Instacart vs. Shipt: Decoding the Best Grocery Platform for Your Needs

Grocery delivery services have become an integral part of our daily lives, making the question no longer whether to enroll in one, but rather, which one to choose.

Among the most prominent grocery delivery services in the United States, Shipt and Instacart, there exist several similarities, but also significant distinctions. In our quest for comprehensive insights, we immersed ourselves in experiencing both delivery services firsthand and consulted with their users to determine the strengths and weaknesses of each platform.

1. Navigating the Labyrinth: Fees and Memberships Demystified

Shipt and Instacart, while sharing several similarities, adopt distinctly different approaches to membership, which we will delve into further below.

Shipt

In order to utilize Shipt’s grocery delivery services, a membership is required. Users can opt for one of the following plans:

1. Annual Plan: This plan costs $8.25 per month with an additional sign-up fee of $99.
2. Monthly Plan: Alternatively, users can choose the monthly plan for $14 per month.

Both membership options offer a range of benefits, such as access to exclusive in-app coupons, round-the-clock customer service, waived delivery fees for orders above $35 (while orders under $35 incur a fixed $7 delivery fee), and the convenience of having groceries delivered not only to your home but also to your workplace or any other desired location while on vacation.

Instacart

The usage of Instacart does not obligatorily require membership. Non-members may be liable to higher service fees during peak delivery periods and must always cover a fixed delivery fee of $3.99. However, even without a membership, several users have reported receiving speedy service.

For those interested in obtaining a membership, Instacart offers ‘Instacart Express’, their dedicated membership service. Customers can opt for an annual membership with a one-time payment of $99 or a monthly scheme with recurring payment of $9.99, billed consistently on the same day each month. Once signed up for the membership, users are exempted from delivery fees for orders exceeding $35 and are not subjected to peak hour fees.

All Bets Are Off: The Final Verdict is In

Determining whether a membership is suitable for you not only relies on your budget but also on how frequently you intend to avail yourself of the service. If you do not anticipate using Instacart three or more times per month, the Instacart Express membership may not be a practical choice.

Contrary to concerns regarding the necessity of a membership, the requirement for a Shipt membership does not appear to deter users. In fact, none of the users that were interviewed expressed any complaints about paying for the membership.

2. Smooth Sailing: Which Platform Offers the Most Intuitive User-Friendly Features?

As any smartphone user would attest, the utility of an app is intrinsically connected to its user-friendliness. In the case of Shipt and Instacart, both applications undoubtedly meet this expectation, boasting an interface that is not only visually appealing but also intuitive to navigate. The apps are crafted with a vibrant color palette, ensuring optimal readability, accompanied by a straightforward layout that facilitates seamless interaction with the platform’s features.

Shipt

Upon launching the app, users are greeted with several convenient features. The top portion of the page displays the most recently accessed store and the corresponding address associated with the user’s account. Additionally, there are quick access icons for the user’s account and shopping cart. Just below, a search bar and the estimated time for the next available delivery slot are prominently showcased.

Immediately following, a series of vibrant and visually appealing icons capture the user’s attention. These icons, featuring labels such as “Buy Again,” “Browse,” and “On Sale,” among others, serve as shortcuts to specific types of shopping experiences. They enable users to easily revisit past purchases, explore budget-friendly options, or peruse items catering to specific needs, such as fresh produce. The design of these icons adds a touch of playfulness while enhancing the convenience and ease of navigating the app’s offerings.

Instacart

Upon launching the Instacart app, users are presented with a convenient and efficient layout. Located at the top left of the home screen is a link to the user’s account, offering easy access to account settings and information. On the top right, users can find their cart, providing quick access to current and saved items. Directly beneath these buttons are icons labeled “Sales” and “Shopping List.”

The “Sales” section provides users with a comprehensive breakdown of all discounted products available at Instacart-compatible stores in their vicinity. The “Shopping List” feature redirects users to a dedicated page where they can create and manage their virtual shopping lists.

Below the “Sales” and “Shopping List” icons, a list of locally available stores, compatible with the Instacart service, is displayed. While Instacart’s home screen does not feature a search bar, it is argued by some that it is easier to navigate by selecting a specific store and conducting a search from there. This approach streamlines the process, allowing users to focus on the particular store they intend to shop from.

Unmasking the Winner: The Verdict is Finally Set

Shipt and Instacart both incorporate features on their home screens to cater to budget-conscious shoppers. However, beyond this commonality, they cultivate different user behaviors.

Shipt, for instance, directs users to the last store they shopped at, facilitating a seamless transition for a new order. In contrast, Instacart aims to provide users with the opportunity to create a shopping list, explore the latest coupons, and potentially discover new stores.

In terms of personal preference, I found Shipt’s home screen layout more visually appealing and slightly easier to navigate. However, I noted that Instacart’s home screen appeared to be more organized, maximizing user efficiency.

Ultimately, the choice between the two platforms may depend on individual preferences and priorities, as each offers distinctive approaches to enhancing the shopping experience.

3. Curating Your Ideal Shopping Experience: Unveiling the Best Store Selection in Delivery Apps

Residing in Texas, when utilizing both Shipt and Instacart to place grocery orders, I observed that the store options on both platforms comprised a blend of local as well as national grocery and specialty store chains. This diverse selection caters to your convenience, offering a range of options from which to procure your desired groceries. Whether you prefer to support local establishments or have a preference for well-known chains, both Shipt and Instacart strive to provide a varied selection of stores to meet your grocery needs.

Shipt

While the availability of store options may vary depending on the location, for individuals like Christy Elliot from Stockton, California, Shipt consistently offers a superior variety of stores.

According to Christy, “Shipt shops at more stores than Instacart,” and this sentiment appears to be shared by others in various regions, including her hometown.

The emphasis on extensive store variety is evident on Shipt’s website, with one of the first messages displayed stating, “We know you have your go-to products from your favorite stores. That’s why we deliver from local and national retailers people love – like Target, Petco, or CVS.”

Instacart

On the other hand, Instacart utilizes geolocation technology to connect users directly with stores in their vicinity. The app displays three recommended stores based on the user’s location. However, the accuracy of this feature may vary, as experienced by the author of the article who encountered an issue where the app suggested stores in a town located hours away from their actual residence. It should be noted that factors such as unreliable cellular or internet signals, particularly in Texas, could contribute to such inaccuracies in GPS-based features.

Deciding the Winner: The Final Verdict Is In!

Determining a clear winner in this context proves challenging, given that it’s heavily dependent on specific location factors. If you reside in or close to a major metropolitan area, the breadth of your physical grocery shopping options is inherently wider. It’s not surprising, then, that these residents witness a superior variety of stores on both delivery apps compared to individuals living in lower-density populated areas.

Amid my research, I discovered that Shipt has yet to establish its presence in my city.

This introduces one among potential constraints with Shipt – the restricted number of cities where the service can be accessed. Presently, Shipt caters to 270 major metropolitan areas across the United States, while Instacart spans more than 5,500 cities throughout the United States and Canada. Therefore, it’s critical to confirm the availability of the service within your city before proceeding to sign up.

4. Ordering Made Easy: Comparing Shopping Experiences in Delivery Apps

Both Shipt and Instacart present the convenience of grocery pickup and delivery services to their users. However, it is noteworthy that many users express a preference for the delivery option, particularly citing the safety and convenience it offers, especially during the pandemic.

In terms of functionality, both apps provide an almost identical experience, with minor variations in some features. These platforms have strived to offer a seamless and user-friendly interface, ensuring a consistent and efficient grocery shopping experience for their customers.

Shipt

During my exploration of Shipt, I initiated the shopping process by clicking on the “Browse” function. This action led me to a screen presenting a range of categories, including “Trending” and “Household Essentials.” Personally, I found the “Trending” section rather appealing as it conveniently showcases what other shoppers are currently purchasing, an intriguing feature particularly in the context of the COVID-19 era.

However, upon concluding my perusal of the “Trending” items, I discovered that the app lacked a back button to navigate back to the other available categories. As a result, I had to resort to using the home button located at the bottom left of the screen, which redirected me to the initial page, requiring me to start the browsing process from scratch.

Instacart

While using the search bar proved to be a seamless experience for locating specific products, it is important to note that the search function only appears once you have selected a specific store from which you wish to order. In addition, scrolling through the “Coupons” and “Popular” sections located near the top of the screen provided added convenience.

It is worth mentioning, however, that users who may be less technologically inclined should exercise caution as it can be easy to accidentally add items to the cart. This was demonstrated when I unintentionally tapped on the plus sign above a picture of cilantro. Luckily, I realized that if I had tapped twice, the cilantro would have been immediately added to my cart. However, this issue can be mitigated if users accidentally tap only once. In such cases, a small pop-up will typically appear, requesting the desired quantity of the product and providing a delete button to the left if the item was mistakenly added.

By remaining mindful of these potential pitfalls, users can navigate the app with ease and avoid unintended additions to their cart.

The Final Say: Reaching a Definitive Verdict

Both Shipt and Instacart employ a similar process wherein users select a store and subsequently browse through the store’s product categories. Moreover, both platforms provide a search bar at the top to facilitate finding specific items.

However, slight differences in functionality exist between the two. As demonstrated earlier, accidental additions to the cart were more likely to occur when testing Instacart, such as unintentionally adding multiple bundles of cilantro. While it is still possible to make accidental additions on Shipt as well, it occurred less frequently in comparison. This particular aspect gave Shipt a slight advantage in my personal experience.

From Response Times to Satisfaction: Evaluating Customer Service in Delivery Apps

Shipt and Instacart recognize the importance of facilitating communication between customers and the individuals shopping on their behalf. However, the method of communication differs between the two platforms. Instacart users have the ability to engage with their shopper through the Instacart app itself, whereas Shipt users have the option to communicate with their shopper via text or phone call.

Shipt

While it is true that Shipt lacks an integrated communication function within the app, many users I spoke with did not express concern regarding this aspect.

One user, Mya Widmyer from Sarasota, Florida, did mention a degree of frustration in needing to have her phone on hand while her shopper was at the store. However, she also acknowledged that inventory shortages are common due to the ongoing pandemic, and she believes this situation will not persist indefinitely.

Nevertheless, Widmyer highly recommends the Shipt app and intends to continue using it even after the COVID-19 crisis. She had an outstanding experience with one particular shopper, whom she highly rated and has subsequently worked with for most of her orders.

Widmyer shared, “All my orders go to him if he’s working at that time, so it’s comforting to have a familiar face and someone who has become familiar with my shopping preferences.” She also mentioned a thoughtful gesture, recalling that her shopper once brought her flowers when she had ordered soup and medication as she was feeling unwell.

Instacart

Customers who have utilized Instacart express satisfaction with the app’s communication features, allowing them to connect with their shopper seamlessly.

Sarah Horen from Cheyenne, Wyoming, expressed her appreciation for the ability to communicate with her shopper in real-time. This feature enables her to be informed promptly if an item is out of stock and provides the opportunity to suggest alternative options. Horen emphasizes that every shopper she has worked with has been exceptional, excelling in selecting suitable replacements and ensuring the quality of fresh produce.

Another user highlighted a distinct advantage of Instacart over Shipt – the ability to track the progress of an order. Instacart customers have the benefit of monitoring the items their shopper has already added to their cart, providing transparency and a better understanding of the order’s completion status. This functionality is not currently offered by Shipt.

Settled: The Final Verdict on the Hot Debate

Individual preference for communication with shoppers may vary. However, it is worth noting that Instacart received commendation for its integrated app communication and the inclusion of an order tracker feature that keeps customers well-informed throughout the shopping process. This integration and transparency provided by Instacart garnered it additional appreciation in this aspect.

Delivering Excellence: Unveiling the Best Platform for Seamless Delivery

The delivery processes for both Shipt and Instacart follow a similar framework, where users are required to select a preferred delivery window, and ideally, their groceries are delivered during that specified timeframe. However, users may discover slight variations in how the two services define and present their respective delivery windows.

Shipt

One of the noteworthy distinctions between the two apps, besides the communication methods, is the time frame within which customers are informed to expect their groceries. Shipt offers relatively shorter delivery windows, spanning just one hour. This feature has been particularly beneficial for individuals like Christina Muscarella, a Boston resident who finds grocery delivery exceptionally convenient even before the pandemic. However, given the current circumstances, she considers it the absolute best way to procure her groceries.

Having given it a try, Muscarella expresses her satisfaction, stating, “The fact that I can still get same-day delivery is fantastic to me. For instance, I ordered my groceries around 6:30 p.m. (today) and they were delivered to my doorstep by 8 p.m.”

The availability of such prompt deliveries aligns perfectly with the needs and schedules of customers like Muscarella, providing a seamless and efficient grocery shopping experience.

Instacart

In contrast, Instacart provides customers with two-hour time windows for their deliveries.

For certain users, like Christy Elliott, this extended delivery window proves to be a positive aspect. Elliott suggests that Shipt should adopt a similar approach, as it would help manage customer expectations regarding the timely arrival of their orders within the one-hour delivery window.

By offering a broader timeframe, Instacart demonstrates flexibility and acknowledges the potential challenges of meeting precise delivery times. This ensures a more realistic and satisfactory experience for customers who use the service.

End of Debate: The Final and Binding Verdict

Determining which service holds an advantage could depend on numerous variables, primarily the quantity of shoppers available in your vicinity and the customer base that frequently uses the service. However, some users have insinuated that Instacart might be implementing a more strategic approach by providing their shoppers with a broader delivery window. This tactic potentially offers a buffer in instances where unexpected issues arise, resulting in longer-than-anticipated delivery times.