Grocery Delivery & Pickup

Does Instacart Bring Groceries Inside?

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Many people are switching over to grocery delivery services such as Instacart. However, sometimes the person ordering is elderly, handicapped, or might just use some help in getting the groceries up a flight of stairs. This leaves many wondering: does Instacart bring groceries inside?

Instacart Shoppers can bring groceries inside if they choose to, but they are not expected or required to bring groceries inside (based on the terms of their contract). They are trained to hand them to you at the door. But Instacart gives Shoppers the ability to decide the ideal course of action for each situation.

They can also accept an order based on seeing the tip in advance, so it’s always good to specify a special request in advance and tip accordingly.

So, if a person is physically challenged, for example, it’s more humane that they’ll go the extra mile. You still get to decide if you don’t want to have any contact with the shopper by selecting the “Leave at my Door” delivery option.

As the customer, you are in charge.

But let’s get into all the policies, procedures, and systems, so you know exactly what to do for your next delivery from Instacart!

Ready to start ordering from Instacart?

CLICK HERE to go to the Instacart order page.

Does Instacart Bring Groceries Inside lg

Can Instacart leave groceries on the porch?

Instacart Shoppers can just leave a grocery delivery on the porch without any contact with the recipient. Simply select the “Leave at my Door” delivery option for a contactless delivery.

You may be a tad apprehensive about strangers entering your home to deliver groceries.

The anxiety is understandable. Interestingly, the Instacart shoppers might be feeling uneasy, too. Fortunately, there’s a solution that works for both parties.

But, first, how are groceries meant to be delivered by Instacart shoppers? Are they to be taken inside your apartment or left outside?

The groceries are actually meant to be handed over to you unless you express the wish that they should leave them on the porch or outside.

You could do that via a chat message or by expressly taking advantage of the “Leave at my Door” delivery option, which is effectively a non-contact delivery option.

It equips you with the ability to notify the Instacart shopper (via the app) that you want your groceries left outside and the designated time. The feature was developed to take care of folks who may not be at home at the time of delivery, but it’s being used even by those who simply want a non-contact option.

When the option you chose is to leave the groceries outside, they’ll still need to take a picture of it (there on the porch) and send it to you. In addition to serving as a notification, the picture is also evidence that they delivered the groceries.

Many have no concerns about getting their groceries directly from Instacart Shoppers.

Naturally, there’ll be some interaction, and you might wonder if Instacart Shoppers can rate customers based on how you treat them.

I explored the theme in a recent article of mine. After all, a bad review could impact a customer’s ability to get consistent drivers.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Does Instacart bring groceries upstairs?

Instacart Shoppers do not automatically bring groceries up a flight of stairs. The policy is that Instacart shoppers deliver to your door. However, many Instacart Shoppers will be glad to provide extra assistance if asked.

So, they’re not expected to walk into your home and then carry stuff upstairs for you.

The policy serves as a protection for both parties. After all, most people are uncomfortable having strangers in their home. (And they should be.)

But, there are situations where the person who ordered is disabled or elderly and needs a little help. Delivering in such a way that minimizes discomfort for the customers makes sense, right?

There are Instacart shoppers who go the extra mile and who would help carry groceries upstairs.

This could simply be a question of flexibility on their part and a genuine desire to help, and so they respond based on the needs of the customer. It could also be because some are confident that they can defend themselves if the need were to arise, or even a combination of both.

No matter the motivation, it’s worth remembering that taking groceries upstairs is not a part of the deal. And of course, any time you ask for something extra, make sure and add that to the tip.

Should I tip Instacart more if they bring groceries upstairs?

Instacart Shoppers deserve to receive an additional tip for bringing groceries upstairs, providing other extra assistance, or for particularly large or heavy orders.

Because as we’ve seen above, the contract only covers delivery to your door.

When they have to take it upstairs for whatever reason, they’re actually providing extra-service. And, as a sign of appreciation, they deserve a generous tip. It’s not as if these shoppers are making out like bandits, so they would really appreciate a generous tip.

We all have a tendency to take things for granted (at times).

This shouldn’t be one of those times because Instacart makes life a lot easier for all of us. Imagine that in a lot of cases, you could get groceries delivered in about an hour.

You’re probably wondering why you should tip them. After all, you’re paying a delivery fee.

The reality is that the delivery fee doesn’t go to the Shopper; it goes to Instacart. And Instacart is already most likely charging you more than the store price for your groceries, so they’re making out like bandits.

But it’s the contracted Instacart employee doing most of the work.

Okay. Okay. How much should one tip? 5% is just about right in most cases when you receive the delivery at your door. Got stairs, 15 bags, or heavy stuff? Maybe throw in an extra $5.00 to be nice.

The tips go directly to the Shopper (not to Instacart, the company).

By the way, does Instacart accept EBT? I did some research and wrote up my findings in a recent article. In it, I explained that it’s accepted in a few select stores, such as ALDI.

Just click the link to get the full info on my site.

Do you have to answer the door for Instacart?

Traditionally, customers would be expected to open the door to receive a delivery from Instacart. However, you can select the “Leave at my Door” delivery option so you won’t have to answer the door for Instacart.

After all, their contract says to leave your groceries by the door.

If you won’t be at home and there’s no one at home to collect the groceries, you should indicate while using the app a designated place for them to keep your groceries. Ideally, it should be at a place where they’re protected from humans and animals.

If you don’t inform them of such a place or have someone waiting to collect on your behalf, they’ll take the groceries back! That’s what their contract stipulates. If you ordered Alcohol, there must be someone who’s of age to sign and collect.

What about ice cream?

Can you order ice cream via Instacart? And does it arrive melted? Find out in a recent article of mine. In it, I explained that you could, but a lot of issues have been reported with ice cream deliveries. How often does melted ice cream arrive? 

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

Should I let an Instacart Shopper inside my apartment or house?

From a safety standpoint, it is reasonably safe to allow Instacart Shoppers inside your apartment or house. Before they are hired, they have to undergo and pass background checks. An applicant’s criminal history and driving records are also checked to ensure they are only hiring reputable and trustworthy individuals.

So, they’re not just random folks being sent to people’s homes.

These are people who have been screened. At the risk of stating the obvious, the company, Instacart, via its app, has records of the Instacart shopper that’s delivering to each of their customers, and they have access to a considerable chunk of the interaction.

But it’s worth noting that nothing is 100% guaranteed.

And sometimes bad people slip through the background checks of many companies. But in terms of the odds of letting an Instacart employee into your home and having something bad happen, the odds are quite small.

Final Thoughts

Instacart is one of the innovative companies that’s making our lives easier.

Consider that you could get groceries delivered in about an hour! That’s awesome. In the preceding paragraphs, we looked at how its shoppers deliver groceries.

We explored questions such as Can the shoppers leave groceries at the door, do they take groceries upstairs, should you tip them, do you have to answer the door when you use the app?

And, we wrapped things up by considering if it’s okay to allow a shopper into your home.

Ready to start ordering from Instacart?

CLICK HERE to go to the Instacart order page.

Photos that require attribution:

Instacart_PwG_anim_02 by 姿穎 呂 is licensed under Public Domain and Apartment Stairs, Paris by Mike Hauser is licensed under CC2.0 and both were edited, cropped, and merged 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.

How Much Has Online Grocery Shopping Increased?

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Online Grocery shopping is increasing at an impressive rate. It’s not only more convenient, but it can save us a ton of time, and the fees are usually quite small. We know more and more people are switching to online grocery shopping, but how much has online grocery shopping increased in 2021?

Online grocery shopping increased by 137% during 2020 and over 50% more in 2021. In fact, most grocery retailers saw 8 year’s worth of online shopping orders just during the 12 months of 2020.

But will that trend continue?

Are people still doing some in-person shopping? What is the future of traditional retail grocery stores? In this article, we’ll get into all of that and more.

Let’s get started.

Ready to order from Instacart? CLICK HERE to get started with your order!

What percent of groceries are bought online?

10.2% of groceries are now purchased online for either pickup or delivery, an increase of 137%. Prior to 2020, 4.3% of total grocery sales were bought online. 

As you’ll expect, online grocery shopping is increasing at an impressive rate. It’s been increasing for some years, and it experienced a spike due to all the changes that happened in 2020.

But even without the concerns of 2020, online shopping is convenient and, overall, cheaper.

If you factor in the cost of going to and from a grocery store, the opportunity cost, and the time involved, online grocery shopping saves you a great amount of time and effort. So, the increase would have occurred even without the lockdown, even though the growth rate may have been lower.

To have a good appreciation of the percentage of groceries bought online, it’s helpful if we looked at the pre-lockdown data before we look at the current year’s. According to a report by Mercatus and Incisiv, the following are the pertinent figures. (source)

  • 40% of consumers surveyed said they’d continue buying online, even after 2020’s issues are in the past.
  • Online grocery orders will grow by 12.5% during 2021.

I can attest when my family and I were at Whole Foods Market on Christmas Eve that at 10 am, the store was practically empty.

I’ve worked at several Whole Foods stores on Christmas Eve for dozens of years, and trust me; they are never that quiet. But the Amazon Fresh order area was bustling!

It’s interesting to also look at the main demographic that are shopping online and the main things being bought online.

Surprisingly, middle-aged males are the key demographic. And, most shoppers were buying staple pantry products. Rice and canned food items were the first products; spices came next, followed by beverages.

As you’ll expect, fresh produce came last. After all, most people would like to access their quality before they buy.

Is grocery pickup or delivery more popular?

Online grocery delivery is far more popular than pick up with delivery growth being 69% while online order pickup only grew by 17%.

It’s safer, cheaper, and more convenient (for shoppers and even grocery stores). Delivery also works great for many consumers who don’t have cars or who don’t like driving. Both reduce in-store traffic and generate more revenue for grocery stores. So, we can expect that they’ll only continue to get more popular.

(source)

So, both grew. And, the fact that delivery is growing at a higher rate makes perfect sense.

The higher increase in delivery is fueled in part by the growth of Instacart, seeing as it has partnered with hundreds of grocery stores to handle delivery for them. Its growth is also fostering healthy competition as some grocers develop their own delivery systems.

Research by Brick Meets Click also shows that ¾ of shoppers prefer delivery to in-store pickup. The firm is convinced that Click and Collect would also continue to play a significant role, as some shoppers choose that option. (source)

But is Instacart the top online grocery ordering company?

This is what I explored in a recent article of mine, where I compared Instacart and Mercato. Instacart and Amazon Fresh do currently dominate the online grocery delivery and pickup world, but Mercato is up and coming. And they have 1 key advantage that Instacart doesn’t.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Are fewer people shopping at grocery stores now?

Yes, 73% fewer people are shopping at grocery stores. With online grocery delivery and pickup having increased 137% during 2020, that naturally means many people are no longer visiting their favorite grocery stores in person.

In fact, a survey by C+R Research shows that folks are fearful. 73% are making fewer trips to the stores.

46% of the people surveyed said they’re now buying in bulk. 45% say they even disinfect groceries when they get home! 45% are shopping more, while 37% are leveraging delivery. And, 60% say they feel a sense of anxiety while engaged in in-store shopping. (source)

The change reflected by the stats is natural and understandable in light of the change we’re all experiencing. Shopping used to be a lot of fun for a lot of people, especially women. After all, there were no health concerns to contend with.

Now, a lot of people are using online delivery.

But has all this increase caused Instacart deliveries to become slower as demand backs up?

That’s what I explored in a recent article of mine. Unfortunately, the demand has impacted their speed and reliability. But there’s 1 way to use them that will almost assuredly get you your orders on time.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

What are the online grocery shopping trends?

Online grocery shopping trends include an increase of 137% during 2020, but also more men are now actively purchasing for the family, and men’s purchasing patterns are different from women’s. Men tend to focus more on efficiency, so they often buy in bulk and shop less frequently.

Before 2020, online purchases were more common among affluent, young, urban dwellers.

This grew to include a lot of people who do not fit that demographic. Even older, not-so-affluent folks now take advantage of online delivery. In some cases, their children place the orders for them and ensure they’re delivered.

In addition to that, research by The Food Industry Association (FMI), an analytics firm, shows that people are buying more but spending less time in-store. (source)

Grocery stores are also leveraging data to adjust to the times. They focus on restocking their bestselling 1000 items, such as Tide, Oreos, and Barilla pasta. One of the stores said it reduced 25% of its SKUs so that it could focus on those items it knows customers are demanding.

One other trend worthy of note is that big grocers like Amazon (via Whole Foods) and Walmart dominate the online space.

Both have a market share of 50% of online shopping. Regional markets account for only 22%. They do not usually have the capital to build their own in-house technology, so they have to partner with technology companies to enhance their capabilities.

Which online grocery shopping service is the best?

Instacart, Amazon Fresh, or Shipt are the best online grocery shopping companies for selection and convenience. FreshDirect is the best budget option for online grocery ordering.

But there are several online grocery shopping services. And that is likely going to keep growing.

Some deliver only products from just one store (Whole Foods is a good example); some deliver from several stores. By that, I mean that they get products from many stores, if it’s not available in one store, package it, and then deliver to customers.

But which one is the best?

Actually, each service has distinct advantages. So, it depends on what you want. Instacart and Amazon Fresh are the top contenders and have key advantages. But you’ll need to be in their coverage area, be prepared to accept groceries midweek, and sign up for a subscription.

For 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. But, they’re not as budget-friendly as FreshDirect.

And for some on a tight budget, EBT is sometimes a concern too, and not every online grocery company accepts it. Does Instacart accept EBT?

Check out a recent article of mine, where I get into just that.  And note the answer has changed completely from when I first wrote the article.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Ready to order from Instacart? CLICK HERE to get started with your order!

Conclusion

In the preceding paragraphs, I looked at how the online grocery shopping landscape has been changing.

I shared key stats relating to what percentage is being bought online, the growth rate, the major trends, and the best shopping service. Ultimately, online grocery shopping is here to stay. And the days of brick and mortar grocery stores could be numbered.

But don’t worry. They aren’t going away anytime soon. However, I would expect the bells and whistles and staffing levels to drop considerably in response to the trends.

Photo which requires attribution:

First Amazon Fresh delivery. by Kyle Brazil is licensed under CC2.0

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.

Why is Instacart so Slow? (and how to get orders faster!)

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Using an online grocery delivery service is incredibly convenient with how much time and hassle it can save you. But when it comes to one of the US’s largest grocery delivery services, people often ask why is Instacart so slow?

Why is Instacart so slow? Supply and demand. As more people use the service, it gets harder to find enough Instacart Shoppers to accommodate the increase. However, Instacart is still able to deliver on time for 90% of orders. Scheduling off-peak delivery times can also help with on-time arrivals.

In this article, we’re diving deep into Instacart.

I’ll help you understand how Instacart delivery works, if they give you set delivery slots, and what to do when no delivery time is available. But we’ll also look at average delivery times, and what steps you can take to ensure your order is delivered on time.

Just keep reading to know more about Instacart deliveries. 

Ready to order from Instacart? CLICK HERE to get started with your order!

How long does Instacart usually take?

The company advertises same-day delivery and states “in as fast as an hour”. You can also specify when you’ll like your grocery delivered. But like any business, it’s all about supply (of drivers) and demand (orders coming in). Peak delivery times can sometimes mean up to a 5-hour wait.

However, at off-peak times, you can also have your deliveries in two hours or less.

You may also place orders ahead of time, which is a great option, especially if you’re the type who likes to plan in advance. That way, you could ensure that you never run out of stuff, instead of waiting to order at the last minute!

Instacart is one of the biggest and best online grocery delivery services out there, but in some cases, its delivery time leaves a lot to be desired.

One of the main reasons is they don’t have enough shoppers to cope with the surge in demand as more and more people switch to grocery delivery and pickup.

If you’re considering other options, DoorDash is a good platform.

You can find out about its alliance with Walmart in a recent article of mine. Just click the link to read it on my site.

In the article, I explored how it works with Walmart, the states it operates in, the few where it doesn’t operate in, how to get your groceries from Walmart, whether you’re supposed to tip the drivers, and even the markup it adds to the store price.

So, now, we know the average delivery time, let’s understand how Instacart works, in a nutshell.

How does Instacart delivery work?

With Instacart, you order, set a delivery window, and pay & tip all from the app. You decide which store(s) to order from & add specific items to your cart. Instacart employees, known as Shoppers, shop the order, pay on your behalf, and then deliver it, or stage it for pickup depending on which option you select.

Instacart is available in over 5000 cities in the US

So, using its mobile app or website, you can buy groceries online. Then the Instacart Shoppers go to the grocery stores, pick each item, pay, and drive (in their own car) to deliver the items to you.

A Shopper may have to visit more than one store if they can’t find everything on your grocery list.

And, there are a few items it doesn’t deliver, such as tobacco (but click to read my recent article on who DOES deliver tobacco products). Just click that link to read it on my site.

Essentially, the platform allows you to create a virtual shopping cart – a common way of ordering most products and services we buy these days. And, because the products can’t be delivered digitally, a human being brings all you’ve ordered to your door.

Here’s a step-by-step walkthrough of using Instacart:

  • Visit the website or download the app.
  • Choose a store and enter your location.
  • Fill the virtual shopping cart (with what you’ll like to order).
  • Select your item substitutes and delivery time.
  • Pay and place your order.
  • You can track the progress of your order.
  • Ensure that you’re available to collect your order

In most cases, the prices of the products are higher than those in the stores. You’ll also pay a delivery charge (and it’s cool to tip the Shoppers).

Most people tip on the app, but you can tip in cash in person if you wish. But how much to tip?

In a recent article of mine, I provided a guide on what to tip Instacart shoppers. While Instacart suggests a 5% tip, it’s probably a better idea to tip a lot more than that. But I’ll get into those details in the article.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Does the platform promise a set delivery time? That’s just what I was about to write about.

When I order from Instacart, do they give you a set delivery time?

Instacart customers are given a set delivery window, mostly within five-hours. Their delivery windows start at 9 am and runs to midnight. While they advertise “as fast as an hour”, that’s not always true during peak hours. But the earlier you place your order, the more likely you are to receive an on-time delivery.

Because of the demand increase of 2020, and probably complaints about slow service, the company has launched two new features.

The company also announced that it was going to employ more shoppers. I’ll explain how both new features work.

In another recent article of mine, I wrote about everything you need to know about Instacart pick up. It works similarly to grocery delivery with 1 key difference!

Just click the link to read it on my site.

And before I forget, you can also use Instacart to order and pay for groceries to be delivered to other people.

But why is Instacart slow? Keep reading!

Does Instacart take longer to deliver than promised?

Most of the time, Instacart deliveries are made on time. Demand for Instacart orders has soared by over 300% this year, and that the average order has grown by 35%. Yet the company is still able to deliver on time 90% of the time.

This surge in demand is the highest it has ever experienced.

This is apt to affect any company’s efficiency, but they only miss their appointed time about 10% of the time.

Instacart has employed more people to cope with the astronomical increase in demand, and it introduced two new features aimed at ensuring that groceries are delivered when promised.

In mid-2020, when demand was at its highest, delivery times were as long as five days!

It has normalized now. Yet, the company has planned to employ 500,000 more shoppers. A substantial fraction may have been engaged since it’s rare to see a large number of people complaining about slow delivery times anymore.

The platform naturally charges you more than what you’ll pay at the store (the price of convenience, if you like).

This is a standard business practice since it incurs costs in delivering its service. I showed that it doesn’t always charge more.

But how much are you actually being charged?

I researched it, and in a recent article of mine, I shared all you need to know. Just click the link to read it on my site. I even showed the stores whose prices it doesn’t markup, and I compared Instacart and Aldi’s prices.

But can you always place your order at any time?

What does it mean when the app says Instacart delivery time not available?

When the Instacart app says no delivery times available, it means there are no shoppers currently available to take and deliver your orders. They would rather tell you no than take your order knowing it would not be handled promptly.

In effect, the system is overwhelmed!

This happens, though infrequently when the demand outstrips the number of shoppers who are free to serve you.

As you probably know, Instacart does not have its own store. Its shoppers have to go from store to store picking and delivering others to different parts of the city.

For additional help, you may visit the Instacart Help Center. Just click on the link and search for your query on Instacart’s website. 

Or perhaps, try again later!

How can I speed up my Instacart order?

In spring 2020, Instacart introduced 2 new services designed to speed up the order & delivery process for customers. Their “Fast & Flexible” program allows customers to have their order delivered by the first available Shopper, instead of just scheduling it for a set window. 

Then their “Order Ahead” program allows customers to place orders up to 2 weeks ahead of time.

That effectively doubles the previous delivery window of 7 days. You can also build your delivery cart of products well in advance too which didn’t use to be an option.

Checking the “Leave at My Door” delivery option also allows for faster delivery as they don’t have to wait for someone to be home.

Lastly, if you’re a regular Instacart user, consider joining Instacart Express.

You’ll avoid the per shop delivery fees and get faster deliveries. The program does come with an annual fee of $99 though. But if you order from Instacart regularly, it’s totally worth it. 

Final Thoughts

In the preceding paragraphs, we checked out:

  • How Instacart operates
  • Its delivery time
  • The reliability of the service
  • How to use the platform
  • And what is meant when the app shows “delivery time not available” and what to do about it

We learned that the platform is one of the best and that there are some occasions that explain why Instacart is so slow.

This is probably caused the uptick in demand this year, but they are still doing just great. 

Ready to order from Instacart? CLICK HERE to get started with your order!

Photo which requires attribution:

Instacart_PwG_anim_02 by 姿穎 呂 is licensed under Public Domain

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 Instacart Shoppers Skip Lines? (Yes! Here’s how)

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If you are new to working for Instacart as a Shopper you may not know all the tricks yet. But even customers who see people cutting in front of them have wondered can Instacart Shoppers skip lines?

Yes. Instacart shoppers can skip lines to ensure they meet delivery times. But some stores allow Shoppers to work early or late hours (when there’s no general public) and check out in separate checkouts. They are also given prepaid Master Cards for faster checkouts.

But every store is a little different and that doesn’t even answer questions about how Instacart shoppers enter places like Costco. So let’s dive right in…

Unhappy working for Instacart? Consider DoorDash!

DoorDash is a great alternative to working for Instacart.

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!

Do Instacart shoppers have to checkout?

Yes, they do. They are advised by the company to always use manned checkouts. The company has provided each shopper with a prepaid Mastercard, which is used at the checkout, to make payments for what’s been ordered.

The Instacart app (and other apps) does not yet have the functionality that enables the shoppers to completely skip the checkout process in the stores.

The technology is being worked on. But, for now, they have to check out, just like everybody else.

But how do they enter Costco and where do they check out there? Coming up next!

Do Instacart Shoppers have to wait in line at Costco?

No is the short answer.

In a recent article of mine, I went into a bit more detail about whether Instacart shoppers can go to Costco. Just click on the link to view it on my website.

Costco and Instacart are partners.

It’s a partnership that makes a lot of sense if you think about it.  Costco is a retailer that sells products at discounted rates (and charges membership fees). Luckily, Instacart or Shoppers don’t have to have a Costco membership to buy or shop through Instacart.

And, Instacart shoppers don’t have to wait in line.

In some cases, they have a dedicated checkout to use. Other times they are given preference over the general shoppers. In short, it varies a little from location to location.

In some cases, there’s a dedicated staging area for Instacart shoppers too, and they can go in and out of Costco through another door.

Okay. But how do they pay for the groceries? I’ll answer that next.

How do Instacart shoppers pay for groceries?

Once you’re formally hired by Instacart and have gone through the onboarding process, you’ll be provided with a uniform, a bag, lanyard with your ID attached, and with a dedicated, prepaid Mastercard, which is linked to the company’s app.

This is what Instacart Shoppers use to pay for groceries.

You’ll never have to use your own card to pay! So, after you’ve selected all that’s on a customers’ grocery list, you simply walk to the manned register and pay with the prepaid Mastercard.

Instacart and some other top players in the industry are working on a technology that’ll make it unnecessary to use the traditional checkout systems we’ve all grown up with.

When it’s ready, the technology will allow a shopper to electronically intimate Instacart of the total amount of an order. Instacart pays the retailer. That means shoppers simply walk out with the goods after the payment has been confirmed.

There’s also a mobile payment solution (where users can use Apple pay or Google pay) in the works.

This will remove the need for using a physical credit or debit card. This will save a lot of time. Once a user has a phone and is using the Instacart app, they’ll be able to pay with a tap! How cool is that?

When both are operational they’ll dramatically reduce the queues, we often experience at grocery stores.

It’s then, that Instacart Shoppers would be able to truly skip lines, all the time.

But, can they use self-checkouts, now? That’s the next thing…

Can Instacart shoppers use self-checkout?

Yes, they can, but the company advises that Instacart Shoppers should use manned checkouts.

However, there are times and places, when you, as a shopper, may have to do what’s best in your particular circumstance. There are stores that’ll allow you to use self-checkout. Perhaps, there’s a very long queue, and you don’t want to be late.

So, you’ll have to use your discretion.

If the manned checkout will ultimately lead to a shorter time, that’s really the way to go. But, if there’s a really long line, and you’re sure you could work the self-checkout register fast, then go for it.

Now, let’s check out (pun intended) an overview of what being an Instacart shopper really entails.

How does being an Instacart Shopper work?

Working as an Instacart Shopper is a great way to earn an income because you get to set your own schedule. And, as you probably know already, there are two options available:

You could be an in-store shopper or a full-service shopper.

In the first category, you’ll only focus on shopping in a store. While in the second category, in addition to shopping, you’ll also need to go and deliver the items to those who have ordered them. In both cases, you’ll be using the Instacart app to check orders, make payments, receive tips…

You’ll agree that it stands to reason that you could earn a lot more if you opted for the second category (which involves shopping and also delivering).

You can also decide to make it a full-time or part-time work. So, it depends on you. It’s a nice way to earn a living if you think about it. Folks will always need groceries, right?

You could earn an average of $10 per hour, payable each week (instant cashouts available, too).

This does not include tips. Your income is determined by the work you do. It’s not a bad gig if you ask me. However, I do get complaint emails from Instacart Shoppers complaining about low tips, and Instacart combining multiple orders onto 1 ticket (so they only get paid for 1 order rather than multiple).

So it’s not everyone’s dream job.

In a recent article of mine, I spent time exploring something that’s really on your mind: when does Instacart pay me?

Does Instacart pay for mileage? How long does its direct debit take? What to do if you’re not satisfied with Instacart? And a lot more.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

If you opt for the in-store category, you don’t need to have a car

Since you won’t be making deliveries. You’ll also be an employee of Instacart rather than a contracted employee. That, theoretically means you could be eligible for benefits.

However, it’s worth noting that nowhere on the Instacart Shopper website does it say anything about benefits or eligibility. It’s also worth noting that the benefits category for Instacart on their Glass Door page rates them a 1.8 out of 5-stars. (source)

So clearly their Shoppers are not thrilled with the current benefits package.

 The following are the key requirements for both positions:

  • You’re 18-21 years old (this depends on the state you live in)
  • You must be eligible to work in the U.S. or Canada
  • You can lift 30 pounds of groceries
  • You have a passion for customer service
  • You have your own car (for the full-service shopper role)
  • You have a new model phone (Android 5.0 or later / iOS 9)

You may check for the lastest Instacart openings on this page.

Final Thoughts

In order to be able to meet the delivery time the grocery delivery platform has promised, there are many cases when its shoppers have to skip lines.

Some stores make special provisions for them, such as a dedicated register, entrance, and staging areas.

In fact, in some stores, they’re also allowed to come in earlier than the general public and also shop much later.

I looked out what’s required if you’re new to or considering becoming an Instacart shopper.

Ultimately, the job of Instacart Shopper isn’t for everyone. In fact, many people also have another job too. But if you get laid off from another job, how does Instacart income affect your unemployment?

In another recent article, I looked exactly how it will be affected and by how much $$. Just click the link to read it on my site.

Unhappy working for Instacart? Consider DoorDash!

DoorDash is a great alternative to working for Instacart.

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.

Can Instacart Deliver to a Hotel Room? (Yes, here’s how)

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Instacart is a huge time-saver when it comes to groceries. But what about when you’re staying at a hotel? While we know restaurants often deliver to hotel rooms, I wondered can Instacart deliver to a hotel room?

Yes, Instacart will deliver to a hotel room. They recently added a service allowing hotel guests to get their groceries delivered to their rooms. The customers can order through the Instacart app and inform the front desk that they are expecting a delivery. However, not every hotel chain currently allows this.

So that leaves us with many more questions.

For instance, do ALL hotels allow grocery delivery from Instacart? Or will Instacart deliver to Disney resorts while you are hanging with Mickey? And most importantly, can you receive the delivery even outside of the hotel?

No worries! I will help you find the right answers to all your queries.

Keep reading to know more.

Ready to start ordering from Instacart?

CLICK HERE to go to the Instacart order page.

Does Instacart bring groceries inside a hotel?

Yes, Instacart does bring groceries inside a hotel.

If you want the shopper to deliver to your room, mention the correct room number and contact details when ordering. It would be helpful if you notify the front desk that you are expecting a delivery.

If you’re not in your room at the shopper’s arrival, the staff will not send the order to your room.

The customer has the advantage of deciding whether he wants Instacart to deliver to the hotel room directly or wants the hotel staff to deliver it to him.

The front desk staff might hold your items until you arrive but will not necessarily store them. So if you order ice cream or anything that spoils quickly, you should be in your room to store it.

Do all hotels allow grocery delivery?

Some hotels do, but not all. Some hotels have partnered with Instacart, Peapod, etc., to deliver essentials to hotel guests. For instance, Disney hotels are partnered with Instacart and Graden Grocer.

However, hotels that offer dining facilities are less likely to allow grocery delivery.

Some hotels partner with grocery delivery services like Instacart for service convenience. Guests can enjoy what they would at home while spending days in a hotel. To order or change your delivery address from your home to the hotel address in the Instacart app, you’ll have to visit their website.

Also, you must add specific delivery instructions (room number, hotel security requirements, etc) to avoid any delays in receiving your order.

Just like home delivery, your shopper will need to reach you in case a substitute item is needed. Remember to give the shopper your room number! A general requirement is that you must be in your room to receive and properly store the items.

It is worth mentioning that some hotels do charge for grocery delivery to guest rooms.

This does not include the Instacart delivery charge. If you have been using Instacart for a while, you might have noticed that the costs fluctuate when you order from different stores.

Check out my recent article on why Instacart charges more than the store. I’ll let you know what stores charge higher markups and why! Just click the link to check it out.

Does Instacart deliver to Disney resorts?

Instacart is one of the top three grocery delivery services at Disney World. Guests can easily enjoy the feeling of being at home by having groceries delivered to them.

A Disney vacation isn’t cheap, especially if you have a large family. Eating every meal at the park can cost a boatload. Ordering groceries through Instacart will save lots of money and time.

But, since the policy update in 2019, you can no longer have items delivered to the room or the front desk. At least not from Instacart or other third party companies.

You must pick up your groceries from outside the resort.

Even though deliveries aren’t allowed inside the resorts, tons of people still use Instacart for their grocery deliveries. It is more time saving compared with Garden Grocer. With Instacart, you can get your order within 1-2 hours.

What is the Disney grocery delivery policy?

As of October 1, 2019, the Disney grocery delivery policy only allows grocery deliveries to your resort from Garden Grocer. It is a longtime partner of Disney, and they do not charge any fee.

Instacart and other 3rd party services can only meet you outside the resort.

Garden Grocer can deliver to the front desk. And there’s no additional charge for Bell Services to take the order to your room or store the items for you.

So to get groceries delivered from Instacart and other third-party companies, you will need to collect them from outside the resort. This change might have occurred because of the high volume of deliveries from grocery delivery services like Instacart. The hotel staff had many items to check, and the risk of spoilage or breakage of items also increased.

Before the implementation of the new policy, Bell Services would hold your items or take them to your room. They would usually charge $6 for delivery to your room. This is no longer the case. With any third party delivery service, you’ll need to arrange for your items to be delivered, pick them up and store them in your room.

Overall the new policy takes away some of the convenience of grocery delivery, but ordering through Instacart is still a great idea.

Can I receive Instacart deliveries outside of my hotel?

Yes, you can receive delivery outside of your hotel.

Although Instacart can deliver to a hotel room, some hotels do not allow this. In such a situation you’ll have to pick the order from outside the hotel. It is no different from a curbside delivery at home. Even though it might not be convenient, it will save you money.

Remember to tip your shopper even though you meet them at the curb.

Not sure how to tip your shopper? Here’s my recent article on how much you should tip a shopper. I have tried to cover all you need to know about Instacart Pickup, why you must tip, and how much the delivery costs.

Just click the link to find out more!

Final thoughts

In this article, you learned that having groceries delivered to your hotel is indeed possible and, above all, very satisfying. But you have to be available in the room to receive the order.

Furthermore, we got to know that Instacart can deliver to a hotel room directly or meet you outside the resort, depending on the resort policies.

You also learned that Disney’s grocery delivery policy restricts Instacart from delivery inside the resorts. Not all hotels get your orders to your room, but for the ones that do, you must expect a charge for their service. Besides, curbside delivery is a good option if your hotel does not allow grocery delivery.

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 Instacart Shoppers Go to Costco?

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Being an Instacart Shopper is one of the most challenging and responsible jobs. Instacart works with Costco. But of course, normally you have to have a membership to shop there. So, can Instacart Shoppers go to Costco?

Yes, Instacart Shoppers can go into Costco. They do need to wear an Instacart uniform or have the Instacart lanyard. Shoppers can also show their Instacart profile via a smartphone to identify themselves. They cannot, however, shop for themselves unless they have their own Costco membership.

I am quite aware of the online grocery delivery space, seeing as I spent twenty years as a general manager at Whole Foods.

I’ll share a few that relate to Instacart shoppers and Costco. Do Instacart shoppers have to wait in the cash register lines at Costco? And can non-members can buy from Costco through Instacart? And what if the customer you’re shopping for doesn’t have a Costco membership?

Let’s dive right in to clear all the doubts.

Unhappy working for Instacart? Consider DoorDash!

DoorDash is a great alternative to working for Instacart.

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!

Do Instacart Shoppers have to show ID to enter Costco?

We are now aware that an Instacart Shopper can go to Costco, but how do you enter the store?

Since you’ll be going into the store as a representative of Instacart, it makes sense that you’ll need a valid means of identifying yourself. If you are wearing your Instacart uniform or have the lanyard, you don’t need to show an ID.

You could also use your Instacart profile via a smartphone to identify yourself.

Do Instacart Shoppers always need to be attired in a uniform and have a lanyard? No. Your actual ID or a scannable copy that has your picture will suffice.

Now, let’s check out if you’ll have to join the queue to shop at Costco?  

Do Instacart Shoppers have to wait in line at Costco?

As I have mentioned before, Instacart and Costco are partners.

As such, they are interested in what’s of mutual benefit. Think about it. If you owned a warehouse club, wouldn’t you love to have a partner who can help facilitate sales and delivery? In my recent article, I explained in some detail how Instacart works.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

It would be grossly inefficient if Instacart shoppers have to wait in line (just like everybody). After all, they always have deadlines to meet. You’ve probably seen the adverts that promise that groceries will be delivered in two hours.

So, Instacart shoppers don’t have to wait in line.

Some Costco locations give preference to Instacart shoppers (and, not to the detriment of the other general shoppers).

In some cases, they’re allowed to come in hours earlier before the Costco opens its doors to the general public, and a few hours after it’s closed to the public.

In some cases, there’s a dedicated staging area for Instacart shoppers, and they can go in and out of Costco through another door.

Can an Instacart Shopper buy items for themselves at Costco?

No is the short answer.

Not unless you have your own Costco membership already. If you’re thinking you could just buy a few things while you’re there doing a shop for a customer, think again.

When Instacart Shoppers check out, they pull up a scannable membership card for the customer being shopped for. The order gets charged to that account. Or it gets charged to Instacart’s Costco account if the customer doesn’t have a Costco membership.

But either way, a Costco account is necessary to make a purchase. Shoppers who try and make a personal purchase would most likely be fired!

Does Instacart mark up prices at Costco?

Yes, it does.

The markup varies between 10% to as high as 23%. In a recent article of mine, I explained in-depth why Instacart charges more. The markups are not applied in all stores.  In the article, I shared other vital info you’ll need to know about how Instacart works.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Are the markups too high? It depends on the individual. In most cases, they’re not. To put things in perspective, you’ll need to estimate how much you think your time’s worth if you were to go to the grocery store (if you’re not an Instacart shopper, just a regular person), go from aisle to aisle, and go back home.

What’s the estimated dollar cost of the time spent?

It also helps to remind oneself that these online grocery delivery services are businesses that employ thousands of people, some full-time, others, part-time. So, the markups are their primary source of revenue.

Another vital thing that’s related to markups is tipping. 

Should you tip Instacart drivers and shoppers? Tipping is a normal part of how business is done. It’s a sign of appreciation, and it’s also a way to encourage others who provide vital services and goods for us.

In another recent article of mine, I shared some info on this issue. How much should you tip? What’s recommended by Instacart? Should you tip in cash? You’ll find the answers to this and others in the article.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Can a customer who isn’t a Costco member buy from Costco through Instacart?

Yes is the short answer.

You don’t need to be a Costco member to be able to buy online via Instacart. But, being a Costco member will, of course, make the cost lower.

So, if you’re not a member, you’ll have to be ready to pay a 5% surcharge to do the shopping.

It’s also important to know that some of Costco’s prices are steep. Some can be 20% higher than what’s ordinarily charged in the stores. So, if you’re wondering if it’s worthwhile, I’ll suggest you make a comparison.

Compare what it’ll cost you to buy straight from the store yourself, to buying through Instacart, alone, to what it’ll cost to buy from Costco through Instacart.

That’s three costs to compare.

If you’re incredibly price-sensitive, it’s smart to make the comparison. Of course, you’ll have to make an estimate of the cost of driving to a grocery store to do your shopping and of the time involved.

If you’re a very busy person who loves convenience, it makes a lot of sense to use Costco through Instacart. It’s smart to outsource grocery shopping while you focus on the more important stuff. However, you’ll have to be an Instacart user to be able to take advantage of this option.

Before I wrap up, let me share a recent article of mine, where I wrote about Dash Door and Walmart’s alliance. It’s an informative complement to what we’re explored in this article.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Final Thoughts

Online grocery delivery has taken the world by storm. And, it’ll continue to get stronger as AI (artificial intelligence) becomes more powerful.

In the preceding paragraphs, we’ve learned that Instacart shoppers can indeed do their shopping at Costco, they do need IDs and might have to wait in lines but not always.

We also learned that Instacart marks up purchases made at Costco. This is understandable; after all, it’s a business. The markups vary from about 10% to 23%. They don’t charge extra on products bought from stores they’re partners with.

Unhappy working for Instacart? Consider DoorDash!

DoorDash is a great alternative to working for Instacart.

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!

Photos which require attribution:

Costco by Mike Mozart is licensed under CC2.0

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 Deliver Cigarettes? (No, but one service does!)

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Online grocery delivery has taken the world by storm. Even in the remotest of locations, a lot of things can be ordered from the comfort of one’s home. But what about things like cigarettes? Does Instacart deliver cigarettes?

No. Instacart does not deliver cigarettes. In fact, they don’t currently deliver any tobacco products. However, since they have started delivering other restricted and regulated products such as alcohol, that could change in the future.

But, sit a spell with me, and I’ll tell you why, and I’ll also tell you about other options for buying cigarettes online. What about platforms like Doordash and Ubereats? Do you know if it is even legal to deliver cigarettes? We are going to find that out in this article.

Ever wondered why different cigarette packages come in different colors?

Click here to read my complete guide to cigarette package colors and what they mean. I even get into how to compare the colors of 1 brand to another, and the 1 exception when it comes to color packaging and different brands.

Ready to start ordering from Instacart?

CLICK HERE to go to the Instacart order page.

Will Instacart deliver cigarettes?

The short answer is no.

I spent 20 years working as a general manager at Whole Foods. So I know a thing or two about the grocery business, although it’s true that for the most part, Whole Foods Market never sold cigarettes.

Instacart is an app that allows you to order from pharmacies, specialty stores, and grocery stores. It has shoppers who pick the items and deliver the same to you. You can even order ahead or have them delivered to you hours after you’ve placed your order.

For now, cigarettes are not delivered via the Instacart platform. This is not meant to punish cigarette smokers in any way. There are a few other items, such as alcohol, that they didn’t use to deliver either. But now they do deliver alcohol in 14 states, so tobacco products could be next!

Which states do they deliver alcohol for?

I’m glad you asked. Actually I break down all 14 states, including limitations, restrictions, and if liquor is included, in this recent article.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Okay. No cigs. What else won’t Instacart deliver?

Instacart’s website shows they don’t deliver the following items:

  • Live animals, including feeder animals for pets
  • Appliances
  • Electronics and electronic peripherals
  • Furniture
  • Non-alcoholic age-restricted products like tobacco and over-the-counter items containing nicotine
  • Items containing pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, and phenylpropanolamine
  • Holiday trees
  • Currency
  • Photos
  • Lottery Tickets
  • Gift cards

So, which delivery platform can you order cigarettes from? We’ve got you covered below.

Can you order cigarettes on DoorDash or Ubereats?

Yes, you can order cigarettes from DoorDash, but on one condition.

Before the “shopper” hands it over to you, you’ll be required to provide ID that proves that you’re at least 21 years old. And, they’ll take their time to check that it’s indeed your ID and that it is not expired.

But, note that DoorDash does not allow its representatives to deliver 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

I’ve also had people tell me that not every state allows this. So double-check with DoorDash.

As of the time of writing this article, Ubereats does not deliver cigarettes. But they deliver alcohol, subject to certain checks.

If you’re not familiar with DoorDash, you can read a recent article of mine. Just click the link to read it.

As at the time I wrote the article DoorDash delivered in 46 states. I also shared other info, such as how it works with Walmart, the states it’s not operating in, how to get your groceries via their platform, whether you should tip their drivers or not…

Why doesn’t Instacart deliver tobacco products?

As per the law, there are pre-conditions that must be met before a person can order and have cigarettes delivered to them. For Instacart to deliver cigarettes, it’ll have to put in place a mechanism to ensure that these conditions are being met or it may have to face the wrath of the law.

It may be in the process of ensuring that these mechanisms are in place, or it may have decided that it’s not worthwhile to deliver tobacco products.

Apart from a few items, Instacart would deliver most things you need.

It’s a highly reliable platform. Should you tip its shoppers when they provide products to you? This is an issue some people find a tad confusing. This is why in a recent article of mine, I took the time to answer the questions and also shared some vital info you’ll like to know about Instacart. Just click the link to read it on my site.

Does this mean that the delivery of tobacco products is illegal? Let’s check that out in the next section…

Is it legal to deliver cigarettes?

Yes, it is. But some conditions must be met. Vendors are not contravening the laws when they deliver cigarettes, as long as they’re complying with the provisions of the law. For example, cigarettes must not be distributed or sold to minors (under 21 in this case), and the relevant taxes must be paid.

That’s to say, only folks who are 21 and above can buy and have cigarettes delivered to them.

And, before the cigarettes are delivered, the law requires that it’s actually being delivered to someone who’s 21 or above. That implies that the person delivering is required to check and confirm that this is the case.

Cigarettes and some other products are regulated.

So, it’s assumed that those selling and delivering have also complied with the relevant regulations, such as ensuring that the requisite taxes are being paid. As long as they ensure this is being done, it’s legal to deliver cigarettes. There are federal and state laws in this regard. So, it’s helpful also to check the state laws where you reside just to be doubly sure.

Does this mean that you can go ahead and order cigarettes online? And if so, is it cheaper that way compared to the store?

Click here to read my complete breakdown of ordering cigarettes online. I get into how to do it, if it’s cheaper, and which websites to go to.

Can we order cigarettes online?

Yes, you can. There are still many stores that sell cigarettes online. So many of them. All you need to do is simply Google it so that you can be sure that the stores can deliver to you.

The law does not prohibit the sale of cigarettes.

It merely restricts defines the age-group it can be sold to. It helps to see what precisely the Food and Drug Administration wrote. On its website, you’ll find:

“It is now illegal for a retailer to sell any tobacco product — including cigarettes, cigars, and e-cigarettes — to anyone under 21. FDA will provide additional details on this issue as they become available.”

You can see that the main requirement relates to the buyer’s age. As long as the buyer is 21 and above, they can order cigarettes online.

Final Thoughts

In the preceding paragraphs, I shared what the laws say about the sale, ordering, and delivery of cigarettes online. The law is not against the sale of cigarettes per se.

It only seeks to prevent its sale to minors (now defined as anyone below 21) and to prevent tax evasion on the product. The bottom line is that it is not prohibited to sell cigarettes online but an order is supposed to be followed.

There’s something you ought to know about Instacart, which I covered in detail in a recent article of mine. Just click the link to read it.

So, just to remind you: You can order cigarettes from DashDoor and many other stores, but Instacart and Ubereats do not deliver cigarettes.

Ready to start ordering from Instacart?

CLICK HERE to go to the Instacart order page.

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.

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 Instacart Shoppers Rate Customers? (Yes, and no)

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Being a Shopper for Instacart or any other grocery delivery service has its pros and cons. The flexibility to work when and where you want is great. But one bad customer can sour that quickly. So both Shoppers and customers sometimes wonder can Instacart shoppers rate customers?

Can Instacart Shoppers rate customers? No. Instacart does not have an official rating system to allow their contracted employee Shoppers to rate customers. However, Instacart Shoppers can choose what customers and orders they want to take. They can also decline orders with a low tip. 

Ultimately, though nothing is preventing an Instacart shopper from keeping track of both great or terrible customers. They just can’t place their opinions about that customer in the Instacart system.

But they can track that information personally and then use it to accept or decline future orders. So a friendly customer who tips 20% will almost assuredly have that Shopper wanting to work with them again.

But the jerk who complains about everything lives up 3 flights of stairs who tips 3% might very well find themselves with no Instacart Shoppers willing to continue delivering to them.

But let’s dig in a little deeper and see exactly what Shoppers and customers alike can do to help each other make this more of a win-win.

Ready to apply with Instacart and see how much you could make?

CLICK HERE to fill out your application now on the Instacart website!

Do customers get rated on Instacart?

While there is no official way to rate a customer, shoppers have the right to identify good and bad customers from previous experiences.

Based on how frequent you deliver to a customer in your area, it should be reasonably easy for Instacart shoppers to rate the customers. While you’re likely going to remember the customer name of someone exceptionally awesome or outstandingly rude, a simple notepad app can help you keep track of them too.

Then, as I noted above, Instacart Shoppers do have the right to say yes or no to any order or any customer.

Since many customers place a tip directly in the app, Shoppers can also see the tip involved for an order and could also accept or decline an order based on a low or great tip also.

Can Instacart Shoppers choose what orders or customers they take?

Yes, is the short answer.

It would be unfair to pay a $3.50 tip to a Shopper who spent 45 minutes at the grocery store. If a customer lives five miles or more from the grocery store and only wants $70 worth of groceries, shoppers might feel it will not be worth the effort if the tip is only 5%.

Shoppers have up to 30 seconds to decide if they want to accept or decline any order. The Instacart agreement clearly states that a Shopper is free to do so.

Orders are not only declined for low tips but also tips that seem too good to be true.

Tip baiting is when customers place great tips in the Instacart app to attract a shopper. After delivery, the customer reduces the tip or eradicates it. What makes it more frustrating for Shoppers is that before June 2020, there was no minimum tip required.

There was a “none” option for giving tips. Instacart has since removed that option.

Want to know more about tipping a shopper? Here’s my recent article on how much it is reasonable to tip your shopper and why. I will also cover how you can tilt your shopper in the app if you want them to leave the delivery at the door.

Just click that link to read it on my site.

Instacart has recently addressed the tip baiting, and they finalize the tips within 24 hours instead of three days. Three days to decide on a tip was ridiculous anyway.

They need a minimum of a 5% tip to confirm the order and proceed further. The Instacart algorithm does penalize Shoppers for turning down a request, though. Shoppers sometimes have to wait up to an hour for a new job to be available if they decline one.

Ultimately, This can cause them to have fewer hours than agreed on or prematurely end their shift.

Can an Instacart Shopper complain about you?

Shoppers can complain about customers. But that doesn’t always mean Instacart is going to take action.

If a customer is extremely rude to a Shopper, then that warrants a complaint. Shoppers have families and are risking themselves to provide great convenience. They should not be forced to tolerate rudeness or harassment from customers.

But a gruff customer is not the same thing as one who harasses or misleads an Instacart Shopper.

Customers, who lie about missing items or falsely accuses you of stealing, will be reported. If a Shopper is a victim of tip baiting, then they have the right to refuse any other orders from that customer.

Instacart Shoppers should also provide feedback to Instacart Support, so they are aware of the fraud.

Low tips, however, are not valid for complaints. A customer has to pay a minimum of 5% of the total cost of their order. Customers who feel they weren’t satisfied with a shopper can decide to pay that 5% and no more.

Sometimes, the customers might not pay the Shopper more than the 5% if they weren’t satisfied with a substitute item or items were damaged. 

As a customer, you know Instacart markups can be very high, depending on the store.

$80 worth of groceries can easily cost you well over $100 when all the taxes and fees are added. Here’s my recent article on why Instacart charges more than the store.

What really surprised me was which stores Instacart marks up by 25% compared to others. Just click that link to read it on my site.

What happens when an Instacart Shopper complains about you?

If there are constant, valid complaints about a customer, their account are flagged. If fraud such as tip baiting has occurred, then shoppers can submit a ticket to close the customer’s account. A representative would file another ticket to review later.

Actions are taken depending on what the offense is. Keep reading to get the details!

A customer can open another account, but using the same credentials will immediately send a red flag to Instacart. To avoid losing the convenience of Instacart, customers must be fair to Shoppers. 

For Instacart Support to take any action, the shopper’s complaint must be valid.

The Shoppers must have proof like the receipts to show that all items requested were purchased. False claims against customers can have a Shopper’s account deactivated as well.

Can customers get banned from Instacart?

Yes is the short answer.

As a customer whose house or apartment is a health hazard to the Shopper, you can be blocked. Or, as we’ve discussed above, any activity from the customer that is intentionally deceptive or fraudulent could lead to a ban.

If the shopper feels harassed by the customer, he has the authority to request and block the customer.

In a Medium post, Instacart stated that customers who regularly deceive shoppers with tip baiting would be banned from the platform.

Got banned from using Instacart delivery?

If so, try Instacart Pickup. Although depending on your offense you may need to use a different email address. Not sure how to go about it? Check out my recent article for details on this. This is a great way to use e-coupons, and I’ll show you how!

Just click that link to read it on my site

Final Thoughts

In this article, you learned that Instacart shoppers couldn’t rate customers in the app, but they can decline any order they think is unreasonable.

If you’re a customer who has been paying only the 5% tip, you might want to consider adding a little more on delivery. Most Instacart Shoppers put in a lot of effort to provide you the best services.

And tips provide them with a huge chunk of their income.

I also talked about how and why can shoppers complain about a customer. You learned that tip baiting could get you blocked permanently from the service. As a customer, you should be fair when deciding on the tip. Consider the hassle the shopper will go through on your behalf.

Remember, you can always use Instacart Pickup if delivery is unsafe or unavailable in your area!

Walmart is among America’s cheapest grocery stores, but when using Instacart to do their delivery, the total cost becomes a little expensive. Depending on your area, you might have the option to save loads more with another grocery delivery service. Check out my recent article on Walmart deliveries through DoorDash.

The article is a must-read if you want to save money!

Ready to apply with Instacart and see how much you could make?

CLICK HERE to fill out your application now on the Instacart 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 Instacart Deliver Ice Cream? (Yes, but it could arrive melted)

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Instacart is the #1 grocery store delivery company. The service is convenient and affordable, as they all kinds of groceries to your doorstep. But as a new customer, you might be wondering can Instacart deliver ice cream.

Yes, Instacart does deliver ice cream in addition to all other types of frozen and refrigerated food items. You can find a variety of brands and flavors on the Instacart app or choose a specific one from your favorite grocer. To prevent melting, Instacart uses coolers and insulated bags. 

But despite their efforts, there are chances that the ice cream may still melt. So will that count as a damaged product and will you get a refund for this?

Keep reading to know more about this, and I’ll also compare Instacart with its counterparts.

Just keep reading!

Ready to start ordering from Instacart?

CLICK HERE to go to the Instacart order page.

Can you get ice cream delivered?

Yes is the short answer.

If you live 5 miles from the store, getting ice cream delivered is probably not the best idea. Standard Instacart deliveries take more than an hour, so consider that before ordering.

Your shopper might take a while to find your items, but this isn’t a big concern. Instacart has a nifty feature in the app that lets you prioritize items. You can always make your shopper know to get the ice cream last, and maybe you won’t get ice cream ‘soup.’

However, if your shopper has more than one order to deliver, your ice cream could stay out longer. And while they do use coolers and insulated bags to help protect perishable items, these aren’t the same as your grocer’s freezer.

So melted ice cream is possible from Instacart.

Does ice cream melt with Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Instacart delivery?

After comparing these three delivery services, my conclusion is that there’s a high chance that your ice cream will melt. But before you panic, they do try their best to deliver items in good condition. Let’s take a look at them separately.

DoorDash has partnered with a few well-known brands like Baskin Robbins and Dairy Queen.

The downside is that the shopper might have to wait on the order and then wait at other restaurants if you ordered more items. You also can’t order whipped cream on anything as it tends to melt fast.

A common question is if DoorDash delivers for Walmart.

The short answer is yes, but check out my recent article to know all the details. It covers all the benefits of using DoorDash to shop at Walmart.

Go check it out. It has lots of perks! Just click that link to read it on my site.

Uber Eats has ‘stashes’ of ice cream at gas stations and local convenience stores. This way, they can choose the stores closer to you, lowering the chance of melting.

The only downside is that this may not be available in every state. So, you must check their website for eligible deliveries. Uber Eats also has a large variety of restaurant partners, and they all provide insulated bags to keep items hot or cold.

Instacart also shares the above similarities, so it all depends on how far the shopper has to travel with the ice cream. But how many other deliveries they are making at the same time is a factor also.

Does Instacart use coolers & how do they keep food cold?

Yes. Instacart uses coolers. My research shows that Instacart places great emphasis on food safety. Let’s take a look at their food storage requirements below.

An essential requirement for Instacart Shoppers (their contracted employees) is to have an insulated bag.

Shoppers also use ice and frozen gel packs, depending on the required temperature for transportation. They are required to complete and pass a food safety test on their app.

They even get a badge, and this proves they are well educated on proper food storage. With several years of working in the food services industry, I understand the importance of this and appreciate the effort.

However, it’s worth noting that unlike a professional delivery service with branded delivery trucks, Instacart relies on the so-called gig economy.

This means that Instacart’s contracted employees simply drive their own vehicles. No one will have an actual refrigerated or frozen cooler in their vehicle the same way big delivery companies do in their trucks.

Don’t want to risk melted ice cream delivered to you and hour or more after you wanted it?

Don’t sweat it. You can still use Instacart to get ice cream without having to walk into a store! In my recent article on Instacart Pickup, I get into everything from finding available stores to e-coupons. But I also spell out exactly how the pickup process works.

Just click that link to read it on my site.

How much is an Instacart delivery?

Delivery charges may change depending on your state. Some Instacart stores have markups, and others don’t, so this does affect your overall cost.

Once you spend more than $35 and choose their regular delivery option, the fee will be $5.99. For delivery in an hour or less, the fee is $7.99.

If you are using the service often or have a family of 3 or more, I recommend getting the express membership for $149. The benefits are free delivery over $35, and you pay no extra fees while shopping from numerous stores.

Another thing worth mentioning is that there is a service fee listed on the website.

It is not a tip for your shopper. Instacart states it helps to operate the service. Tipping is different and 100% of the tip goes to the Instacart Shopper who delivers your order. And you can do it right from the app, although, there’s nothing wrong with giving them cash also.

But how much should you tip an Instacart Shopper who delivers your order?

They did save you gas, time, and money, right? Not to mention communicating with you regularly if your chosen items aren’t available. Here’s my recent article on tipping your Instacart shopper.

It has all you need to know about how much is fair to give and why. It also has information on how you can use the Instacart app to tip your shopper.

Just click that link to read it on my site.

Can you get refunded from Instacart if your ice cream is melted?

Yes, you can. Whether the food is spoiled, damaged, or otherwise unusable, Instacart will refund you.

This also applies to the missing items you were charged for. You’ll need to request a refund within seven days of delivery.

Let’s talk about how to get your money back. There are two ways to go about it. One, you can tell your shopper at the time of delivery to refund your Instacart account with credit.

This will go towards your next purchase.

If you use their service often, it shouldn’t be a problem. Simply give the shopper the melted ice cream to keep or toss. This saves you the time to contact the support team yourself. Be sure to follow up with them, though.

The other option is to have the money refunded to your bank.

The Instacart app has a great feature that allows you to give feedback on your order. You can then send a picture of the melted ice cream to them via email. The processing is prompt, but it can take up to two weeks to receive the money, depending on your bank.

Final Thoughts

Instacart saves you the hassle of going into the store and waiting in long queues for your favorite dessert.

Especially with so many people staying home with their families now, it provides great convenience. But apart from this information, you also learned what they charge and the benefits of their premium membership.

Also, they take good care of storage methods and try to prevent your ice cream from melting. I also compared their ice cream delivery to DoorDash and Uber Eats and went into detail on each of them.

I also looked at their refund policy and saw where you could add the money to your bank account or Instacart account.

But if you live close to the store, remember that sometimes Instacart marks up prices as much as 25%!

Sometimes it’s worth the convenience to pay a little more. But before you decide to sign up on Instacart, check out my recent article on Instacart versus store charges.

It covers which stores don’t have Instacart markups and which ones have high markups. It also has information on Instacart’s pickup charge if you don’t want your items delivered.

Just click that link to read it on my site.

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 Take EBT? (Yes, at select retailers)

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On a reduced or limited income, times can be tough without the support of SNAP and EBT cards. But home grocery delivery or pickup is often seen as a premium service. So Does Instacart take EBT?

Instacart does take EBT cards and SNAP benefits at Aldi, Food Lion, and Publix stores in select states. Simply add the valid EBT card information at checkout on Instacart.

But Instacart is not your only option, and EBT is not all about limitations. Therefore there’s much more you need to know about using government assistance with online grocery delivery services.

Keep reading to know more!

Ready to start ordering from Instacart?

CLICK HERE to go to the Instacart order page.

And before we dive in, I think it’s important to clarify some of the terms as things like food stamps, “government benefits” SNAP, and other terms often get thrown around interchangeably.

So the main terms are:

  • Food stamps – Another (older) term for The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) which provides money for groceries to lower-income families
  • SNAP benefits – The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) which provides money for groceries to lower-income families
  • EBT – A SNAP electronic payment system used by all SNAP beneficiaries. All other forms of food stamps were eliminated in 2004.
  • WIC – Similar, but different than SNAP. WIC stands for The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, providing food benefits to lower-income pregnant women, women who recently had a baby, breastfeeding women, and woman with infants and children up to age 5. (source)

Can I buy food online with EBT?

Online grocery shopping has taken off in the last few years.

Until recently, this time-saving option has not been available to folks that use EBT/SNAP benefits to purchase their groceries.

Fortunately, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the federal agency that oversees the SNAP program launched the EBT Online Purchasing Pilot. This pilot program allows states to add online purchasing as an option for EBT cardholders.

Amazon and Walmart accept EBT payment online from just about every state. source

However, there are some rules when it comes to paying with EBT online. You can only purchase EBT eligible items. You can’t pay delivery fees, tips, or other associated charges with SNAP benefits. Those extra charges will have to be paid for with a different form of payment.

Unfortunately, Instacart recently joined the program, but currently only accept it at Aldi in select states.

If you are still interested in how Instacart pickup works, check out my recent article I get into all the details of how it works, how much to tip, and how quickly you can expect your groceries to be ready.

Just click that link to read it on my site.

Can you use EBT for Aldi delivery?

Yes. Aldi will accept EBT payment through Instacart in select states. As The Instacart website does not note those states, check with Instacart or Aldi in your area to verify.

Like Walmart, Aldi uses Instacart for its delivery service. Thankfully, Instacart just joined the USDA pilot program that allows online purchasing for EBT customers.

So in many locations, you can now use your EBT card at Aldi through Instacart.

Ordering groceries to be delivered via Instacart is easy to do through the website or the mobile app. You’ll input some personal information, such as your zip code, to show which stores are available in your area. Instacart doesn’t work with every store, so just select the store that shows up on your app or the website.

Once you’ve picked your store, load up your virtual cart to place an order. In most cases, your Instacart order can be delivered within an hour.

Once the driver brings your groceries, and the transaction is complete, don’t forget to tip your driver.

Not sure how much to tip? Just read this recent article where I talk about how and how much you should tip your driver, especially if you plan to do it through the app itself instead of with cash.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Can you use EBT for Walmart’s delivery?

Walmart’s grocery delivery using EBT is currently available only in New York State.

However, you may be able to use EBT/SNAP for Walmart Grocery Pickup, depending on the state you live in.

Just order your groceries at walmart.com or through the Walmart mobile app. Put all of your groceries in the cart and select the time you want to pick up your groceries.

During checkout, select the EBT Card as your payment method. When you pick up your groceries, the Walmart associate will be able to swipe your card at the pickup.

When you get to Walmart to pick up your groceries, the associate will know that you are paying with EBT. Any items that are not eligible for EBT can be paid for with another payment method like credit or debit.

While it’s not as convenient as having your groceries delivered, it will be much more comfortable for whoever may be driving you to the store. They won’t have to wait an hour or so while you do your shopping. And you won’t feel like you’re putting someone out so much.

However, using your EBT/SNAP benefits for pickup is not available in every state.

Currently, only the following are the states that offer the benefit:

  • Arkansas
  • Alaska
  • Kansas
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Mississippi
  • Montana
  • North Dakota
  • South Carolina
  • Utah 

source

I know that this information conflicts with the information above.

My best advice is just to try it out. Perhaps Walmart hasn’t updated their website yet. Put a few items in your cart and act like you are going to check out. See if the app or website gives you the option to pay with EBT.

It’s possible that the USDA has permitted other states, and it just hasn’t been implemented yet.

Can EBT be used on Amazon?

Maybe is the short answer.

Customers in “select states” can use SNAP EBT on Amazon groceries, Amazon Pantry, and Amazon Fresh. In fact, not only can you use EBT, but as an EBT cardholder, you can get a discount on Amazon Prime.

To use your EBT card on Amazon, you first need to register your card using this link.

Just follow the instructions on the screen. If you are not already an Amazon customer, you’ll need to create an account. Once you have created your account, you’ll enter your zip code and SNAP EBT cart information.

You can also add your EBT card during checkout as well.

In many states, you won’t need to have an Amazon Prime membership to shop Amazon Fresh with your EBT card. But as Amazon states, “Amazon accepts SNAP EBT in all states except: Alaska, Arkansas, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine and Montana. See FAQ for more information.”

The good news is that Amazon offers a 50% discount on Amazon Prime for EBT and Medicaid cardholders.

Shopping Amazon with EBT is probably a better deal than shopping with Instacart anyway, as Instacart’s prices are an average of 15% more than at the grocery store. This can add up if you have a lot of mouths to feed.

Just read this recent article to learn more about Instacart’s pricing. Just click the link to read it on my site.

Does DoorDash accept EBT?

If you want to have groceries delivered from Walmart, using DoorDash may be an option.

DoorDash delivers for Walmart in 46 states, and they do not charge higher than store prices. Walmart recommends not tipping drivers.

I wrote this recent article about how DoorDash works with Walmart delivery.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Unfortunately, DoorDash does not accept EBT as payment. DoorDash typically delivers food for restaurants, and you can’t use EBT to purchase hot, prepared foods. They are simply not a part of the USDA pilot program.

Final Thoughts

So now you know that Instacart doesn’t accept EBT for its delivery or pickup services except at select Aldi locations. You can also not use your EBT with DoorDash.

However, there are still many options out there for delivery and pickup services if you are using EBT for payment. For instance, Amazon and Walmart grocery pickup. You may even get a discount on an Amazon Prime membership with an EBT card.

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.

How Does Instacart Pickup Work? (What you need to know!)

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Whether because they’re homebound, or just too busy to hit the grocery store, more and more people are turning to Instacart for grocery delivery or pickup. But if you’ve never used them, you’re probably wondering how does Instacart work?

Instacart Pickup allows you to order your groceries online on their website and set a time to pick them up at the grocery store you select. Instacart also has e-coupons you can apply to your order. Just set a time to pick up your order and you’ll receive a notification when it’s ready.

But there’s a lot more to know about grocery home delivery or pickup, including how far in advance you need to schedule and whether you should tip the Instacart employees.

So let’s keep going!

Grocery shopping can really be a hassle, especially if you have kids that need to come along. You can save yourself a lot of stress and hassle just by ordering your groceries. Instacart will deliver them to you or have them ready for you to pick up when you’re ready.

It can feel like a weight has been lifted when your grocery shopping is done for you.

But how does it work? Does Instacart charge for pickup and delivery? Should you tip the pickup person?

I’ll answer those questions and more.

Just keep reading!

Ready to start ordering from Instacart?

CLICK HERE to go to the Instacart order page.

How do you pick up orders on Instacart?

Instacart isn’t available in every area for delivery. However, Instacart Pickup may be an option for you.

Instacart Pickup allows you to order your groceries online and set a time to pick them up. Just go to the store when you are ready to get your groceries.

When you start looking for a grocer to order groceries from for pickup, you’ll search by zip code. From there, you’ll see a list of available grocers. Just pick your store and start shopping!

Instacart has e-coupons they can apply to your order and you can shop sales, too. Once you’ve filled your cart, select the time you want to pick up your order and submit payment.

When your order is ready for pickup, you’ll get a notification with directions for where and how to pick up your groceries.

The best way to stay in the loop about the progress of your order is to download the app to your phone.

This will also make it easier for you to notify your shopper when you are on the way to pick up your order and then when you arrive. This makes picking up your groceries quick and simple.

Depending on the store, you will either wait in your car for Instacart to bring it to you, or you will go inside to pick it up. Many stores have designated parking spaces for you to wait.

Make sure you pay attention to the text or push notification you get from Instacart for instructions on how to retrieve your groceries.

How much is Instacart?

Yes. Instacart charges for both pickup and delivery. But how much does Instacart cost?

Instacart charges a 5% fee. But they sometimes charge higher prices on the food items too. You may also be charged more for peak times or rush delivery.  However, Instacart Express customers always get free pick up or delivery with orders of $35 or more.

So if you can pick up your order at an off-peak time, you’ll save a little bit of money.

You may also get charged more if you want to pick up your order sooner rather than later. Just like with the delivery service. When getting groceries delivered, they will charge more to have groceries delivered in an hour. They charge less if you pick a delivery window that is more than an hour out.

However, Instacart Express customers always get free pickup with orders of $35 or more.

Instacart Express is Instacart’s membership program. It’ll cost you $99 per year or $9.99 per month. These rates are subject to change, and may even vary by location. Go to https://www.instacart.com/store/express to see what the rates are in your area.

$99 per year tacked on to your grocery bill can really be a lot, especially if you don’t use the service often. So, if you are going to pay for it, you should consider using the service consistently.

Sometimes you can find discounts for the service, too. Sign up for their mailing list or check out Groupon to see if you can get the membership for a lower rate.

Do you tip the grocery pick-up person?

Yes.

Instacart shoppers are providing a service. They are making your life easier and saving you hours of shopping time. Certainly, that is worth something to you.

Like many other folks in the service industry, a large amount of their pay comes from tips.

Instacart shoppers make sure that the produce is fresh, search for the best expiration dates, and make sure you get the best deals.

They shop just like you would, so they really earn that tip!

Instacart recommends tipping drivers 5% when they deliver your groceries. But in some cases, you may want to tip a lot more than that. Luckily, I go into much greater detail on Instacart tipping in a recent article.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Not only are they doing the shopping, but they are bringing you your groceries. In certain areas, they can even bring them to you in an hour or less!

Do groceries cost more with Instacart?

It depends.

Instacart charges more for certain stores, but sometimes there isn’t any added markup fee at all. It depends on which store you’re shopping at.

There was a recent outrage because customers found out that the average markup is just that: an average. Instacart holds the right to raise prices higher than the quoted percentage.

Keep in mind that it doesn’t affect all stores. However, it’s still something to remember when you’re considering using the service to replace your shopping altogether.

The best way to know whether or not you’ll be charged more at a specific store is by reviewing Instacart’s pricing information page.

According to that page, it’s the retailers themselves that set the prices charged through Instacart.

Don’t let the potentially higher prices steer you away from the app, though. Instacart is a thriving business for many reasons.

The convenience value alone is enough to make the markups well worth using the service. There’s certainly a line where it’s probably a better idea to do your own shopping. Still, it all depends on the markup percentage.

In some cases though, Instacart charges up to 25% more than the store!!

To read more about Instacart’s pricing, and see what stores have that kind of mark up, check out my recent article. I get into all the details on how to figure out which stores will charge you more through Instacart and which won’t.

What stores does Instacart go to?

This really depends on your location.

Instacart serves zip codes all around the country and is one of the most widely available grocery delivery and pickup options.

You can check Instacart’s website to see if they’re available in your area. You can even sign up to be notified of any updates if the service isn’t available for your area or your favorite stores.

Instacart works with lots of stores. It works with big chain stores as well as small mom and pop stores. It works with places like CVS and wine shops, too.

However, if you are a Trader Joe’s fan, you’re going to have to go to the store yourself.

Trader Joe’s prides itself on providing value to their customers. Instacart’s pricing was causing Trader Joe’s to pass along unsustainable cost increases to their customers. As a result, they stopped making delivery and pick up available to their customers. (source)

Whole Foods Market also ceased working with Instacart when Amazon bought them. But they now have their own delivery and pick up system. (source)

Final Thoughts

Instacart grocery pickup is a really convenient service. It can save you hours of shopping, especially if you have a larger family.

In this article, I talked about the convenience of Instacart pickup as well as the cost.

I talked about how much Instacart charges for groceries, as well as their fees. I also talked about whether you should tip your shopper and at what stores the Instacart service can be used.

Most importantly, I answered the question: How does Instacart pick-up work.

Do you use Instacart? If not, are you going to start?

Ready to start ordering from Instacart?

CLICK HERE to go to the Instacart order page.

Photos which require attribution:

Instacart_PwG_anim_02 by 姿穎 呂 is licensed under Public domain

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.

Why Does Instacart Charge More Than the Store? (or do they?)

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Instacart is a delivery service that makes shopping much easier for people. But some people have noticed that Instacart charges customers more for items than the store does. So I’ve wondered why does Instacart charge more than the store.

Instacart doesn’t always charge more than the store price. Instacart is partnered with a few stores, while others are simply on their list of choices. They charge a higher markup when the customer isn’t going to one of their preferred grocers, but you get regular prices when shopping at a partner store.

If you’re a frequent Instacart user, you might realize that you’re not getting charged more during certain shopping trips compared to others.

Understanding which stores have a price increase and which don’t can be confusing, so let’s dive into the specifics below.

Aside from wondering about whether Instacart is charging you more than if you went to the store, another common question is about tipping.

Ready to start ordering from Instacart?

CLICK HERE to go to the Instacart order page.

Should you tip Instacart drivers? 

The short answer is yes, but the percentage will really surprise you as will whether you should tip in cash or on the app. I cover it all in a recent article. So just click that link to read it on my site.

Does Instacart Charge More Than the Store?

Whether it’s your first time shopping through Instacart or you’ve used it many times before, you’re probably curious about the supposed price markup.

Instacart chargers more money for certain stores, but sometimes there isn’t any added markup fee at all. It depends on which stores you’re shopping at around town.

There was a recent outrage because customers found out that the average markup is just that: an average. Instacart holds the right to raise prices higher than the quoted percentage.

Keep in mind that it doesn’t affect all stores. However, it’s still something to remember when you’re considering using the service to replace your shopping altogether.

The best way to know whether or not you’ll be charged more at a specific store is by reviewing Instacart’s pricing information page.

According to that page, it’s the retailers themselves that set the prices charged through Instacart.

Don’t let the potentially higher prices steer you away from the app, though. Instacart is a thriving business for many reasons.

The convenience value alone is enough to make the markups well worth staying home. There’s certainly a line where it’s probably a better idea to go out instead. Still, it all depends on the markup percentage.

How much more does Instacart charge?

Instacart’s co-founder came out with a statement mentioning that they charge an average of 15% more money on stores that have a markup. Small purchases don’t get affected too much; it’s the big buyers who suffer.

A quick calculation shows us that what would normally be $50 at the store becomes $57.50 through Instacart (before the added fees).

It’s not too bad until you see that a $200 purchase is now $230 plus fees. Customers who intend to make big trips through Instacart might be worried about going to stores with such a big markup.

Supermarket News mentions that a shopper recently went to several major cities to test out the quoted average of Instacart.

The results were disappointing. They found that the 15% average quote actually came out to a whopping 23% across the multitude of stores that the shopper bought from through Instacart.

Another point to mention is that the markup is an average, which means that some of the stores have the full 15% tacked onto the final price tag.

The problem is that you often won’t know until you’ve already paid. In the end, it’s up to you to decide if the ability to stay at home and have someone else shop for you is worth the hidden fees and markups.

Even though you’re paying an average of 15% more at certain stores, some of them charge well over $100 on annual membership fees. You get to leave those costly membership fees behind by using Instacart.

Note: You’re not forced to buy through those specific shops in the first place. Instacart simply adds the markup to promote their partners, all of which you can choose as well.

But which stores do and don’t have a markup from Instacart?

You’d be surprised to see that even the most common brand names on the list.

It’s also worth noting that while Whole Foods had been an approved Instacart partner after Amazon bought Whole Foods they began to implement a plan to phase out Instacart in favor of their own free Prime delivery.

Here are a few stores that Instacart does NOT raise the prices on:

  • Petco
  • Safeway
  • Kroger
  • Publix

On the other hand, you’ll find that Costco, a brand name giant in the industry, has a significant markup through Instacart.

Does Instacart Mark Up Prices at Costco?

Yes, is the short answer.

As Instacart states, how much more seems to average out around 15%. Some customers have experienced markups as low as 10%, while others complained about the 23% mentioned above.

That being said, it doesn’t seem to have taken much of a toll on Instacart. After all, you don’t need to buy memberships to purchase from stores like Costco anymore if you’re going through Instacart.

Instacart employees already have the memberships purchased. That means you can avoid annual fees and memberships and simply pay for your purchases.

The reason that the Costco markup is so high is still unknown. It’s believed that it has something to do with the fact that the two companies haven’t worked out a deal yet.

Costco makes a lot of its money through customer memberships. When Instacart shops for a customer, Costco loses out on a potential subscription.

The membership fee is thought to be another reason that the markup is so high for Costco, as it tends to sit around $60 to $120 a year per customer.

The markup covers some of the cost of membership. However, the markup profits go to Instacart, not the Instacart employee who has the membership.

Are Aldi Prices Higher on Instacart?

Aldi prices, similarly to Costco prices, are marked up when you shop at Aldi through Instacart.

However, you won’t typically see a large markup. In fact, many of the items are the same price as if you went there yourself.

The Aldi prices through Instacart aren’t always higher than shopping without the delivery service. If you’re worried about whether or not you’ll have to pay more, you can look through your order as you place items into the virtual cart.

To address concerns about over-payment, Instacart finally added a feature that shows whether or not you’re paying more.

The problem is that it won’t tell you that percentage. Instead, they only tell you if the price is the same as the store’s regular price. For prices that aren’t the same, you’d have to do your own calculations to find out.

Certain bulk items and gift cards aren’t available when you shop at Aldi via Instacart. Alcohol is also not able to be delivered in certain states as well.

You’ll receive a notification if an item isn’t eligible for delivery. In most cases, the vast majority of items are fine to purchase through Instacart.

What is the Instacart Pick up Fee?

Instacart also allows you to place your order and pick it up curbside at eligible stores.

If you’re a premium member, you don’t have to pay any additional fees. However, non-members must pay an average of $4.99.

The pickup fee can change from store to store, so make sure you review the details before you place a pickup order.

Want to become an Instacart premium member? That’s an annual fee of $99. So you’d need to use Instacart 20 times over the course of a year to make that worth it. But if you’re doing weekly grocery shopping, that fee will pay for itself in under 6 months.

Final Thoughts

Instacart offers fantastic convenient, but at a price. Check their website to see whether or not you’ll be charged a markup based on the store you’re shopping at.

In this article, we took an in-depth look at how their pricing works. From service fees, membership charges, and preferred partner stores.

But ultimately we answered the question of “Why Does Instacart Charge More Than the Store?” with the answer that they don’t always charge more.

In fact, they only charge more (an average increase of 15%) when you order from one of their non-partner stores.

So, with an average price increase of 15%, you might want to think about trying a partnered grocery retailer like Whole Foods if you’re using Instacart for grocery delivery.

New to Instacart and wondering how Instacart grocery pickup works?

I cover everything you need to know in a recent article.

I break down how to use it, what to expect, how long it takes, and even whether it’s possible to use coupons when you shop using Instacart.

Just click that link to read it on my site.

Of course, the big perk of grocery delivery or pickup is not having to fight the crowds down the aisles at your local grocery store. 

But the biggest plus of not having to go to the store is the constant hassle of stores changing the store layout.

If you’ve ever wondered why grocery stores change the layout, I cover that in detail in a recent article. And the answer isn’t what you probably think.

Just click that link to read it on my site.

Ready to start ordering from Instacart?

CLICK HERE to go to the Instacart order page.

Photo credits which require attribution:

Instacart_PwG_anim_02 by 姿穎 呂 is licensed under Public Domain

Sources:

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.

Should You Tip Instacart Drivers? (yes, here’s how much)

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Instacart operates like ride shares but delivers groceries instead of people. It’s similar to ordering a pizza, which usually requires a tip. If it’s your first time using Instacart, you might be a bit wondering should you tip Instacart drivers?

You should tip Instacart drivers. Instacart recommends 5%, but always tip more for great service. Like many in the service industry, a large amount of their pay comes from tips.

And it’s good to know that 100% of the tip stays with the driver who’s shopping for you.

But there’s more to know about Instacart, tipping drivers, how much to tip, and if there’s also a delivery fee on top of that tip. So let’s keep going!

If you’re not familiar with Instacart, it’s quite a simple process that can make life much easier. The first section is going to break down exactly how you’re supposed to use this stay-at-home shopping experience.

Ready to start ordering from Instacart?

CLICK HERE to go to the Instacart order page.

What is Instacart and How Does it Work?

Instacart works through very much the same as most other delivery services. The thing that makes it so special is that you can stay right at home and have everything that you want.

Choose the brands that you prefer, look for coupon offers, and pick out from a variety of stores around the country. It’s as good as it gets when you’re not looking forward to going out for yourself.

You can access Instacart through their website or by downloading the app.

You can input personal information, such as your zip code, to show which stores are available in your area. Instacart doesn’t work for every store, only the select amount that shows up on the app or website for your zip code.

Various popular stores such as Safeway, Costco, Petco, and even CVS Pharmacy are just a handful of the options you’ll have through Instacart. Simply choose the store and look through their current promotions to see what’s available. Once you’ve done this, you can start loading up your virtual cart to place an order.

Another reason that so many people love Instacart is that they can have their products delivered within an hour in most cases.

While there might be a few times that take a bit longer, you’ll always be notified about the timeframe. However, you might also have a few shopping experiences that take under an hour, which is always welcome.

Instacart is also unique because they make sure to get food that has the best expiration dates, no damage whatsoever, and the top deals around. You won’t have to worry about receiving cracked eggs or stale chips! They’ll even properly package and carry flowers and other delicate items.

Anything that arrives in an unsatisfactory condition will be dealt with.

Wondering how Instacart grocery pickup works?

After all, Instacart isn’t just for grocery home delivery and sometimes they can get backed up hours, days, or even weeks for delivery! So pick-up can be a great option! Luckily, I cover all you need to know in a recent article.

I break down exactly how to use Instacart, what to expect from the app, how long it takes for your order to be ready, and also whether it’s possible to use coupons when you shop using Instacart.

Just click that link to read it on my site.

What is the Delivery Fee for Instacart?

Instacart has an interesting delivery fee system that lets you choose delivery times by the hour.

Shorter delivery times require a bit more money, but it can be well worth it if you’re in a pinch. After all, it takes about an hour to go to the grocery store anyways. Currently, the prices are set at $7.99 for a one-hour delivery window and $5.99 for anything over two hours. For the price of convenience, some say it can’t be beaten.

Another option is to opt-in for the membership. This membership costs $149 a year currently, but the prices are all subject to change. If you request an order over $35 and you’re part of the membership plan, you can get a two-hour delivery scheduled for free! It also adds a tip onto the ticket automatically for you.

Keep in mind that weighed items, such as produce, can cost different prices per pound. Do your best to request the exact amount of weight that you want for any given item that’s usually weighed at the store.

For example, ask for two pounds of pork chops rather than simply requesting two pork chops. This will get you a much more accurate price estimate that doesn’t deviate much from your budget.

Prices are always changing, so you should check what the delivery fee is before placing your order.

No matter what, it won’t be too high compared to the purchase. Many customers find that they spend less money on the delivery fee than they do on the gas that it takes to get there. The convenience is also a huge benefit as well.

But does Instacart charge you the same price you see on the shelves at your local store?

Not always! Luckily I break down in a recent article the how, when, and why of Instacart pricing. They do charge the same price for some stores. But others get marked up as much as 20% or greater!

Just click that link to read it on my site.

Can Instacart Drivers See the Tip?

When you place a tip for your Instacart driver through the app or their website, you might be curious if they could see it. So, yes, once the groceries are ordered, the driver sees the tip and can even choose whether or not to accept the order based on that.

If they didn’t, you might feel obligated to tell them, so they don’t think that you’re holding back a tip. On the other hand, if the driver does see it and it’s ‘not enough’ or too low in their eyes, then it’s a whole different problem.

Fortunately, you don’t have to worry too much about the right amount to tip them.

Instacart recommends a 5% tip, which is much less than the average 15% restaurant tip. You can add this on virtually to the order for them to receive it instantly once they finish the job. However, 5% should be the bare minimum. Always tip more for great service!

After they’ve delivered your items, the tip shows up, and they’ll get paid.

Do You Tip Instacart in Cash? 

Most people don’t, as Instacart drivers are usually tipped through the virtual process. It calculates the tip for you, but you can also feel free to tip them in cash as well.

If you don’t want to increase the total on your debit card or you have extra money laying around in cash form, you can pay them with cash. Keep in mind that they get 100% of the tip either way.

You won’t have to worry about the company taking some of the profits in any sense. It’s known that certain delivery services split up the tip among all of the drivers and employees to promote fairness.

However, it’s not always a good idea since some employees work harder than others. If you’ve had an exceptional experience with an Instacart driver, you can tip them extra, knowing that it’s all going to them.

So, How Much Do You Tip an Instacart Driver?

Instacart recommends a 5% tip, which is much less than the average 15% restaurant tip. You can add this on virtually to the order for them to receive it instantly once they finish the job.

However, 5% should be the bare minimum. Always tip more for great service!

Instacart pays their drivers an income that depends partially on tips, which means that every little bit counts. If you feel that your driver deserves more than 5%, you’re more than welcome to do so.

In a traditional sense, most delivery or service-related jobs should be given a 15% tip. This isn’t necessary, but it’s certainly helpful. Drivers aren’t paid at an hourly rate. Instead, they’re paid per job.

The number of items in the cart directly impacts how much money they get. This pay rate means that orders with a low number of items could end up costing them more in gas. Unless, of course, you help them out with a good tip.

Instacart drivers not only see the amount that you tip them, but they’ll greatly appreciate it as well. There are people from all walks of life who rely on tips for their income working for the company.

If you’re concerned about how much you should tip, follow these suggestions:

  • Pay at a rate of 5% per tip.
  • Increase the tip up to 15% or more depending on how well the job was done.
  • Feel free to pay them a tip in cash.

Final Thoughts

In this article, we took a quick look at the world of grocery delivery and tipping.

We explored Instacart, how it works, and what the various delivery fees are including tip. While Instacart recommends adding a modest 5% to your order at the time of payment, you’re welcome to tip more and/or tip in cash at the door.

Either way, the driver gets to keep 100% of that tip, which is always appreciated.

Think Instacart just charges you the same price on the shelves at the store?

They don’t always! They do charge the same price for some stores. But others get marked up as much as 20% or greater! Luckily I break it all down in a recent article and show you which stores have deals with Instacart to get you the store price and which stores don’t.

Just click that link to read it on my site.

Ready to start ordering from Instacart?

CLICK HERE to go to the Instacart order page.

Sources

Photos which require attribution:

instacart 3 by Mapbox is licensed under CC2.0

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.