folding Shopping Cart Selector


How do I know which folding shopping cart to order?


Many of our customers call with questions regarding which cart would best fit their needs or the needs of the person for whom they are purchasing the cart.  In our experience, many people pick a cart based on the looks of the cart and its features and often overlook the function and physical characteristics of the cart as they are making their choice.  Many end up sending the cart back and exchanging for a different cart. 

In order to save you and us the expense of returning and resending carts we have listed some questions to ask yourself before ordering your cart.  Remember, folding shopping carts are not "walkers" and cannot be used as such.

What is the folding shopping cart going to be used for?  Grocery shopping? Small loads or large? 

If small, you might find a large cart to be not worth the effort or the price.  Look for a suitably sized cart such as the Minnie Mate, the Fold n' Go, Handy Cart, Transit Cart, Sit and Go, Insulator, or the Tony Two Wheel, or Bag Buddy

If large, one of the folding metal carts works best.  Swivel wheeled carts maneuver around grocery aisles much easier than non-swivel. 
 

General shopping? Are you walking several blocks with the cart?  In an out of stores?  Are the sidewalks congested?  If yes, you may want to consider a cart with swivel wheels such as the Swiveler and the Super Swiveler.  The smaller fabric folding shopping carts (see above chart) also work well in these situations. 
Laundry? A great cart for laundry is either the Handy Cart or the Transit Cart.  Both have waterproof fabric bags with coverings for privacy.  They are both lightweight. Also the Bag Buddy would be lightweight and appropriate.

The metal folding shopping carts with a cart liner work well also.  You won't have to worry about losing socks or other small items if you have a liner.  Besides, no one will be able to "see" your laundry if you have a liner.     The size will depend upon the size of your laundry load.

 
What is the age of the person using the folding shopping cart?  Older individuals may have difficulty with the weight of a heavy shopping cart. This is the most common reason for returned/exchanged carts.  The Super Swiveler and the  Jumbo  Chrome Elite are probably not good choices.  Choose instead the Minnie Mate Fold n' Go, the medium size Ready to Roll Cart or the Market Mate.
 
Is the person frail? If yes, get a very lightweight (4-6 lbs empty) folding shopping cart. If no, a heavier folding shopping cart  such as the Jumbo Chrome Elite or the Super Swiveler is ok.  If yes, choose the options directly above.
 
Are you able to assemble the folding shopping cart yourself or have someone to help you? Most folding shopping carts require some small assembly such as the wheels and perhaps the axles.  The only required tools may be a hammer and a pair of pliers. If yes, any of our folding shopping carts is appropriate.

If no, the Ready to Roll folding shopping carts comes fully assembled right out of the package.  The wheels fold out and it is ready to go!

 
Do you intend to ride a bus with your folding shopping cart? If yes, consider the size and weight. You may be able to carry a folding shopping cart on the bus when it is folded, but remember when you have filled the basket of the cart it is going to be much heavier and cumbersome.  Not only difficult to carry up the steps, but it also may be too wide for the aisle of the bus.  And remember, it is going to be heavier too after being filled with groceries!   Consider the fabric or canvas folding shopping carts instead such as the  Fold n' Go, Handy Cart, Transit Cart, Sit n Go, Insulator, or the Tony Two Wheel.
 
Does the folding shopping cart need to be placed in a trunk or backseat of a car? If so, can you lift the weight of the cart?  If you have a small cart willl the folding shopping cart fit into the trunk? If lifting is an issue, consider the any of the folding fabric bagged carts.  Fold n' Go, Handy Cart, Transit Cart, Sit n Go, Insulator, or the Tony Two Wheel.

You might want to measure your trunk (if you have a small car) before purchasing.

 
Do you have storage space available for a folding shopping cart? Yes? The folding metal carts will fold flat except for the rear wheels.  The folded cart will never be "thinner" than the diameter of the rear wheel.

The canvas bagged folding shopping carts are smaller when folded.  Generally their wheels are not as large.

     
Do you need a heavy duty cart to be more than a folding shopping cart, but rather has the ability to carry heavy loads? Yes Consider the Big Bruno which will carry 250 lb loads or the Jumbo Chrome Elite
 

If you need additional help deciding on which folding shopping cart is right for you, please feel free to call with your
questions and we will be happy to advise you.
1 888-833-8875