• 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 pg298
New York
1 review
0 helpful votes
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July 12th, 2020

My biggest issue with Instacart occurred yesterday. I order chicken. The package of chicken had a price of $16.61. It was a reduced price of $11.68 to be used right away (which I appreciate the shopper doing to save me money). When I checked my receipt Instacart had charged me $19.35! That was a $7.67 increase. It took me 2 emails and a phone call and arguing with them to get an adjustment! They kept saying online costs more. I said they could have at least given me fresh meat. I will never order from them and am warning people to check their receipt carefully. This was not an error - it was robbery. The receipt picture shows after they finally made the adjustment.

Thumbnail of user elisae1
Pennsylvania
2 reviews
12 helpful votes
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January 5th, 2016

I signed up for Instacart because it said they would deliver in 1 hour, once I signed up, I was then offered a 2-3 hour delivery, now today I ordered at 3:36 and my delivery is set between 8-9. Wow! Now that's 4 1/2- 5 1/2 hours. This company sucks you into being a member and then does not "deliver" what they promised. I hope this company goes under because they are a bunch of liars!

Thumbnail of user danyam
Arkansas
1 review
38 helpful votes
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December 19th, 2020

Do not allow this service access to your bank account! Supposedly Instacart "holds" an extra 10-15% from your account to cover any contingencies. My account was charged $55 for $30 worth of groceries. Instacart helped itself to an extra 80%. Still no refund. Instacart first asks for Apple Pay, but will plunder your bank account when $50 is not enough for $30 in groceries. This is FRAUD!

Thumbnail of user lp127
Georgia
1 review
14 helpful votes
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March 29th, 2020

HORRIBLE - DO NOT use this service unless you just want to donate money to a corporation. You will be charged for items you never receive. Can't get refund for items never received. Wait time to call and request a refund is 1.5 hours! This is not the delivery person's fault. Times are difficult, and that I understand. However, Instacart makes it impossible to get credit for my elderly mother who was charged for items not received. I consider this fraudulent theft from an elderly person.

Thumbnail of user dawnb1096
Michigan
1 review
0 helpful votes
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July 20th, 2022

We were real happy to have instacart downloaded, that quickly changed! Our order was to be received between 7:30 and 9:00, the order did not get here in time, the order was taken and dropped off in front of a building! Who does that!? Who would think to leave groceries in front of a building downtown where people are walking all day! Then to find out, that's not even what happened, the driver took photos of the food in front of the building where he had placed them, and then loaded them back into his car and said that he had delivered them! They returned our money promptly, but they lost out on their own money! I actually thought this was a great idea, having groceries delivered to my home, but once again, I was fooled! I almost want to try it again, just to be fair and give them a chance to make this right, but I'm very skeptical at this point!

Thumbnail of user nancyi106
Massachusetts
1 review
1 helpful vote
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April 10th, 2020

We had placed 2 simple orders for Aldi's and Market 32 on a Monday. They informed us we could not get the delivery until Saturday (6 days after our order was placed). On the day of our delivery, we received an email from Instacart that they could not make the delivery and cancelled both orders. We were shocked! Had we known they would cancel us, my husband would have gone to the supermarket to get our essentials! We were only using their services to protect us from going into a grocery store. Tried to report the problem to their 800#... It did not take calls and referred me to their website. Went to the website, was not able to leave a message. Worst customer service ever! Especially considering the current situation of our country! Then didn't even offer to reschedule it, just cancelled on the day of. I would never use their services nor recommended them to anyone! Very disappointing!

Thumbnail of user garye173
Florida
1 review
96 helpful votes
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April 4th, 2020

I've "tried' to use instacart during this virus epidemic to keep my family safe. First time they delivered
To wrong address and told me tough. Fortunately, I found the address and was able to get the order.
Second time, they only delivered 1/2 the order yet charged me for the full order and will not respond or
Reply. I've forwarded case to Police and Sheriff's Office for prosecution. This is fraud by means of interstate
Commerce folks. A federal felony.

Thumbnail of user robynb24
Wisconsin
3 reviews
4 helpful votes
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September 30th, 2018

My friend posted there was a $20 coupon for new members on their first order. So I signed up, put the items in my cart and upon check out there was no free shipping nor a coupon to apply. I tried contacting the company about this and got nothing. So I cancelled my membership and now I'm going to the store. Which I should have done in the first place because I would have found my items and been home by now. Live and learn, don't use this service, it's not worth it!

Thumbnail of user nicoled1271
New York
1 review
0 helpful votes
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April 24th, 2022

An order was delivered to my house that was not mine. I called Instacart as soon as this happened, thinking that this would be resolved immediately. After two hours in the phone and chat I was told I would get Instacart credit (for my order over 100 within 48 hours. After 48 hours the money was not there (and I still had no groceries). I had to initiate another 2 hour conversation to find out the money would be refunded to my bank account within 15 business days. I still don't have it… so I have no groceries and the company has currently stolen over 100 dollars from me. We will see if the money comes within 15 business days, regardless, the timeframe to fix their mistake is ridiculous. Never using them again.

Tip for consumers:
Don’t use them.

Products used:
Nothing. They did not deliver my order.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user anonymousr13
California
6 reviews
8 helpful votes
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July 21st, 2018

I am in California and Instacart is all I use really. I hate grocery stores. Really dependable site- with excellent customer service via email. If something goes wrong, or a product is damage or like him my case, the shopped picked out tomatoes that did not ripen for 10 days... I was refunded. Shopper are communicative. Prices are of course higher than in store and the selection can be a little wonky. But you have to really take your time while ordering and it is totally do able. The nutrition of each product is not pictured on the site so I have to search online for ingredients a lot of the time. That does need to be fixed. I look in the coupon section every time I shop and try to save to it off sets the higher cost. My grocery bags show up on time on my front porch, each and every time. I always waive their " service fee" and add it to the tip of the driver. I also am very specific about subs. You have to be. I am really impressed and am a regular user of the site.

Thumbnail of user parisrowe27.pr
Illinois
1 review
0 helpful votes
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October 24th, 2023

I do not recommend working for this company they care nothing about the workers only the money. When you contact about problems with customer or within your app your left feeling more angry then you started. Then don't investigate or have any real pro cools to insure that there employees are safe far as people tryna commit fraud wen a customer give a bad address or don't want to answer the phone they'll have you wait for a customer for more then 10 minutes to wait and see if they come around or answer don't care wat neighbor your in nor your time to fo other others and the batches don't pay good but want you to work very hard and they will let you sit on line for hours without giving u any type of orders jus horrible I swear don't do it you will regret it

Thumbnail of user sp156
California
2 reviews
1 helpful vote
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January 12th, 2019

Sad to see all the negative reviews, but I've had nothing but good experiences (knock on wood, right!?!). Delivery is here when they say, shoppers have been interactive, shoppers and delivery has been considerate and professional, and the one time I was charged for the higher count item, but received the same count with a lower quantity, Instacart reimbursed me the item I was charged for with no hassle. This is a great service when I'm otherwise busy, sick, or stuck home for whatever reason and can't get to the store.

Thumbnail of user rutho46
California
1 review
0 helpful votes
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November 12th, 2019

I bought an annual delivery service for $99. Cancelled it after 3 months due to how expensive the food is from Instacart, but they would not pro rate the refund. That is unheard of! PLUS, today I received a text from them that my credit card had been charged $800. I did not place an order! I immediately called my CC company and terminated the card. Next call was to Instacart. Told them of the fraud and suggested they stop the delivery immediately. At that moment I got another text saying the goods would be delivered in 2 hours. They had plenty of time to stop it - and did not. Received another text 2 hours later saying the goods had been delivered. Who knows where? The fraudsters had changed my email address and delivery address so I could not get into my account to rectify things. How did Instacart allow those changes to be made? Bad security systems, that's how.

Thumbnail of user sg453
Maryland
2 reviews
14 helpful votes
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November 24th, 2021

They ask for your rewards/bonus card number but don't pass on all the savings to you. On my last order, I got a few savings but the best deals they kept the savings for themselves. Reps keep telling me they can't give me an Instacart credit because of policy. When I suggested they escalate to someone who could, they stopped answering. I understand that they're overcharging for items to make money and didn't asked for that amount back but I can't believe that when caught pocketing my loyalty card savings, they just outright refuse to do the ethical thing and give it back to me. They did offer a lot of apologies though... lol.

Service
Value
Thumbnail of user lisag3097
Pennsylvania
1 review
4 helpful votes
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May 10th, 2023

Somehow I got signed up for recurring membership with Instacart to the tune of $104.94 a year. I used this outrageously expensive service a few times during Covid, but I never wanted membership. Today I saw the charge to my credit card and called Instacart to cancel the membership and receive a refund. Not only were their off-shore calling center employees rude, they refused to refund my money for a service I don't use. They should be run out of business. Don't use them.

Tip for consumers:
This company stepped into the Covid nightmare to offer a useful service at that time and then just continued to suck people’s money from their bank accounts.

Products used:
Very few.

Service
Value
Shipping
Quality
Thumbnail of user tinad584
Texas
1 review
6 helpful votes
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April 12th, 2022

Used Instacart for the first time, driver marked every single one of my items as "Out of Stock" and still walked out of the store with 90% of my order, from what I can tell without it going on my credit card. He "Substituted" (I marked notify about subs) with about 12 items of his very own things he needed. I saw none of those items but was charged for them at $65.00. Spent the day trying to get it fixed. NEVER AGAIN.

Tip for consumers:
Don't use instacart, they hire thieves.

Products used:
Groceries

Thumbnail of user elizabethg506
New Jersey
1 review
5 helpful votes
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March 25th, 2020

Never ordering from them again. Did not receive 14 of 24 items in my order! Yet, they still charged $15 for delivery and $6 for tip. Still waiting to see if the credit card gets adjusted for my order, because they charged me $100 extra in order to allow for adjustments! Never heard of such a thing. If they cannot deliver your order they should give you the option of a refund! Seriously... even in the middle of this pandemic... DO NOT USE THEM!

Thumbnail of user terressam1
Georgia
1 review
0 helpful votes
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April 16th, 2020

My order was delivered this morning. I didn't receive any of the meat I ordered. I received a huge pack of chicken breast. However, I was charged for the steak and pork chops. I sent an email immediately - they offer me a $22.95 credit. I am livid! Been on hold now for over an hour. I'm not a happy customer.

Thumbnail of user donm457
Pennsylvania
1 review
0 helpful votes
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April 14th, 2020

I placed an on line order, they accepted my order, charged my card, but only delivered half of my order while charging me for all of my items. Have been trying to contact customer service for two weeks, calls get disconnected, emails never answered. They are flat out criminals!

Thumbnail of user fayr33
Massachusetts
1 review
1 helpful vote
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May 15th, 2023

Only able to get Instacart credit on a missing item, but in order to use my credit I have to spend a minimum amount, not including all the various fees. After having missed/incorrect items almost every time, I don't want to order from Instacart again. They force you to get Instacart credit so they are guaranteed more money out of you. What a rip off, terrible company.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user sandrac134
Minnesota
1 review
6 helpful votes
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September 26th, 2017

My first order was great! Then the ridiculous substitutions on the next orders. For example, if I order a pound of something because of the better price, they will substitute 2 8 oz packages that cost much more. I just tried one more delivery today. Still below par. I have worked on customer service for years and I am appalled that the lack of service they offer.

Thumbnail of user jadumanij
Canada
1 review
2 helpful votes
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February 10th, 2019

Worst. They promise 2 hour instant delivery but delivered 3 hours late. They take a service charge and a delivery fee that's normal. But then when you see your actual store bill from the driver you then realize you have been cheated. You would see around 10% more bill online than actual store price. This is something hidden and no one tells you. My first and last.

Thumbnail of user timz114
Massachusetts
1 review
0 helpful votes
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May 13th, 2023

Awful,Awful Awful do yourself a favor and shop yourselves say there out of stock with items,that I immediately went to the same store and found the item,and they never ever read the special instructions

Thumbnail of user susanb136
Texas
28 reviews
63 helpful votes
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December 24th, 2021

Instacart is all right if you're desperate, but do not believe any of their promotional offers. They have no intention of fulfilling them. On the most recent one I called about the agent clearly had her script in front of her before she bothered to pull up my order (a rather clear indication that I was not the first to call about this!) and she repeatedly shouted me down to lie about the terms of the promotion and the details of my order: which I did have in front of me, whether she did or not. Every time I called her on one of her lies she started shouting the next item from the list of excuses at me. Very poor customer service, very abusive.

Service
Value
Thumbnail of user donnak1678
Illinois
1 review
2 helpful votes
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June 16th, 2023

I am dissatisfied with Insta cart because there are frequently missing items from my order. They credit my account on my next order but I would prefer an immediate refund. There does not seem to be a real person to handle complaints. I don't know where my missing items end up. It is always the most expensive things missing. Although it is convenient I am about done with instacart.

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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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