In this hectic life, every minute counts. So, why waste time grocery shopping when you can have everything at your doorstep?
Highlights
- Instacart is the middle company that lets customers have their groceries from multiple grocers without having its own inventory.
- Retailers greatly make alliances with Instacart to meet shopper demands.
- Placing an order on Instacart is as easy as ABC. You just have to connect with the shopper and you can expect your order in no time.
- Instacart operates in 50 states and more than 1300 cities in North America.
- Instacart offers more than just grocery shopping.
- Delivery fees and service fees vary for members and non-members.
Instacart: How does it work?
Instacart is the leading online shopping platform mainly for grocery. It is more active in North America. Wondering how does Instacart work for shoppers? Well, it lets the customer do their grocery shopping with the help of shoppers (people who do the physical shopping for customers and deliver the items).
Customers can place orders using their website or app and can have their groceries at their desired time. It offers as fast as within-hour delivery.
A great thing about Instacart is, it allows customers to shop from multiple grocery stores at the same time. However, delivery fees, minimum order regulations, and a separate cart to do so are required.
Does Instacart Have its Own Inventory?
The crazy thing is that Instacart has no inventory of its own. It mainly works as a middle ground between shoppers and grocers. They don’t have any relation with 1400+ different retailers and grocers. So, where it provides convenience to customers it also offers revenue generation benefits to brands.
Why Retailers are Investing in Instacart?
Instacart has revolutionized the way of grocery shopping. Since Covid, the shift towards online shopping is now more than ever. Instead of spending hefty amounts on their own online platforms, retailers prefer to associate with Instacart. It prevents them with their hefty capital investment and resource investment to meet shopper demands.
As per Nielsen IQ’s e-commerce data, even retailers with their own e-commerce platforms use Instacart to meet the shopper's demand. Shoppers at Instacart spend more compared to other online platforms. This led to a continuous increase in the cross-channel shopper base. Instacart offers a wider audience for its retailers and helps them increase their sales.
How to Place an Order on Instacart?
Placing an order on Instacart is like placing an order on any other e-commerce site. You install the app on your cell phone or tablet or visit the Instacart website on your PC and place your order. You wait for the shopper to accept your order. Once the shopper accepts your order, you can wait for your order to be delivered or you can pick it up from the store as you decided.
The steps involved in placing your order are:
- Download the Instacart app or go to its website
- Sign up and create your account
- Browse through available stores in your area
- Choose a store, then add the items you want. You can add substitution items, in case your first choice is not available. You can also ask for a refund in case your desired item is unavailable.
- You can add a note for shopper
- After selecting everything, go to the check-out, fill in your payment details select the day, date, and time for your delivery, and confirm the order
Where does Instacart Operate?
Instacart is offering its services all around the country. You need to fill in your zip code and you are good to go. It offers its services in all 50 states and more than 1300 cities in North America. By providing the zip code on the Instacart website, you can see whether or not they are serving in your area.
Which Retailers Does Instacart Work With?
A great thing about Instacart is, it's not limited to grocery. It is connected with all local and national grocery stores, wine shops, wholesale stores, convenience stores, pet stores, beauty retailers, sporting goods, and electronics in your area.
Regardless of your needs, you can choose the type of store. But the thing is, only those shops that are within 35km distance would be available to you on Instacart.
What are the Delivery and Service Fees of Instacart?
First of all, you don’t have to be a member to place an order on Instacart. It works for members and non-members alike. The first order you place is free for a minimum 35-dollar order. However, if you are an Instacart+ member, you can have free deliveries for orders a minimum of 35 dollars. You will have to pay less service fees along with many other perks.
For non-members, same-day delivery costs 3.99 dollars for an order minimum of 35 dollars. Instacart membership costs 99 dollars per year, so if you are a frequent Instacart shopper, you can save a considerable amount in terms of service fees and delivery fees.
Conclusion
Instacart is a great alternative to physical grocery shopping. It’s a perfect middle ground for consumers and retailers alike. Customers can have their groceries from the comfort of their homes while retailers have a wider audience for their products.
FAQs
How does Instacart work for shoppers?
As a shopper, you use the Instacart app to see orders in your area, choose the one you want, shop for it, and deliver. You will get paid for your service within hours that you can cash out. Plus, you can earn tips for your great service from customers.
