Grocery Delivery & Pickup

What Happens If No One Picks Up Your Instacart Order?

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Instacart is the leading online grocery delivery platform. But it’s reliant on independent contractors to shop and deliver your order. So, what happens if no one picks up your Instacart order?

When no one picks up an Instacart order to shop and deliver, it is re-assigned to another set of Instacart Shoppers for their consideration. But as independent contractors, all Shoppers are free to accept or reject orders at any time, so it’s always a good idea to select a good tip when placing the order.

But it’s actually pretty rare, at least in larger cities, for absolutely no one to be available.

A little patience could be all that is needed — you may simply have to wait for another delivery window. But if you’re in a hurry, the order is too late, and you’ve offered a substantial tip, you may get in touch with Instacart. There’s a lot more to learn about what happens if no one picks up your order.

So, keep on reading.

Ready to start ordering from Instacart?

CLICK HERE to go to the Instacart order page.

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Does Instacart cancel my order if no Shoppers are available?

Instacart will cancel an order if there are no Shoppers available to shop and deliver within a reasonable window of your specified delivery time. And a refund will be given on any charge made.

Why are no shoppers picking up your order?

It could be because they are very busy and do not have the capacity to add your order to their batch, or your tip is too small. But if the tip is the same as another smaller order, Shoppers will naturally choose that one instead.

But in small towns, it may also just be there aren’t as many Shoppers working as there are customers placing orders.

It’s also quite possible that you’re ordering stuff that shoppers know is out of stock and if your order is big (read: heavy).

You might think that Instacart ought to be able to fulfill all orders.

That would be really nice. But the reality is that its full-service Shoppers (those who shop and deliver) are independent contractors — so they’re free to decide which order to accept and the ones to reject.

Naturally, if no one is picking up the order, Instacart would cancel it after it was made available to other sets of Shoppers.

The best way to increase the odds that your order would be picked up by a Shopper is to offer a generous tip.

Instacart Shoppers are not exactly making out like bandits. Tips represent about half of their earnings — so they’re a great way to incentivize Shoppers.

How quickly do I get a refund for a canceled Instacart order?

It may take up to 5 to 10 business days for Instacart to process a refund for a canceled order if seeking a refund to the bank account or credit card account used for the original order. However, a credit on an Instacart account will be available immediately.

To claim a refund, make a request promptly within a 7-day window. If you wait till after this period, you won’t be able to make a claim.

When the refund has been granted, you can receive it as Instacart credits to your Instacart account. The account is credited immediately.

Or you could choose to receive it as a credit to your bank account. Again, this may take up to 2 weeks to process.

Will Instacart try to find another Shopper if no one takes my order at first?

Instacart does seek to find additional Shoppers to shop and deliver an order if no one picks up the order initially. Instacart’s algorithm makes an order available to the highest-rated Shoppers in your area when it is placed. They, in turn, can accept or deny the order.

So, your order is being viewed by more than 1 Shopper at a time on a first-come-first-served basis, and it would be made available to another set of Shoppers if it is not picked up.

And again, since you can specify the tip when you place the order, if it’s a really low tip, or if there are other orders with bigger tips, Shoppers may reject yours if they can make more money on another order.

In some locations, Instacart gets about 50 orders per minute!

It’s definitely not a task that can be handled manually. That’s why the company leverages some of the most sophisticated machine learning algorithms in the industry to help with receiving orders, allocating them, fulfillment, and payments.

Because it only makes money when it fulfills orders and satisfies customers.

So, if no one picks up an order, its algorithm makes your order available again to another set of Shoppers, in some cases to those who have contacted support that they’re not getting enough batches where they are.

But the lower your tip, the longer it might take for someone to shop it. AND, you’re more likely to get a lower-rated Shopper or a newbie if you tip poorly.

This leads to an interesting question: How much should you tip Instacart drivers? After all, Instacart pays them. I devoted a recent article of mine to explore this issue.

In it, I dove deep into whether you should tip them or not, what is the delivery fee for Instacart, how Instacart’s ordering system works, and whether to tip in cash.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Why does Instacart keep pushing back my order?

Instacart would only push back an order if no Shoppers were available to shop and deliver it. So rather than let customers assume it was being processed, they push it back until a Shopper is available to complete the order.

But eventually, they would cancel it if a really long time has passed and no Shoppers accepted it.

If it’s not worth a Shopper’s while, or if there are more orders than Shoppers available, and your order was placed last, they won’t pick the order up at first.

Instacart wants to make money, and it can only do that consistently if it’s satisfying its customers.

So, unless there’s a glitch in its software/app, it’s highly unlikely that there would be cases where it would deliberately keep delaying the fulfillment of customer orders. After all, it’s when it is fulfilling them at a fast clip that it can make money hand over fist.

If your order is too small, too big (heavy), has a very low tip, or you’ve ordered something that Shoppers know is often out of stock, it may take some time before a Shopper picks it up.

Shoppers, not Instacart as a company, decide how fast an order gets fulfilled.

I understand it’s not fun waiting and hoping you get what you ordered. Why use an online platform if it’s going to end up taking a lot more time than simply walking into a grocery store near you?

I explored other reasons Instacart is so slow in a recent article.

In it, I showed how to get your orders faster. You’ll also find info on how long Instacart usually takes, how Instacart’s delivery service works, and if you’re given a set delivery time when you place an order.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

How do I get in touch with Instacart?

Contact Instacart’s customer service via the app, email to help@instacart.com, or call customer support at 1-888-246-7822.

If you need to speak to someone or have a challenge you want them to solve as soon as possible, it’s best to call. You may have to wait a bit as the customer support representatives may be on other calls. Customers and Shoppers alike can call 1 (888)246-7822 for help.

The line is active 24/7.

In addition to the above, you can reach Instacart through the help section on its website www.instacart.com. Or, again, you may prefer to shoot them an email at help@instacart.com.

But if you don’t have an issue that has to be addressed urgently, it’s best to start with the Help Center.

Read the FAQs and articles — you might realize there’s no need to get in touch with Instacart since there’s info in the Help Center that speaks directly to the challenge you have.

Conclusion

In the article, we checked out whether Instacart cancels your order if no Shoppers are available and how quickly you can get a refund for a canceled order.

But we also looked into whether Instacart finds another Shopper if no one takes your order at first. And, we checked out why Instacart keeps pushing orders back (or, does it?).

We wrapped things up by looking at how to get in touch with Instacart.

Ready to start ordering from Instacart?

CLICK HERE to go to the Instacart order page.

Yan Krukov from Pexels

The Grocery Store Guy, part of the Middle Class Dad family of websites, is reader-supported and when you make a purchase through some of my links, I  may earn a small commission from the sale, which in no way increases the cost to you. Learn more HERE.

Is DoorDash and Grubhub the Same Company?

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Food delivery apps are all the rage now, and for a good reason. They make food ordering and delivery super-convenient. But, telling them apart can be challenging. You’ve probably wondered, is Doordash and Grubhub the same company?

DoorDash and Grubhub are owned by different companies and have no connection with one another. DoorDash was founded in 2013 by Tony Xu, while Grubhub was founded in 2004 by Matt Maloney.

DoorDash’s market share is 56% and has served 450,000 merchants, while Grubhub’s market share is 18% and has served 300,000 merchants.

Their services are similar. DoorDash is present in all the states in the U.S., Canada, and Australia, while Grubhub is present in 16 states in the U.S. and London.

In this article, we’ll explore how DoorDash differs from Grubhub and which one of them marks up its prices. Then, we’ll look at which company pays better, and we’ll wrap up by finding out who the best delivery service is.

Let’s dive right in…

Ready to order from Grubhub and save money over ordering from DoorDash?

CLICK HERE to get started with Grubhub and save an average of 16% compared to what those same restaurants cost when ordering through DoorDash.

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How is DoorDash different from Grubhub?

DoorDash has 450,000 merchants and has a market share of 56%. By comparison, Grubhub has served 300,000 merchants and has a market share of 18%.

Let’s check out other differences.

While using DoorDash, you have to pay a service fee, delivery fee, and tips to the Dashers (this is optional). The service fee is paid to both DoorDash and the restaurant you’re ordering from.

Grubhub, too, expects you to pay a service fee, delivery fee, and tips are also optional. But, it doesn’t require a restaurant service fee; instead, it requires some minimum order amount.

Both apps offer a lot of special promotions. But in this regard, DoorDash doesn’t offer as much as Grubhub.

And, on average, you’ll get greater savings via the latter. For those who would rather use DoorDash, it offers a Cash App debit card.

They both have subscription services.

DoorDash’s subscription service is known as DoorPass. It has a trial period of 30 days, and you get free delivery and reduced service fees on orders above $12. It costs $9.99 per month and can be canceled at any time.

Grubhub’s subscription service is known as Grubhub+. You get free delivery on all your orders. If you’re a giver, you’d also love the fact that your donations to No Kid Hungry will be matched.

You also get additional benefits such as access to special menus, elite care, and events.

Both apps are available on Android and iOS, but DoorDash has a better user interface. It’s more neatly arranged and easier to navigate. Grubhub’s UI/UX needs more time before you really get it.

Does DoorDash markup prices from restaurants?

DoorDash does mark up the prices from restaurants by an average of 32.8%. But the rate of the markup is not uniform and is less than that in some cases.

So just like Instacart, DoorDash and other delivery services do mark up products to help cover costs.

It has thousands of dashers that are relatively well-paid and, of course, its administrative staff, too. On average, the markups can be a bit steep. At times, they can be up to 20% or more.

As I mentioned above, an informal study conducted by techcrunch.com shows that DoorDash marks up the restaurant’s prices by an average of 32.8%.

But, this is not the only reason why the total cost of a meal could be high. It’s because restaurants at times charge higher prices for orders made via apps.

Does Grubhub markup prices from restaurants?

Grubhub does mark up the prices from restaurants, by an average of 17% which is almost 16% less than DoorDash’s markup.

Again, as with DoorDash, marking up prices is a business model that all food ordering and delivery apps use. Without the markup, they cannot survive or make a profit. After all, Grubhub incurs expenses in having the software infrastructure that powers its apps and its team of delivery people.

Again, as mentioned, an informal study conducted by techcrunch.com shows that Grubhub marks up the restaurant’s prices by an average of 17%. In the study, Grubhub’s (Seamless) markup is indeed the lowest.

Just as in the case of DoorDash, this is not the only reason why the total cost of a meal could be high. It’s because restaurants at times charge higher prices for orders made via apps.

Why does Instacart charge more?

In a recent article of mine, I explained that it does not always charge more. It’s when a customer is buying from a store with whom it doesn’t have a partnership that it charges a bit extra. Check out the article to get the full scoop.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Ready to order from Grubhub and save money over ordering from DoorDash?

CLICK HERE to get started with Grubhub and save an average of 16% compared to what those same restaurants cost when ordering through DoorDash.

Who pays better: Grubhub or DoorDash?

Grubhub pays more than DoorDash. With DoorDash, drivers earn $2.00 to $10 per delivery based on distance. With Grubhub, drivers earn an average of $12.00 per hour. Additionally, Grubhub not only pays drivers based on miles but also the time in traffic when short distances take longer.

And with both companies, delivery personnel are independent contractors and not employees. But while some would tell you they make more from Grubhub, others swear by DoorDash.

Let’s look at their pay model.

Grubhub pay structure

Grubhub pays for mileage (pick-up and drop-off), the time for driving and waiting, and 100% of the tips.

DoorDash pay structure

DoorDash’s pay model is the total of the base pay + promotions + tips. Base pay is a combination of time, distance, and earnings. It ranges from $2-$10. Promotions include Peak Pay, Challenges, and Drive.

Peak pay is earned for delivery during busy hours. It ranges from $1-$14. You can earn from Challenges when you deliver a set number of orders within a set period. Earnings related to Drive are not common. It’s paid for large orders.

So sometimes, it is possible for DoorDash drivers to earn an average of up to $15 per hour, while Grubhub drivers get $13.

Is Instacart and DoorDash the same company?

No. Instacart was founded by a former Amazon employee Apoorva Mehta, while DoorDash was founded by Tony Xu, Andy Fang, and Stanley Tang. Check out a recent article of mine where I share a lot more.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Who is the best food delivery service?

DoorDash is the best food delivery service. This is reflected in the fact that its market share is 56% and growing. It’s present in the U.S., Canada, and Australia. It has 20 million consumers, serves 450,000 merchants, and has 1 million delivery people. 

It had its IPO in December 2020.

One of the “secrets’’ of DoorDash’s growth and dominance, even though it’s not even up to a decade since it started in the competitive food delivery sector, is its technology stack.

It leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning to be able to coordinate and optimize the millions of deliveries that have to be made in such a way that it satisfies merchants, dashers, and consumers all at the same time.

Both are used to model the decision space and ensure that optimal decisions are made in seconds.

It also has a simple, intuitive, and beautiful user interface, which makes it easy for users of its services to get what they want, and it tends to be cheaper on small orders.

Does DoorDash deliver alcohol?

Yes, it does. But, some restaurants do not allow it, while others may require a food purchase. In a recent article of mine, I offered the full story.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Conclusion

In the article, we checked out DoorDash and Grubhub.

We learned that they are not the same company. They were founded by different people and at different times. In fact, about a decade apart!  We found out that both mark up their prices and that DoorDash pays better. But while Instacart says no to Shoppers having others in their car while working, DoorDash allows passengers.

And we concluded by finding out which is the best food delivery company in the country.

Ready to order from Grubhub and save money over ordering from DoorDash?

CLICK HERE to get started with Grubhub and save an average of 16% compared to what those same restaurants cost when ordering through DoorDash.

Photos that require attribution:

Grubhub. Businessman is carrying a stack of 3 file folders on blue background by Jernej Furman and A Street Scene on Granville Street, Downtown, Vancouver during coronavirus pandemic by GoToVan are licensed under CC2.0 and were cropped, edited, merged, and had a text overlay added.

The Grocery Store Guy, part of the Middle Class Dad family of websites, is reader-supported and when you make a purchase through some of my links, I  may earn a small commission from the sale, which in no way increases the cost to you. Learn more HERE.

Can DoorDash Deliver Cigarettes?

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As you probably know, your fave meals can be ordered with DoorDash, and even groceries and liquor. But can DoorDash deliver cigarettes? 

DoorDash can deliver cigarettes. But, certain conditions have to be met before they will. For example, they require an in-person delivery, and an ID is required to prove the recipient is at or over 21.

Because this is an age-restricted product, DoorDash or the Dasher could be held liable in some cases. Also, DoorDash allows dashers to decline orders for cigs if the Dasher is unwilling or not old enough to purchase them.

In this article, we’ll explore some vital issues around whether DoorDash can deliver cigarettes.

We’ll check out how to order cigarettes from DoorDash, whether Walmart delivers cigarettes with DoorDash, and if DoorDash would leave cigarettes by your door. We’ll also find out if Dashers check IDs and if they have to be over 21 to deliver cigarettes.

Let’s dive right in…

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How do I order cigarettes from DoorDash?

Order cigarettes from DoorDash using its app or website. Click on special order types. Then, you can order cigarettes, alcohol, pharmaceuticals, and related products for which preconditions need to be met. 

Before the dasher would deliver your order, they would check your ID to confirm that you are at least 21. 

So, you’re 21 above? Great. But, that doesn’t mean you would automatically have your order delivered. Why? Well, DoorDash prohibits the delivery of cigarettes to the following locations:

  • Other businesses that sell tobacco
  • Locker or similar package storage facility
  • P.O. Boxes
  • Prison, reformatory, veteran’s home, or state capitol grounds
  • College campus (e.g. frat house)
  • Sport venues
  • Hospitals and health care facilities
  • Public or private school

By the way, you may not be able to order cigarettes in every state, even if the conditions shared above have been met. Some states do not allow it. So, double-check with DoorDash.

Does Instacart Deliver Cigarettes? 

As of the time of writing, they do not. In fact, they do not deliver any tobacco products. But, they’ve recently started delivering alcohol, so it’s possible that would change in the near- future. In a recent article of mine, I shared more details on the theme.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Does Walmart deliver cigarettes with DoorDash?

Walmart delivers cigarettes with DoorDash. However, this is not available in all states. As of the time of writing, they deliver in 46 states. Therefore, you would need to confirm what is the status concerning the state where you reside.

The partnership with DoorDash started in 2018. 

As of the end of 2019, Walmart offered grocery pick-up at more than 3000 stores and delivery at more than 1900. By the way, pick-up is free. Their goal is to make shopping at Walmart the easiest and most valuable place to shop.

But, they do not offer delivery services in the following places.

  • Alaska
  • Hawaii
  • Maine
  • Vermont

This will likely change in the near future.

Will DoorDash leave cigarettes at my door?

DoorDash will not leave cigarettes at the door. This is because the law requires that the buyer’s ID must be verified to confirm that they are at least 21 before they can collect their orders and that the buyer cannot be inebriated when the purchase is being delivered. 

There are also certain restricted locations. DoorDash would not leave cigarettes at your door.

Cigarettes, alcohol, pharmaceuticals… are special orders. Unlike regular products, certain conditions have to be met before you can order them online and have them delivered. 

Cigarettes are not to be sold to minors. 

Dashers can be held liable if they were to sell cigarettes to anyone who is below the age of 21. So, no Dasher would agree to simply leave your cigs by your door.

Do DoorDash drivers check ID for cigarettes?

Dashers do check IDs to confirm that the buyer is indeed up to 21, and they would use a relevant technology on their smartphone to verify that the ID is valid and has not expired. Upon delivery, they will ask to see the credit card used for the purchase and your ID.

The law stipulates that when an order contains a tobacco product, the person delivering must confirm that the buyer is not a minor. If Dashers deliver to minors or folks that are visibly drunk, they could be held liable. 

It’s not just that they check IDs; they also make sure it’s a valid ID, the type that’s approved by the government. 

They would ask that you hand over the ID. Amongst other things, it must include a photo and your date of birth. They would check it and compare its photo to you, the customer.

There are some other criteria that DoorDash provides to enable dashers to confirm that the ID is genuine and has not expired.

DoorDash allows Dashers to also use their discretion. 

So, even if you’ve ostensibly met the requirements, if a Dasher is convinced it’s not reasonable to deliver to you, they won’t. In other words, whether you’ll get your cigs or not depends on the Dasher.

Does DoorDash deliver alcohol?

Yes, they do. But, some restaurants do not allow it, while others may require a food purchase, too. In a recent article of mine, I offered the full story.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Do DoorDash drivers have to be over 21 to deliver cigarettes?

Dashers must be 21 or older to pick up and deliver cigarettes because tobacco orders are for 21+. Therefore, dashers need a valid ID to pick up the cigarettes, as it would be checked before they are allowed to go ahead and deliver them to customers.

In DoorDash’s policy on delivering tobacco, the age requirement is specifically stated.

“Tobacco orders are for 21+. To pick up an order including tobacco products, you will be required to present your valid driver’s license, so please make sure you have it on you before accepting the order. Dashers must be 21 or older to deliver tobacco.”

Is Instacart and DoorDash the same company?

No. Instacart was founded by a former Amazon employee Apoorva Mehta, while DoorDash was founded by Tony Xu, Andy Fang, and Stanley Tang. Check out a recent article of mine where I share a lot more.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Conclusion

In the article, we focused on whether DoorDash can deliver cigarettes. 

We learned that it does deliver cigarettes, in certain states, provided that certain conditions are met. 

We learned that one could order cigarettes via DoorDash’s app or website and that dashers (who have to be at least 21) would not leave the order at the door because they are required to check that buyers have a valid ID and are at least 21. 

They also need to confirm that the buyer is not visibly drunk.

They have the prerogative to hand it over or refuse even if a buyer has an ID and is up to 21. And they check that buyers meet these conditions. If they don’t, they could be held liable.

Can’t wait for a delivery and think you’ll grab some smokes at TJ’s? Does Trader Joes even sell tobacco products in its stores?

The answer I give in a recent article might surprise you. That’s especially considering that the brothers who started Trader Joe’s and Aldi had a huge falling out over selling cigarettes.

Just click that link to read it on my site.

Photo which requires attribution:

A Street Scene on Granville Street, Downtown, Vancouver during coronavirus pandemic by GoToVan is licensed under CC2.0 and was cropped, edited, and had a graphic and text overlay added.

How Do You Get the Same Shopper on Instacart?

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It’s heartwarming when you get exceptional service from an Instacart Shopper. And, it’s only natural that you’d like to repeat the experience. So, how do you get the same Shopper on Instacart?

It is not possible to get the same Shopper on Instacart except by chance. Shoppers are independent contractors who decide when and when not to work. And orders are prioritized to the top-rated Shoppers, so the likelihood of working and being available when a specific order comes in is low.

It’s also possible that they could be engaged with other deliveries when you place your order.

I totally get why you’d like the same shopper.

But, it’s not feasible or optimal for the shopper or Instacart. Instacart has about 10 million customers and is focused on providing fast, quality services.

So, delivering your order fast is the goal. In this article, we’ll explore issues around how feasible it is to get the same shopper on Instacart.

Let’s dive right in…

Ready to start ordering from Instacart?

CLICK HERE to go to the Instacart order page.

Hand use smartphone with grocery online on screen over blurred supermarket and retail store in shopping mall interior background.

Can I tell Instacart if I don’t want a certain Shopper?

As of the time of writing, there’s no way to tell Instacart you don’t want a certain Shopper. It’s the same reason why it is not possible to have a favorite Shopper. This is because Instacart’s system for assigning batches to shoppers is automated.

There’s no manual matching of Shoppers to customers.

That will be a highly inefficient system if you think about it. Instacart has about 10 million customers. The provision of fast, quality services is the priority, especially since all shoppers are trained to provide such services.

To a large extent, the assignment system is random and automated and does not use previous interactions between you and a shopper as a basis for future assignments. To do that would be inefficient.

The system allows shoppers to choose orders shown to them, and because it’s random, it’s possible you may not interact with the shopper you don’t want again.

There’s the possibility that they would still be offered your order. It doesn’t mean that they would be assigned your order.

Shoppers are independent contractors whose schedules could and do change.

Ready to start ordering from Instacart?

CLICK HERE to go to the Instacart order page.

Can Instacart Shoppers choose orders?

Instacart Shoppers can choose which orders to take or not take. The app displays open orders to Shoppers, and they can choose which orders they want to fulfill. And often, the orders with the largest tips get selected first.

The orders that they can see and consequently choose from are determined by Instacart’s rating system. Shoppers who have high ratings get to see more orders and more high-value orders with better payouts. The converse is also true.

Those with low ratings see fewer orders.

It’s not that they are being penalized. It’s simply a performance-driven system. It’s fair because shoppers “reap what they sow.”

For shoppers, the ability to choose orders is one of the most attractive and compelling features of Instacart. Because they are independent contractors, they need that freedom to earn something a bit worthwhile.

Mind you, it’s not as if they’re making a fortune. But the ability to choose means that they can choose orders that “makes sense.”

So, should you tip Instacart drivers? That’s what I explored in a recent article of mine where I said to always tip them.

Instacart suggests 5%, which is low, considering how vital delivery workers are to our lives and the fact that tips constitute a considerable chunk of their income.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

What happens when you complain about an Instacart Shopper?

Shoppers get notified about complaints or low ratings via the app. For “order issues,” they would be given enough details to know what triggered the complaint and from those details, they may or may not be able to ascertain the actual customer who complained.

But they aren’t reprimanded or fired over 1 complaint.

But, if they consistently get low ratings, it would affect their ability to get orders to deliver and may even lead to being deactivated from the platform if enough bad reviews came in.

Of course, if some of your items are missing, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Instacart’s customer support.

You will get a refund. And, don’t assume that the shopper would be punished if you complained about something you’re not happy with.

You’ll be helping them improve.

Because even though they may not know who complained, if they are getting a lot of complaints when they check “order issues,” it’s a sign that if they are not careful and are also getting low ratings, they’re on their way out!

Can I hire my favorite Instacart Shopper on the side?

You can hire an Instacart Shopper directly for services, but they would not be operating under Instacart’s system, and any payment, issues, or liability would be strictly between you and the Shopper.

If you were able to convince a shopper to shop for you on the side, that would be an arrangement between you and the Shopper for which you are wholly liable. Instacart is not involved at all.

It’s akin to having an arrangement with a total stranger.

I cannot speak for any Instacart shopper. Perhaps, you would meet someone who would agree to be “your shopper.” It’s not impossible. My point is that you can’t use Instacart’s platform for that arrangement, and you’re no longer protected by Instacart.

You can’t contact Instacart when or if you have issues with the Shopper. After all, it’s something you arranged outside the framework established by Instacart.

And if they got into a car accident while working for you, it’s possible the liability could fall to you. So if you must go this route, a written agreement spelling out everything is your best bet.

No matter how exceptional a shopper is, it’s not something I’d advise. It’s better to always keep things professional.

What do Instacart customers see about the Shopper?

Instacart customers can see the Shoppers’ photo when they joined Instacart, name, speed metrics when a shopper starts shopping, where a shopper is currently located, and similar information.

Virtually all the info about the Shopper and their actions can be seen. The aim is to keep customers “in the loop”.

This access to shopper details is not so that customers can spy on shoppers. No. It’s critical to the proper functioning of the system, apart from knowing essential info about the Shopper, such as their name, picture, and when they started working with Instacart.

The Instacart app also provides notifications so that you can be updated about what your Shopper is doing. You’ll know when they start shopping, when they end, and when they’re on their way to deliver your order.

They may let you know that a certain item is out of stock, for example, because you have access to them. You can decide on what they should do in real-time.

Can shoppers rate you?

As of the time of writing, Instacart shoppers cannot rate customers. But, you can rate them. In a recent article of mine, I shared more details about this theme. I explained that they get to choose what orders they want to deliver. They are not compelled to deliver any order.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Conclusion

We looked at several issues around how do you get the same Shopper on Instacart.

We considered if you can tell Instacart you don’t want a certain shopper, we looked at whether Instacart shoppers choose orders and what happens when you complain about shoppers.

You can’t choose a shopper, but shoppers can choose orders they want to deliver. And, complaints are not necessarily harmful to shoppers.

We also looked at whether it’s possible to hire your fave Instacart shopper on the side. We wrapped things up by checking out what Instacart customers see about shoppers.

Ready to start ordering from Instacart?

CLICK HERE to go to the Instacart order page.

The Grocery Store Guy, part of the Middle Class Dad family of websites, is reader-supported and when you make a purchase through some of my links, I  may earn a small commission from the sale, which in no way increases the cost to you. Learn more HERE.

Can DoorDash Drivers Rate Customers?

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To make the most you can as a DoorDash Dasher, you need high ratings from customers. But while it’s easy for customers to rate drivers, can DoorDash drivers rate customers?

As of the time of writing, DoorDash drivers cannot rate customers. Only customers can rate the drivers. Dashers can only provide feedback about the delivery, for example, what went well about it. They cannot provide feedback about a specific customer.

In this article, we’ll explore what a Dasher can do if they get a rude customer, whether they can refuse to deliver if they know the customer is rude, and if they can see tips before deliveries are made.

We’ll also compare Instacart’s customers to DoorDash’s to find out which are nicer. And, we’ll call it a day by considering whether dashers (DoorDash’s drivers) can rate restaurants.

Let’s dive right in…

Ready to get started working for DoorDash?

DoorDash is a great alternative to working for Instacart, and generally speaking, they pay better!

See how much you could be earning. Available in over 4,000 cities in the U.S., Canada, and Australia. All you need is a mode of transportation and a smartphone to start making money.

CLICK HERE to learn more about working for DoorDash!

Portrait of a delivery man carrying packages while making home delivery to his customer. Delivery and shipping concept.

What can a Dasher do if they get a rude customer?

Dashers are not expected to put up with rude customers. Dashers can choose to not deliver the order, but in most cases, the rudeness would be at the time of delivery, in which case contacting Dasher support after the fact is the best option.

But of course, never retaliate or get into an altercation with a customer. Chances are, that would end your contract with DoorDash.

Having said that, each situation is different. So, the devil is in the details. A Dasher would have to use their good judgment to decide if the rudeness is mild or serious.

If it’s mild, they could go ahead and be professional about the delivery without having to suck up. They could deliver and leave. And let DoorDash support know what happened. It’s possible that it’s not the first time the customer is doing it.

It’s good to still report to customer support that you don’t “feel safe” delivering to the rude customer. Perhaps citing a previous incident.

The vital thing, as I hinted at above, is actually to use your discretion.

At times, it’s okay to simply ignore rudeness. There are cases where a rude person feels embarrassed when they meet someone who’s not retaliating.

Someone who’s showing they’re mature. And, there are times when you’ve got to stick to your guns by not encouraging such behavior. After all, you’re an independent contractor.

Can a Dasher refuse to deliver orders if they know the customer is rude?

Dashers can refuse to deliver DoorDash orders if they know the customer is rude. Dashers decide what orders to accept or what to decline, and they can also cancel orders.

When an order is declined for whatever reason, it would be offered to another dasher. So, the customer would still be served.

The vital thing to note is that Dashers are not employees. They are independent contractors. So, they decide when not to work. Dashers can even have people in the car with them on deliveries. If a customer is rude, they are free to refuse to deliver to them.

Of course, it’s a loss in earnings because they won’t be paid. 

But, that’s a cost some people are more than willing to bear. Truth be told, it’s not as if the pay per delivery is fantastic because dashers are using their cars and have to bear the cost of gas and maintenance, and also pay taxes.

A dasher may refuse because they don’t see the point in being insulted on a delivery that’s not offering them big bucks.

Can DoorDash drivers see your tip before the delivery?

DoorDash drivers can see the tip before accepting the order. However, customers can edit the tip later for extra good or less than satisfactory service. So what Dashers see upfront is not necessarily final.

Doordash pays a base pay to drivers.

So, when the amount shown on the app is above the base pay, it’s easy to infer that the difference is the tip if you offered a tip upfront. But, if you don’t, they’ll only see the base pay and naturally won’t know that you plan to offer a tip after delivery.

Of course, you’re free not to disclose the tip you want to pay upfront.

Though that might mean that your order won’t get many takers, as it were. If you’d prefer to indicate and pay the tip later, most Dashers would prefer something a bit substantial and that you pay it in cash. After all, they’re not exactly making money hand over fist.

So tipping beforehand is the way to go if you want your order to be quickly picked up and delivered.

Who pays better: DoorDash or Instacart?

In a recent article of mine, I showed that DoorDash pays better. Their base rate is similar. But, DoorDash’s base rate for tips is higher. And, tips represent about 50% of delivery drivers’ earnings.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Are DoorDash customers nicer than Instacart customers?

DoorDash customers would not be any nicer than Instacart customers, given that there is considerable overlap in the customer base between the two. So many customers of one platform also use the other.

A CEO of a top delivery app once described customers as promiscuous. In other words, many customers use several apps, and they are not loyal to one.

The implication is that it is difficult to separate DoorDash’s customers as a distinct group from Instacart’s because the person who used the former to get alcohol, for example, might be the same person using Instacart to order groceries.

And even if it were possible to separate the customers, it’s difficult, in the absence of data, to conclude that one company’s customers are nicer.

Is Instacart and DoorDash the same company?

No. Instacart was founded by a former Amazon employee Apoorva Mehta, while DoorDash was founded by Tony Xu, Andy Fang, and Stanley Tang. Check out a recent article of mine where I share a lot more.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Can Dashers rate restaurants?

As of the time of writing, Dashers cannot rate restaurants. However, restaurants can rate Dashers. DoorDash has a process for ensuring that Dashers are rated by restaurants — a mechanism for merchant feedback and for improving Dasher professionalism. 

If it were considered vital, DoorDash would have instituted a process that also allows Dashers to rate restaurants. But it’s not critical. What’s vital is customer satisfaction.

That’s why DoorDash places a premium on feedback/ratings provided by customers and not by Dashers. Customers can rate Dashers and restaurants, but Dashers can’t rate customers or restaurants.

What about Instacart shoppers? Can they rate customers? 

This is the theme of a recent article of mine where I explained that as of the time of writing, Instacart has no official system for shoppers to rate customers. But, they get to choose which orders to accept or decline.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Conclusion 

In the article, we checked out whether dashers can rate customers.

We learned that they can refuse orders from rude customers because they are not compelled to accept all orders, and they’re independent contractors.

We found out that Dashers can see the tips if customers show them beforehand, and we learned that it would be difficult to say which company has nicer customers because there’s considerable overlap in their customer base and there’s no data to determine the fact of the matter.

We concluded by finding out if Dashers can rate restaurants.

Ready to get started working for DoorDash?

DoorDash is a great alternative to working for Instacart, and generally speaking, they pay better!

See how much you could be earning. Available in over 4,000 cities in the U.S., Canada, and Australia. All you need is a mode of transportation and a smartphone to start making money.

CLICK HERE to learn more about working for DoorDash!

The Grocery Store Guy, part of the Middle Class Dad family of websites, is reader-supported and when you make a purchase through some of my links, I  may earn a small commission from the sale, which in no way increases the cost to you. Learn more HERE.

Who Pays More Instacart or DoorDash?

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Instacart and DoorDash are two of the most popular food delivery companies. Since it’s natural to want to earn as much as possible, many workers of the so-called GIG economy have wondered who pays more Instacart or DoorDash?

DoorDash pays more than Instacart. Though the average earning per hour for both is similar, DoorDash’s base rate for tips is higher, and this is what constitutes about 50% of shopper earnings.

Because it’s an independent contractor position, what you’ll earn depends on how hard you work and the quality of the service you’re providing.

There’s no guaranteed income because you won’t be an employee.

So, if you’re offering excellent service, you’ll probably earn a lot of tips, which could translate to earning what’d make you happy.

In this article, we’ll explore which company pays better, which is rated the better one to work for, how you can earn $200 a day with DoorDash, and even the best food delivery company that pays the most.

Let’s dive right in…

Ready to get started as a Shopper with Instacart?

Just CLICK HERE to sign up now right on their website.

Businessman with boxing gloves

Should I work for DoorDash or Instacart?

DoorDash has two major advantages over Instacart for workers. The potential earnings with DoorDash are better, and Shoppers do not need a car before they can start working, as the company allows other modes of transportation.

So for many, DoorDash is a better choice.

Both companies have some requirements you’ll have to meet before you can work for them. One of these is the mode of transportation you’ll use to make deliveries.

If you’re thinking of shopping and delivering for Instacart, you need to have access to a car. You can’t use any other vehicle. This could be a challenge for some folks.

DoorDash, on the other hand, allows you to use a car, bike, scooter, or even walk, depending on your local market. So, if you can’t have access to a car and you’re keen to get started, you know you’ve got an option.

Another key issue is the pay.

DoorDash pays better, and the base rate for tips is a lot higher. Instacart’s base rate is 5%, while DoorDash’s is 15%. So, I suggest you get started with DoorDash (later, you could add Instacart, too). DoorDash doesn’t mind shoppers who shop and deliver for more than one food delivery company.

Finally, there are the reviews and scores on the employment site Glass Door.

On Glass Door, Instacart has a 3.6 rating with a 66% approval rating for the CEO. By comparison, on Glass Door, DoorDash rates a 4.0 with an 87% approval rating.

Interesting. But are they the same company?

It’s funny you should say that because that’s what I explored in a recent article. Are they the same company, or are they owned by the same company? To find out…

Just click the link to read it on my site.

What food delivery service pays the most?

Shipt is the food delivery service that pays the most. The average earning for delivery drivers is $65,213 per year. The company offers financial aid in some locations and an option for instant pay. Ubereats comes second at $62,339.

(source)

Shipt is a food delivery service that is owned by Target.

Shoppers deliver groceries in the areas covered by Shipt. Shoppers are independent contractors who earn an average of $22 per hour.

Of course, what you’ll end up earning could be lower than or higher than the $65,213 I mentioned above.

You’ll be your boss and can work when you want. You’ll have to file your tax returns and pay for gas, repairs, and maintenance for your car.

It is a partner to many stores, and its shoppers can buy from these stores in the areas they want to work from.

The stores include:

  • HEB
  • Meijer
  • Target
  • Winn Dixie
  • Costco
  • Lowes Foods
  • Piggly Wiggly
  • ABC Fine Wine & Spirits
  • CVS
  • Office Depot
  • Petco
  • Publix
  • Safeway

and many more.

You’ll need to meet some basic requirements before you can become a shopper for Shipt.

They are:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Have access to reliable transportation (the car year of 1997 or newer) and car insurance coverage
  • Have a current U.S. driver’s license
  • Know about hand-picking fresh produce
  • Provide your insulated cooler bag
  • Be able to lift 25+ pounds
  • Be familiar with using an Android or iPhone

Is it risky being a delivery driver, and would you be allowed to pack a gun?

That’s the subject of a recent article of mine. In it, I shared the truth about whether you can carry a gun or not while making deliveries and which companies have policies against it (hint: not all do).

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Can you make $500 a week with Instacart?

It is possible to make $500 a week with Instacart. And some Shoppers make much more. Instacart once claimed that its shoppers could earn an average of $25 per order. Therefore, 4 or 5 orders each day would be adequate to achieve the projected earnings of $500 per week.

Say you’re providing excellent service as you deliver each order.

Customers would most likely give you high ratings, which would prompt the Instacart algorithm to offer you higher-value orders. From those orders, you’ll most likely even earn more than the average $25 per order because such orders would often come with generous tips.

You’ll only need 4 or 5 of such orders each day, and you’re golden.

At $500 per week, you’ll gross $24,000 per year. Now, consider a survey by indeed.com, which shows that the average earnings by Instacart shoppers are $48,219 per year.

That’s twice the projected earnings at $500 per week. So, you can make $500 a week and even more.

You just have to ensure you get good ratings all the time because customer ratings are the most vital variable the Instacart algorithm uses for allocating high-value orders.

Ready to make more money than with Instacart or Shipt? Consider DoorDash!

DoorDash is a great alternative to working for Instacart, and generally speaking, they pay better!

See how much you could be earning. Available in over 4,000 cities in the U.S., Canada, and Australia. All you need is a mode of transportation and a smartphone to start making money.

CLICK HERE to learn more about working for DoorDash!

Can you make 200 a day with DoorDash?

It is possible to make $200 a day with DoorDash, which translates to about $48,000 per year. The average earnings by DoorDashers are $45,555, which is close to the rate at $200 per day. Some Dashers can earn that in just 6 hours of work.

Therefore $200 a day is a realistic figure to aim for.

The reality of being an independent contractor is that one could make, say, $300 and on some days maybe half of that. Earnings are based on performance and may also depend on the location.

In some locations, you can access orders 24/7, while in some, it’s only from 8 am to 10 pm.

If it’s feasible, you may want to be in a place where you’ll get orders 24/7. But, even when you don’t, you’ll get access to an average of about 10 orders per day.

The most vital thing is simple (not necessarily easy): make sure you offer excellent service to all customers so that you’ll have high scores. The best orders are offered to dashers with high scores.

Based on DoorDash’s figures, you can earn $15-$20 an hour.

This is a realistic figure if you work hard, and it excludes tips, which means you can earn more. And truth be told, DoorDash’s base rate for tips isn’t shabby at all. 15%.

So, you make $200 a day.

But can you make a full-time income with Instacart?

That’s the theme of a recent article of mine, where I showed that while you can work anytime you want, the pay is not exactly a fortune.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Who is better rated to work for, Instacart or DoorDash?

In reviews, DoorDash has a 26% better overall rating from current and former employees compared to Instacart.

DoorDash is rated better, according to both Glass Door and Indeed.

Glassdoor’s review looked at 8 criteria, and DoorDash scored higher in all. Indeed looked at 6 factors, and DoorDash scored higher in all. This shows an interesting consistency which gives the surveys some weight.

The following are the factors both companies used for the reviews:

  • Career opportunities
  • Compensation and benefits
  • Work/ Life balance
  • Senior management
  • Culture and values
  • CEO approval
  • Willingness to recommend 
  • Positive business outlook
  • Job security and advancement

I bet you’d like to know how quickly you can get paid, right?

That’s the subject of a recent article of mine, where I showed how fast you can get paid if you opt for Instacart. They do technically offer instant cash out, but it isn’t always instant, especially in the case of tips.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Conclusion

We looked at who pays better: Instacart or DoorDash. In the article, I also advised on which food delivery company to work for.

I shared info on which one pays the most. And, we looked at how feasible it is to make $500 a week from Instacart and $200 a day from DoorDash.

Lastly, we looked at which one is rated better and why that is. It turns out DoorDash pays better and is also rated better as a place to work. And unlike Instacart, DoorDash allows you to have passengers in your car while working.

Ready to get started as a Shopper with Instacart?

Just CLICK HERE to sign up now right on their website.

The Grocery Store Guy, part of the Middle Class Dad family of websites, is reader-supported and when you make a purchase through some of my links, I  may earn a small commission from the sale, which in no way increases the cost to you. Learn more HERE.

Are Instacart Shoppers Also the Drivers?

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Instacart has two types of employees and so sometimes it’s hard to know if the person handing you your groceries is also the person who shopped for them. So are Instacart Shoppers also the drivers?

In the majority of cases, Instacart Shoppers are also the drivers. They are called Full-Service Shoppers because they shop and deliver. However, Instacart employs some in-store Shoppers who do not deliver and simply shop for the items ordered, primarily for pick-up orders.

So in most cases, the Shopper is also the driver.

In this scenario, they’ve handled all aspects of fulfilling your order, and they deserve the tips. But in times when there are a lot of delivery orders and not a lot of pickup orders, the in-store Shopper might shop for an order that someone else delivers.

In this article, we’ll explore issues around the type of Instacart shoppers, tips, and if you could request a specific person to handle your orders.

Let’s get to it…

Ready to start ordering from Instacart?

CLICK HERE to go to the Instacart order page.

Concept of shopping delivery isolated on white background

Do Instacart drivers have to shop?

As a general rule, Instacart drivers also shop for the groceries prior to doing the delivery. They are called Full-Service Shoppers because they handle a customer’s order from start to finish. However, there are also dedicated In-Store shoppers who only shop and do not handle delivery.

Instacart has two types of shoppers: Full-Service Shoppers and In-Store Shoppers.

The first type of shoppers, as their name suggests, provide “full service.” That’s to say that they’re the same people that’ll visit a grocery store, carefully select all that makes up your order, pack it up, pay, and then drive to your doorstep to deliver it.

So, in this case, the drivers have to shop.

These are also independent contractors and not employees. They choose when they work and how much and can decline orders in the event the tip is too low.

But in the case of In-Store shoppers, shoppers don’t have to drive.

These people are actual part-time employees of Instacart. In-store shoppers work in a grocery store. They also select, pack, and pay for the order. And as I said above, most of the time, they are focused on orders for pick-up, not delivery.

But there may be times they do the shopping for someone else’s delivery.

So, in these types of order handling, both types of shoppers are involved. If it’s an order requiring a curbside pick up, however, the In-Store shoppers handle everything.

You’ve probably wondered if these shoppers could rate you, right?

In a recent article of mine, I explained that as of the time of writing, there’s no formal way for shoppers to rate customers. However, if you pull a “Karen” and are rude to the Instacart delivery person, there is a way they can blacklist you.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Do Instacart tips go to the driver or the Shopper?

Instacart tips go to the driver, who, in most cases, is also the Shopper. They are called Full-Service shoppers because they shop and deliver. They do not have a set salary and are paid per delivery. These Shopper-drivers receive the tips, while the in-Store shoppers are paid hourly. They do not receive tips.

You might think that you’d rather tip the shopper and not the delivery person. I get it.

But consider that In-store shoppers are paid per hour and spend their shift in a grocery store selecting, packing, and paying for orders.

And for this, they receive a guaranteed earning (per hour worked).

In most cases, however, there’s just the Full-Service shopper who does what the In-Store shopper does and, in addition to that, goes on to deliver the order.

And yet, they do not have guaranteed income.

They are paid per delivery. It’s only fair that they get to keep the tips. Tips constitute about 50% of their earnings. Tips go to the delivery person and can even be in cash.

Ready to start ordering from Instacart?

CLICK HERE to go to the Instacart order page.

How much should I tip my Instacart delivery driver?

Instacart recommends a minimum tip of at least 5% of the value of the order or at least $2.00 for small orders. For a $100 grocery order, the minimum tip would be $5.00. However, in most cases, a tip of 10-20% is more appropriate for the service performed.

And a much larger tip will be appropriate anytime the Shopper performs any extra service.

Service industry tips are usually about 15% and above. This is a better figure to aim for. Of course, it is largely a function of the quality of service rendered by the delivery driver.

Truth be told, Instacart shoppers are not exactly making out like bandits.

Their average annual income is just about $28,000. Not money one would sneeze at, but it’s not exactly a fortune if you ask me.

The delivery drivers are not guaranteed orders each day which implies that they do not have guaranteed income.

They select orders to fulfill from a pool that’s also available to many other shoppers. This is why the tips we pay them are very important, and as I said before, it makes up about 50% of their earnings.

I suggest you tip them something in the region of 15% to 20%. It’s not just because that’s how we roll as Americans.

But, tips are a token of appreciation of the service the shoppers provide. It’s an incentive that’d make it sustainable.

I devoted a recent article of mine to explore whether we should tip Instacart shoppers, how much, and when to tip beyond the recommended minimums.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Can a customer request a specific Instacart Shopper or driver?

A customer cannot request a specific Instacart Shopper or driver. The assignment of orders is done through Instacart’s algorithm that selects Shoppers based on proximity, availability, and prioritizes top-rated Shoppers above lower-rated ones.

But Instacart Shoppers can say yes or no if they see your order come through to them.

And, of course, while it’s not a guarantee of anything, make sure to give top ratings to the Shoppers who deliver on-time, well-packed groceries.

The better their ratings the more orders they get, and that next one could be yours!

It’s conceivable that in time, Instacart could tweak its algorithm to allow customers to choose shoppers or drivers they prefer.

But as of the time of writing, there’s no such feature in its app and no announcement that it’s a feature we should expect.

And the AI involved in their app would have to get a whole lot more sophisticated in order to make that happen. Plus, since Shoppers have the right to decline your order, I’m not sure how they could guarantee a specific person for your order.

And it might make its platform less fair. It’d support a situation where some shoppers are being favored!

All the shoppers and drivers have been trained and are expected to be able to render excellent service. So, there is no need to specifically request some of them.

You’ve probably wondered if a shopper could help bring your groceries inside the house.

That’s the subject of a recent article of mine where I explained that that is not a part of the terms of their contract. They’re expected to deliver your order to your doorstep. But there are a few circumstances where the Shopper can decide to come inside.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Do some stores use an employee to shop for Instacart orders?

Some grocery stores do use their employees to shop for Instacart orders, but most stores still use Instacart’s Shoppers to shop for orders, so they don’t have to pay their own employees to do it.

The former stores still use Instacart’s technology through which their customers can place orders, but their employees, rather than Instacart’s, do the shopping.

Instacart’s In-store shoppers are part-time employees, and they shop for orders, and in cases where customers prefer curbside pick-ups, they handle it.

But since last year, some stores that Instacart has a partnership with have decided they’d rather have their employees handle the shopping and curbside pick-up part.

And then simply use Instacart’s Full-Service shoppers to handle the delivery.

Aldi and Sprouts are two of the stores where this change has been implemented. Unfortunately, this led to some Instacart In-store shoppers losing their jobs.

At a point, many were complaining about Instacart being slow. I explained the reason in a recent article of mine. But there’s 1 thing all customers can do to speed up the process and pretty much eliminate delays.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Conclusion

Shoppers or drivers? Or both? It can be a tad confusing.

In this article, we learned about the differences between the two types of shoppers who work for Instacart. In some cases, in fact, in most cases, the shopper is also the driver.

They are known as Full-Service shoppers because they shop and deliver. But some shoppers do not deliver. We learned that it’s ideal to tip the delivery person and got to know why.

We even learned about the “ideal” rate for our tips.

It turns out that you cannot request that a specific shopper handles your order. We also learned why that might not be a great idea.

And, we concluded by learning that some stores prefer their employees do the in-store shopping.

Ready to start ordering from Instacart?

CLICK HERE to go to the Instacart order page.

The Grocery Store Guy, part of the Middle Class Dad family of websites, is reader-supported and when you make a purchase through some of my links, I  may earn a small commission from the sale, which in no way increases the cost to you. Learn more HERE.

Can Someone Ride With You While Doing Instacart?

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Working for Instacart as an in-store shopper or full-service shopper is a cool way to make money either as a full-time gig or a side hustle. But what if you want some help or just have someone along? Can someone ride with you while doing Instacart?

It is against Instacart’s terms of service for a Shopper to have other people with them while doing their job. One person applied for the job, had their background checked, was engaged, and received training on how to get the job done. Thus, no one else can ride with you while you are working for Instacart.

To violate any of Instacart’s regulations is a surefire way to get fired. But how would they know? And what if the other person also works for Instacart?

Read on to get the lowdown on whether it’s okay to have someone ride with you while doing Instacart.  

Ready to get started as a Shopper with Instacart?

Just CLICK HERE to sign up now right on their website.

Teenager in car with driving instructor

Can I do Instacart with my husband?

One cannot drive for Instacart with one’s husband unless the husband is also an Instacart employee. It is against Instacart regulations to shop with anyone who is not an Instacart employee with their own Instacart shopper account.

It’s understandable why a person would like to have a spouse help them while they work. It would probably make the work faster and more enjoyable, which can translate into higher earnings.

Working faster could lead to more money. 

But other ways to speed up how long it takes would be to not have to wait to check out once you’ve done the shopping. So, are Instacart shoppers allowed to skip lines?

Check out the facts in a recent article of mine. I explain exactly how checkout works for those that shop and drive, or for those who are just in-store Shoppers. But I also cover how Shoppers can get into membership places like Costco.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

I get why you would like to have your husband with you. Maybe, it would be nice to have help with heavy packages or feel safer in certain neighborhoods if your spouse were with you.

It’s understandable.

But it’s not done in any organization on earth, that one party is engaged to work, and then they come with their spouse to work! 

If one looks at the issue of taking a spouse to work from the company’s perspective, it’s a lot easier to understand why it’s not allowed. 

From a legal and safety point of view, the company could suffer immense damage when a person it has no contractual agreement with acts on its behalf. What happens if they do what’s wrong and hurt the customer’s experience of the Instacart brand?

Or if they were to get hurt while working on a gig for which there’s no contractual agreement.

Ready to make more money than with Instacart? Consider DoorDash!

DoorDash is a great alternative to working for Instacart, and generally speaking, they pay better!

See how much you could be earning. Available in over 4,000 cities in the U.S., Canada, and Australia. All you need is a mode of transportation and a smartphone to start making money.

CLICK HERE to learn more about working for DoorDash!

Can I take my kid with me to do Instacart?

A child cannot ride in the delivery vehicle of an Instacart Shopper doing deliveries or while shopping in a store. The company would not want to be liable in the event of a car accident where the child was injured or if the child was somehow injured during the delivery.

But you could say: “I am an independent contractor and should be free to do my job the way I want.” In fact, you might still recall what I shared below ( a part of the Instacart contract) and think it supports your claim.

Actually, it doesn’t. 

Simply read the whole paragraph, bearing in mind that one single sentence can be loaded. (Why do you think we often have to pay lawyers?)

While your kid may help with some errands, or maybe you simply wanted them with you for a day, know that if Instacart management finds out, they’ll warn you to stop. If you persist, you may lose the contract! 

“Per the Instacart platform: 4.1 Subject to compliance with this Agreement, you will have sole discretion over whether to engage subcontractors or use employees, assistants, or helpers (collectively “Personnel”) to assist in the provision of Services, and you will be solely responsible for the direction and control of your Personnel. Notwithstanding the foregoing, you remain liable for the performance of the Services by your Personnel, and the engagement of Personnel will not release you from any of your obligations under this Agreement.”

(source)

One of the key parts to pay attention to is the section that started with the phrase: “notwithstanding the foregoing.”

It’s also worth noting that Store Shift leaders always frown on the idea of having someone with you while you’re shopping.

So if you like your job and want to keep doing it, don’t risk it by bringing someone with you!

Now and then, you read about someone complaining about how little money they’re making from Instacart. But, on forums, I also see a lot of people claiming to be making a lot!

You’re probably wondering if Instacart is a good full-time income?

Check out a recent article of mine. In it, I shared the average income levels. But I also shared some of the minuses of working for Instacart, including the 1 thing that would definitely keep me from doing it.

Just click the link to read it on my site. 

Can 2 Instacart Shoppers shop together?

Instacart Shopper accounts are approved on an individual basis. A single shopper is expected to serve the customer, and it is this single Shopper that is paid for that order. Thus, it is against Instacart’s rules for 2 Instacart shoppers to shop together on a single order.

But they could technically each shop their own orders side by side.

One of the best ways to have a positive experience with Instacart or with any company is to stick to the terms of service, rather than trying to find some “loopholes” that one believes could help one make money faster. 

Granted that it’s conceivable that two shoppers working together could make more.

But, it could also be complicated. First, it’s against the provision that no one else should be granted access to one’s Instacart shopper account.

And, who will be held responsible if shopper B were to do something that’s harmful to the brand while shopper A’s account was used?

Or, what if shopper B’s account were used? But the customer gave B a poor rating because of something that shopper A did.

It’s actually complicated when more than a person is involved in shopping for the customer. It’s not as simple as one would like to believe.

Should I leave my child in the car doing Instacart deliveries?

One is never expected to have a child with them when they go to work for Instacart. Thus, a child should not be in the car while Instacart deliveries are being made. Additionally, it’s never safe to leave a child unattended in a car.

Apart from the fact that it’s against Instacart’s regulation, it’d be hard for you to be fully devoted to your work when you’re also worried about your child’s safety.

And, let’s face it. You’d be worried. 

The implication is that you’d be torn between doing excellent work and providing the utmost care for your child. And both might suffer. 

Your performance would ultimately suffer, and you know how that’d affect your ratings and earnings. 

It’s likely that you’d also be showing up with your child as you make deliveries. Trust me, it doesn’t project a professional image and won’t help the Instacart brand. 

After all, we don’t want people showing up with members of their family when they’re doing some work for us. In fact, there are folks that’d give you a poor rating if you’re with your child as you shop and deliver.

So don’t do it!

Ready to make more money than with Instacart? Consider DoorDash!

DoorDash is a great alternative to working for Instacart, and generally speaking, they pay better!

See how much you could be earning. Available in over 4,000 cities in the U.S., Canada, and Australia. All you need is a mode of transportation and a smartphone to start making money.

CLICK HERE to learn more about working for DoorDash!

How would Instacart know if someone else is driving your car?

Instacart would not know if someone is driving or riding in your car. During the application and onboarding process, you are not required to provide details about your vehicle. 

Instacart has no formal details about your car.

And there’s no tech device for connecting your Instacart shopper account and your car details, it won’t know when others use your car. Having said that, a store shift leader might notice someone unfamiliar in your car if they are used to seeing you in it.

And that’s a surefire way to get yourself fired from the Instacart platform.

It’s also vital to recall that you, the car owner, are jointly liable if something unpleasant were to occur while someone else is driving your car. (There are a few exceptions). 

The average income Shoppers make is not a lot. But, there’s flexibility and some ways for making a lot more than the average. So, the last thing a smart person wants is to look for loopholes that might come back to hurt you later.

What’d happen to your unemployment benefits if you were to start doing Instacart? 

Find out in a recent article of mine, where I shared the key facts you need to know. After all, many turn to the so-called GIG economy jobs after being laid off from a more traditional job. And if you are collecting unemployment benefits from that, will working for Instacart end that??

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Final Thoughts

We all want to make more money. 

So, it’s understandable that we might be tempted to look for “smart” ways to increase our earnings. As long as it’s done in line with the company’s terms of service, we’ll be fine. 

In the article, we learned that it is against Instacart’s regulations to have others with us while we are working. 

It doesn’t matter if they are our husbands, wives, kids, guardian angels…  It’s also wrong to leave a child in a car while you shop and deliver.

You won’t be able to really focus on the work. That’s the honest truth.

We wrapped up by considering the fact that Instacart has no formal means of knowing when you allow others to use your car. 

But, there could be potential negative consequences.

Ready to get started as a Shopper with Instacart?

Just CLICK HERE to sign up now right on their website.

The Grocery Store Guy, part of the Middle Class Dad family of websites, is reader-supported and when you make a purchase through some of my links, I  may earn a small commission from the sale, which in no way increases the cost to you. Learn more HERE.

Do Instacart Shoppers Get Penalized for Mistakes?

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Instacart has a rating system in place for customers to rate their experience. It’s the key measure that tracks how well a Shopper is performing, and the amount of money they make depends on their rating. But do Instacart Shoppers get penalized for mistakes?

Instacart Shoppers do not have their pay docked for making mistakes or receiving a bad review. However, Instacart Shoppers do get rated by customers, and the Instacart system, in turn, rewards higher-rated Shoppers with more orders than those who receive a mediocre or poor rating.

Like most performance systems, Instacart’s too is a two-edged sword. As it should be.

Hardworking shoppers are rewarded, while those whose performance falls short feel the impact on the earnings. Naturally, they’d make less.

So, looked at objectively, the system’s focus is on incentivizing hard workers, not really about penalizing shoppers for mistakes.

In this article, we’ll take a look at how to contact Instacart when something’s wrong with your order and how its rating system impacts shoppers.

Let’s dive right in.

Ready to start ordering from Instacart?

CLICK HERE to go to the Instacart order page.

Young man with his grocery shopping on white

What happens if your Instacart order is wrong?

If an Instacart delivery or pickup order is wrong, customers contact Instacart’s help center via the app or website, report the error, and receive a prompt response; most often either a refund or a new delivery of the correct item(s).

Instacart shoppers are doing their best to ensure that all batches (orders) are correctly delivered.

Consider that they get paid based on their performance and that your ratings count toward their having a contract or not. So, they’re motivated to ensure all deliveries are done well. But being human beings, mistakes are bound to happen.

Now and then, an order could be wrong! What do you do if that happens?

Like most reputable organizations, Instacart has a dedicated Help Center that you can contact if your order is wrong and when you need other forms of support.

So, if you got the wrong order, your order wasn’t delivered, or you’re not completely satisfied, you could reach out to Instacart Care for a full refund.

You could call, email, or send a message via your Instacart app, and you’ll receive a prompt response.

The complaint will be addressed. You’ll be sent an email confirmation immediately and notified when you receive a response.

In the app or via its website, you could also report the following cases:

  • Missing items
  • Incorrect items
  • Damaged items
  • Poor replacements
  • Early/late orders

Ready to make more money than with Instacart? Consider DoorDash!

DoorDash is a great alternative to working for Instacart, and generally speaking, they pay better!

See how much you could be earning. Available in over 4,000 cities in the U.S., Canada, and Australia. All you need is a mode of transportation and a smartphone to start making money.

CLICK HERE to learn more about working for DoorDash!

How do I report wrong items on Instacart?

Report incorrect Instacart items from a delivery or pickup order via its help center on the app or website. In most cases, they will simply refund the incorrect item, but depending on the issue, delivery of the correct item is possible.

Naturally, you’ll be sent an email confirmation immediately and notified of a fitting response.

A written complaint, I believe, is the way to go. You don’t have to wait on the phone, and there’s documentary evidence everyone can refer to.

On the whole, the company’s help center is pretty fast.

What happens when everything goes well? Should you leave a tip for the shoppers/drivers?

I devoted a recent article of mine to this theme. I explained, among other things, that most Instacart shoppers are not exactly making out like bandits.

And as a token of our appreciation of their service, it’s good that we offer them generous tips. But how much should you tip, and is Instacart’s recommended 5% enough?

Just click the link to read it on my site.

How do I complain about an Instacart shopper?

Customers can rate Instacart Shoppers directly on the Instacart app for either negative service or positive service. Instacart also has a help center on its website, and customers can call a community support member or send an email.

I bet you don’t enjoy complaining about anyone. So, the key is to ensure you always give detailed and clear instructions about what you’ll like them to purchase and deliver for you.

Since their livelihood depends on this income stream, I believe most shoppers are putting in their best. But, it’s your right to complain when you’re not satisfied, and the company’s Help Center is your best bet.

A written complaint is often the best, seeing as all parties can easily refer to it.

But remember, these Instacart Shoppers often work very hard for fairly low pay. So if the Shopper is still at your house, it’s always good to ask questions or resolve problems directly.

But is Instacart a good full-time income?

Check out a recent article of mine where I explored this issue in some depth. I shared the average income to expect, when you’ll get paid, and whether you can make good money with the company.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Do Instacart shoppers see complaints?

Instacart shoppers do see complaints. All the complaints and compliments from customers are seen on their accounts. But, they are reported anonymously so that the customer names and addresses are not included.

This, I believe, is to protect the customers. Shoppers see their ratings, but it’s hard for them to know for a fact which customer gave a particular rating.

So, if a complaint or compliment is “vague”, it’ll be difficult for a shopper to know which customer wrote it.

But, if it’s specific and peculiar, perhaps there’d been an exchange between the shopper and the customer about a particular item, it might be possible for the shopper to know.

Ratings are a normal part of doing business.

So, if you’re curious about whether Instacart shoppers can also rate customers, check out a recent article of mine. In it, I showed that as of the time of writing, there’s no official mechanism on Instacart’s app that allows shoppers to rate customers.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Does Instacart remove your lowest rating?

Instacart does remove a Shopper’s lowest rating. The company’s system is designed such that a Shopper’s lowest rating and ratings relating to what’s outside their control are automatically forgiven.

The rating system is not designed to penalize workers. It’s essentially a feedback mechanism that provides shoppers with data about where to improve.

But, the rating system, even though vital and used by Instacart’s competitors, it’s something a shopper must keep at the top of their mind.

Because its impact can have dramatic effects.

If a shopper consistently gets low ratings, they’re not going to be getting orders! And, if they get high ratings, they can make a lot of money.

Consider what some Instacart workers say:

  • “It only takes 2 customers to give you 4 stars, and poof, you have no more access to view batches worth a damn.”
  • “I just dropped to a 4.94, and I’m more or less fired. I don’t think I can recover from this. I’m not taking $8 batches.“
  • “My rating dipped to 4.97 over another bogus 4-star rating. Now I’m seeing no batches, or they’re disappearing quickly. Instacart’s rating system is so broken.”
  • “I automatically wake up around 3 AM to check my ratings and then go back to bed. It’s horrible how IC has conditioned my brain.”

The best thing you can do is to ensure that you do your best as you go about making your deliveries, and if a customer leaves an unfair complaint, you can always take it up with Instacart.

Ready to get started as a Shopper with Instacart?

Just CLICK HERE to sign up now right on their website.

Final Thoughts

In the article, we looked at what to do when your order goes wrong for any reason. Perhaps the wrong item was delivered.

Instacart’s help center is highly responsive. So, there’s nothing to worry about. They’ll provide a solution fast, even in situations where your order wasn’t delivered at all.

I also shared how you can register your complaints about shoppers. Note that shoppers can see your comments, but it’s reported anonymously.

So, they’ll most probably not know it’s from you. What happens to low ratings shoppers get? I explained that the company’s system automatically removes it, which is great if you ask me.

Ready to start ordering from Instacart?

CLICK HERE to go to the Instacart order page.

The Grocery Store Guy, part of the Middle Class Dad family of websites, is reader-supported and when you make a purchase through some of my links, I  may earn a small commission from the sale, which in no way increases the cost to you. Learn more HERE.

Are DoorDash and Instacart the Same Company?

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There are a couple of companies providing online grocery ordering for pickup or delivery. It can be a bit confusing telling them apart. But a lot of people ask me, are DoorDash and Instacart the same company?

Instacart and DoorDash are not the same company. Instacart was founded by former Amazon employee Apoorva Mehta under the company name Maplebear Inc. whereas DoorDash was founded by Tony Xu along with Andy Fang and Stanley Tang.

Instacart, through its partnership with grocery stores, delivers groceries and drinks to your doorstep when you order using its app or website.

DoorDash, by comparison, partners with grocery stores and local restaurants, enabling you to order groceries, meals, and drinks.

Read on to learn more riveting facts about DoorDash and Instacart. We’ll get into how they differ, if one is better than the other and if one marks up groceries more than the other.

Let’s dive right in…

Ready to start ordering from Instacart?

CLICK HERE to go to the Instacart order page.

dd insta same co lg

Is there another company like Instacart?

There are several companies like Instacart in the online grocery delivery space. Some of these companies include DoorDash, Amazon Fresh, Farmstead, Shipt, FreshDirect, and Blue Apron.

So, there are alternatives to Instacart. But, as of the time of writing, it’s the top dog in the sector.

Let’s check out Farmstead (because it’s free of charge) and FreshDirect. Both do not simply deliver, they’re online grocers.

This is why Farmstead doesn’t charge for deliveries. We’ll get back to it in a bit.

FreshDirect

FreshDirect is one of the earliest online grocery shopping and delivery services, having started operations in 2002 (that’s 10 years before Instacart).

It doesn’t have as wide a coverage as Instacart, but its niche is great fresh food. It offers deals on Thursdays and has DeliveryPass, which effectively makes delivery free of cost to you.

It has skilled merchants who search the world for the best products and experts who taste an average of 800 products each day!

So, you can be sure of the quality of what you’re ordering. And, it offers a 100% money-back guarantee. It has programs through which it helps the needy in the community.

Farmstead

Farmstead is the first online grocer to offer groceries for free and at prices that are cheaper than those offered by top supermarkets.

Its mission is to make high-quality, locally sourced food available for everyone.

To achieve it, it’s leveraging AI technology to reinvent the grocery buying experience and warehousing to significantly reduce waste.

You don’t pay for deliveries.

Is Instacart more widely available than DoorDash?

DoorDash is not more widely available than Instacart. Instacart is present in 5,500 cities in the U.S. and Canada. DoorDash is present in both countries, too, in 4000 cities. 

It’s important to stress that both are highly similar services.

What research reveals is a lot more interesting and nuanced. Let’s check it out. Despite Instacart’s presence in more cities, it only has 9.6 million users, relative to DoorDash’s 18 million.

So Instacart is in more cities, but more people use DoorDash.

Of course, both Instacart and DoorDash have been growing at dizzying rates for a few years now, and this was accelerated by the pandemic.

The challenges it presented almost overwhelmed most grocery stores and grocery delivery services. Instacart and DoorDash are part of a few that rode the wave to exponential growth.

Apptopia reported that Instacart’s app daily download increased by 218% in 2020.

DoorDash’s download increased by 241%.

To provide some context, during the same period, Walmart grocery increased by 160%, while Shipt increased by 124%. DoorDash controls 45% of the U.S. food delivery market. But, it’s only recently added grocery deliveries to its offering. In fact, it just added that in 2020.

A move that some see as taking aim at Instacart’s bacon.

If you love Walmart, you’re probably wondering if DoorDash delivers for it. Yes, it does. Check out more details in a recent article of mine.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Do more grocery stores use Instacart than DoorDash?

Currently, more grocery stores use Instacart than DoorDash. Instacart delivers from 3,300 stores across more than 30 states. DoorDash delivers for 226 restaurants and 1800 stores across all 50 states.

The statistics above make sense seeing as DoorDash has only recently added grocery delivery to its offering in 2020.

Instacart, on the other hand, had been delivering groceries from the get-go in 2012. Instacart also delivers alcohol. DoorDash offers alcohol too.

Alcohol, as you know, is a “sensitive” product. So, there are some vital details one needs to know before it can be ordered online. In a recent article of mine, I shared the lowdown on Instacart’s alcohol delivery service.

It’s currently delivering in 14 states. You must show your ID and be physically present to collect your package. And, you can’t be visibly tolerated.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

It’s highly conceivable that we’d experience intense competition between both companies. It’s interesting, seeing as both benefited from the same incubator: Y combinator.

The opportunity for growth in the food delivery business is incredibly high, especially when you consider that online grocery shopping is still just about 10% of total grocery sales.

Does DoorDash markup groceries less than Instacart?

DoorDash does not markup groceries. The prices they charge are the same as in-store prices. Instacart, on the other hand, does markup prices significantly when it’s purchasing grocery items for customers from stores it has NOT partnered with.

DoorDash charges about $5 to $8 per delivery (excluding tips for its drivers who do the delivery).

But, if you have DoorPass, its subscription service, you enjoy free delivery on all orders over $12. DoorPass comes to about $9.9 per month.

Instacart charges delivery fees starting at $3.99 for orders over $35. But for orders under $35, delivery fees start at $7.99.

On orders over $35, delivery fees are waived if you’re an Instacart Express member. 

It’s also $9.99 per month. Or, $99 per year, and there’s a 14-day trial period. Seeing as Instacart marks up some of its prices, it’s possible you’ll get a better deal from DoorDash, seeing as one of its partners is Walmart.

If I were you, I’d place orders on both websites to confirm each order’s actual cost and simply cancel the more expensive one.

But it’s good to note that Instacart doesn’t actually markup all prices. There are no markups when you are purchasing from stores Instacart has partnered with

You’re probably interested in having more info about why Instacart marks up its prices, right? You’re in luck because that’s what I explored in a recent article of mine.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Who is the best grocery delivery service?

AmazonFresh is the best grocery delivery service. It is free to Amazon Prime members, and the only additional fee charged is if the order does not meet the minimum threshold. Groceries may be delivered from Whole Foods Market, but orders can also be fulfilled from Amazon’s many warehouses as well.

But that’s not to say any of the other grocery online ordering companies aren’t good.

They all have their pros and cons, and especially if you aren’t an Amazon Prime member, you might be better off with one of the other ones.

So, I’ll share the names of the top contenders and their key advantages. If you’re on a budget, FreshDirect is the best.

You’ll need to be in their coverage area, be prepared to accept groceries midweek, and sign up for a subscription. Instacart or Shipt are great if you’re more interested in having a large selection and have preferences for certain brands.

They’re both ready to offer you a variety of items from a wide selection of stores.

But, they’re not as budget-friendly as FreshDirect. For budget-friendly, same-day delivery Amazon and Shipt are cool. You can get same-day delivery options from the aforementioned, too.

But it’s a tad pricey and requires some planning. Lastly, if you’re into high-quality organic produce Amazon (in partnership with Whole Foods) is what I’ll recommend.

I’ll say your best option, all things being equal, is Amazon Fresh.

Conclusion

There are many companies in the grocery delivery space. It’s a sector that’s growing at an impressive rate.

We learned that Instacart and DoorDash are not the same company.

Instacart was founded in 2012, while DoorDash was launched a year after and originally started life as Paloaltodelivery.com.

Of course, they offer similar services.

We checked out which service is more widely available, the one that has lower markups, which one works with more stores, and we wrapped things up by looking at the best grocery delivery service.

Ready to start ordering from Instacart?

CLICK HERE to go to the Instacart order page.

Photos that require attribution: 

A Street Scene on Granville Street, Downtown, Vancouver during . . . by GoToVan and Publix Instacart Parking Spot by Keith C is licensed under CC2.0 and were cropped, merged, and had a graphic and text overlay added.

The Grocery Store Guy, part of the Middle Class Dad family of websites, is reader-supported and when you make a purchase through some of my links, I  may earn a small commission from the sale, which in no way increases the cost to you. Learn more HERE.

How Much Should You Tip Your Instacart Shopper?

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Instacart shoppers help deliver essential items to our doorsteps and aren’t exactly making a ton. So, it’s nice to tip them. But how much should you tip your Instacart shopper?

Instacart has a minimum suggested tip of 5%. But a tip of 15-20% for delivery of your groceries or 5-10% for pickup is more appropriate for the service provided.

And it’s worth noting that since Instacart Shoppers can see the tip specified in your order before they accept it, a low tip could result in a delay as more experienced Shoppers pass on doing your order.

But sometimes, there are circumstances that might warrant less than 15% or more than 20%. And what about bad service if you’ve already tipped?

Read on to learn more about how much you should tip your Instacart shopper and related facts.

Ready to start ordering from Instacart?

CLICK HERE to go to the Instacart order page.

Polite delivery man or mover tipping his hat and smiling . Isolated on white.

Are you supposed to tip the Instacart delivery person?

Offering a tip to the Instacart delivery person is recommended and the default is 5%. It is a token of appreciation and recognition for the excellent service rendered by the Instacart delivery person. As with many similar jobs, they rely on tips for their income.

Delivering groceries is challenging.

Most shoppers have to go to a couple of stores each day, check customer’s grocery lists, check and pick, and pack all items. Then, they have to deliver them.

At times, they may not get enough orders to fulfill. Since they are paid for orders fulfilled, earning enough can be an uphill task. The average Instacart shopper earns only $11 an hour on average.

And yet, most of the shoppers render excellent service.

This is why even though you’re not supposed to tip the Instacart delivery person, it’s a good thing to do. It’s a way of saying: “Thank you. I appreciate your help” to the shopper.

The rate recommended is 5% or a minimum of $2 per individual store delivery, whichever is higher. It’s a very low rate compared to the 15% to 20% common in the restaurant industry, just to cite an example.

Consider that about half of the shopper’s income comes from tips.

The happier shopper is thus encouraged to be more focused on thinking of more ways to continue to render awesome service to us all.

And, I honestly believe that life’s better when we treat others the way we’d like to be treated.

In a recent article of mine, I explored: should you tip Instacart drivers in greater detail. I’ve gotten a lot of feedback from Instacart Shoppers from that article, and not all of them are happy with me!

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Can Instacart shoppers see the tip?

From the company app, Instacart Shoppers can see the tip offered by customers. They can also see the items requested and have the option of accepting the order or not. But they cannot negotiate or change the tip.

So, before accepting your order, Instacart shoppers see your proposed tip. You’re allowed the option of changing the tip up to 24 hours after you’ve received your order.

By which time, you’d have received and checked your order.

If you have to change the tip, you’re allowed to within that time frame, but you are expected to leave feedback to let the company know why.

Unfortunately, there are some customers who set large tips to bait shoppers and then rescind on their offer after.

This is bad, and a customer found to be guilty of the practice may have their Instacart account deactivated. You have the option of rating Instacart shoppers. In fact, this is the key data that goes into evaluating their performance and determining their access to future opportunities to deliver to customers and their earnings.

But can Instacart shoppers rate customers in return? It’s a theme I explored in a recent article of mine. As of the time of writing, you alone can rate them, and they can’t rate you (formally, via the app).

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Do Instacart drivers do the shopping and if not, does the tip get split?

As a general rule, Instacart drivers do their own shopping. But, there are times when in-store Shoppers do it while drivers or full-service shoppers simply deliver. Full-service Shoppers shop and deliver. And they receive the tips in full.

In-store shoppers that don’t handle delivery receive a guaranteed income and aren’t as reliant on tips as the drivers.

There are basically two types of people who work for Instacart: Full-service shoppers (drivers) and In-store shoppers. The former select, pack, and deliver groceries, while the latter select, pack and deliver at the curbside.

They are employees, while the former are independent contractors. The tips are not split between employees and contractors. The contractors get the tip in full.

They do more, and they also interface with customers, and being contractors, they have to defray their expenses while working for Instacart, so they get 100% of the tip.

Does Instacart really only recommend a 5% tip?

Instacart has a default recommended tip of 5% or a minimum of $2 per order delivery, whichever is higher. But as a sign of appreciation of the great service, it is better to offer tips at a higher rate than the default. 

And, Instacart does not suggest that the tip should only be 5%. The default simply means they suggest it not be less than that.

In most cases, Shoppers have to be painstaking as they move across the store, making sure they get exactly what the customer requested.

They are to deliver the order to the customer’s doorstep.

That’s what their contract stipulates. But, there are times when they may go beyond the letter of the contract and bring groceries inside.

In fact, I explored this in a recent article of mine. Technically, they are not supposed to enter someone’s house. But there are times when they might. And of course, any time they go the extra mile, it’s worth tipping them extra.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Truth be told, even 10% is not exactly a king’s ransom when you consider that the tips in the restaurant industry are often in the 15% to 20% range.

Because of the great service Instacart shoppers provide, it’s best to always offer a lot more than the default rate. 

How do I tip for Instacart curbside pickup?

As with delivery, use the Instacart app to set the tip for Instacart curbside pickup. The default suggested tip is 5% or a minimum of $2 whichever is higher. The Shopper who packed your groceries receives 100% of the tip.

In-store shoppers who also deliver at the curbside are employees, and a part of their income is guaranteed. But, this doesn’t stop you from giving them tips.

For you to easily add a tip during checkout using the app, follow the steps below:

  1. Tap Go to Checkout and scroll down to Delivery Tip.
  2. Tap Change.
  3. Select the amount you’d like to tip and tap Save Tip.

You’re also free to give them tips in cash.

There’s usually a dedicated parking space for those at the store for curbside pickup. Once you’re there, get in touch with the Instacart Shopper, and they’d bring your groceries and help you load them in your trunk.   

Naturally, curbside pickup is cheaper than having them delivered to the house. 

But, it is still a lot of work for the Shopper who has to select, pack, bring them outside, and then load them in your trunk.

So, be generous by offering a tip that’ll make the Shopper happy.

But what if they’re way late? There have been times when Instacart has been slow. Get the lowdown on why in a recent article of mine.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Conclusion

Instacart shoppers are rendering great service, and it’s nice to tip them well.

We learned that tipping them is optional and has been set by Instacart at a base of 5% or $2 per order, whichever is higher. In other words, you can offer a lot more.

When you set the tip, shoppers can see it. Of course, there’s really nothing they can do about it. You get to decide how much you want to give. And, you have the option of altering the amount within 24 hours of receiving for order.

Truth be told, 5% is too low. Always try to offer a lot more.

We also learned that most shoppers aren’t making out like bandits and that about 50% of their income comes from tips. Finally, we looked at how you can offer tips at the curbside.

Ready to start ordering from Instacart?

CLICK HERE to go to the Instacart order page.

The Grocery Store Guy, part of the Middle Class Dad family of websites, is reader-supported and when you make a purchase through some of my links, I  may earn a small commission from the sale, which in no way increases the cost to you. Learn more HERE.

Does Instacart Pay You if You Don’t Get Any Orders?

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I know some days are busier than others for online grocery pickup and delivery. But what happens to the employees on slower days? Does Instacart pay you if you don’t get any orders?

Instacart independent contractors only get paid when they complete orders. However, Instacart also utilizes In-store shoppers, who are part-time employees who receive an hourly wage without regard to the number of orders being received.

So let’s look at that in greater detail.

Instacart workers who work in delivery fall into two categories:

  • In-store shoppers (part-time employees)
  • Full-service shoppers (independent contractors)

The former are part-time employees who pick and pack groceries ready for delivery, while the latter pick, pack, and deliver.

Both naturally receive payments for work done (as it should be). In a bit, I’ll share a situation where In-store shoppers can get paid if no orders came through.

In this article, we’ll explore key facts you need to know about working for Instacart and what you’ll get paid. Of course, there are also some unique things about Instacart in California, which we’ll also get into.

Read on to know more.

Ready to get started as a Shopper with Instacart?

Just CLICK HERE to sign up now right on their website.

A man with empty pockets

Does Instacart have to pay minimum wage?

Instacart part-time employees are subject to receive minimum wage (or higher in most cases). But, Instacart has independent contractors paid by the job rather than being paid a minimum hourly wage.

Instacart has two categories of workers:

  • Full-service shoppers who are independent contractors and not employees
  • In-store shoppers who are part-time employees

As you probably know, independent contractors get paid when assigned work and don’t get a minimum wage without regard to the amount of work done.

They don’t have a minimum or a maximum number of hours they’ve got to work each week.

They decide whether to accept or reject a batch (order). They get paid when they work. So, there’s no minimum wage for them. They earn a pre-agreed amount per batch (order), and they also get tips from customers. They own 100% of the tips.

On the other hand, in-store shoppers get paid a minimum of $13 per hour, even if there are no orders.

That’s as long as they’re present during their shift. After all, they are part-time employees. But, if their batch acceptance rate drops to 80%, then they no longer qualify for the hourly minimum for that week.

Ready to make more money than with Instacart? Consider DoorDash!

DoorDash is a great alternative to working for Instacart, and generally speaking, they pay better!

See how much you could be earning. Available in over 4,000 cities in the U.S., Canada, and Australia. All you need is a mode of transportation and a smartphone to start making money.

CLICK HERE to learn more about working for DoorDash!

If you live in California, you’ll likely earn a lot more because of what Instacart calls Guaranteed Minimum Earnings.

This is because of a bill that was passed recently. It’s known as Proposition 22, and what interests us are the following:

  • 120 percent of the local minimum wage for each hour a driver spends driving (with a passenger or en route), but not time spent waiting
  • $0.30/mile for expenses for each mile driven with passenger or en route
  • Health insurance stipend for drivers who average more than 15 hours per week driving
  • Requires the companies to pay medical costs and some lost income for drivers hurt while driving or waiting
  • Prohibits workplace discrimination and requires that companies: develop sexual harassment policies, conduct criminal background checks, and mandate safety training for drivers

So, shoppers in California will earn 120% of minimum wage and $.30 per mile you spend shopping and delivering.

This guaranteed minimum earnings exclude tips, which belong exclusively to the shopper. But, note that because of the differences in duties, In-house shoppers do not receive tips.

This info is valid as of the time of writing. As you know, earnings are subject to changes.

If you were to become an Instacart shopper, would that affect the unemployment benefits you might have been getting from a previous job? Find out the answer in a recent article of mine.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

How many orders does Instacart get a day?

Instacart handles an estimated 767,123 orders per day across all areas where it operates. Instacart currently operates in 5,500 metro areas. That’s an average of 139 orders per day per city.

Instacart themselves don’t publish usage statistics, but an equity analyst in an article on toptal.com, which reviews the company’s latest valuation estimates that Instacart handles 280 million orders per year.

Businessofapps.com shows that as of 2019, it had 5.5 million customers.

This highly impressive figure is partly due to the pandemic, as the delivery company became an essential service and added 300,000 workers to handle the spike in demand. By the end of 2020, it had a total of 500,000 shoppers.

It achieved its 2022 projections by the fifth week of the lockdown in 2020!

To put the figures above in context, it’s vital to note that until April last year, the company was losing $25 million monthly!

Before 2020, online grocery shopping was a small part of the grocery sales pie.

However, it has been increasing, and this increase is expected to continue as companies in this sector offer convenience and time-saving for those who can afford the services.

Just how much has it increased, and how much is expected to grow in the next few years? Find out in a recent article.

Just click that link to read it on my site.

How does Instacart decide who gets batches?

Instacart’s algorithm prioritizes past shopper behavior in determining who gets batches first. Instacart Shoppers who have a 5-star rating get to see batches first.

Customers get to rate shoppers (but shoppers can’t rate customers) after each delivery. So, the best way to get great batches is to do your best while delivering each batch.

The company requires customers to provide feedback, in addition to the rating.

This is passed on to the shopper so that they could improve if it’s something they can control. Naturally, factors that are outside shoppers’ control are not considered in the model that allocates batches. Of course, you’re not compelled to accept any batch.

If your zone has relatively few batches (orders placed by customers), the app will let you know about other areas where there are more batches and a map to help you get there.

Based on direct shopper feedback, the company is also testing a new approach, where batches are offered directly to qualified shoppers. They don’t have to select from the list view.

The key thing to maximize your chance at getting enough batches is to ensure you have and maintain a 5-star rating.

Can you make a living off Instacart?

While some Instacart Shoppers earn as much as $8,000/month, the average annual salary is currently $57,263. With Instacart independent contractors, the more you work, the more you earn.

(source)

Based on salary reviews, on average, there are as many folks who say that the pay is good as there are those who complain. I guess that’s the way of the world.

You’re your own boss. This can be a blessing. But, it can also be a curse.

Instacart provides estimates of potential earnings:

  • $7 to $10 for full-service shopping per batch (you shop and deliver)
  • $5 for delivery-only. 
  • There’s also a $3 quality bonus for a shopper that receives a 5-star rating.

In-store shoppers are not independent contractors.

They’re part-time employees, and they earn an average of $13 per hour. There are no tips and bonuses because you won’t be interfacing with customers.

You’ll be working in the store. And, at times, you’ll take the order to the curbside for customers to pick them up.

In the course of my research, I came across one person who earned $3000 in a month and another who earned $8000 in a month.

These figures are probably not representative of what you’ll earn, but they can be seen as a range of possibilities. $8000 is a lot of money and maybe what you can also aspire to get if you are truly devoted.

However, because it’s independent contracting work, you’re not guaranteed a fixed-income.

This is a simple but vital point to note. The implication is that your income will vary. There’ll be months you’ll make a lot and months where you’ll make something less. In time, depending on your devotion, you’ll probably discover what to do daily to earn a consistent income.

Which of the two options when you work for Instacart is better?

Let’s look at what they are and what they entail. You can work as a Full-service shopper or an In-store shopper. What’s the difference?

As the name suggests, being a Full-service shopper requires that you shop and deliver groceries, while In-store shopping has no delivery requirement. 

To be a Full-service shopper, you’ll need to have a car. A Full-service shopper is an independent contractor, while an In-store shopper is a part-time employee required to work at least 15 to 20 hours each week (Sundays and Mondays included).

If you want more details relating to whether Instacart can be a good full-time job, check out a recent article of mine. I get into much greater detail on pay, benefits, and what current employees have to say about the company.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Is it common for Instacart Shoppers to get no orders?

It’s not common for an Instacart Shopper to not receive any orders. The app is always showing batches for Shoppers to accept. But, orders have to be claimed fast, or they could be picked up by someone else.

What I shared earlier about how the algorithm works is also relevant. If a shopper has a rating that’s below 4.98, the number of batches they’ll be seeing will reduce drastically.

But there are complaints that many shoppers are not getting as many orders as they used to get before the company engaged thousands of shoppers to cope with the spike in demand.

And some people claim that hackers are using bots to hijack the batches, which they then sell. 

When a shopper has a lot of orders to fulfill, can they skip lines when checking out? This is the theme of a recent article of mine. The answer actually really surprised me, as did how it works at places like Costco.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Final Thoughts

We learned that there are two types of workers:

Full-service shoppers and In-house shoppers. Naturally, their duties and earnings differ. You get to choose which one you prefer.

We looked at the expected earnings, and I mentioned that in my research, some people say the pay is awesome, while others say it’s not good enough.

Truth be told, this is not peculiar to Instacart. We also looked at how the company allocates batches (orders) to shoppers, and we wrapped things up by noting that it’s rare for a hardworking shopper to not get batches.

Ready to get started as a Shopper with Instacart?

Just CLICK HERE to sign up now right on their website.

The Grocery Store Guy, part of the Middle Class Dad family of websites, is reader-supported and when you make a purchase through some of my links, I  may earn a small commission from the sale, which in no way increases the cost to you. Learn more HERE.

Can You Get Paid Instantly with Instacart?

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Getting paid immediately after you’ve completed your work is awesome, right? In the so-called GIG economy, a lot of people get paid almost immediately. So, a lot of Instacart Shoppers ask, can you get paid instantly with Instacart?

Instacart Shoppers can use a feature in the app called Instant Cashout to withdraw their earnings immediately upon their account being funded. Their account is funded about 30 minutes after they have marked an order delivered.

Therefore, they can access their earnings instantly, as it were. But, prior to the implementation of the feature, they were paid on a weekly basis.

With Instant Cashout, shoppers can get paid on the same day. In effect, you could use both options: weekly payments or instant cashouts.

In this article, I’ll share some vital facts about how Instacart pays its shoppers (and we’ll even check out if one of its competitors pays quicker).

Ready to get started as a Shopper with Instacart?

Just CLICK HERE to sign up now right on their website.

Can You Get Paid Instantly with Instacart LG

How long does it take for Instacart earnings to show up?

On average, it takes about 30-45 minutes (or less) for earnings to show up after an Instacart Shopper has completed delivering an order. 

But if you’re reluctant about waiting for that long, you can check your pending payments on your Instacart app.

I’ll show you how in a bit. 

To check your tip: After you’ve marked the order delivered, you can wait a while and check the app. From Earnings go to Current Week, then to Date. You may have to scroll all the way down, and you’ll see “PENDING.” 

Tap on it to see the tip you’ve earned.

About 15 minutes later, tap on it again, and you’ll see it’s been paid. If you don’t have a direct deposit set up, you’ll be mailed a check. Note that you can’t withdraw tips using instant cashouts. It’s paid weekly. 

So, your earnings show up about 30-45 minutes on average after a batch’s been marked delivered. But don’t fret if it takes longer. It’ll show up.

How do I cash out instantly on Instacart?

On the Instacart app for Shoppers, there is a prominent, green Instant Cashout button to tap. Simply tap it to withdraw earned income as long as the minimum threshold of $5.00 has been met.

How much you’ve earned is on your “Earnings” page. You choose the full amount you’ve earned and withdraw it in full. It’s also displayed above the button.

Just follow the below guideline for more details about how Instacart instant pay works:

  1. Open the app. It looks like a green Instacart bag on a white background.
  2. Open the menu bar. You can access it via the hamburger menu in the top-left corner. Tap “Earnings,” tap “Earnings” again. It’s the first option in the drop-down list.
  3. Check out the “Earnings” screen/page. You’ll see “current balance” at the top, then a “cashout” button (it could be green or grey), and the “summary” section. It’s followed by transaction history.
  4. When the cashout button is green, it’s an indication that you’re eligible for payment. But when it’s grey, it shows you are ineligible. 
  5. The summary section shows a couple of things, such as the tips you earned and your payments (which includes bonuses, if you’ve earned them). But, note that you can’t withdraw your tips via Instant Cashout. It’s paid weekly.
  6. As you’d expect, transaction history shows a detailed listing of every transaction on your account, right from when you got started delivering for Instacart. If you tap the date of service, you can drill down to details about your earnings up to the most recent orders you delivered.
  7. You’ll also see the associated fee if you’ve been using instant cashouts. It’s $0.50 per transaction. There’s no limit to how often you can use it. Your Instacart payments are reported separately from your tips. (You own 100% of the tips, which are set, as of the time of writing at 5%). 
  8. There are also other highly informative summaries. Spend some time familiarizing yourself with them so that you’ll be able to access any info when you need them someday.

Ready to make more money than with Instacart? Consider DoorDash!

DoorDash is a great alternative to working for Instacart, and generally speaking, they pay better!

See how much you could be earning. Available in over 4,000 cities in the U.S., Canada, and Australia. All you need is a mode of transportation and a smartphone to start making money.

CLICK HERE to learn more about working for DoorDash!

How quickly do online tips get paid on Instacart?

Instacart tips are credited to a Shopper’s account within a few minutes of marking the batch as delivered. You can confirm the actual payment a few minutes later. But, note that, unlike regular payments, you can’t withdraw tips immediately via Instant Cashouts.

You’ll have to wait for a week before you can withdraw your tips. This is the situation as of the time of writing. Perhaps it could change in the future.

Tips are set at a base of 5%. So, a customer can decide to offer you more. The good thing is that you get to keep everything.

To know more about Instacart payments, check out a recent article of mine.

I explained how much Instacart pays, its pay structure when you’re paid, and whether you could make a good full-time income from it.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Can I keep cash tips from Instacart?

Instacart Shoppers are allowed to keep all cash tips, as there is no tip pooling at Instacart, as is common in other aspects of the service industry.

And, there’s no need to report it.

Because it’s paid in cash, you also don’t have to wait for a week before you can access the fund. But, the decision to tip in cash or via the Instacart app rests with the customer.

Since you’re an independent contractor, is there some kind of “safety net” where you get paid some amount when you don’t get orders? 

This is the theme of a recent article of mine.

In it, I explained the categories of shoppers that work for Instacart and how a certain category of shoppers might be able to get a certain minimum earning if they meet some criteria. 

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Does DoorDash pay quicker than Instacart?

DoorDash does not pay quicker than Instacart. DoorDash does have an option, Fast Pay, that allows Dashers (its Shoppers) to get paid within a few minutes but the time frame is similar to Instacart’s.

That’s fast if you ask me. But Instacart’s Instant Cashout is also as quick.

You’ll have to have made 25 deliveries and to have been on their platform for 14 days after your account’s been activated before you qualify to use Fast Pay.

And, you’ll need a debit card (not a prepaid card) before you can use the service. There’s a $1.99 charge when you use Fast Pay.

With Instacart’s Instant Cashout, DoorDash has no significant advantage in terms of how quickly you can access your earnings.

You’re probably curious if Instacart is a way of earning a good full-time income.

Then, you’re in luck because that’s what I explored in a recent article. In it, I showed among other facts that you could earn about $28,000 per year. But, there are some who make a lot more.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Ready to make more money than with Instacart? Consider DoorDash!

DoorDash is a great alternative to working for Instacart, and generally speaking, they pay better!

See how much you could be earning. Available in over 4,000 cities in the U.S., Canada, and Australia. All you need is a mode of transportation and a smartphone to start making money.

CLICK HERE to learn more about working for DoorDash!

Final Thoughts

Working as an independent contractor can be rewarding. 

Even if you’re not making a ton, you can earn something substantial. And, you’re in control of your schedule.

In the article, we looked at a feature that allows Instacart shoppers to get paid immediately. And, we checked out how DoorDash’s Fast Pay compares.

We also looked at what happens to online and cash tips and how long it takes to get paid. And, we explored the steps you need to use Instant cashouts and how earnings work in the app. 

Ready to get started as a Shopper with Instacart?

Just CLICK HERE to sign up now right on their website.

Photo which requires attribution:

Instacart_PwG_anim_02 by 姿穎 呂 is licensed under Public Domain and was cropped, edited, and placed on top of another image with a text overlay added.

The Grocery Store Guy, part of the Middle Class Dad family of websites, is reader-supported and when you make a purchase through some of my links, I  may earn a small commission from the sale, which in no way increases the cost to you. Learn more HERE.

Does DoorDash Deliver Alcohol?

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These days, it seems like almost anything can be delivered directly to your house. But recently I saw a restaurant say they could deliver margaritas! So I wondered if they do that on their own, or does DoorDash deliver alcohol?

DoorDash does deliver alcohol, primarily from restaurants. However, not every restaurant they deliver from will allow alcohol delivery, and some also require a food purchase. But they do also sell spirits, including liquor from liquor stores in states that allow it.

Did you know that about 1 in 4 alcoholic drinks consumed in the states are bought at a restaurant or bar?

Folks enjoy drinking with their meals, and DoorDash delivers to you if you’re in certain locations and meet some simple criteria, which you’ll find out in a bit.

In the next few minutes, I’ll share key facts you should know about ordering alcohol through DoorDash. We’ll get into whether you have to show ID to receive it and if contactless delivery is even possible.

But we’ll also look at whether or not this is available in every city DoorDash operates in.

Does DoorDash Deliver Alcohol lg

How do you order alcohol from DoorDash?

DoorDash has partnerships with restaurants, liquor stores, and breweries. Orders are placed either on their app or their website. After selecting your delivery address, search for nearby restaurants or stores and see what is available.

Of course, you will also need to create an account with DoorDash if you don’t have one and, naturally, be 21 or older.

So, you could order while you’re at your favorite restaurant, using its app or website, and you could also order while you’re at non-restricted locations. Let’s look at the steps required to order using an app and then its website.

Both are pretty straightforward.

Order Using Its App

Start the DoorDash app for your Android or iOS mobile device.

Add your current address.

Use the search field to find a pub, bar, or restaurant that serves alcohol.

Select the alcoholic beverages you’ll like to order

Add them to your cart.

Proceed to checkout and finish your order

Order Using Its Website

Fill in your delivery address in the search field.

Click on Find Restaurants next to it.

When you find a place you like, browse their menu for cocktails, spirits, wine, and beer. 

Add them to your cart and proceed to checkout.

Alternately, you can go to https://www.doordash.com/alcohol-near-me/ and check out the liquor stores, restaurants, and bars near you that work with DoorDash.

However, it’s worth pointing out that many restaurants only allow delivery of alcohol with the purchase of food. So check the place you want to buy from to see what their policies are.

Also, if you can’t show ID at the time of delivery, or for some reason, aren’t at home, DoorDash will charge you a $20 alcohol restocking fee.

Did you know that you can also order alcohol from Instacart?

Check out a recent article of mine for an in-depth scoop. Of course, there are some states that don’t allow it. Does yours?

Just click the link to read the article on my site.

Is Dash cheaper for alcohol than Instacart?

Generally, Instacart is cheaper than DoorDash for alcohol delivery. DoorDash charges about $5 to $8 per delivery (excluding tips for its drivers who do the delivery). Instacart’s alcohol delivery fees start at .80 cents and go up to $4.00.

But, if you have DoorPass, its subscription service, you enjoy free delivery on all orders over $12. DoorPass comes to about $9.9 per month.

The below table is from DoorDash’s website. The fee depends on the cost of the alcohol you buy.

Alcohol Service Fee Total of Alcohol Purchase
$2.00 $0 to $35
$4.00 $35.01 to $75
$8.00 $75.01 to $100
$10.00 Greater than $100

Instacart Alcohol Service Fee

Like the service fee, there is a reduced fee for Instacart Express members (40% of the regular alcohol service fee):

Alcohol Service Fee Total of Alcohol Purchase
$0.80 $0 to $35
$1.60 $35.01 to $75
$3.20 $75.01 to $100
$4.00 Greater than $100

Instacart Express Alcohol Service Fee

There are no alcohol service fees for pickup orders. 

Delivery fees also depend on the size of your order and the time of delivery. The delivery fee will be higher if it’s during its peak period (when its shoppers are busy). You’ll see this when choosing your delivery timeframe.

For orders over $35, delivery fees start at $3.99. While for orders under $35, delivery fees start at $7.99. On orders over $35, delivery fees are waived if you’re an Instacart Express member. It’s $9.99 per month or $99 per year, and there’s a 14 day trial period.

So, is DoorDash cheaper than Instacart?

Seeing as Instacart marks up some of its prices, you may get a better deal from DoorDash, seeing as one of its partners is Walmart.

If I were you, I’d place orders on both websites to confirm the actual cost of each order and simply cancel the more expensive one.

Does DoorDash scan your ID for alcohol?

DoorDash drivers require a valid, government-issued photo ID and drivers use an app on their smartphone to verify that it’s a legitimate ID.

That’s because the law requires that it verifies the age of the people they’re delivering alcohol to.

In Canada, alcohol can be delivered to a person that’s 19 or older, while in the U.S., they must be 21 or older.

The DoorDash delivery person is required by law to verify the ID each time they deliver alcohol, even if the person appears to be 21 and above or if they’ve delivered to the same person before.

A valid ID must show your photograph and date of birth.

In general, acceptable IDs include:

  • a valid driver’s license issued by the federal, state, county, or municipal government.
  • a valid passport.
  • an identification card issued by the Armed Forces of the United States that contains the name, date of birth, description, and picture of the person

They have to confirm that the ID is not invalid or fake.

If they’re delivering in New York, IDNYC is not an acceptable form of ID to buy alcohol via DoorDash. Only one of the IDs listed in the paragraph above can be used.

And, if the delivery is being made in Massachusetts, the following are the acceptable IDs:

  •  an unexpired Massachusetts driver’s license 
  •  an unexpired Massachusetts liquor ID 
  •  an unexpired passport from a country recognized by the United States
  •  an unexpired military identification card

Note that you can’t present an ID that’s expired and that you’ll be asked to remove the ID from your wallet and hand it over so that the DoorDash delivery person can look at the front and back.

They’re also expected to check that you’re not intoxicated.

If you opt for Instacart instead, note that some of its prices are marked up. Why? Find out in a recent article of mine, where I explained in detail. Some store’s prices are as much as 20% when you order from Instacart, compared to in the store. But not every store.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Does DoorDash deliver alcohol everywhere?

DoorDash can only deliver alcohol in states where alcohol sales are permitted. But even in those states, delivery to government facilities and schools is forbidden.

In a recent article of mine, I included a list showing states where alcohol is allowed to be sold in grocery stores and those where it’s not allowed. Some states allow only beer. And, some even have restrictions on whether grocery stores can sell alcohol on Sundays.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

And as I mentioned, even in states where alcohol sale is permitted, DoorDash cannot deliver to customers in the following locations:

  • Schools (public or private), or campuses
  • Government facilities
  • Storage units, lockers, and P.O. boxes
  • Stores where alcohol is sold

Note that even in states where alcohol sale is permitted, DoorDash drivers have to check that the customer meets certain criteria required by the law.

Does DoorDash deliver liquor?

DoorDash will deliver liquor from restaurants that sell it and liquor stores in states where liquor delivery is valid.

Simply use its app or website’s search field, find your state (if alcohol is allowed), and you’ll find restaurants listed with the type of liquor they have available.

What we’ve shared before about your needing a valid ID and the type of ID is relevant to liquor delivery, too. You can easily download its app from the Google play store or go to https://www.doordash.com/alcohol-near-me/. 

Both are super-easy to use.

Note that DoorDash expects that you’ve met the criteria we explored earlier. If you didn’t, and you placed an order for alcohol/liquor, and a Dasher comes to where you are, and there’s an issue, the company will charge you a $20 restocking fee to cover the Dasher’s time and the cost of repurchase for the item.

So, you’ve got to be 21 or older, have a valid ID, and be in a location that’s not on the “restricted list.”

Curious about whether DoorDash delivers for Walmart?

That’s exactly what I explored in a recent article of mine. I explained that it does, but not everywhere. I also shared that, in addition to the low prices you get at Walmart, your delivery cost will be lower because Doordash doesn’t mark up its prices like Instacart.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Conclusion

We looked at how to order alcohol and liquor via DoorDash.

Specifically, we looked at the criteria one has to meet, whether it’s cheaper via DoorDash or Instacart, by looking at the fees both platforms charge, and if your ID will be scanned.

We also explored the kind of IDs that are acceptable and noted some relevant info to note concerning New York and Massachusetts.

Photos that require attribution:

Dangerous good by Lars Plougmann is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 and was edited, cropped, stretched, and had a text and graphic overlay added.

The Grocery Store Guy, part of the Middle Class Dad family of websites, is reader-supported and when you make a purchase through some of my links, I  may earn a small commission from the sale, which in no way increases the cost to you. Learn more HERE.

How Does Instacart Work for Apartments?

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Everyone is using Instacart these days for grocery delivery. But there’s a big difference between ordering for a house and ordering if you live in an apartment complex with hundreds of other people. So, how does Instacart work for apartments?

When apartment dwellers place an order through Instacart, they give specific instructions pertaining to security gates or checkpoints, building numbers, flights of stairs, and the apartment number. That way, the Shopper is clear on exactly how to deliver to them.

As long as the shoppers can reach your apartment, they’ll deliver your order.

After all, getting your orders to you is their job. You could be available to collect the order or inform them beforehand via the Instacart app to simply leave the order by your door.

The key thing is to make it easy for them to reach you by providing your address and making sure they can enter your apartment complex if it is gated.

And, of course, since they can see your tip before they choose to accept your order, if your situation is time-consuming or complicated, make sure and leave a good tip!

Read on for more…

Ready to start ordering from Instacart?

CLICK HERE to go to the Instacart order page.

Does Instacart come to your door in an apartment complex?

Instacart shoppers bring your order to your door even if you live in an apartment complex. In the app, you can even specify “leave at my door” for a contactless experience. But otherwise, they will hand you the groceries. Just make sure and note any gate codes or building numbers when you place the order.

It’ll be highly inconvenient if you have to go down to pick stuff up yourself each time you place an order.

And, it’s reasonable to assume that most people live in apartments anyway. If Instacart works only for those who live in detached houses, it won’t be useful for most people who don’t, right?

If you do select “leave at my door”, the shopper would take a picture of your order when they’ve delivered it to your door and send it to you.

This acts as a notification and, of course, proof that the order was delivered. You simply have to make it easy for the shopper to locate your apartment by providing the correct address and a description if it’s not easy to locate.

After locating your apartment, would the shoppers be willing to deliver your groceries inside?

This is the theme of a recent article of mine. Technically, Instacart Shoppers aren’t supposed to do that, but there are some exceptions.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Does Instacart deliver to gated apartments?

Yes, Instacart will deliver to gated apartments or gated communities. However, you must provide the gate code or any additional security instructions when you place the order. That way, they will be able to bring the groceries direct to your door.

Or, if the gate is manned by some security personnel, you could inform them beforehand that you’re expecting Instacart shoppers and that they are allowed into the complex.

These days EVERYONE is used to seeing Instacart deliveries. So both security personnel and Instacart Shoppers are used to the drill.

The key thing is to do this before the shopper arrives so that they won’t have to waste time.

The quicker they can conclude with your order, the faster they can get back to work, helping others with their deliveries.

Naturally, the security guard will check their ID.

If the security guards have to reach you before the shoppers are allowed in, make sure that you can easily be contacted. Because if you can’t be reached and they can’t get to your door, your order may simply be canceled.

In recent months, many people noticed that Instacart wasn’t as quick as they expected.

I explained why and how to get your orders on time in a recent article of mine. Just how late are they on average, and is that improving?

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Does Instacart deliver upstairs?

Instacart Shoppers can go up outside flights of stairs such as those in apartment complexes. However, they do not typically go up a flight of stairs inside the customer’s home. Instacart’s contract says to deliver the order to the door, not to carry them inside.

So even if you live on the 10th floor of a high rise without an elevator, the Shopper will bring the order to your order.

At times, that might mean they’ll have to make two trips. But, they are under no obligation to enter your home and carry the groceries to the kitchen for you.

That said, there are times Shoppers would make an exception.

Perhaps you’re heavily pregnant, bed-ridden, disabled, or you’re a senior citizen, and they’re inclined to go an extra mile. Then, they could help you take the order upstairs.

But, it shouldn’t be expected or taken for granted, seeing as it’s not a part of their terms of engagement.

If you order from Instacart a lot, you’ll likely end up having several different Instacart Shoppers deliver to you.

Did you know that you could rate them?

Yes, you can. Can they rate you? No. That’s what I explored in a recent article of mine. The app, as of the time of writing, has no function that allows shoppers to rate you. But, they choose the orders to fulfill. So, they can decline certain orders.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Can an Instacart Shopper decline your order if you live in an apartment?

Instacart Shoppers aren’t compelled to deliver any order. They choose the orders they would like to fulfill. So while it’s unusual for Shoppers to decline orders, since that is their revenue, they can decline orders in apartment complexes or complicated deliveries.

So if your situation is complicated or could be more time-consuming than normal, it’s a great idea to give a great tip!

A Shopper might be having some health challenges and may not want to climb to get to the 4th floor of an apartment complex they know has a funny elevator (or even no elevator).

Or, maybe the apartment is in a dangerous or sketchy part of the city. They may decide they’ll pass. The app doesn’t allocate orders to be completed by each shopper.

They choose. But, again, this is not common.

The Instacart contract doesn’t discriminate between those who live in detached houses and those who reside in apartment blocks.

The goal is to help everybody that’s within the areas within which the company operates.

Should I tip my Instacart Shopper more if I live in an apartment?

Any Instacart delivery that involves gate codes, security checkpoints, excess stairs, or a layer of complexity to it is deserving of a large tip beyond what would normally be given.

I honestly believe we should treat others the way we’d like to be treated.

If you were the shopper delivering to apartments, would you appreciate being tipped? I would. I think you should tip them. Especially if you are not living on the first floor, and they have to use the staircase or even use the elevator. It’s a lot more work, and it also takes more time, going up and down.

It’s also important to note that these Shoppers are not exactly making a fortune from their work.

And yet, you’ll agree their job is incredibly valuable. They’re making our lives more convenient and time-rich. From the comfort of our homes, we can have groceries delivered. It’s awesome, especially if, like most people, you’re a highly busy person who’s juggling a lot of responsibilities.

But, how much should you tip?

And do Instacart Shoppers even need tips? After all, they get paid by Instacart, right? I devoted a recent article of mine to explore this issue of tipping.

In it, I advised that it’s always a good idea to tip them. It’s a token of appreciation, and that tips make up a considerable chunk of their pay.

Just click the link to read it on my site and see what the recommended amount is.

CONCLUSION

Did I cover everything you’d like to know?

We looked at how Instacart works if you live in an apartment complex. Are shoppers likely to decline your orders? Would they deliver to gated apartments, and would they be willing to help take your orders upstairs and inside your apartment?

We learned that they do not discriminate and that they’re only expected to deliver to your door. Anything above that is an extra. We wrapped up by looking at why it’s great to always offer generous tips.

Ready to start ordering from Instacart?

CLICK HERE to go to the Instacart order page.

Photo which requires attribution:

Second Instacart Delivery. by Dennis Sylvester Hurd is licensed under CC2.0 and was cropped and placed on top of another image.

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