Instacart Grocery Delivery: Everything You Need to Know

The online grocery delivery service company can help you get groceries or make some extra money.

Instacart Grocery Delivery: Everything You Need to Know

Grocery shopping has evolved, and Instacart is one reason why. The online grocery delivery service operates in the United States and Canada and works with local stores to deliver groceries to your door.

All you have to do is place an order, and an Instacart shopper will get your items from the store and bring them to you when you want. So if you want help getting groceries or you’re interested in making some extra money being a shopper, Instacart could work for you.

Here’s everything you need to know about Instacart to get started with the online grocery delivery service company.

Buy Groceries From Your Favorite Stores

You can get your groceries from where you already shop. Instacart operates in over 5,000 North American cities and all 50 U.S. states.

Stores include national outlets like Costco and Whole Foods, regional supermarkets like Safeway and Publix, and local food co-ops. Even Petco is an option to get your pets some treats.

All you have to do is enter your zip code, and see what stores are available for shopping.

Choose the Products You Love

Thousands of the grocery and everyday essential items you love are available from the stores where you already shop. You can find what you usually buy and get suggestions on new items and local recommendations.

Instacart shoppers know how to pick fresh produce with the perfect ripeness. They also know how to keep eggs safe and deliver them intact.

Just browse what items are available and then make your order either through their website or app on iOS or Android.

Same-Day Delivery

Instacart makes deliveries in places like Los Angeles,Miami,New York City,Chicago,Austin,Washington, D.C,Houston,Atlanta and many more, as well as delivering in Canada.

Your groceries can be delivered within an hour, but there is flexibility. When you make your order, you can determine when you want your groceries to be delivered.

Save Time and Money

Having Instacart shoppers do your grocery shopping can free you up to do other things you need to do.

Besides saving time, you also can find special deals that can save you money. Instacart has exclusive coupons on hundreds of items to stretch your budget.

Get Paid to Shop

If you prefer to add some money to your bank account, Instacart has job opportunities for shoppers.

These are the basic requirements for applicants:

Be at least 18 years old
Eligible to work in the United States or Canada
Have consistent access to an insured vehicle
A reliable smartphone (iPhone 5 or Android 4.4, or newer)
And able to lift 50 pounds

Applications can be accessed on Instacart's website (U.S. or Canadian) and on iOS and Android versions of the app. You can review the independent contractor agreement here.

Once you are hired as an Instacart shopper, it’s easy to get started. Instacart has made the onboarding process as frictionless as possible.

Once onboarded, you can shop on your schedule and start earning money. Besides fattening your wallet, you'll be a household hero for people, and shopping for others can be a great way to get to know your community.

There's More Support If You Need It

Instacart doesn’t just help you with your shopping. You also can shop (and pay) for other people’s groceries.

Instacart has active social media accounts on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter as well, and provides ideas for meals.

The photos of the food alone will get your taste buds salivating.

Honest Reviews of Instacart

It’s always smart to do your homework and get multiple perspectives about a company before using it as a customer or employee.

Here are some reviews about Instacart’s shopping/delivery customer experience from people who have used the service.

Here are some reviews about what it’s like to work at Instacart as a shopper/delivery person.

Other Food Delivery Services

Instacart isn’t the only food delivery game, either.

Here are some other food delivery services.

Walmart Grocery — Delivery Unlimited

Shipt

Amazon Fresh

FreshDirect

Safeway (on the West Coast)

Hungryroot

Thrive Market

Peapod (Northeast, Mid-Atlantic)

Here's to Happy Shopping and Good Eating

Good health is key to life, and food is key to good health.

Whether you decide to use Instacart, another food delivery service or do your own shopping and meal preparation, here’s to happy shopping and good eating.