Question 1

How does Instacart same-day delivery work?

Accepted Answer

It's simple. Using the Instacart app or website, shop for products from your store of choice near you. Once you place your order, Instacart will connect you with a personal shopper in your area to shop and deliver your order. Contactless delivery is available with our "Leave at my door" option. You can track your order's progress and communicate with your shopper every step of the way using the Instacart app or website.
Learn more about how to place an order here.

Question 2

How does Instacart in-store pickup or curbside pickup work?

Accepted Answer

Using the Instacart app or website, select a store of your choice near you that offers pickup, select Pickup, and then select your preferred pickup location from which you'd like to place your order.

Then, when you arrive at the store of your choice, use the Instacart app to notify us. Depending on the store, a shopper or store employee will bring the groceries to your car, or you can pick them up at the designated area.
Learn more about pickup orders here.

Question 3

How much does Instacart delivery or pickup cost?

Accepted Answer

Here's a breakdown of Instacart delivery cost:

Delivery fee
- The delivery fee varies based on the retailer, delivery window, and order total. You see the delivery fee when choosing your delivery window at checkout.
- Instacart+ members get $0 delivery fees on eligible orders $10 or more per retailer. Service fees apply. Costco orders $35+; restaurant orders $25+.
- All orders must be at least $10 to qualify for delivery.

Service fee
- The service fee helps support the Instacart platform and covers a range of operating costs including shopper operations, insurance, background checks, and customer support. The service fee isn't a tip and doesn't go to the shopper delivering your order.
- Service fees vary and are subject to change based on factors like location and the number and types of items in your cart. You can view the service fee total on every order at checkout.

Pickup fees
- Pickup orders from certain retailers have a "pickup fee" (equivalent to a delivery fee for pickup orders).
- Other fees may apply.

Item pricing
- Instacart's retailer partners set item prices. Each retailer has a pricing policy that can be found on that retailer's page. Visit the retailer's storefront for more information on pricing and fees.
Learn more about Instacart pricing here.

Question 4

What happens if Red Onion is out of stock and I need to give specific instructions?

Accepted Answer

When an item you want is out-of-stock at the store, your shopper will follow your replacement preferences.

You can set item and delivery instructions in advance, as well as chat directly with your shopper while they shop and deliver your items. You can tell the shopper to:

- Find Best Match: By default, your shopper will use their best judgement to pick a replacement for your item.
- Pick Specific Replacement: You can pick a specific alternative for the shopper to purchase if your first choice is out-of-stock.
- Don't Replace: For items you'd rather not replace, choose "Don't replace" to get a refund if the item is out of stock.
Learn more about instructions for specific items or replacements here.

Question 5

What happens if there is an issue with my order?

Accepted Answer

If something isn't right, you've got options. In the Instacart app or website, you can report:

- Missing items
- Incorrect items
- Damaged items
- Poor replacements
- Early/late orders
If an order never came, or you get someone else's order, you can reach out to Instacart Customer Experience.