What is Instacart?
Instacart is an online grocery delivery and pick-up service that partners with local stores to deliver groceries to customers. Founded in 2012, it has grown to become one of the leading grocery delivery services in North America, partnering with numerous retailers including:
- Kroger
- Costco
- Aldi
- Wegmans
- Whole Foods Market
- CVS Pharmacy
Getting Started with Instacart
Creating an Account
To begin using Instacart, you'll need to:
- Visit the Instacart website or download the mobile app
- Create an account with your email address
- Enter your delivery address
- Add a payment method
Shopping Process
After selecting a store, you can start adding items to your cart. Instacart offers a wide range of products, from fresh produce and meats to household essentials. You can search for specific items or browse through categories. The platform also provides personalized recommendations based on your shopping history.
Pricing and Fees
Note: Prices on Instacart may be higher than in-store prices to cover operational costs.
The service charges several fees:
- Delivery fee: Typically $3.99-$7.99
- Service fee: 5% of order subtotal
- Heavy fee: Applied to bulky items
- Busy pricing: Additional charges during peak times
Instacart Express
For frequent users, Instacart Express membership ($99/year or $9.99/month) provides:
- Free delivery on orders over $35
- Reduced service fees
- No busy pricing fees
Order Fulfillment and Delivery
Personal Shoppers
Instacart's personal shoppers are independent contractors who:
- Receive your order through their app
- Shop for your items
- Communicate about replacements
- Deliver to your specified location
Item Replacements
When items are unavailable, you can:
- Pre-select replacement preferences
- Approve/reject replacements in real-time
- Choose "refund if unavailable"
Tips for Optimal Use
Saving Money
- Use the "Deals" section for discounts
- Compare prices across stores
- Take advantage of store loyalty programs
- Order during off-peak hours
Best Practices
- Plan ahead to secure preferred delivery slots
- Be specific with instructions
- Keep your phone nearby during shopping
- Mark preferred replacements
- Rate and review your experience
Quality Assurance
Order Protection
- Order accuracy guarantee
- Fresh produce guarantee
- On-time delivery guarantee
- Easy refund process
Safety Measures
During delivery, Instacart implements:
- Contactless delivery options
- Real-time order tracking
- Secure payment processing
- Background checks for shoppers
For the most current information, visit the Instacart Blog or their Help Center. Remember that availability and specific features may vary by location and partner stores.