I Don't Like Grocery Delivery. Here's Why It's Sometimes Worth It Anyway

Living in "the future" has its perks. You can bank from anywhere. We have video phones now. And you can place a grocery order through an app and have your food delivered right to your door. I first started using the Instacart app during spring 2020, when it felt like the world was ending due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a simple trip to the store became something to be feared. Since those scary days, I have occasionally used Instacart, but it's definitely not my first choice for shopping.

For one thing, it means I end up paying more for a grocery run. On my most recent order (from earlier this year), I paid a delivery fee, a service fee, and a tip for the shopper, all of which totaled $22.41. I wouldn't have paid this extra if I hadn't used the app for my shopping. I also paid $0.27 for grocery bags and the tax on them, which is an inconsequential amount of money, but it's also money I could've saved if I'd done the shopping myself (I always bring reusable bags). Your mileage may vary, as at least one of my colleagues here at The Ascent saves money by using Instacart.

My other issue with grocery delivery is that I prefer to pick out my own items, especially fresh produce and anything perishable, like dairy products. I've noticed that Instacart shoppers don't prioritize later expiration dates like I do when I shop -- yes, I am the person who reaches into the back of the dairy fridge to get the milk that expires in 10 days, rather than five days. Despite the added cost and frustration of being delivered a bagged salad that is already turning brown, I do still use Instacart on occasion. Here's why.

Avoiding impulse buys is easier

It can be easy to overspend at the grocery store, even if you have a list. For me, a grocery list is more "make sure you buy these items, because you need them," than "buy ONLY these items," anyway. So if I walk by a new product that catches my eye, I'm likely to give it a try -- and end up spending more than I should. If I'm putting together an Instacart order, I'm not browsing through the app looking for new items my grocery store is offering. Rather, I'm focused on finding the products I actually do need.

It is very convenient, especially when the weather stinks

I cannot deny the convenience of grocery delivery, even if I prefer to carve out the time to do my shopping myself. I live in a part of the country that gets extreme winter weather, and if there's a foot of snow on the ground, a 30-minute grocery trip takes much longer since I have to dig my car out and clean it off. On those days, I will happily pay those extra fees for delivery, and tack on a bigger tip than usual for the shopper. On that note, be sure to include that tip in your grocery budget if you use delivery often -- the kind folks who do your shopping for you really need it (and really deserve it, especially when it's snowing).

How can you save money on grocery delivery?

While I don't use Instacart super often, I'm always looking for ways to do so for less money. Check out these tips to save:

• Use credit card benefits: If you've got a grocery rewards credit card, you can often get the same cash back on grocery delivery purchases. And some credit cards even offer a complimentary Instacart+ membership. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is an example of one that currently does. I got this card a few months ago, but I'm holding off until later in the year to activate my free six months of the service so I'll have it over the long, dark, snowy winter.
• Sign up for Instacart+ if you use the service often: Instacart+ will save you those delivery fees if you make orders of at least $35, and your service fees will be reduced too.
• Look for coupon codes: Some stores might have promotions through Instacart, so it's worth looking before placing an order.
• Make a grocery list: You should still go through your pantry, fridge, and freezer before placing an order for grocery delivery, to ensure you don't forget to order something you desperately need -- and then have to go out to the store anyway.

All things considered, using Instacart or another grocery delivery service can make sense sometimes. Give it a try, and lean on the above tips to optimize your chances to save money and time (which can sometimes be more precious than money).