App Review: Instacart

Instacart is a delivery app that allows you to order groceries, alcohol, and other goods straight to your home. I found this as an application for my phone, but like popular pizza deliveries you have the option to place your order from a laptop or computer. When you download the app to your phone or login with a computer, you begin by plugging in your zip-code and then the program generates what stores offer delivery in your area. Unlike delivery apps like Doordash or Uber, you are not ordering from restaurants, instead, you are ordering directly from stores like Kroger or Best Buy or Specs and even Five Below. You go to the app on your phone or the websites on your computer, select your store, pick your groceries and checkout. At checkout you can use either a debit or credit card, cash is not an option although if you wanted to tip in cash there are no rules against it. Your card then gets approved for $10 more than your order total, just in case substitutions have to be made. When you are at checkout you fill out your information for delivery, payment method and what time you would like your groceries to be delivered, between a 2 to 5 hour window for same day delivery. You can also set up delivery for the next day if you're store is closed for a holiday.

The delivery drivers do practicing the guidelines of social distancing, outlined by COVID-19, so you can opt for your groceries to be left outside your door. This also comes in handy if you aren't home, your groceries will be at the door when you do return. After you submit your order and a driver accepts your order you can then make substitutions in case the store no longer has your first choice available. If you don't want to substitute anything you can select "no substitutions" and you will not be charged for that item. If you're familiar with online ordering food using Doordash, Pizza Hut or Jimmy Johns, you choose a tip amount before submitting your order so you know exactly how much you are spending, dependent on merchant availability of products. If a retailer is out of the product you ordered and the substitute you requested, the drivers will communicate with you through their messaging system to ask if you another alternative is okay or if you would like that item to be refunded.

They do offer a membership just like other delivery apps where you can receive free delivery for a one time fee. If you notice an item is missing but was picked up by your driver you can report that when rating your delivery and they will refund you for the missing item as a credit towards your next purchase. If you are 21 years of age or older you are required to have an ID available to verify that the alcohol is not being purchased for underage drinking. In these instances you will need to be available when they arrive. The app will advise you to practice social distancing and wear your mask when opening interacting with your driver.

Overall, using this app has been a great experience so far. At the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis I unfortunately lost my part time job which in turn resulted in my being unable to make payments on my vehicle, resulting in a repossession. I am so grateful to have found this app to still be able to get myself quality groceries. I would recommend this app to anyone still quarantining during this time or if you're a busy person who doesn't have time to shop, it's a great alternative to getting all your wants and needs. And also for any college students without a car, if you have a few extra dollars to put towards a delivery this is a good platform to go with.

*This is not a paid advertisement or review of the Instacart platform.*