In an era of convenience and on-demand services, grocery delivery platforms like Instacart have carved out a significant place in our everyday lives. Instacart connects customers with personal shoppers who pick and deliver groceries from local stores right to their doorstep. With more people relying on delivery services for both essentials and luxuries, the question naturally arises: is Instacart worth it?
TLDR (Too long, didn’t read): Instacart can be a worthwhile service for those who value time, convenience, or have transportation challenges. Shoppers can make decent side income, but success heavily depends on location and customer tips. For customers, pricing and service fees may be a drawback, but the convenience often justifies the cost. Both shoppers and customers report mixed experiences, largely based on expectations and how well the system performs during peak times.
Understanding How Instacart Works
Instacart operates on a simple premise: customers select items from their favorite local stores using the app, and an Instacart shopper fulfills the order—picking it, packing it, and delivering it to the customer’s home.
There are two main sides to the Instacart experience: one as a customer and the other as a shopper. Experiences vary dramatically depending on which side of the transaction you’re on.
Instacart for Customers
Customers use Instacart to save time and avoid grocery store lines. The process is relatively smooth: browse an online replica of your favorite grocery store, add what you need, choose a delivery time, and wait for your groceries to arrive.
However, customers often encounter some tradeoffs:
- Pricing markups: Many items on Instacart can be priced higher than they are in-store.
- Service fees: A delivery fee, service fee, and optional tip add to the final cost.
- Substitutions: In-store stock may vary, and replacements made by shoppers aren’t always ideal.
Despite the added costs, many still find it worthwhile for the convenience alone—especially those with limited mobility, busy schedules, or small children.
Instacart for Shoppers
Shoppers, also known as gig workers or independent contractors, use the Instacart shopper app to accept orders, shop for groceries, and deliver them to customers. There are two types of shoppers:
- Full-Service Shoppers: Pick and deliver orders using their own vehicles.
- In-Store Shoppers: Work part-time in partner stores and only help with packing the groceries for pickup or delivery.
Being an Instacart shopper can be lucrative—or frustrating. Like many gig apps, the income varies dramatically based on location, time of day, and how generous customers are with tips.
Pros for Shoppers:
- Flexible schedule and ability to choose shifts
- No set hours or boss
- Potential for high earnings during peak times
Cons for Shoppers:
- Unpredictable income
- Wear and tear on your car
- Heavy reliance on tips
- Stress from tight delivery windows and hard-to-find items
Reality Check: While some shoppers make $20–$30 per hour including tips during busy seasons, others report earnings closer to minimum wage when orders are low.
What Real Customers Say
A survey of regular Instacart customers revealed mixed opinions:
- “It’s a lifesaver when I’m too busy to shop.” – Busy parents and remote workers appreciate the time-saving factor.
- “Too many substitutions and inflated prices.” – Budget-conscious users dislike the cost and inconsistency of product availability.
- “It’s perfect for ordering groceries for elderly relatives.” – Caregivers often rely on it for long-distance support.
The bottom line for customers: If you value convenience over savings, you’ll probably find Instacart worth it.
What Real Shoppers Say
On the flip side, shoppers have their own mixed bag of experiences:
- “Best side hustle I’ve found during COVID.” – Some enjoyed the extra income when hours were cut at work.
- “Pay has dropped and tips aren’t guaranteed.” – Others express frustration with Instacart’s compensation changes and reliance on tips.
- “It helps pay the bills, but I wouldn’t make a career out of it.” – A common sentiment from part-time workers.
Overall, for shoppers, Instacart might be worth it as a supplemental income source, but unreliable order flow, app glitches, and wear on vehicles make it unsustainable for long-term, full-time work.
Premium Membership: Instacart+
Instacart offers a premium membership called Instacart+ (formerly Instacart Express), which costs around $99/year or $9.99/month. The benefits include:
- No delivery fees on orders over $35
- Reduced service fees
- Exclusive promotions and cashback deals
If a customer uses Instacart weekly or even bi-weekly, this membership may easily pay for itself and make the service more budget-friendly. Frequent users will likely benefit the most.
Is Instacart Worth It? The Final Verdict
Whether you’re a customer or shopper, Instacart’s overall value comes down to expectations.
It’s worth it for:
- Busy professionals and families
- People with mobility or transportation challenges
- Those looking for a convenient supplement to in-person grocery shopping
- Shoppers seeking part-time side income
It’s not worth it for:
- Those needing to save the most money
- Shoppers counting on it as a full-time job
- People who prefer full control over picking their groceries
Ultimately, Instacart fills a much-needed convenience gap, but it’s not a perfect solution—for either side.
FAQ: Instacart Questions from Customers and Shoppers
- Q: How much does Instacart cost?
A: Delivery fees start at $3.99, plus service fees and tips. Instacart+ members skip the delivery fees for eligible orders. - Q: Do prices differ from in-store?
A: Often, yes. Some partnered stores maintain same prices, but many items are marked up to cover service costs. - Q: Can shoppers choose which orders to take?
A: Yes, full-service shoppers have flexibility to accept or decline batches based on location, pay, and size. - Q: How do shoppers get paid?
A: Shoppers earn money per batch, plus tips. Payouts are weekly or via Instant Cashout for a small fee. - Q: Is tipping required on Instacart?
A: It’s optional but strongly encouraged. Most shopper income comes from tips, and tipping well improves service quality. - Q: Is Instacart available in rural areas?
A: Availability is concentrated in suburban and urban areas. Rural availability depends on shopper presence and partner stores nearby.
