instacart.ca FAQ

How does Instacart delivery and curbside pickup work?

Instacart makes it easy to order from your favourite stores. You shop for items from stores near you, with a selection of more than 500 retailers and trusted local grocers across North America. Instacart then connects you with a personal shopper in your area to shop and deliver your order. Contactless delivery is available with their “Leave at my door” option. You can track your order’s progress and communicate with your shopper every step of the way using the Instacart app or website. Instacart also offers curbside pickup at select retail locations where you place your order, choose a pickup time, and a shopper prepares it.

How much does Instacart cost?

You don’t need a membership to order with Instacart. Delivery fees start at $3.99 for same-day orders over $35, with variations for one-hour deliveries, club store deliveries, and orders under $35. There may be a “pickup fee” on pickup orders. Service fees vary based on factors like location and items in your cart, and orders containing alcohol have a separate service fee. An optional Instacart+ membership offers $0 delivery fees on orders over $35, though service fees still apply.

Will I pay the same price on Instacart as I would in store?

No, not necessarily. Retail partners set the prices of items on the Instacart marketplace. While many retailers offer everyday store prices, some may set prices on the Instacart platform that are different from in-store prices. You can view pricing policies for each retailer on the Instacart app and website.

What happens if something is out of stock and I need to give specific instructions?

Instacart makes it easy to communicate with your shopper. When an item is out-of-stock, your shopper follows your replacement preferences: “Find Best Match” (shopper’s judgment), “Pick Specific Replacement” (you choose an alternative), or “Don’t Replace” (you get a refund). You can set instructions in advance or chat directly with your shopper during the process.

What happens if there’s an issue with my order?

If something isn’t right, you have options. In the Instacart app or website, you can report missing, incorrect, damaged, or poor replacement items, or issues with early/late orders. If an order never came, or you received someone else’s order, you can reach out to Instacart Customer Experience for assistance. Instacart.ca Career Opportunities

Can I get contactless delivery with Instacart?

Yes, Instacart offers contactless delivery through its “Leave at My Door” feature, which is the default setting for all deliveries. This allows groceries to be delivered without you having to come to the door or be home. You can leave delivery instructions at checkout, and you’ll be notified when your order arrives. Customers ordering alcohol, prescriptions, or certain high-value items may need to show ID upon delivery.

Is Instacart.ca available in all Canadian cities?

Instacart serves “14,000 cities across the U.S. & Canada,” including major Canadian metropolitan areas like Calgary and the Greater Montreal Area. To confirm availability in your specific location, you should use the “Shop by location” feature on instacart.ca.

How do I log in to my Instacart.ca account?

To log in, you would navigate to instacart.ca login on the website or open the Instacart app. You will typically be prompted to enter your email address and password associated with your account.

Can I order from Costco through Instacart.ca without a Costco membership?

Yes, Instacart states that you “can even order from warehouse clubs, like Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s Wholesale Club, without a retailer club membership.” This is a significant benefit for users who want access to warehouse club pricing and selection without the annual membership fee.

Where can I find Instacart.ca’s phone number for support?

Instacart’s primary support channel is typically through their instacart.ca/help section on the website or within the app, which often guides users through self-service options or connects them to customer service chat. A direct instacart.ca phone number might be listed within the help section or for specific customer service inquiries. Instacart.ca Membership and Account Management

How do I cancel my Instacart membership (Instacart+)?

To cancel your Instacart+ membership, log in to your instacart.ca account, navigate to your account settings or profile, and look for a section related to “Manage Membership” or “Instacart+.” There should be an option to cancel or turn off auto-renewal there.

What kind of job opportunities are available at Instacart?

Instacart offers a variety of career opportunities, primarily for “shoppers” who pick and deliver orders, and various corporate roles. You can explore these opportunities at instacart.careers, which typically lists positions in technology, operations, marketing, and customer service.

Are Instacart.ca reviews generally positive or negative?

Instacart.ca reviews are mixed. Many users appreciate the convenience, speed, and wide selection of stores. However, common complaints often relate to service fees, potential price discrepancies between in-store and Instacart prices, and occasional issues with shopper quality or out-of-stock items.

Does Instacart offer gift cards?

Yes, Instacart offers gift cards. These can be purchased and sent to others, allowing recipients to use the credit for grocery orders on the platform. Information about gift cards can usually be found on the Instacart website.

How can businesses advertise on Instacart?

Businesses interested in advertising on the platform can typically find information and resources on the “Advertise on Instacart” section of their website, often linked from the footer or a dedicated business section. This platform allows brands to promote their products directly to Instacart users. instacart.ca vs. Ethical Alternatives

Can I track my shopper’s location in real-time?

Yes, Instacart allows you to track your order’s progress and communicate with your shopper every step of the way using the Instacart app or website. This includes seeing where your shopper is during the shopping and delivery process.

What is the Instacart Partner Program?

The Instacart Partner Program typically refers to relationships with retailers who integrate their stores onto the Instacart platform to offer delivery and pickup services to their customers. Businesses interested in partnering with Instacart can find information on their website, often under “Partner program” or similar links.

How do I find promos and coupons for Instacart.ca?

Users can typically find available “Promos & Coupons” by visiting the dedicated section on the Instacart.ca website or within the app. New customers may also be eligible for promotional offers like $0 delivery fees on their first few orders.

Does Instacart.ca offer a grocery budget calculator?

Yes, Instacart.ca provides a “Grocery Budget Calculator” as a resource for users. This tool is designed to help consumers plan and manage their grocery spending, offering insights into budgeting for food expenses.

What are Instacart’s terms and privacy policies?

Instacart’s full terms and privacy policies are available on their website. You can find links to “Terms,” “Privacy,” and a “Health Data Notice” typically in the footer of instacart.ca. It’s recommended to review these documents for details on user agreements, data handling, and service conditions. Instacart.ca Functionality and User Experience