'Instacart' delivery service ?

[left-of-center2012]

I'm 72 and disabled. I just found out my favorite chain grocery will deliver online purchases (over a minimal amount of $35) via 'Instacart' for a delivery fee of $3.99. You pick a two hour window when you want the delivery.

Using my shopping list for next week, 99% of my items are available.
My favorite dishwashing sponge is not, but may not be availabale 'in store' as I usually buy it at Walmart.

Has anyone tried the 'Instacart' delivery service ?
I see mixed reviews via Google and I'm confused as to whether there are addittional charges/fees to the delivery fee of $3.99.

All helpful input appreciated. Thanks

[hlthe2b]

1. well, I did go to their site for two of the grocery stores near me, but got a warning message from

my internet security package that their site was not fully secure. Now, this can happen for a number of reasons, but since I only wanted to see if an item was for sale and the price, I just logged out.

I'd be interested to see if anyone else encountered this...

[teach1st]

2. I use it, but I'm not on a fixed income

The most important thing to know is that prices for items using InstaCart can be higher than in-store. Tipping the driver (not required) is also another add-on expense. On the other hand, I usually save money because it cuts off many of the impulse purchases I indulge in when shopping in person.

PS: Using the search feature sometimes reveals store-brand items not on the regular InstaCart menu.

[TexasBushwhacker]

17. Tipping is not required, but drivers are not guaranteed an hourly minimum

They basically work like any other traditionally tipped workers. They can make as little as $7 an hour. They have to cover all the expenses for their vehicle and they are 1099 workers so they have to pay self-employment tax.

They aren't just picking up the bagged and boxed grocery order and deliverying them. They do the actual shopping in the store as well.

I give them a fat tip.

[DonaldsRump]

3. I have and it's ok

They tend to charge a higher price than the store does (in my case, Safeway) per product. However, that is not the case for all products, by any means. On some occasions, when the store is running "a buy one, get one for a penny more" the Instacart person was good enough to take advantage of that. If you shop their coupons section on their website, there are some decent deals.

I use them in a crunch (for example, when my child is sick and my wife not there. I don't want to take my sick little one grocery shopping).

Sometimes a product is not available in the store, and they offer alternatives. You should be ready for that.

I have used their 2 hour or less delivery three times in the last four months (each time in an "emergency" situation), and they are very efficient. There's a definite value add when you can stay at home and have the food delivered. If you are willing to pay the price, it's worth it.

All told, I'm happy with them.

[SoCalNative]

4. Yes, there is also a service fee

on top of the delivery fee, which I believe is based upon a percentage of your order total. Then add a tip on top of that. Also, depending on tome of day and their volume, the delivery fee may be more higher upon "busy pricing." Also, any sales taxes as well that may apply.

All of that said, I have used them several times when I am just feeling too lazy to leave the house and need groceries for the coming week. I like their service a lot.

[flotsam]

5. I was checking into either this service or another of the same type...

I live in southern NH and shop at a chain called Market Basket. I went to their site and checked out a possible order and found most of their prices were 5-10% higher than the Market Basket in my town. It is possible they were basing their pricing on Boston area pricing but you should compare the prices on their site with several products you're sure of the price of. YMMV...

[left-of-center2012]

9. "their prices were 5-10% higher"

I saw similar comments online from around the USA.

[lilactime]

6. I've used it a lot when I just need a few things and don't feel like

going out. Also to order lots of heavy items at a time.

I don't pay for deliveries for orders over $35 because I use their Instacart Express service which costs $99 a year. I do pay at least a 15 percent tip to the driver for every order I get though. The drivers have never been late and often come at the beginning of whatever window I've selected.

My only issue with Instacart is that they don't always have items in stock I want, so I don't order anything I don't have to have unless it has an acceptable substitute (the order form lets you select alternatives to everything you order).

Good luck if you try it!

[Flaleftist]

7. It does cost more.

From what I have heard about their company, besides the delivery fee, there is an additional markup on anything you buy. 10% or so

[Grasswire2]

12. I didn't experience that. nt

[Flaleftist]

16. I may have been misinformed.

If they don't markup items and sell you the items at the same price when they are on sale, then it sounds like a good deal for their service.

[SCRUBDASHRUB]

8. We used it once (at Food Lion) when my hubby and I were

both home sick and needed a few things.

I think the first time we used it, there was no delivery fee but we tipped, of course.

We got updates on our mobile phone, which was handy as well.

I think it would be a worthwhile service. I believe they are supposed to take grocery store savings cards, but may want to double-check.

[lilactime]

14. They do take them, there's a place where you put that info

in your account information.

[flotsam]

10. Depending on your circumstances

Walmart has a free pick up service which actually works quite well. Free on any order over $35 they pick and pack and deliver and load into your car in the parking lot. I know people here complain about the seller. I cannot walk any distance but have coffee twice a week with family. As long as I'm out, getting groceries home without walking is a winner for me.

On edit-It's also convenient if you use their drive thru pharmacy, which I do.

[left-of-center2012]

15. My local Walmart ...

My local Walmart will deliver online purchases (over $35) to my door using 'Door Dash' for $9 and change.

[Grasswire2]

11. yes

I have used it myself AND my daughter has ordered stuff to be delivered to me on the holidays by ordering at my local store from her home 200 miles away.

Very efficient. Clarify about your local charges. You should include a tip for the driver.

My local Kroger store has added it, and several other grocery chains participate also. I was thinking of using it in the snowy weather earlier in the week. I think it's great to have available.

[Grasswire2]

13. and sale prices at my Kroger are the price charged by Instacart.

If the chickens are buy one get one free, that is also true with the service. For example. Which is nice.

[catbyte]

18. I've used Instacart a lot and I love it. It's especially good when delivering heavy items like

a lot of canned goods, or water or pop. I have back and occasionally knee issues, so the stairs to my apartment can be a little tricky with heavy or bulky items. It's more expensive, but well worth it when considering the pain and wear & tear on my back.

[Grasswire2]

19. cat litter here nt

[akraven]

20. I've heard of folks in Anchorage and Juneau using it.

There's no way they'd make it to where I am. The low snow in Anchorage has helped, and Juneau keeps its few roads clean. A few friends like it.

I can't even get Fred Meyer delivery - they're scared of the road, the ice, and the twisty-turnies to get here. I do get groceries online sometimes, and neither USPS or UPS are afraid to deliver to the deck.

[left-of-center2012]

21. I decided to use Walmart delivery

Locally, maybe nationally, the store employees get the items from the shelves, and Door Dash delivers.
First delivery is free with code FASTCAR.
Otherwise delivery is $7.95 with a $35 minimum purchase.
Your choice if you wish to tip the driver.

I bought 52+ items, totaling $129.
I shop there often and the web prices were the same as 'instore' prices.
Should last me much of March.

I chose a delivery time (3-4 PM).
At about 2 minutes to 3 PM I got a text, "I'm on my way".

I got every item ordered and all was in great condition.

I'm hooked.

One less trip out for me, when my health and mobilty is declining.