In today’s fast-paced world, grocery shopping has changed a lot. Shipt and Instacart are now top choices for many. Shipt started in 2014 and was bought by Target in 2017. Instacart began in 2012. Both offer easy grocery delivery across North America.
With grocery delivery sales hitting $6.4 billion in 2021, these services are key to modern shopping. They meet the growing need for online grocery shopping.
When choosing between Shipt and Instacart, knowing the differences is crucial. We’ll look at their prices and what customers say. This will help you pick the best service for you.
The Rise of Grocery Delivery Services
The online grocery shopping industry has grown a lot in recent years. In 2021, grocery delivery and pickup sales hit $6.4 billion. This growth has changed how we shop, making it easier to get groceries delivered to our homes. Companies like Instacart and Shipt are leading this change by teaming up with more retailers.
Growth in Online Grocery Shopping
Instacart works in all 50 U.S. states and 10 Canadian provinces. Shipt is in many U.S. metro areas. These services make shopping easy and convenient from home.
Impact on Modern Shopping Habits
Online grocery shopping can help people stick to their budgets. It prevents impulse buys that happen in stores. It also makes it simpler for busy people to eat healthy by getting fresh ingredients delivered.
Market Share and Industry Statistics
By September 2021, Instacart had teamed up with over 300 retailers. Shipt worked with more than 130 stores. These partnerships have helped both services grow and offer more choices to customers. Their success shows the demand for online grocery shopping is here to stay.
| Metric | Instacart | Shipt |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Available in all 50 U.S. states and 10 Canadian provinces | Available in many metro areas across the United States |
| Retail Partnerships | Collaborates with over 300 retailers nationwide | Partners with more than 130 retail stores as of September 2021 |
| Delivery Options | Offers same-day delivery | Offers same-day delivery |
| Grocery Delivery and Pickup Sales (2021) | $6.4 billion | $6.4 billion |
Shipt Vs Instacart: Core Differences
The battle between Shipt and Instacart is heating up as more people want their groceries delivered. Both services make shopping easy, but they have some key differences.
One big difference is who owns them and their partnerships. Shipt is a part of Target and offers special perks when you shop there. Instacart, on the other hand, works with a wide range of stores in the U.S. and Canada.
When it comes to delivery, Shipt lets you pick your shopper for a more personal touch. Instacart, though, lets you order from different stores at once. This meets the needs of many shoppers.
| Feature | Shipt | Instacart |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Owned by Target | Independent company |
| Store Partnerships | 55+ stores | 200+ stores |
| Delivery Options | Flexible with next-day and 24-hour delivery | Delivery windows from 9am to 12am |
| Ordering Experience | Choose preferred shopper | Order from multiple stores at once |
Shipt and Instacart offer same-day delivery. This meets the needs of today’s shoppers. Knowing these differences helps you choose the best service for you.
Membership Plans and Pricing Structure
Shipt and Instacart have different pricing for grocery delivery. They offer memberships and one-time delivery options. This caters to various shopping needs and budgets.
Annual vs. Monthly Subscriptions
Shipt has a monthly plan for $10.99 or an annual plan for $99. With Shipt, you get free delivery on orders over $35. Non-members pay a $10 delivery fee plus extra charges.
Instacart’s Instacart Express membership costs $99 a year or $9.99 monthly. Members get free delivery on orders over $35 and lower service fees. Non-members pay a $3.99+ delivery fee and variable service charges.
One-Time Delivery Costs
Both Shipt and Instacart offer one-time delivery. Shipt charges a $10 delivery fee plus extra charges for non-members. Instacart’s one-time delivery fee starts at $3.99, with possible higher service fees.
Hidden Fees and Service Charges
Shipt and Instacart might have higher prices than in-store shopping. Service charges and tips for the driver are common. These can increase your grocery order’s cost.
| Feature | Shipt | Instacart |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Membership | $99 | $99 |
| Monthly Membership | $10.99 | $9.99 |
| One-Time Delivery Fee | $10+ | $3.99+ |
| Delivery on Orders Over $35 | Free | Free |
| Service Charges | Varies | Varies |
Understanding Shipt and Instacart’s plans and prices helps you choose the best service for your needs and budget.
Store Partnerships and Availability
When looking at grocery delivery services, it’s important to consider the number of retail partnerships and service areas. Shipt, backed by Target, works with over 130 stores across the U.S. This includes big names like Costco and CVS, as well as local markets. Instacart, on the other hand, partners with more than 300 retailers nationwide. This gives customers a wider range of grocery options.
Shipt is available in many big cities across the country. Instacart, though, reaches all 50 U.S. states and 10 Canadian provinces. Both services offer delivery from a variety of national chains and local stores. But, the availability can change based on where you live.
| Service | Retail Partnerships | Service Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Shipt | Over 130 retail stores, including Target, Costco, CVS, and local markets | Many metro areas across the US |
| Instacart | Over 300 retailers nationwide | All 50 US states and 10 Canadian provinces |
Both Shipt and Instacart offer a wide range of retail partnerships and service areas. This means customers can get a variety of grocery items delivered right to their doors. And they can do this no matter where they live.
Delivery Options and Time Slots
Shipt and Instacart both offer same-day delivery. They let you pick a delivery time that works for you. You can choose from urgent one-hour delivery to a more relaxed two-hour slot.
Same-Day Delivery Features
Shipt and Instacart know how important fast delivery is. Shipt’s delivery times can be as short as one to two hours. Instacart has a priority delivery option for a fee, so your groceries come even faster.
Special Delivery Instructions
Both services let you add special delivery instructions. You can ask them to leave the package at the door or call before they arrive. This ensures your delivery goes smoothly. You can also pick substitutes for items that are out of stock, so you always get what you want.
Shipt and Instacart have many delivery options and time slots. They meet the needs of all their customers. Whether you need fast priority delivery or prefer to schedule delivery time slots ahead, they’ve got you covered.
Pricing Comparison and Item Markups
When looking at grocery delivery services, the cost is key. Shipt and Instacart both offer delivery, but prices can be higher than buying in store. This is due to markups and service fees.
Instacart was cheaper in a sample order, saving $3.36 over Shipt. This was mainly because of Instacart’s lower delivery fee. Shipt, though, lets you get in-store prices and use Target RED card discounts through the Target app.
Both Shipt and Instacart help you save money. Shipt’s monthly membership is $10.99, and the yearly plan is $99. Instacart’s Instacart Express membership costs $9.99 a month or $99 a year.
Shipt charges a $10 fee for one-time deliveries. Instacart’s single delivery fee for orders over $35 is $3.99. Instacart also has a 5% service fee for non-members, unlike Shipt.
| Metric | Shipt | Instacart |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Membership | $10.99 | $9.99 |
| Annual Membership | $99 | $99 |
| One-Time Delivery Fee | $10 | $3.99 (for orders over $35) |
| Service Fee | None | 5% for non-members |
Both Shipt and Instacart provide ways to compare prices and save money. Your choice between them might depend on your shopping style and what’s available in your area.
Customer Service and Shopping Experience
Shipt and Instacart both offer great customer service and shopping experiences. They provide help through email, phone, and live chat. Instacart even has a special phone line for older adults, showing they care about everyone.
Both services let you talk to your shopper during your order. This makes your shopping more personal. It helps ensure your order is right and answers any questions you might have.
Order Accuracy Rates
Reviews for Shipt and Instacart show mixed feelings about order accuracy. Many customers are happy with their shoppers. But, some have issues with delivery and customer service. Keeping orders accurate is a big challenge for both.
Issue Resolution Process
Shipt and Instacart have ways to fix problems. If something goes wrong, like missing items, you can contact their support. How well they solve issues depends on your experience and the support team’s response.
| Metric | Shipt | Instacart |
|---|---|---|
| Customer Support Channels | Email, Phone, Live Chat | Email, Phone, Live Chat, Dedicated Older Adult Line |
| Shopper Communication | Customers can text or call their assigned shopper | Customers communicate with their shopper through the app |
| Order Accuracy Rates | Mixed customer reviews, with some complaints about delivery issues | Mixed customer reviews, with some complaints about order accuracy |
| Issue Resolution Process | Customers can contact customer support to address problems | Customers can contact customer support to address problems |
Payment Methods and Tipping Policies
Shipt and Instacart offer many ways to pay, like credit and debit cards, and digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Tipping is common and can be added during checkout or after delivery.
Shipt tips usually range from 10% to a minimum of $10. Tips under $5 are often seen as too low. Shipt shoppers do everything from picking items to delivering them.
Instacart suggests tipping 5% to 10%, but some prefer 7% or up to $10. For big orders at Costco, a 5% tip is common. Some Instacart users tip up to 20% to help workers’ income. Instacart shoppers start at $7.50 per order, so tips are crucial.
Both services have service fees, but members get discounts. Instacart gives a 5% credit back on pickup orders for Express members, except for alcohol.
“Tipping culture has varying opinions among users, with some finding it a necessary part of supporting service workers and others expressing frustration with the system.”
The payment and tipping rules of these services affect the cost and experience for customers. They also impact the earnings and lives of delivery workers.
The Bottom Line
Choosing between Shipt and Instacart for grocery delivery depends on your needs and where you live. Both services save time and offer convenience. But, they differ in price, availability, and how you shop.
Instacart has a big network in over 5,500 cities in the U.S. and Canada. This might be better if you want more store choices. Shipt, on the other hand, works with fewer stores but offers detailed in-store help in some areas. You should also think about membership fees, delivery costs, and how shoppers get paid.
To find the best service, look at what’s available in your area. Compare prices, services, and what other customers say. This way, you can pick the service that fits your needs best. Knowing the differences can make your grocery shopping better and more efficient.
