For the first time, my family of six decided to try a grocery delivery service called Instacart instead of venturing out ourselves. It was two weeks into our social distancing efforts, and we were running low on essentials like milk and fruit. My partner downloaded the app, and we began filling our cart late one night after our kids were settled in bed.
When prompted to leave a tip, we exchanged confused glances. How much was appropriate for this unfamiliar service? Everyone we knew did their own grocery shopping, so we had no one to consult. I suggested a 20% tip, which seemed to be the standard across various services. But were we being generous or stingy? I didn’t want to upset our shopper—nobody wants to find broken eggs in their delivery!
The next day, I was browsing a local mom group on social media when an Instacart shopper chimed into a discussion about grocery shopping during the pandemic. I sent her a polite message and started asking all sorts of questions about shopping experiences. After our chat, I felt reassured that our tip was fair and could even be adjusted post-delivery if necessary.
From that conversation, I learned about both the challenges and successes that shoppers face. Some customers complained about late or damaged deliveries, while others praised their friendly and efficient delivery people. The tip amount often varied based on the quality of the items, the accuracy of the order, and the shopper’s attitude.
Using Instacart felt like a bit of a gamble for me. I’m somewhat of a control enthusiast who values consistency, plus I’m picky about brands and ingredients. However, my fear of contracting the virus outweighed my concerns. After some time navigating the app, we pressed “send” and waited for our groceries.
To our delight, two different shoppers picked up our order since we were sourcing items from separate stores. One order arrived within 12 hours, while the other took a couple of days. We encountered zero problems and agreed that a 20% tip was more than fair. Perhaps the saying holds true: you get what you pay for?
Shoppers working for services like Instacart, Shipt, and Dumpling are tirelessly ensuring we have access to the items we need. They’re out there driving around with their cars packed full of groceries, often risking their health to support their own families. They are essential workers, playing a crucial role during these challenging times.
When deciding on a tip, consider the reality of their work. A seasoned Instacart shopper named Sarah shared with me, “For grocery delivery, your shopper has to drive to the store, shop, sometimes bag your items, and then deliver them to your doorstep using their own vehicle and gas.” She continued, “Because Instacart pays less than minimum wage, shoppers rely heavily on tips to make a living.” Take a moment to reflect on that. Your tip is more than just a gesture; it’s a vital part of their income.
Sarah even sent me a screenshot of a recent order she fulfilled, which I won’t disclose for her privacy. The shopper traveled seven miles to buy and deliver groceries for a customer and made only $5.82 from Instacart for that trip. Clearly, that’s not a sustainable wage.
What’s even more surprising is how some customers engage in a tipping bait-and-switch. When using Instacart, you set a tip before delivery but can change it afterward. Some customers might boost their pre-delivery tip to attract shoppers, only to reduce it significantly or even to $0 after the groceries arrive. This practice is not only unfair but downright inconsiderate.
From my experience, the shoppers want to provide excellent service. Since the shelter-in-place orders began, we’ve used grocery delivery services five times and had positive experiences each time. It baffles me that someone would take advantage of a friendly shopper who has gone out of their way to deliver groceries with a smile.
It’s unreasonable to tip a minimal amount, especially if you’re utilizing this service. Yes, using a grocery delivery service will cost you more than shopping in person, and that’s the point—you’re paying for convenience. Therefore, a fair tip is warranted. Sarah mentioned that tipping 20% or higher is ideal for satisfactory service. The takeaway? Don’t skimp on tips; it’s simply not right.
You wouldn’t hesitate to tip your hairstylist for a beautiful cut or your barista for a well-crafted latte. So why not extend that same courtesy to the person who has risked their health to bring groceries to your home? If grocery delivery services aren’t in your budget, consider drive-up services where employees bring your order to your car, usually at no extra charge. Generally, those employees aren’t allowed to accept tips for loading your items.
In these uncertain times, we’re all trying to balance our responsibilities. Showing appreciation in practical ways helps us navigate through this global pandemic together.
For more insights, feel free to check out this other blog post at Home Insemination Kit. Looking for more information on home insemination? Make A Mom is a great resource. And if you’re expecting, March of Dimes offers excellent information on pregnancy week by week.
Summary:
In the age of grocery delivery services, it’s essential to tip your shopper fairly, as their earnings often rely heavily on tips. These essential workers are risking their health to provide us with necessary items, and acknowledging their efforts with a generous tip is a simple way to show gratitude. A standard tip of 20% or more is recommended, as it reflects the value of their service and supports their livelihood.
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