• Instacart

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
91
455
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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

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!

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 christeller2
California
1 review
6 helpful votes
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April 15th, 2018

Do not use them, even just to try once because without you knowing it, you would subscribe to annual fee of 149$. I found out about that when I checked my bank accounts and never consented to this subscription.

Thumbnail of user kellig35
Maryland
5 reviews
2 helpful votes
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October 21st, 2021

They've always given me good customer service. I've been a weekly customer for several years. Sometimes the shopper gets an item wrong or ignores my messages, but instacart has generally done a good job of taking care of it

Thumbnail of user ahimsas
Massachusetts
1 review
1 helpful vote
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October 20th, 2020

We had a horrible experience with Instacart and their prices are deceptive. My husband was recently injured and I work full time so grocery delivery is not something we frequently use. I ordered $275 worth of groceries and they only delivered $205. They picked out terrible cuts of meat and produce. I was charged $257... the $52 was in extra charges on top of our groceries! Service fee, delivery fee, heavy order fee, premium and then I gave a tip as well. I was not aware of all of these fees and they were extremely rude and would not refund any of them. They are taking advantage of people during a pandemic. I will never use Instacart again!

Thumbnail of user alainh10
New Jersey
1 review
0 helpful votes
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April 10th, 2020

First time using Instacart and most definitely my last. The shopper picked out several of my items wrong and without approval and charged a case of beer that I did not approve to keep. I have contacted Instacart via email and chat more than 10 times and have not been able to speak with anyone. I dont want anything free. I want my stolen money back. Your shoppers are immoral thieves. I will be filing a complaint with my bank. I wanted to let the community be aware that there are better options to grocery delivery that do not involve all this wasted effort.

Thumbnail of user ronniel11
Maryland
1 review
13 helpful votes
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September 17th, 2016

I had surgery. Used Instacart once to deliver groceries. There were errors made on the delivery, but worse than that, I found a $149 charge pending on my credit card. It had nothing to do with the groceries - I had already been charged for those earlier. When I finally reached them they said it was a "Membership" charge! I NEVER agreed to any membership and it was not mentioned on their website. They eventually removed the charge. Please don't use Instacart unless you are desperate. Peapod worked very well for me.:-)

Thumbnail of user verov1
Illinois
7 reviews
18 helpful votes
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September 6th, 2017

My daughter encouraged me to work for instacart so I started a few days ago. They say we will make a "lot of money" but we need to pick an item in 30 seconds. The first day the instacart lead helped me finding a few items and still I made 150 seconds time. Yesterday instacart left me completely by my self (never shop at Mariano's before) and it was hell. The supermarket employees did not know where the items were or they told me wrong. The deli counter took 7 minutes to cut half pound of meat. And to end the whole nightmare the cash registers were full of people and took forever. So how can you do a fast accurate shopping with no support? No support from instacart, no support from the store and the money? I made $14 an hour average. Ho yes instacart keeps 80% of the tips. So don't tip because the shoppers will get only 20% of your money. Team work? None you are in your own. Terrible company to work for and I've been working for instacart two weeks only.

Thumbnail of user elyssiar
Virginia
1 review
2 helpful votes
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March 30th, 2019

Words can describe what I went through with this service. I had planned to fix a nice dinner and they never showed up with any food. I kept watch in the status from their app and apparently someone named "Fred" was finally loading my cart 3 hours after my scheduled delivery time. Needless to say the driver "Fred" never showed up and I had a low blood sugar episode because I feared leaving to buy food thinking he might eventually show up as the text message indicated he would.

Thumbnail of user rachaelh30
Massachusetts
1 review
2 helpful votes
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January 28th, 2018

I tried the site once with my roommate and had a good experience, so decided to try again. I ordered over $100 of food for delivery within 5 hours. After the latest estimated delivery time had passed, we called the company. We were on hold for 40 minutes, after which we learned that the driver had left earlier and there was no one else to drive the order until tomorrow. This was especially frustrating because we were waiting for dinner groceries. The representative I spoke with was very nice, but it is unacceptable for the company not to inform me of this whatsoever, especially since the problem on their end occurred hours ago. If I had not called (and spent 40 min on hold), I am not sure how I would have ever gotten my food, or at least refund. Our order was rescheduled and hopefully it will actually show up this time... would not recommend using this service, especially not in a time crunch.

Thumbnail of user bills450
Pennsylvania
2 reviews
2 helpful votes
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August 19th, 2018

They got my produce order wrong (reversing the bananas and peaches), overcharged me as a result, then offered me a store credit but no refund on my credit card. Also, in addition to the $9.99 delivery fee and $2 minimum tip, which were disclosed, they added a $2 'service fee' which was never disclosed. Customer service is handled by unfriendly emails only - no phone calls or chat. Aside from those things, the actual delivery process was fine, which is why they earned two stars rather than one.

Thumbnail of user janeg124
Florida
1 review
5 helpful votes
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July 19th, 2018

I tried the one free delivery from Publix its some random non Publix employee and 14 days later they charged my card $149 for instacart. Not a Publix business. Its a middle man and its a scam. Unfortunately people who dont keep close track of their account are losing $149 left and right. The girl who answered when I called instacart even admitted that it is written in tiny print

Thumbnail of user charlesb956
California
3 reviews
3 helpful votes
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February 7th, 2020

I used Instacart a few times. I got injured and need the service.
Absolutely the worst service I've ever had.
First part of the ordering process is pretty good. Very fast but,... and it's a big one. The delivery people OMG! Incompetent doesn't cover it. Most of these people must be from another planet.
They can't find the address even though they use GPS and if they do find it some of them can't use an intercom. One girl called dispatch to get my phone number so I could let her in? It took a while but I finally got down there. I said: I guess you didn't have the instructions and then I noticed she had them in her hand. I said: you have them right there I can see them it says use the intercom. "What intercom" the one three feet from you. The big silver box. "Oh that, those things never work" WHAT?!
I could never make this stuff up and I'm a writer. I've got a few more just as crazy.
I will never use the service again. My blood pressure went up. It ain't worth it.

Thumbnail of user linam42
California
1 review
1 helpful vote
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April 7th, 2020

I had two orders -
1 from Costco. They didn't deliver the item although charged in my order. I checked with Costco, the item is not even available in Costco for past few weeks. And no receipts from Costco.
Second one from Sprout. There are 7 items refunded in my order, but they deducted original price, tips and service charge.

Instacart just sucks! There is no customer support. Nobody response in Chat/Phone.
They are taking advantage of this situation and stealing customer money.

I am seriously thinking to complain against them. Anybody knows what is the legal way?

Thumbnail of user carolz132
Canada
1 review
7 helpful votes
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May 18th, 2020

I live in Canada and wanted to have a gift delivered to a friend who had helped us out. We went on line and placed our order. This was in St. Petersburg, Florida and our shopper was Alex! He was amazing. He picked up our order and kept us posted of his progress all the way from shop to delivery. Amazingly from start to finish it took less than 45 minutes. I highly recommend this service and will use it again. Also, Alex you were wonderful. Thanks so much.

Thumbnail of user sidneyeh
South Carolina
1 review
7 helpful votes
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August 4th, 2017

Customer service is abysmal. Items ordered are marked up by instacart, so membership fee is only part of what you are paying for. Also, weird service charge on each order, which, it turns out, is the instacart slush fund and does NOT go to employees. I am recovering from surgery and really appreciate the convenience of this service, but so many hidden costs and poor response from customer service makes it seem like a scam.

Thumbnail of user alisonp62
Maryland
2 reviews
3 helpful votes
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February 18th, 2019

I tried using this company three times, and then finally gave up. Every time I ended-up having to go back to the grocery store myself to get essential items missing from my order, which pretty much defeats the purpose of using Instacart. The shoppers they hire must not ever cook anything, based on the substitutions they try to use. The app is buggy and does not work well. I started just using the delivery service from one of the grocery stores in my area - I've been much, much happier with them than Instacart.

Thumbnail of user nardaz
California
1 review
1 helpful vote
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March 30th, 2019

The delivery person was the only good part of this experience. I will now buy directly from Costco for delivery. Never from Instacart. Here is why:
1) I ordered a carton of 8 Fuji apples; two arrived fully rotten and covered in mold which was quite visible; the "Packed By" date was more than a month before the delivery (see photo).
2) The 2.5 pound package of organic celery showed a "Use by" date of Mar 29; delivery day was today, Mar. 30. (See photo)
3) two carton of ice cream bars were melted; I thought they would be packed in ice; they were not.
4) I thought I was paying Costco prices; I did not realize Instacart jacked them up, some almost $3 per item.

Thumbnail of user remyc17
Florida
1 review
0 helpful votes
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November 17th, 2022

I've never had this issue until the last couple of orders. Instacart isn't clear when ordering produce, but as far as I know, ordering 1 ct of bananas means one bunch. I even write in the additional notes and instructions to get once bunch. But they still only bring me one single banana. Same issue with sweet potatoes. Huge waste of money that I can't get back.

Service
Thumbnail of user torir61
Canada
1 review
0 helpful votes
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January 9th, 2023

I had the worse time on there I was wrongfully kicked off in the middle of my order twice then sent them my driver's license and credit card pictures only to have them refuse ro repay me back my money all because it was prepaid so I guess they are really picky with the payment method to a serious dumb tee. I want my 40 dollars back

Thumbnail of user davidj1499
Maryland
1 review
0 helpful votes
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November 11th, 2020

Some how when I use instacart app I get a total of what my order will cost but does not agree with the check out cost. The shopper can make replacements differing in number, kind, brand, weight, and quantity but I get charged for the original list of items I ordered. Needs to be verified, fixed. Happens often.

Thumbnail of user christinab98
Colorado
1 review
3 helpful votes
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June 28th, 2017

I love Instacart and have used them for years and years. It recently came to my attention by a flyer a delivery person put in one of my bags. Before you complete your order click on the service charge and default it to $0 otherwise you will be charged. This doesn't go to the delivery people only tips do. You have to do this every time you place an order. The customer service team did do a great job refunding me over $500 in service fees. My rating is only reflective of this deceptive annoying practice. It should be taken off there system entirely.

Thumbnail of user mikew300
North Carolina
1 review
5 helpful votes
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February 22nd, 2018

Total rip off scam of a company. Some store over charge. Does not honor the terms of agreement they have available and steal the rewards and money people earn on their store rewards card. Terrible customer service and wait times.

Brian E. (Instacart Customers)

Feb 21,2:19 PM PST
Hi Mike,

Customers who shop with a loyalty card on the Instacart platform will not receive in-store sales, but will be able to collect any loyalty points that accrue on their card. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Thumbnail of user tomg537
New York
1 review
1 helpful vote
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September 10th, 2020

Shoppers are late more often than not. The NEVER ONCE have used a cooler or other method to keep perishables fresh. Frozen fish has come completely thawed out and ice cream consistently melted all over my groceries. I've had to stop buying anything truly perishable. Four times I've asked a supervisor to call me to discuss the problems and I've never had a return call. Supervisors more than once promised me the shopper would shop at the store only two blocks from me but they consistently go to a different store anyway. They have now confirmed that they lied each time they assured me of that. I probably take three times as much time to get groceries delivered than if I had just gone to the store. The shoppers are clearly taken advantage of.
Even though most are friendly and try to be helpful, the company ties their hands. Unfortunately, I may be stuck with Instacart until the pandemic is over. I can't wait to go back to the store myself.

Thumbnail of user robertb1135
Texas
1 review
3 helpful votes
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June 10th, 2018

I used Instacart one time. It did what they said they would do. The lady delivered my groceries was nice enough. But then my bank card starts getting hit with little charges before a $149 charge appeared today! I never used them beyond that one time. Got tired of being put on endless hold dealing with them, so I called my bank, which had to deactivate my bank card. How many of you has this happened to?

Thumbnail of user elizabethr898
Tennessee
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
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December 2nd, 2020

I wish they were negative stars. From blatant sexual harassment, missing items that is a regular occurrence, not able to reach anyone, different answers from each person, a telephone number that rarely works, missing $80, and their inability to solve any of this

Tip for consumers:
If you can don’t use this company pick another. If you’re stuck with them try Walmart. Yes there’s a charge for that too but it’s still cheaper. It just takes longer. If you have no food as in many situations I faced you’re in trouble.

Products used:
The ones that I ordered. They add substitutions whenever they want even if you say not to. For example you order something that cost $.69. They substitute it with something that cost $3.99. And as I’ve said resolution never comes. I realize that they have grown fast but something has to be done about this company. I keep praying for another alternative delivery food option In my area because this is not just Unacceptable, but They are hurting people! Often the most vulnerable people are affected the worst. If you have any kind of disability no I don’t know what to tell you because if your side and paired you can’t use chat effectively and even when you try to with a magnifying glass every person gives you a different reply their fine answer I had to agree to give up $30 in credits to use the $50 credit. Now they say that they can’t remove all of The $10 credit and I’ll have to place two orders to ever use the $50 credit. This was merely their last answer. I’ve been told to go ahead and order and it will be taken off and adjusted but it doesn’t happen. Someone please shut this company down if you have any suggestions!

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user randal6
Texas
1 review
0 helpful votes
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January 6th, 2022

I only ordered from this company 3 times and all 3 were a disaster but the last took the cake. After corresponding with shopper regarding crazy substitutions (which I had already addressed in the notes) I waited 3 hours for my groceries. He notified me when he left so I could not understand why he had not arrived. The next text I got was a copy of the receipt where he had returned my whole order to the grocery store with instructions that I had to call the company for a refund. After holding for 35 minutes with Instacart on the phone I was given 3 options... 1) to reship (no!) (2) credit the Instacart account (no!) or (3) credit my credit card (yep!). I am done with this company. I gave them 3 chances and they could not redeem themselves. I would rather go to the grocery store myself on the day before Thanksgiving then deal with this company again.

Tip for consumers:
Run don't walk.

Service
Value
Shipping

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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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