Instacart Tipping Guidelines: How Much is Enough for Your Order?

When it comes to tipping on Instacart, the amount you choose to tip can vary widely depending on the type of order you place. There are different types of shoppers on the Instacart platform, each with their own responsibilities and schedules. Understanding the roles of these shoppers can help you determine the most appropriate tip amount for each order. Here’s a detailed breakdown to ensure your satisfaction and support their hard work.

Types of Orders and Shoppers on Instacart

Instacart orders can be categorized into three main types: shop only, delivery only, and full-service shop and deliver. The type of order you place will determine the kind of shopper and the level of effort required to fulfill it.

Shop Only Orders

For shop only orders, the in-store shopper solely extracts the items you need and stages them for you to pick up at the store. This type of order typically requires less travel compared to other types. The in-store shopper is compensated relatively low, at $7 per hour, with a tip of at least $20 for their time and effort. If you need more items, such as heavy-duty products or multiple cases, the tip may increase accordingly.

Full-Service Orders

Full-service orders are more comprehensive, involving both shopping and delivery. There are two types of full-service shoppers: full-service shoppers and delivery only shoppers.

Full-Service Shoppers

Full-service shoppers are responsible for shopping, driving to the store, fulfilling your order, and delivering it to your doorstep. They are compensated at a higher rate, ranging from $7 to $10 per hour, plus tips. For full-service orders, a tip of $25 is recommended to cover the additional responsibilities and travel. If they handle a heavy order, such as two cases of water, the tip should reflect the weight of the items.

Delivery Only Shoppers

Delivery only shoppers focus on delivering the order to your address, assuming that the shopping has already been completed. They also receive a tip of $5 for handling the delivery aspect. This type of shopper is usually responsible for orders coming from online pickup locations such as Total Wine and More.

Note that Instacart does not reimburse these shoppers for gas, so your tip serves as a way to cover their travel expenses. In addition to the tip, full-service shoppers pay for gas out of their own pocket.

Tipling Recommendations for Different Order Types

The amount you choose to tip can impact the shopper's satisfaction and your own satisfaction with the service. Here are the recommended tip amounts for each type of order:

Pickup Orders

For pickup orders, the shopper acts as both an in-store shopper and a prepare-and-stage assistant. They are already in the store, so they save time and effort by staging the items for your convenience. A tip of at least $20 is recommended to acknowledge their effort.

Online Delivery Orders not Through Instacart

For pickup orders from locations such as Total Wine and More, a delivery only shopper or a full-service shopper may be involved. If the order is handled by a delivery only shopper, a tip of $5 is recommended. For full-service shoppers, a tip of $20 is suggested to cover the travel and delivery process.

Instacart-Managed Pickup Orders

Instacart can manage pickup orders, where the shopper picks up the order for you and delivers it to the store. For delivery only shopper, a tip of $5 is appropriate. For full-service shoppers, you should tip at least $20 for their comprehensive service.

Delivery Orders Through Instacart

For full-service shoppers handling delivery orders, a tip of $25 is recommended. This covers the driving to the store, fulfillment, and final delivery to your address. If the order is a heavy one, ensure to add a bit more to the tip to compensate for the extra weight.

Your Input on Tipping

While it is ultimately your choice to tip, it is important to consider that these shoppers provide a crucial service. The amount you choose to tip can both reward them for their effort and ensure the quality of the service you receive. If you feel that the default tip of $5 for orders over $100 is not sufficient, it might be worth considering a higher tip to show your appreciation for their hard work.

In essence, tipping is a personal decision, and the amount you choose to tip is based on the level of effort and service the shopper provides. Whether you tip $5 or more, your gratitude is appreciated. The most important thing is to be consistent with your tipping habits and to thank the shoppers for their service whenever possible.

Conclusion

Tipping on Instacart is a personal decision, but it can significantly impact the service you receive and the satisfaction of the shoppers. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can make informed choices about your tips, ensuring both quality service and a fair reward for the hard-working shoppers.