With the rise of on-demand services, grocery delivery companies like Shipt and Instacart have become increasingly popular among consumers who seek convenience and time-saving solutions. Both companies offer similar services that allow customers to shop for groceries and household essentials from the comfort of their homes and have them delivered straight to their doorsteps. However, Shipt and Instacart differ in several aspects, including pricing models, store availability, and user experience. In this article, we’ll compare Shipt and Instacart in terms of pricing, ordering process, delivery, customer service, and overall pros and cons to help you make an informed decision and choose the best option for your needs. Whether you’re a busy parent, a working professional, or someone who simply wants to outsource their grocery shopping, this guide will provide you with the information you need to decide which service is right for you.
When it comes to pricing and availability, Shipt and Instacart operate differently. Here are some factors to consider:
- Shipt requires a membership fee of $99 per year, while Instacart offers a $9.99 monthly membership or a $99 annual membership.
- Both services offer a delivery fee, which varies depending on the order size and the delivery slot. However, some stores on Instacart may offer free delivery on orders above a certain threshold.
- Shipt has a higher markup on product prices compared to Instacart, but it offers lower service fees for smaller orders.
- Shipt‘s services are available in approximately 260 markets across the US, while Instacart operates in over 5,500 cities and towns in North America, serving over 85% of US households.
- Instacart allows customers to shop from a wider range of stores, including national chains like Costco and Kroger, while Shipt focuses on partnering with local retailers.
These differences in pricing and availability may affect which service is the better option for you, depending on your budget, location, and the stores you prefer to shop from.
What is the difference between Instacart and Shipt?
- Instacart offers delivery from a variety of grocery stores while Shipt partners exclusively with Target.
- Instacart’s delivery fees vary based on location and time while Shipt offers a flat fee of $9.99 per order.
- Instacart allows customers to select replacement items if the store is out of stock while Shipt doesn’t offer that option.
- Instacart offers a membership program while Shipt does not.
Ordering Process and User Experience
The ordering process and user experience can have a significant impact on the convenience and satisfaction of using Shipt and Instacart. Here’s how the two services compare:
| Shipt | Instacart | |
|---|---|---|
| Ordering Process | Customers can place orders through the Shipt website or mobile app. | Customers can shop for groceries through the Instacart website or mobile app. |
| User Interface | The Shipt app is designed to be user-friendly, with a simple and intuitive interface. | Instacart offers a visually appealing interface with a variety of customization features. |
| Convenience | Shipt offers a “Leave at My Door Delivery” option for contactless delivery. | Instacart offers on-demand or scheduled delivery options and allows customers to communicate with shoppers in real-time. |
While both Shipt and Instacart offer a convenient way to order groceries from the comfort of your home, the user experience and ordering process can differ depending on your personal preferences.
What is Instacart and Shipt?
- Instacart and Shipt are grocery delivery services that allow users to order groceries online and have them delivered right to their door.
- Both services partner with local grocery stores, such as Whole Foods, Publix, and Target, to make shopping easier for customers.
- Users can browse virtual store aisles, select items, and set a delivery time for their order.
- The services charge fees for delivery and there may be markups on some items.
Delivery and Customer Service
The delivery and customer service experience can be a deciding factor when choosing between Shipt and Instacart. Here’s what you can expect from both services:
- Delivery Options
- Shipt offers same-day delivery, with the option to schedule delivery up to a week in advance.
- Instacart offers on-demand or scheduled delivery options, providing flexibility for customers.
- Courier Communication
- Shipt allows courier communication through the app. However, it’s usually discouraged because it can get distracting and make the courier’s job harder.
- Instacart allows customers to communicate with their designated shopper in real-time during the shopping and delivery process.
- Customer Service
- Shipt has a 24/7 customer service support that you can reach through the app or website.
- Instacart provides customer service support through email, phone, and live chat on their website.
Overall, both services offer a fairly reliable and efficient delivery and customer service experience. It largely depends on user preferences in terms of how they want to communicate with their courier, the flexibility of delivery options, and the availability of customer service. To learn more about Shipt or Instacart, check out their website or online storefront.
Which is better Instacart or Shipt?
When it comes to on-demand grocery delivery, both Instacart and Shipt are popular choices in the market. Here are some key factors to consider before making a decision:
Membership:
– Instacart offers a pay-per-order option or an annual membership for $99.
– Shipt offers a monthly or annual membership for $14 or $99 respectively.
Delivery Fees:
– Instacart charges a delivery fee starting from $3.99, depending on the size of your order and delivery time.
– Shipt offers free delivery on orders over $35. Orders below this threshold incur a $7 delivery fee.
Retailers:
– Instacart partners with a broader range of retailers, and you can choose from a variety of stores in your area.
– Shipt primarily partners with Target, and you can only buy items from this store through their app.
Ultimately, the choice between Instacart or Shipt depends on your personal preferences and needs. Compare the pricing, membership, and availability of retailers to decide which service is right for you.
Overall Pros and Cons
In summary, both Shipt and Instacart have their advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a breakdown of the main pros and cons for each service:
Shipt
Pros:
- Owned by Target, Shipt’s availability is more widespread in smaller towns and cities where Instacart isn’t as present.
- Offers same-day delivery, and option to schedule delivery up to a week in advance.
- No variable delivery fees: a flat $10 delivery fee is added to orders less than $35.
Cons:
- Requires a monthly or yearly subscription cost of $14 or $99 respectively.
- Has a smaller store selection compared to Instacart.
- Allows little to no interaction with couriers to maintain focus (mostly done through in-app communication).
Instacart
Pros:
- Offers both on-demand and scheduled deliveries.
- Better selection of stores, including major supermarkets like Whole Foods, Costco, and Publix.
- Offers in-app communication with couriers during shopping and delivery.
Cons:
- Variable pricing depending on items purchased, store, and distance of delivery.
- Delivery fees start at $3.99 and can go up to $9.99 or more during peak season.
- Customer service response times can be slower than Shipt.
Ultimately, the decision on whether to use Shipt or Instacart will depend on individual preferences and what is available in the area. Both options offer a convenient and time-saving way to shop for groceries online, and it comes down to what you value most in your experience with the service.
Why is Instacart better than Shipt?
- Broader coverage: Instacart operates in more cities than Shipt, making it easier to get groceries delivered no matter where you are.
- More store options: With Instacart, you can shop at multiple stores for one delivery order.
- Lower delivery fees: Instacart’s base delivery fee is lower than Shipt’s, which can save you money in the long run.
- Flexible membership options: Instacart offers both a membership service and the option to pay per delivery, while Shipt only offers membership.
- Ease of use: Instacart’s website and app are easy to navigate and offer more customization options for your orders.
Conclusion
Overall, Shipt and Instacart are both great options for grocery delivery, each with its own set of pros and cons. The choice can depend on various factors such as personal preferences, pricing structure, store selection, and customer service.
An important factor to consider is your location, as both platforms may not be available in all areas. It’s also worth noting that delivery fees and pricing models can fluctuate depending on the time of year, store locations, and individual items selected.
Before deciding on a service, it’s always a good idea to read reviews, compare prices, and evaluate the overall value and convenience of each platform. Whether you’re a busy professional or just looking for a way to avoid the hassle of grocery shopping, Shipt and Instacart can be a great solution that can save time and potentially even money.
In conclusion, both Shipt and Instacart provide a valuable service to customers looking for a way to simplify their grocery shopping experience. By weighing the pros and cons and considering individual preferences, shoppers can select the service that best suits their needs.
