Is Instacart Worth It? A Personal Review and Overview
Written on
Chapter 1: My Experience with Instacart
Recently, I decided to try a well-known personal shopping app after experiencing delays with an online order for my rabbit's food. In a moment of spontaneity, I opted for an app that connects users with personal shoppers, and I’m here to share my insights on what you might expect.
This paragraph will result in an indented block of text, typically used for quoting other text.
Section 1.1: Fast and Friendly Service?
The app I’m referring to is Instacart. Downloading it was a breeze, and I quickly got started by selecting my preferred stores and items. I was fortunate to be matched with some excellent shoppers—two of whom I now regularly work with. The app remembers my previous ratings, connecting me with these five-star shoppers again, similar to how the Lyft app operates. If you rate a driver poorly, they’re less likely to be assigned to you again.
However, I did have a disappointing encounter with one shopper. This individual didn’t allow for any communication, which may have been a glitch in the app, and they forgot my water. Overall, the service has been relatively prompt. You can choose a delivery window of 20–50 minutes for an additional fee, or opt for a standard delivery time that could exceed an hour.
Section 1.2: User-Friendly Experience
To be candid, nothing compares to personally selecting your groceries. My household still prefers to shop in person. Yet, I must admit that the app is quite user-friendly. One downside I noticed is that when searching for a store like 7 Eleven, the item selection is quite limited. As far as I know, Walmart is not available on the platform. However, Instacart does allow you to shop at different stores while saving your cart for each one.
Chapter 2: The Cost Factor
The first video titled "Is Shopping For Instacart Worth It? (2024)" provides a comprehensive overview of the app's value proposition and user experiences.
While there are notable advantages to using Instacart, there is a significant drawback: the additional fees. For instance, if your shopping total is $20, be prepared to see your bill rise by an additional $20-$25. Essentially, a $20 purchase could end up costing you around $45.
Why does Instacart impose such high charges? The reasons include:
- Ensuring fair compensation for the drivers.
- Covering the costs if the shopper needs to procure extra items.
- Managing exchanges and refunds for items.
Fortunately, any funds not utilized will be refunded to you. I usually receive my leftover amount within a day, although the official processing time is up to seven days.
Section 2.1: Overall Rating and Considerations
In summary, I would rate the app four stars. However, I can't see myself relying on it consistently, as it can be quite costly, leading to a dependency on others for shopping. When I shop, I always check expiration dates, packaging conditions, and more—factors that shoppers may overlook. That said, my personal shoppers have been willing to check alternative stores for items, and the app features a useful chat option to communicate any changes.
What has been your experience with personal shopping services?
The second video titled "Is It Worth It To Drive Instacart In 2022" delves into the implications and experiences of drivers within the Instacart platform.