A Comparison of Shipt and Instacart: Which Online Grocery Delivery Service is Better?

Do you find yourself constantly juggling work, family, and social commitments, leaving you with little time to head to the grocery store? Well, you’re not alone.

The rise of online grocery delivery services has made it easier than ever to get your groceries delivered right to your doorstep. However, with so many options available, it can be challenging to choose the best service for your needs.

In this article, we will compare two popular platforms, Shipt and Instacart, to help you decide which online grocery delivery service is better suited for you.

What is Shipt?

Shipt is an online grocery delivery service that connects users with local shoppers who handpick and deliver groceries straight to their homes. With a Shipt membership, users can browse a wide variety of products from their favorite local grocery stores and schedule deliveries at their convenience.

What is Instacart?

Instacart, just like Shipt, is an online grocery delivery service that partners with various grocery stores to fulfill customers’ orders. With Instacart, users can browse and shop for groceries from their favorite local stores, and a personal shopper will deliver the items to their door.

Membership and Delivery Fees

When it comes to membership and delivery fees, both Shipt and Instacart offer similar pricing structures. Both platforms offer a membership option for users who want to enjoy unlimited free deliveries on orders over a certain amount.

Shipt’s membership fee is $99 per year, while Instacart’s membership fee is $99 per year or $9.99 per month.

If you prefer not to commit to a membership, both services also offer the option to pay per delivery. Shipt charges a flat fee of $7 for each delivery, while Instacart charges a delivery fee that varies based on the size of your order and the chosen delivery window.

Availability

When it comes to availability, both Shipt and Instacart are continuously expanding their service areas. However, the availability of each service may vary depending on your location. It’s a good idea to check their websites or apps to see if they cover your area before signing up.

Product Selection

The variety of products available is an essential factor when choosing a grocery delivery service. Both Shipt and Instacart offer a vast selection of items, including fresh produce, pantry staples, household supplies, and even alcohol in some areas.

However, it’s worth noting that the available products may vary depending on the local grocery stores partnered with each service. It’s a good idea to check both platforms to ensure they carry the items you need before making your decision.

Platform Usability

When it comes to platform usability, both Shipt and Instacart have user-friendly websites and mobile apps. Both platforms allow users to browse products easily, create shopping lists, and schedule deliveries.

However, some users may find one platform more intuitive than the other, depending on their personal preferences. It’s worth trying out both platforms to determine which one feels more comfortable and suits your needs better.

Customer Support

In terms of customer support, both Shipt and Instacart strive to provide excellent service. Both platforms offer various channels of communication, including phone, email, and live chat support. Should you encounter any issues or have questions regarding your order, you can easily reach out to their customer support teams for assistance.

Speed and Reliability

When it comes to speed and reliability, both Shipt and Instacart aim to deliver your groceries promptly. However, the actual delivery time may vary depending on factors such as the availability of shoppers and the delivery window you choose.

Additionally, unforeseen circumstances such as heavy traffic or inclement weather may also affect delivery times. It’s essential to keep these factors in mind and plan your orders accordingly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Shipt and Instacart offer convenient and reliable grocery delivery services. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and the availability of each service in your area.

If product selection and a straightforward fee structure are your top priorities, Instacart may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you value a flat fee per delivery and enjoy the simplicity of a yearly membership, Shipt might be the right choice.

Ultimately, it’s worth trying out both platforms to determine which one aligns better with your needs and preferences. Whichever service you choose, you’ll be saving valuable time and effort by having your groceries delivered right to your doorstep.