Juggling work, family, and a social life leaves little time for grocery shopping. Luckily, Instacart delivers groceries to your door. But those delivery fees and service charges can add up, right? Don’t worry, you can easily save money on every Instacart order. Here’s how.
Master the Art of Smart Instacart Shopping
Saving money starts before you even add items to your cart. You need a strategy. This is where it’s at. Think of it like a smart grocery run, just online.
First, compare prices. Check the prices on Instacart versus your local grocery store’s website (if they have one). Sometimes, prices through Instacart are marked up. If there’s a significant difference, and you’re not in a hurry, consider visiting the store yourself for those specific items or consider alternatives like Amazon Fresh.
Second, plan your meals. Before you even open Instacart, make a list based on your meal plan for the week. This prevents impulse buys and helps you stick to your budget. Impulse purchases, even on sale, can bust the budget.
Third, check your pantry, fridge, and freezer. Avoid buying duplicates and wasting food. It’s too important to buy something already sitting in your kitchen.
Leverage Discounts and Promotions
Never pay full price! Instacart offers various discounts and promotions. You just need to know where to find them and how to use them.
First, always check the “Deals” section on the Instacart app or website. You’ll find items on sale from various stores. These deals change frequently, so check them before each order. Also, look out for coupons, both from Instacart and from the stores themselves. These are often applied automatically, but double-check during checkout.
Second, sign up for Instacart+ (formerly Instacart Express). This subscription service often waives delivery fees and offers other perks, like lower service fees and exclusive deals. If you order groceries frequently, the subscription can pay for itself.
Third, explore store-specific promotions. Many stores partner with Instacart to offer their own discounts. Check the store’s Instacart page for these deals. Consider some retailers like Whole Foods Market, Target, or Kroger.
Optimize Delivery and Service Fees
Delivery and service fees can be real budget killers. Fortunately, you can take control.
- Choose the right delivery time. Peak hours (evenings and weekends) often come with higher delivery fees. Schedule your delivery for off-peak times (mornings or weekdays) to save.
- Group your orders. Instead of placing multiple small orders, combine your needs into one larger order. You’ll often pay less in total delivery fees this way.
- Consider the service fee. Instacart‘s service fee is a percentage of your order total. Be mindful of this as you shop.
Make every penny count!
Become a Cashback Pro
Cashback can make your Instacart runs even cheaper.
First, use cashback apps. Many cashback apps, such as Rakuten, offer rewards for Instacart purchases. Before you place an order, check these apps to see if they’re offering any cashback deals. It can add up over time.
Second, use credit cards with rewards. Some credit cards offer rewards on grocery purchases or delivery services. Maximize those rewards by using the right credit card for your Instacart orders. Just be sure to pay off your balance in full to avoid interest charges.
Third, explore manufacturer coupons. Many grocery manufacturers offer digital coupons that you can clip and apply to your Instacart order. These are a great way to save on specific items. You can easily find these coupons within the Instacart app or on the manufacturer’s website.
Smart Substitutions and Avoiding Waste
A smart shopper always thinks about freshness. Smart choices save money.
- Allow substitutions. Sometimes, items you want might be out of stock. Allowing substitutions gives your shopper the flexibility to choose a similar product. This prevents your order from being delayed or cancelled, and it helps you get what you need. Review the substitutions before approving them.
- Check expiration dates. When your shopper selects items, they typically choose the freshest ones, but it’s always smart to double-check the expiration dates, especially for perishable items.
- Reduce food waste. Plan meals carefully and store food properly to prevent spoilage. Wasted food equals wasted money. Freeze leftovers to extend their shelf life and avoid throwing good food away.
Tip Like a Pro
Tipping is essential for delivery drivers. However, you can manage tips to align with your budget.
- Understand the default tip. Instacart often suggests a default tip. You can adjust this before or after delivery.
- Tip based on service. Base your tip on the quality of service. Did the shopper find all your items? Were they communicative? Was the delivery prompt?
- Consider the percentage. 15-20% is a standard tip for good service. If you received exceptional service, feel free to tip more.
- Remember you can adjust! You can adjust the tip amount up or down within a few hours after delivery. This lets you reward excellent service or adjust for any issues.
By following these Instacart hacks, you can save money, eat well, and make your life easier. Enjoy your grocery delivery!
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