[SC-CSTD] How Is Instacart for Same-Day Grocery Shopping?

Sat Nov 12 13:32:56 UTC 2022

MUO - Feed - Friday, November 11, 2022 at 8:39 AM

How Is Instacart for Same-Day Grocery Shopping?

Instacart is pretty popular for delivering groceries more conveniently. But how does it stack up, especially when you consider delivery?

Food delivery apps like Instacart have gained popularity for their convenience and same day services, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Instacart specializes in bringing groceries and other convenience and retail items straight to your door in as little as an hour from a variety of stores. But is it worth it? And what’s the catch?

What Is Instacart?

Instacart <https://www.instacart.com/store>  is a website and mobile app where you can order groceries and other items for delivery. In most cases, once you submit your order, an Instacart shopper will then drive to the store you ordered from, go around the store and get everything, checkout, and drive it straight to your door.

In some cases, someone at the store will gather and check out your items, and then a driver will pick them up and drop them off. Using the app to order is simple. Here are the basic steps:

1.	Log into the app and choose the store you want to order from on the homepage. 
2.	Search for and select everything you want, tap your Cart, and tap Go to checkout. 
3.	Choose your delivery time, tip, and payment method and tap Continue. 
4.	Choose replacements if prompted. 
5.	Wait to be connected to a shopper. 

Download: Instacart for iOS <https://apps.apple.com/app/instacart-grocery-deliveries/id545599256>  | Android <https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.instacart.client>  (Free, subscription available)

How Is Instacart Different From Other Food Delivery Apps?

Instacart is similar to other popular food delivery apps <https://www.makeuseof.com/best-food-delivery-app/>  you may be familiar with like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Postmates. The main difference is that these other apps are mainly known for delivering food from restaurants, whereas Instacart’s main focus is groceries from a store.

However, there are some unexpected store options on Instacart that aren't groceries like PetSmart and Bath & Body Works, depending on your location. Instacart offers local grocery delivery. This means when you choose a store, you are not choosing a specific store location, just the store in general like "Walmart".

Instacart will often route your order to the nearest location of the store you choose. You cannot order from stores that aren't local, although the exact distance range depends on where you live.

How Long Does Delivery with Instacart Take?

You can get your order on Instacart in as little as 30 minutes, but the time it will take will largely depend on what store you order from, how far your driver will have to drive, and how big your order is.

Ordering a week’s worth of groceries will probably take longer than just a couple of items. Orders usually take an about an hour or two, but this time varies. You can order anytime the store you are ordering from is open.

You can choose to schedule your deliveries for a certain time window up to two weeks in advance with Order Ahead. Instacart also offers a Fast & Flexible delivery option which will connect your order with the first available shopper for faster delivery.

Instacart makes it easy to get the items you want. When your shopper is gathering your items, they must scan each one with their phone to confirm it is the item you ordered. They are also reminded to check expiration dates on items.

If an item you ordered is sold out or unavailable in the store, your shopper is prompted to get a backup item. You can choose the replacement item, or put instructions in your order to not replace an item if it is sold out. Replacements may increase or decrease your total cost, depending on their price.

Instacart recommends you specify your preferred replacement items if you don't want an increased cost. You can also chat with your shopper during your entire order process. They may message you with questions or comments to help you get the best out of your order.

You can add or edit items while you wait for a shopper to accept your order. You will be charged at this point for your order, but your total may update depending on the actual total when the shopper arrives at the register and if you make any edits.

You will be notified when a shopper accepts your order and starts shopping. You can chat with them and get updates as they shop. You will also be notified when they start driving to drop off your order. Shoppers are also required to make sure your groceries are temperature controlled until delivery. Most of them use insulated shopping bags.

There is a contactless delivery option; make sure you choose Leave at door for delivery if you want that option. Otherwise, your shopper will not drop off your order unless they hand it directly to you, to prevent lost or stolen orders. For contactless delivery, shoppers will take a picture of the dropped-off order to show you where it was left. Your items are no longer temperature controlled once they are dropped off.

How Much Does Instacart Cost?

Your total will vary greatly depending on what you ordered, how much you choose to tip, and the distance and time your shopper spends on your order. There is a delivery and service fee that may be different depending on these factors, in addition to your total.

Generally, if you choose a faster delivery time, there may be an additional charge. Delivery and service fees are usually only a few dollars, as shown in the example. The total for the items was $34.76, and the total with fees was $39. This was also because a free delivery offer was redeemed. Coupons and offers like this can often be found on Instacart.

You can also join Instacart+ which is their subscription service for $99 per year. There is a 14-day free trial. Perks include free delivery on some orders, 5% credit back, and lower service fees.

Instacart can be a helpful tool for when you’re too busy to get to the grocery store, don’t feel well, or just don’t feel like shopping! It offers many store options that other apps don’t, and the shoppers are helpful and friendly.

Instacart may be the exact grocery helping hand that you need during a busy week. But there are alternatives, and if you decide to leave Instacart, you'll need to close your account the right way.

https://www.makeuseof.com/sir-how-is-instacart-for-same-day-grocery-shopping/

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