One of the nice things about living in the age we’re in is that you can get almost anything delivered. Granted, I live in the sticks, so when I get stuff delivered it goes to my husband’s work, but then it still gets delivered to me because he brings it home!
I’ve been using Instacart for over a year now, and I suppose some would call me late to the party. I decided after a few orders that Instacart Express would be a good investment, it costs $99 per year, but saves on delivery fees and service fees. The first year was about a break even (I saved about $99 by having Instacart Express) and this year I’m on track to save more.
Before I dive in, if you’re looking to try Instacart you can save $10 off your first order by clicking here. (It’s my affiliate link, which means we both save, and it doesn’t cost you anything more.)
Here's what I DON'T like about using Instacart
1. I don't get to pick out my own produce.
This is definitely my biggest dislike. When I’m shopping for myself I can pick what I think are the best looking pieces of produce. Plus, if something on my list doesn’t look great I can substitute it for something else. For example, every week I get fruit for my breakfasts and when I’m at the grocery I can choose what looks the best. Grapes? Strawberries? Bananas?
2. The seasonal & weekly special items aren’t always available on the app.
I do most of my shopping at Aldi and they’ve always got items that are around for a limited time and then gone again. I rarely find them on the app, if I think to look for them. So, those cool finds of food and other goods are often missed unless I’m shopping in person.
3. You miss finding new things to try.
This could be grouped into #2, but it isn’t always seasonal stuff you miss. Sometimes there’s a new item, flavor, etc. that would be good, but you don’t know it exists. Again, the stuff that you’d notice if you were actually looking around the store.
4. You miss manager's specials and quick-sale deals.
If you’re a bargain shopper like I am then you know when you’re in the store you have to cruise the manager’s specials areas to see if there’s anything that is on sale but isn’t advertised. There are also often sales on items that are nearing their expiration date. Generally I find really good deals on meat this way, and if I’m not able to use it right away I’ll vacuum seal it and freeze it right away. Unfortunately there’s no good way to use the Instacart app to find these deals.
Here's what I DO Like about using Instacart
1. I don't have to bring kids to a grocery store.
My kids like to go shopping, and I like to bring them… when I have time and energy to do so. But sometimes it’s nice not to have to. I can get what I need and it’s delivered either to my vehicle or to my husband’s shop (and then he brings it home!).
2. The app remembers all of the things I’ve gotten before, and the items I get regularly, so reorders are SUPER easy.
Sometimes a reminder to add something to an order comes in really handy.
3. I can choose to either pick up my groceries at the store or have them delivered.
Again, I live in the middle of nowhere so I can’t get deliveries to my house, BUT I can have them delivered to my husband’s work and I have used that option before. I can also skip the delivery fee and pick up my groceries at the store. They bring them out and load them up, and I’m good to go. I’ve never waited more than a few minutes when I pick up.
4. It doesn’t cost me more. In fact with coupons sometimes it costs me less!
From what I’ve found, I pay the same price as I would have if I were actually shopping. Sometimes I save even more because Instacart has its own coupons that it offers. Usually I get an offer for $10 off the next two orders of $35 or more. Needless to say I make sure to use those before they expire even if there’s nothing I NEED. You can always stock up on something! If you want $10 off your first order, click here.
The Verdict - I recommend it
Overall I definitely recommend Instacart. I use it almost every week. I still will swing through the grocery store from time to time and see what’s new and cruise the specials, but for the things I know I’m going to buy every week it’s a no-brainer. I’m all about things that save me time and make life a little easier.
I find that it is easiest to use when I have my list ready, and can check things off as I add them to my virtual cart. Having my list ready helps to save me money, too. PLUS it’s easier to stay away from the things I know I shouldn’t buy (hello, ice cream!) because I’m not actually seeing it. That’s good for my wallet and my waistline.
If you want to give Instacart a try, you can save $10 off your first order by clicking here!