Tips and tricks for getting the best results when using Instacart

Date: 4/29/2020

I’ve lost track of the weeks we’ve been stuck at home, and we, like everyone else, are trying to do our part to stay home as much as possible. When the stay at home order first began, we were trekking out once every two weeks, sometimes longer, to get groceries. However, now, as the number of cases of coronavirus grows in Hampden County, we’ve resorted to using the grocery delivery service, Instacart.

Instacart can be accessed on a phone, but can also be accessed online via https://www.instacart.com. The service essentially allows users to hire someone to do their shopping for whatever reason, whether it be health related, or if they just want a little extra time on their hands. The app uses customers' locations to determine the stores closest to you, you then add items from each store to your cart, choose a delivery date and wait for your groceries to arrive. Some of the stores to choose from on Instacart include Big Y, Stop and Shop, Aldi, Costco, Restaurant Depo, Fresh Acres, Table and Vine, Petco, CVS, BJ’s Wholesale Club and Price Rite.

I initially found the service hard to navigate and was – quite frankly – really unhappy with the substitutions that were chosen without my knowledge or consent. While I understood stores have limited qualities of items, I was frustrated at the lack of communication and the items that were chosen were ones I wouldn’t have ever purchased. For example, I ordered fresh basil, but instead got a living basil plant that I now have to water once a day. However, despite having a frustrating first experience, I gave it a second try with a big haul on a different date.

The second experience, I believe, was much better as I’d figured out some tricks and tips to best navigate the app. I was incredibly happy with my next order. Here are some ways I’ve found to ensure the the experience is pleasant and smooth.

Plan ahead. As expected, a lot of people are taking advantage of this service and trying to stay home, and as a result, grocery delivery times are often unavailable for a week. Typically, I add items to my cart as I find I need them, then when I find I have about a week’s worth of groceries left, I then place my order. If you wait until you’re desperate for groceries, you may end up scraping meals together until you can get your groceries delivered.

Order from multiple stores. When I first ordered I thought I’d be restricted to one single order from one store, but that’s not the case. The next order I purchased items from both Big Y and Aldi, which yielded positive results. I was able to order produce from one store, and meat from another store, which worked pretty well.

Pick your own substitutions. Until recently, there was not an option for the person ordering to choose their own substitution. Shoppers would do their best to choose the closest replacement, but it wasn’t always what you expected – like my basil plant. Now, those ordering can pick their own substitutions or if you’d rather not have the item replaced at all if it’s not in stock. This takes a lot of the guesswork out of the process for the shopper.

If possible, pick a morning delivery time. In my experience I’ve had better luck with getting groceries delivered in the morning, even if it’s a week away. I’m not the type of person that tracks when stores get their deliveries, so I couldn’t tell you if a certain day of the week is better to order, but I’ve found mornings to be better. My guess is that overnight the employees have time to stock the shelves.

Be patient. People are sacrificing their time and putting their health at risk to buy your groceries so you don’t have to. I know from first hand experience, it can be frustrating to not get the groceries you’d prefer or need, but you’re not the only one in that position.

One thing to add is that prices on the app are slightly inflated, and the fees with a tip for the shopper can add up to around $20. However, if you’re like me and have immunocompromised relatives and don’t want to take any risks at all, it’s worth the money.