Instacart is a grocery delivery and pickup service that allows customers to shop online for groceries and other household items from a variety of retailers. The service is available in the United States, Canada, and parts of Europe.
To use Instacart, customers create an account on the Instacart website or app and select a retailer from the list of available stores. They can then browse and add items to their virtual cart, choose a delivery or pickup time, and place their order. Instacart uses personal shoppers to fulfill the orders, who go to the store, select the items, and either deliver them to the customer or prepare them for pickup. Customers can also use Instacart to shop from a variety of local and specialty stores, such as farmers markets and liquor stores.
In addition to grocery delivery and pickup, Instacart also offers a subscription service called Instacart Express, which allows customers to place orders with no delivery fees on orders over $35. Instacart also partners with a number of retailers to offer same-day delivery and pickup services for other types of products, such as electronics, home goods, and office supplies.
How Does Instacart Work?
Instacart is an online grocery delivery and pickup service that allows customers to shop for groceries and other household items from a variety of retailers. Here’s how it works:
- Customers create an account on the Instacart website or app and select a retailer from the list of available stores.
- They can then browse and add items to their virtual cart, choose a delivery or pickup time, and place their order.
- Instacart uses personal shoppers to fulfill the orders. These shoppers go to the store, select the items, and either deliver them to the customer or prepare them for pickup.
- Customers can also use Instacart to shop from a variety of local and specialty stores, such as farmers markets and liquor stores.
- In addition to grocery delivery and pickup, Instacart also offers a subscription service called Instacart Express, which allows customers to place orders with no delivery fees on orders over $35.
- Instacart also partners with a number of retailers to offer same-day delivery and pickup services for other types of products, such as electronics, home goods, and office supplies.
To use Instacart, customers simply need to have a device with internet access and a valid payment method. They can place their order through the website or app and track the progress of their order until it is delivered or ready for pickup.
Which Stores Does Instacart Work With?
Instacart works with a wide variety of retailers, including major grocery store chains, specialty stores, and local markets. Some of the retailers that Instacart works with include:
- Albertsons
- Aldi
- BJ’s Wholesale Club
- Costco
- CVS
- Kroger
- Safeway
- Target
- Trader Joe’s
- Whole Foods
Instacart also partners with a number of local and specialty stores, such as farmers markets, liquor stores, and pharmacies. The specific stores that are available through Instacart may vary by location. Customers can check the availability of stores in their area by entering their zip code on the Instacart website or app.
How Much Does Instacart Cost?
The cost of using Instacart depends on a number of factors, including the specific items you order, the retailer you choose, and whether you select delivery or pickup. Instacart charges a delivery fee for each order, which ranges from $3.99 to $9.99 depending on the location and the delivery speed. There may also be a service fee added to the order, which is a percentage of the order total and helps to cover the cost of operating the service.
In addition to the delivery and service fees, customers will also pay the regular price for the items they order, as well as any applicable taxes. Instacart does not mark up the prices of the items it sells, so customers will pay the same price for items as they would if they were to shop in store.
Instacart also offers a subscription service called Instacart Express, which allows customers to place orders with no delivery fees on orders over $35. Instacart Express costs $9.99 per month or $99 per year and also includes discounts on certain items and other benefits.
It’s important to note that Instacart’s fees and prices may vary by location and are subject to change. Customers can check the specific fees and prices for their area by entering their zip code on the Instacart website or app.
What is Instacart+?
Instacart+ is a loyalty program offered by Instacart that provides customers with exclusive discounts, perks, and other benefits when they shop through the service. The program is available to all Instacart customers and is free to join.
Some of the benefits of Instacart+ include:
- Exclusive discounts: Instacart+ members receive exclusive discounts on select items from participating retailers. These discounts can be redeemed when shopping through the Instacart app or website.
- Priority access: Instacart+ members have priority access to certain delivery windows and pickup slots, which may be in high demand during busy times or holidays.
- Early access to new features: Instacart+ members may have early access to new features and functionality that are being tested or rolled out by the company.
- Personalized recommendations: Instacart+ members receive personalized recommendations based on their shopping history and preferences, which can help them discover new products and save time when shopping.
To join Instacart+, customers simply need to have an active Instacart account and opt in to the program through the app or website. The benefits of the program are automatically applied to qualifying orders when shopping through Instacart.
Pros & Cons of Instacart
Here are some pros and cons of using Instacart:
Pros:
- Convenience: Instacart allows customers to shop for groceries and other household items from the comfort of their own home. They can place an order online or through the app and have it delivered or ready for pickup at a time that is convenient for them.
- Wide selection: Instacart works with a variety of retailers, including major grocery store chains, specialty stores, and local markets. This means that customers can shop for a wide range of products and brands through the service.
- Subscription options: Instacart offers a subscription service called Instacart Express, which allows customers to place orders with no delivery fees on orders over $35. This can be a cost-effective option for frequent users of the service.
Cons:
- Delivery fees: Instacart charges a delivery fee for each order, which can add to the overall cost of using the service. The fee may be waived for orders over a certain amount, but this threshold may be higher than what some customers are willing to spend.
- Service fees: Instacart also adds a service fee to each order, which is a percentage of the order total. This fee helps to cover the cost of operating the service, but it can add to the overall cost of using Instacart.
- Limited availability: Instacart is not available in all areas, so customers may not have access to the service depending on where they live.
- Personal shopper error: There is a risk that the personal shopper assigned to fulfill your order may make mistakes or substitutions when selecting your items. This can be frustrating for customers who are particular about the items they want or who have specific dietary needs.
Who is Instacart for?
Instacart is a grocery delivery and pickup service that is designed to make it easy and convenient for people to shop for groceries and other household items. It is particularly well-suited for people who:
- Don’t have the time or ability to go to the store in person
- Live in areas that don’t have convenient access to a grocery store
- Have mobility issues or disabilities that make it difficult to shop in person
- Prefer the convenience of shopping online
Instacart is also a good option for people who want to shop from a variety of retailers, including major grocery store chains, specialty stores, and local markets. The service offers a wide selection of products and brands, and customers can choose from a variety of delivery and pickup options to suit their needs.
Overall, Instacart is a useful service for anyone who wants to save time and effort when shopping for groceries and other household items. It is particularly well-suited for busy individuals or families who want to have the convenience of shopping online without having to go to the store in person.
How does Instacart compare with other grocery delivery services?
Instacart is a grocery delivery and pickup service that is designed to make it easy and convenient for people to shop for groceries and other household items. It is particularly well-suited for people who:
- Don’t have the time or ability to go to the store in person
- Live in areas that don’t have convenient access to a grocery store
- Have mobility issues or disabilities that make it difficult to shop in person
- Prefer the convenience of shopping online
Instacart is also a good option for people who want to shop from a variety of retailers, including major grocery store chains, specialty stores, and local markets. The service offers a wide selection of products and brands, and customers can choose from a variety of delivery and pickup options to suit their needs.
Overall, Instacart is a useful service for anyone who wants to save time and effort when shopping for groceries and other household items. It is particularly well-suited for busy individuals or families who want to have the convenience of shopping online without having to go to the store in person.
Instacart vs DoorDash
Instacart and DoorDash are both popular on-demand delivery services that allow customers to order food and other items online and have them delivered to their doorstep. However, there are some key differences between the two services:
- Products and services: Instacart is a grocery delivery and pickup service that allows customers to shop for groceries and other household items from a variety of retailers. DoorDash, on the other hand, is a food delivery service that allows customers to order meals from restaurants and other food establishments.
- Delivery fees: Both Instacart and DoorDash charge delivery fees for each order, but the fees and pricing structures are different. Instacart charges a delivery fee that ranges from $3.99 to $9.99 depending on the location and the delivery speed. DoorDash charges a delivery fee that is typically around $5, as well as a service fee that is a percentage of the order total.
- Subscription options: Instacart offers a subscription service called Instacart Express, which allows customers to place orders with no delivery fees on orders over $35. DoorDash does not offer a similar subscription service.
- Availability: Both Instacart and DoorDash are available in a number of locations, but the specific areas and retailers they serve may vary. Customers can check the availability of the services
Instacart Promo Codes
Instacart occasionally offers promo codes or coupons to customers as a way to encourage them to try the service or to reward them for their loyalty. Promo codes may be offered through email, social media, or other marketing channels, and they can be used to get discounts on delivery fees, service fees, or specific items.
To use an Instacart promo code, you’ll need to enter it in the appropriate field when placing an order through the Instacart app or website. Some promo codes may have expiration dates or may only be valid for certain orders or locations, so it’s important to read the terms and conditions of the promo code carefully before using it.
Instacart promo codes may be limited in availability and may not always be available. If you’re looking for a promo code, you may want to check the Instacart website or app for current offers, or you can sign up for the company’s email list to receive updates about new promotions. You may also be able to find promo codes through online deal websites or by following Instacart on social media.
How do I make money with Instacart?
There are a few different ways to make money with Instacart, depending on your skills and interests. Here are a few options:
- Become an Instacart shopper: Instacart shoppers are independent contractors who are responsible for fulfilling orders for customers. To become an Instacart shopper, you’ll need to apply online and meet the company’s requirements, which may include having a valid driver’s license, a reliable vehicle, and a smartphone. If you’re accepted, you’ll be able to start accepting orders and earning money through the service.
- Partner with Instacart: If you own a grocery store, specialty store, or other retail business, you can partner with Instacart to offer delivery and pickup services to your customers. This can help you reach a wider audience and increase sales.
- Invest in Instacart: Instacart is a publicly traded company, so you can buy shares of its stock if you want to invest in the company. However, it’s important to keep in mind that investing in any company carries risks, and the value of your investment may fluctuate.
- Use Instacart for your own shopping: If you regularly shop for groceries and other household items, you can use Instacart to save time and effort. By using the service, you’ll be able to have your items delivered or ready for pickup at a time
FAQ
The exact amount that Instacart shoppers get paid will vary depending on the specific orders they complete and their location. Some Instacart shoppers report earning anywhere from $10 to $25 per hour, although this can vary widely depending on a number of factors. It’s worth noting that Instacart shoppers are responsible for their own expenses, such as gas and vehicle maintenance, which can also impact their overall earnings.
Instacart offers a subscription service called Instacart Express, which allows customers to place orders with no delivery fees on orders over $35. Instacart Express costs $9.99 per month or $99 per year and also includes discounts on certain items and other benefits.
Instacart Express is optional and is not required to use the service. Customers who do not want to subscribe to Instacart Express can still use the service on a pay-as-you-go basis, but they will be charged a delivery fee for each order. The delivery fee for Instacart orders ranges from $3.99 to $9.99, depending on the location and the delivery speed.
In addition to the delivery fee, Instacart also adds a service fee to each order, which is a percentage of the order total. This fee helps to cover the cost of operating the service, but it can add to the overall cost of using Instacart.
Is Instacart worth it?
Whether or not Instacart is worth it for you will depend on your individual needs and circumstances. Instacart is a convenient and easy-to-use service that allows customers to shop for groceries and other household items online, but it may not be the best option for everyone.
Here are a few things to consider when deciding whether Instacart is worth it for you:
- Cost: Instacart charges a delivery fee for each order, which can add to the overall cost of using the service. The fee may be waived for orders over a certain amount, but this threshold may be higher than what some customers are willing to spend. Instacart also adds a service fee to each order, which is a percentage of the order total. This fee helps to cover the cost of operating the service, but it can add to the overall cost of using Instacart.
- Availability: Instacart is not available in all areas, so you may not have access to the service depending on where you live.
- Selection: Instacart works with a variety of retailers, including major grocery store chains, specialty stores, and local markets. However, the selection of products and retailers may be limited in some areas.
- Personal shopper error: There is a risk that the personal shopper assigned to fulfill your order may make mistakes or substitutions when selecting your items. This can be frustrating for customers who are particular about the items they want or who have specific dietary needs.
Overall, Instacart is a useful service for anyone who wants to save time and effort when shopping for groceries and other household items. If you have a busy schedule, live in an area with limited access to a grocery store, or simply prefer the convenience of shopping online, Instacart may be worth it for you. However, if you are sensitive to cost or have specific needs or preferences when it comes to your grocery shopping, you may want to consider other options.