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Instacart

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Overview

Instacart has a rating of 1.2 stars from 2,477 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally dissatisfied with their purchases. Reviewers complaining about Instacart most frequently mention customer service, credit card, and grocery store problems. Instacart ranks 134th among Grocery Delivery sites.

  • Service
    597
  • Value
    560
  • Shipping
    401
  • Returns
    408
  • Quality
    498
Positive reviews (last 12 months): 1.1%
Positive
1
Neutral
1
Negative
89
View ratings trends
456
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How would you rate Instacart?
Top Positive Review

“Convenient Grocery Delivery Service”

Rekhmir S.
4/2/24

Instacart offers a convenient grocery delivery service, allowing me to shop from my favorite stores without leaving home. Whether I need fresh produce, pantry staples, or specialty items, Instacart delivers everything I need with reliable service and fast delivery. I appreciate the flexibility of scheduling delivery windows and the option to communicate with my shopper in real-time. Instacart has become a lifesaver, especially during busy weeks

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Top Critical Review

“Bad customer service”

Mike K.
9/14/24

I had to wait on hold for 35 minutes before the problem with my order was addressed. The shopper delivered someone else's order. I'm not upset about that - nobody is perfect. What is outrageous to me is the time I had to spend on-hold waiting for a person in the "delivery mistakes" deptartment to get on the line. The person who answered my call was not allowed to take care of the problem, whether rescheduled delivery or refund, so I had to be punished with a long wait on the phone. When the wrong order delivered person finally got on the line, they rescheduled my delivery for tomorrow and promised some discounts or free delivery or something else because I had a hard time understanding what she was saying. For all the money I spend in a year with Instacart, I would expect far better customer service than this!

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Reviews (2,477)

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Reviews that mention popular keywords

customer service (654) credit card (194) service fee (172) delivery fee (136) grocery store (110)
Thumbnail of user mikek2180
California
1 review
0 helpful votes
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September 14th, 2024
Verified purchase

I had to wait on hold for 35 minutes before the problem with my order was addressed. The shopper delivered someone else's order. I'm not upset about that - nobody is perfect. What is outrageous to me is the time I had to spend on-hold waiting for a person in the "delivery mistakes" deptartment to get on the line. The person who answered my call was not allowed to take care of the problem, whether rescheduled delivery or refund, so I had to be punished with a long wait on the phone. When the wrong order delivered person finally got on the line, they rescheduled my delivery for tomorrow and promised some discounts or free delivery or something else because I had a hard time understanding what she was saying. For all the money I spend in a year with Instacart, I would expect far better customer service than this!

Products used:
Did not receive correct order.

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Value
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Thumbnail of user mikebeary
Missouri
1 review
0 helpful votes
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October 8th, 2024

There was $20 on the foyer table that the driver stole. Instacart won't return it. I left a BBB complaint. I've been a long standing customer, I don't ask for refunds, this is a legitimate issue. They seem to not believe me even though I told them I have camera footage.

Thumbnail of user kerstinw16
New York
1 review
0 helpful votes
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September 22nd, 2024

So, my daughter is in the Navy, I have been caring for her elderly dog. The agreement is that she buys dog food ever so often, as my dog and her dog share the same food. Did I mention she is stationed in Japan, on patrol this very moment.
I tried to purchase the dog food for delivery, threw my back out, so I ordered the dog food on instacart and paid, or should I say tried to pay for it with HER valid MC, which I have used for his vet visits, tests, labs, medicines, everything else needed to take care of him.
I was going to sign up for the service, but this is not convenient, not does it make sense.

Lost another customer
Bottom line - they blocked my account unless I email them personal verification.

Products used:
Nothing, denied me service because of my cc

Service
Value
Thumbnail of user marybethglynn11
California
1 review
0 helpful votes
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September 3rd, 2024

The One star review is generous.

Awful! Recently, I've had 3 Instacart deliveries. One was delivered to the wrong house, on the wrong street. The Instacart customer service wanted me to walk around the neighborhood so that I could find the stuff and CARRY THEM BACK to my house! (Instacart, I ordered them from YOU because I am not able to drive or carry heavy items.)

The second order was missing half of my order. I had to argue with them before they finally agreed to have them delivered.

Today, an item that the shopper and I communicated about …. Was missing!

There's no hope for this group.

Products used:
Groceries

Service
Value
Shipping
Thumbnail of user dorened2
California
8 reviews
9 helpful votes
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September 28th, 2024

They suck! They shop and after wasting my time back and forth with messenger, and waiting around for the delivery window, they say "shopper is checking out" then they cancel my entire order. After calling Instacart they say there was an issue with the "shoppers card". So we order delivery and our CC goes through no problem but the shopper has an issue with their card at the register?! Ridiculous! Maybe they shouldn't be a shopper and delivery person. You deserve to go out of business.

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Thumbnail of user annieo865
Virginia
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
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October 26th, 2024

We the customer need to stop using Instacart, I try not to use them because they are vile. Customers Beware! DO NOT USE THIS PRICE GOUGING BUSINESS. Last week (I am a shut-in) I ordered food and for a half of a watermelon, THE LABEL SAID $6.64@ $1.29 PER POUND. The markup was $1.70 per pound and they charged me $15.40 for a half of a watermelon that was not even edible. I am so sick of them. This week I was missing 2 items from my request. The majority of the time the fresh food is already spoiling and it may be delivered to someone else. I received 1% Buttermilk instead of the quart of 2% regular milk last week. This is my absolute last time dealing with them. I will find another way.

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Thumbnail of user margaretl1540
Vermont
1 review
0 helpful votes
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July 7th, 2024

I have used Instacart several times. I always try to give the benefit of the doubt but this last time is the end. My groceries were left at my door and nearly all of it was frozen food and milk. I had to throw it all out. This is not the first time that has happened but it will be the last. Never will I use them again. I do not recommend them. I always pay extra to have my order delivered early and it is usually late. Save your money and don't use them.

Products used:
T

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Value
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Thumbnail of user nmcd
Virginia
1 review
0 helpful votes
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November 5th, 2024

I am writing to express my deep disappointment regarding my recent experience with Instacart, which left me feeling both upset and embarrassed due to the mishandling of my order intended as a donation for a homeless shelter.

On Saturday, November 2, I placed an order for essential items to be delivered directly to a local homeless shelter. I ensured the address was accurate, provided my contact information, and even selected substitutes for items in case any were unavailable. The shelter coordinator and I coordinated the delivery time so they could receive the donation, which was needed urgently.

To my shock, I later discovered—by chance through an email—that my order had been canceled without my knowledge or consent. At no point did the shopper contact me to discuss any issues or changes with the order. Adding to my frustration, I was then charged a cancellation fee despite having no role in the cancellation. This is not only poor customer service but also an unfair charge for something I didn't authorize.

This entire experience was deeply embarrassing. The shelter coordinator had been waiting for these critical items, only to be left without them due to this cancellation. I felt responsible and humiliated, given that they were expecting much-needed support that ultimately did not arrive.

I have since had to contact my bank to dispute the cancellation fee and secure a refund. This situation was entirely avoidable, and I am disappointed that Instacart did not reach out to resolve the issue before canceling the order and imposing a fee.

Due to this experience, I will no longer be using Instacart and wanted to caution other customers. Be vigilant with your orders, regularly check your email, and monitor your bank statements closely for unauthorized fees.

Tip for consumers:
No

Products used:
N/A

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Quality
Thumbnail of user aliciaf425
Connecticut
1 review
0 helpful votes
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November 4th, 2024

On 10/22 | placed an order on Instacart for a few items at Star Market which came to a total of $50.89. At the completion of the shopping trip I noticed that my total had jumped from $50.89 to $225.15. I messaged the shopper Noel and he said "the system is glitching". I reviewed the order and it showed the quantities of broccoli changed from 2 bags to 15 bags, mashed potatoes from 1 container to 10 containers, Pillsbury cookies from 1 roll to 10 rolls, Milano cookies from 1 bag to 3 bags. I received a notification that my order was delivered with an extremely blurry picture that I couldn't make out but no one came to my house and no groceries were delivered to me, I have a camera. I messaged the shopper that he went to the wrong address but I got no response. I contacted Instacart immediately. They said they tried to contact the driver but were unsuccessful. I told them what happened and that I wanted my money back and they said a refund would take 5-10 business days and an Instacart credit would take up to 24 hours so l agreed to take the Instacart credit. After days of waiting for the credit I reached out via chat and I was told the incident was escalated because it was over $100 but someone would be contacting me by email very soon. It's now been 2 weeks. L've done 5 chats, sent an email, spoke with an associate on the phone and they all say the same thing, that they can't do anything because it's been escalated. I was told that usually it takes no longer than 48 hours for the escalation team to review the case and get back to the customer so l don't understand why I've been waiting two weeks. I was robbed of $225.14 and Instacart will not help me at all. I was a loyal customer of Instacart, I ordered from them every week. I no longer trust them now that I know they allow shoppers to steal their customer's money and they look the other way.

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Thumbnail of user angelc707
New York
1 review
0 helpful votes
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July 23rd, 2024

Instacart is by far one of the worst apps in America. Not only do they tax every item you ourchase but the delivery is typically 10$ not including service fees which also Range from 6-10$. I placed an order and not only did my driver show up with absolutely nothing he blamed someone else for the reason my order was missing. THEN HE DROVE OFF AND STATED THAT HE DELIVERED MY ORDER TO ME WHEN I NEVER RECEIVED ANYTHING. SO NOW I PAID 50$ FOR FOOD NEVER RECEIVED THEY STOLE MY MONEY AND MY FOOD AND CUSTOMER SERVICE DOESNT EVEN EXIST. This is by far the worst customer service and shoppers in America.

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Thumbnail of user berrysherry855
Washington
4 reviews
3 helpful votes
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July 21st, 2024

I personally refuse to use instacart for personal shopping because of my experience as a cashier for 10 yrs. Instacarters are some of the worst, rudest individuals that shop in the store. Many of them are self centered and mean little sobs that are a--ss holes to the grocery workers. Do not hesitate to make a time and date stamp and order total of the individual being nasty to you. I've reported many to the 800# on my breaks because I'm just sick of it. We allow them to have their job and they harass us for it.

Please stop asking where things are. It tells you in the app what aisle, position and shelf number it is in. It is understandable if we're out or just did a major reset but we are not there to hold your hand the entire order.

Program generates child labor. The company refuses to admit this and says it lets working moms take their kids with them. Sorry I see many mom's let their kids do all the work while they just follow them around. You might think oh, how cute a 2 yr old is helping mom carry a bag of groceries to my door. Nope, that's child labor. This company exploits child labor. We had a elementary schooler do it so well the mom just let her do it as she thought it was play time. This company should be ashamed of it self.

Thumbnail of user bonitahaze
Georgia
1 review
1 helpful vote
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June 29th, 2024

Today was the final straw. I placed an instacart order and paid the $1.99 (a new thing they have started) to get the order to me hopefully by the end of the day. I placed it at 2pm and didn't get it until after 630pm. Then I saw, the order was NOT MINE. The shopper had brought someone else's order. I immediately told the driver that's not what I ordered, he took it back and drove off. So long to getting what you ordered and so long to decent prices through instacart. They allow shoppers to shop multiple orders and it's posing a huge problem. I know I can't be the only one having this issue, but not any more because I will NOT be ordering from them again.

Thumbnail of user twentiethcenturyw
Florida
30 reviews
38 helpful votes
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August 1st, 2024
• Updated review

My Instacart customer account was locked twice for puzzling "security concerns." About a year or two ago my Instacart customer account was locked due to "security concerns." I was unaware of any issues. I had to send pictures of my driver's license and a credit card with certain information blocked. My account was unlocked. I was told that there was fraud at the address where I received the deliveries, a large building with over a hundred and thirty occupants. I don't think my particular apartment or account was involved?

After years of being a good customer, and no issues I could see, my Instacart customer account was locked again due to puzzling "security concerns."

This is what happened: Signing in to Instacart is a bear. They send you a six (not 4) digit code that you have to rewrite in some boxes. I forget, was I unable to cut & paste it? Was the official time given to do so short or was it expiring early? Not sure. Anyway, I entered the code wrong on my first try. My account ended up getting locked. I think after I entered it wrong once, I was eventually sent a code to unlock it but something went wrong. Maybe the timing was off. The total amount of trouble you have with Instacart can be depleting and cause customers to make mistakes. Many other online companies have easier sign in procedures.

I had the same contact info etc. as before. I was ordering from the same places. I'm unaware of any security issues. I sent the relevent documents. I was told I'd hear back in "48 business hours." What does that mean? About ten days later I had not heard back. Twice I sent more documents during that time without a response. I emailed Instacart customer service asking them to alert a supervisor in Instacart's security team. They sent a non-responsive generic answer.

I took one more step and my account was quickly unlocked after about 10 days of waiting.

In my experience, similar services don't lock your account like Instacart. Instacart does not seem to be more secure than they are.

Mostly Stressful
December 24th, 2022
Verified purchase
• Previous review

Update Spring 2023

Instacart Orders Cancelled Twice In One Week After I Proved I Was Myself

I placed an Instacart delivery order to the address where I have been for a long time. I used a legit payment method I have used for a long time. I have received delivery orders here before. All my account/payment info was the same as it's been for a while. I ordered from a new local store, but it is owned by the same company as the store I was ordering from before. Items ordered were typical. The order was cancelled just after placing it due to "unusual activity."

I was made to take a step to "verify my account." It took six tries and a call to customer service, but I did. The rep said my account should work in an hour or two. It was too late to place the order that day.

On a day later that week, I tried placing an Instacart order with the same store. After placing it, it was again immediately cancelled, "due to unusual activity." There was no unusual activity.

I was directed again to "verify my account" When I clicked that link it immediately said they could "not verify my account" which makes no sense. Yes they COULD. It's verifiable. It's been verified. Macy's website does this, spitting out 100% legit orders with a message like this.

I was directed to take more invasive steps to "verify" myself. One had already been done before.

Here's the rest of my Spring 2023 experience:

The Instacart website was slow to load as usual. As usual, my view of the site is full of extraneous information. I feel the site fights with me. A local store used Instacart for their online orders for pick up. It was late in the day and I could not schedule a pick up time for that day. Instead of saying all the slots were taken for that day, it said they were unusually busy, please check back later. This was misleading. Worse, it did not offer the possibility to schedule a pick up time for the next day. This is weird for them. They did before. Instacart should offer pick up dates for the next day and into the future.

December 2022 A store where I live has customers place pick up orders through Instacart's website. The store shops for the orders and brings them to your car. The store said they could fill an order for that day as long as it was received by a certain time. The Instacart website is dysfunctional, but I made it with time to spare. Instacart did not give me a pick up that day, but two days later. The store was willing and able to fill the order that day, but had no way to access the order. They tried. Instacart could not help. Instacart blamed the store. They claimed this store and others were falsely blaming them for multiple same day pick up orders pushed forward two days in order to lighten the stores' shopping schedule. I believe the store. I understand Instacart had some kind of free Christmas delivery promotion that likely caused or contributed to this issue. That promotion sounds like a bad idea.

There were a lot of ways their website needed to be different. It's like a disease.

Thumbnail of user rweaver21
Illinois
1 review
0 helpful votes
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July 18th, 2024
Verified purchase

Instacart is holding my monet hostage. I have ordered from Giant 3 times and only received 1 order correctly. The 1st order was delivered to my neighbors house, who I don't know. I currently have a broken leg so I had to send my kids to their home to get my items. Items were tampered with, their home was dirty. Frozen items were thawed. I called and they immediately refunded some of my items. The next time worked perfectly. I ordered again yesterday and the food was never delivered. The driver attached a pic of a random street but did not include the groceries at all. I called Instacart and they said I have to complete a form because my account is under rreview. I'm pissed because I needed the Groceries badly. They said I have to wait 48 hours for a response. I called and got the same response. I ordered again today in pure hope since I can't walk at the moment and hopefully it gets delivered. I'm really pissed with Instacart. They should be able to check the pictures to confirm delivery.

The 1st pic is not my hone, 2nd pic is my home and the 3rd pic is not even my block. Driver should be no longer allowed to deliver

Thumbnail of user jackiem928
Idaho
1 review
0 helpful votes
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June 9th, 2024

I was an Instacart customer for several years in several states with no issues. After a crazy delivery person overreacted to getting the order wrong, they cancelled me.

Tip for consumers:
Customer service for Instacart was good but their Security and Safety Department is awful - they have no respect for their customers and do not value them either.

Products used:
I used this service through Costco.

Service
Value
Thumbnail of user bracykelly00
New Jersey
1 review
1 helpful vote
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May 26th, 2024

My shopper did not reply to a chat. I don't think he could speak english or simply could not read. Also did not answer phone call from instacart itself.

Tip for consumers:
Closing Instacart account. Not worth it especially since there are others that can be used.

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Thumbnail of user deandrewlk23
Illinois
1 review
1 helpful vote
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May 19th, 2024

I made an order on Instacart for a few high end items. Whenever you do so they have a window pop up saying you will need to sign for it. Makes sense since they are high end items not just groceries. The driver went to store purchased items and turned his phone off. Instacart couldn't even get in touch with him. Told me they would reattempt delivery in morning but they never did. Most of calls I make to them they hang up and don't help at all. I've been shopping with them for years yet they refuse to redeliver or refund me. I clearly did sign for delivery and driver came no where near my address. He stole it. The prick has a photo with half his dusty face on it. One eyeball half his nose and hair. His photo even looks shady, why let someone scared to show their face even drive? Still driving for them like he didn't steal my order and inconvenience me with talking to customer service who hangs up on me and not resolving the issue. Been shopping with them for to long to be done like this. Not form of compensation for my wasted time and fact that this bum stole my items. Never using Instacart again and I'm spreading the truth about how they treat loyal customers. Can't even go to police because it's threw Instacart even though this was clearly theft. I signed for nothing and received nothing. But they happily took my money and won't deliver what I paid for or refund me. Don't use Instacart good ppl, because Instacart whole setup is full of bad ppl. The drivers steal they treat the customer at fault. Call customer service they'll hang up on you without resolving anything. Very shady service.

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Thumbnail of user pjs95
New York
2 reviews
1 helpful vote
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April 30th, 2024

Dear Instacart, This has nothing to do with the shopper and their shopping expertise. This complaint has to do with Instacart as a company. Your $5.00 credit is a complete joke and slap in my consumer face. I gave you the FACTS and you tapped me on the head and brushed me aside. A crippled, senior! You owe me another $35. Now I know to you yacht owning mansion, owning sports car owning corporate executives $35 is something you wipe your rich asses with. But to folks like me $35 gets me another couple of meals so excuse me Instacart executives that I don't get all excited with that five dollar credit, I will not be renewing my subscription next year even if I have to crawl to the grocery store to get food! Pjs

Service
Value
Thumbnail of user mamanichols1214
West Virginia
1 review
0 helpful votes
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April 21st, 2024

First off… the people who have delivered my groceries are great. I have no issues with the deliveries or the people who deliver them. The company, however, I take issue with. I had signed up for Instacart+ free during a downturn in my mental health with the thought "if I use this more than just the once then it's worth it" well I didn't and I canceled it on the last day of the free trial (a Sunday). Then I get an email from Instacart congratulating me on my new membership and a text from PayPal saying I had been charged 99 dollars + fees anyway. Despite having canceled. And also despite not having received the "warning" they say they give to you when you are nearing the end of your free trial period. While the people who do the hard work are great, the company has lost my trust as a customer and I will no longer be using them.

Thumbnail of user reaganbettina
Massachusetts
1 review
1 helpful vote
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May 12th, 2024

This company is deceiptful and their customer service is a joke. They are lazy and dont want to help with anything. When items are missing, they have promised credits, because obviously you shouldnt have to pay for something you do not receive, however, they tend to NOT give that credit. I have had to call several times, deal with AWFUL customer service. Their fees are ridiculous! DO NOT USE THEM THEY ARE A DISHONEST, HORRIBLE BUSINESS!

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Thumbnail of user rekhmirsorgaardketn
Armenia
15 reviews
1 helpful vote
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April 2nd, 2024

Instacart offers a convenient grocery delivery service, allowing me to shop from my favorite stores without leaving home. Whether I need fresh produce, pantry staples, or specialty items, Instacart delivers everything I need with reliable service and fast delivery. I appreciate the flexibility of scheduling delivery windows and the option to communicate with my shopper in real-time. Instacart has become a lifesaver, especially during busy weeks

Thumbnail of user withlovebytere
Spain
1 review
1 helpful vote
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March 25th, 2024

I did an order and never arrived. I contacted the help center and they didn't want even to check as they say I asked 7 days after. I thought it would arrive later, and that it never dit. I don't recommend them, and this was my first experience with them and I will never do it again. If you give them a chance make sure you reach them out within the 7 days after, or you will not get any help... so unprofessional and bad customer service.

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Thumbnail of user kennethl1123
Canada
1 review
1 helpful vote
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April 2nd, 2024

I placed an order on sameday Costco with a coupon applied. By the time the items delivered, the coupon was removed. I called their customer service and they said the coupon expire the next day when my item was delivered. They should honour the coupon as I have my item placed when it is still valid. I won't use Instacart service any more.

Thumbnail of user roberto1942
Oklahoma
1 review
0 helpful votes
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March 23rd, 2024

Instcart charges for priority service as a false claim. If they have other orders, they lump them in anyway. Twice this happened in one month. I am trying to cancel my subscription and get a refund. And, they say they cannot give me one due to their systems.

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Thumbnail of user danid93
North Carolina
1 review
1 helpful vote
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March 6th, 2024

Order was correct and delivered safely… But it's rude to mutter $#*! under your breath especially while you're walking off someone's porch. Glad I'm sound in mind and have things to lose. Otherwise I would have punched her in the back of the head.

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Instacart delivers groceries from local stores in two hours. Choose from stores like Whole Foods Market, Target, Costco and Petco. Try us today for free.

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