What Is Instacart Used For: Features, Reviews & Alternatives

Fees generally include a delivery fee (often waived for Instacart+ members or orders over a certain amount), a service fee (a percentage of your order total), and potentially a heavy item fee for bulky goods. It's also common for item prices on Instacart to be slightly higher than in-store prices to cover operational costs.

When an item is unavailable, your shopper will typically suggest a suitable replacement via the in-app chat. You can pre-set preferences for each item (e.g., 'Find best match,' 'Choose specific replacement,' or 'Don't replace') to guide your shopper's decisions.

Yes, once your shopper begins working on your order, a chat interface becomes active within the Instacart platform. You can use this to clarify items, approve substitutions, or provide specific instructions regarding your delivery.

You can report issues with your order directly through the Instacart website or app within a specified timeframe (typically 7 days). Options usually include a refund, credit, or redelivery for affected items, depending on the specific issue.

Instacart supports linking loyalty programs for many partner stores directly within your account settings, allowing you to earn points. Digital coupons offered by Instacart are automatically applied at checkout, and some store-specific digital coupons may also be available through the platform.