T-Minus 463 days: Using InstaCart

If you read this blog, you do so because you are interested in hearing about moving to Florida and about Disney World. You probably aren't too interested in the Great Pandemic of 2020. But the fact is, the pandemic has sidelined our work toward preparing to move.

I work from home, so, nothing new there. What is new: I am working 14 hours per day due to the impact of the pandemic on my company. My oldest son is in an online degree program, so, nothing new there. My youngest son's school closed, so, it is like having an early Spring Break for him. My wife is working from home, so, that's what is new. Work is slow and she isn't busy all day, so that gives her time for some spring cleaning.

We have decided to follow the government's advice and stay home (especially now that COVD-19 has been reported in our town). As part of that decision, we decided to have our groceries delivered by InstaCart. I have looked into InstaCart previously, but never used them.

I set up an account on the InstaCart website and selected my store. And then went through the website and created my grocery list. The items are all marked up versus the shelf tag to help cover the cost of the shopper and the delivery. In addition, there is a 5% fee on the order. There is also a 5% tip on the order too. I changed the tip to 10% initially, and after the groceries were delivered and we were happy, I changed it to 15%. The point is, it is much more expensive to have InstaCart deliver your groceries versus you shopping for your own groceries.

Another option with InstaCart is curb side pick-up instead of home delivery. Curbside pickup is more expensive than if you shopped yourself, but it is cheaper than home delivery (by about 15%)

I have to admit, I really liked the InstaCart home delivery. I made my list on a Wednesday for a Saturday delivery. I was told if InstaCart knew something would be out of stock. I was also allowed to select an alternative product if the item I wanted wasn't available. Then, while our shopper was shopping, she was continually texting us and telling us if something wasn't available or if we wanted something different.

InstaCart told us when our shopper had checked out, loaded her car, and was headed to our house. It also told us just before she arrived at the house. My instructions were to leave the groceries on our front porch - and she did!

Yes, InstaCart is more expensive compared to shopping yourself. But I would have no problems using the system again. Next weekend, I am going to try the curbside pickup!