Updated on September 7, 2023
If you’re like most people, your time is precious. Who has time to waste standing in line at the grocery store anyway?
That’s where Instacart comes in.
Instacart is a grocery delivery service that promises to save you time and hassle. But is it really worth it?
In this Instacart review, we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of using Instacart, so you can decide for yourself if it’s right for you.
Instacart Review + Pros and Cons
What is Instacart?
Instacart is a grocery delivery service that allows you to shop online for groceries from your favorite stores.
You can shop from any store that Instacart partners with, which includes major grocery chains like Whole Foods, Costco, Petco, and more.
Once you’ve selected your items and checked out, an Instacart shopper will hand-pick your groceries and deliver them to your door.
You can schedule a delivery for as soon as one hour, or up to five days in advance.
Should You Use Instacart?
Instacart is a great grocery delivery service that can save you time and hassle. However, it’s not right for everyone.
If you’re someone who shops for groceries frequently, or if you need a specific item that isn’t available at Instacart’s partner stores, then you might want to consider another grocery delivery service.
However, if you’re looking for a convenient and affordable way to get your groceries delivered, then Instacart is definitely worth considering.
Instacart Pricing
Instacart+ (Plus)
Instacart offers two pricing plans:
- Instacart+ is $99 per year, or $9.99 per month, and gives you free delivery on all orders over $35. There is also a 14-day free trial available.
- The Instacart Pay As You Go plan charges a delivery fee of $3.99 for orders under $35 and $5.99 for orders over $35. There is also a service fee of 5% on all orders.
Instacart also offers an annual subscription for families and businesses. The Instacart Family Plan is $149 per year for up to six family members, and the Instacart Business Plan is $999 per year for up to 10 employees.
Both plans come with free delivery on all orders over $35, and there is no minimum order size.
Does Instacart Offer Discounts or Promo Codes?
Instacart does offer discounts and promo codes from time to time. Check our Instacart promo code page to find the latest offers. Some recent promo codes have been for $10 off your first order, $20 off orders of $35 or more, and free delivery on orders of $35 or more. So be sure to keep an eye out for those!
What Stores Does Instacart Work For?
Instacart is a popular grocery delivery service that works with a variety of stores. But what stores does Instacart work for?
The answer is quite a few! Instacart works with major grocery chains like:
- Costco
- Safeway
- Walmart
- Publix
- Kroger
- Target
- Whole Foods
- Petco
- CVS
- Wegmans
They also work with some smaller, regional chains!
So no matter what kind of groceries you need, there’s a good chance that Instacart can help you get them delivered right to your door.
Things You Need To Know
Instacart is a grocery delivery and pickup service that promises to make life easier for busy people. But is it really worth it? Here are some things you need to know before signing up.
- You might not always get the items you want. Instacart shoppers do their best to match the items on your list, but sometimes they’ll have to substitute an item if it’s out of stock. So if you’re a stickler for getting exactly what you want, Instacart might not be the service for you.
- The prices can be higher than in-store prices. Instacart adds a markup to the prices of groceries, so you might end up paying more than you would if you shopped in-store.
- You might have to tip your shopper. Unlike some other delivery services, there is no mandatory tipping policy at Instacart. However, shoppers are encouraged to accept tips, so you might end up spending more than you anticipated if you tip your shopper.
- Delivery times can be unpredictable. Instacart promises to deliver your groceries within a one-hour window, but sometimes things happen that are out of their control and your groceries might not arrive on time.
- You need to be home to receive your order. If you’re not home when your shopper arrives, they will either leave your groceries at the door or reschedule the delivery for another time.
If you’re willing to sacrifice a little bit of control and flexibility, then Instacart can definitely make your life easier. But if you’re looking for a perfect experience, you might want to consider other options.
Is Instacart worth it?
If you’re looking for a convenience factor, Instacart is certainly worth it. You can save yourself a lot of time by having your groceries delivered right to your door. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind before using the service.
First of all, Instacart does charge a delivery fee, which can range from $3.99 to $9.99 depending on the size of your order and the delivery window you choose. There’s also a service fee of 5% of your total order, which helps cover the cost of things like taxes and tips for the drivers.
You’ll also want to make sure that you tip your driver generously, as they are not employees of Instacart and rely heavily on tips to make a living.
Overall, Instacart can be a great convenience if you’re willing to pay a little extra for it. Just keep in mind the delivery fee and service fee, and be sure to tip your driver well!
