According to the USDA's Economic Research Service, online grocery shopping among adults 50+, while still relatively low at 12%, has increased. This shows that seniors are starting to embrace this convenient technology. This guide will help you join the growing number of older adults who enjoy the benefits of grocery delivery services.

What Is Instacart?

Instacart is a grocery delivery service that connects you with personal shoppers who select your items from local stores and deliver them to your home. You can order from multiple retailers, including major supermarkets, pharmacies, pet stores and specialty shops, all in one order.

The service is available via Instacart's website or through a mobile app you can download to your smartphone or tablet. You can schedule deliveries for the same day or up to a week in advance.

Creating Your Account With Instacart

Before you can start shopping, you must create an Instacart account.

1. Visit www.instacart.com or download the Instacart app from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android devices).
2. Click "Sign Up," enter your email address and name and create a password.
3. Enter your delivery address to see which stores are available in your area.
4. Add your payment information (credit card, debit card or EBT/SNAP benefits in some locations).

Placing Your First Order

Selecting a Store

After logging in, you'll see a list of available stores in your area. Simply click on the store where you'd like to shop. Popular options typically include major supermarkets, pharmacies, specialty food stores and warehouse clubs like Costco, only there’s no membership required.

Adding Items to Your Cart

There are several ways to find and add items.

• Type specific items into the search bar.
• Browse categories and explore departments like "Produce" or "Dairy."
• Reorder items from past purchases.
• Create shopping lists for items you buy regularly.

When adding items, you can specify quantities and, in some cases, provide notes for your shopper.

Delivery Options

Instacart offers flexible delivery options that are particularly helpful for seniors.

• Same-day delivery. Get items delivered within hours.
• Scheduled delivery. Plan deliveries up to a week in advance.
• Priority delivery. Pay a small premium for faster service,
• No-contact delivery. Items can be left at your door.

Special Features for Seniors

Instacart offers several features that make it more accessible.

• Text size. You can adjust text size through your device settings.
• Voice search. Many devices allow voice input instead of typing.
• Simplified view. The "Express" version offers a cleaner, simpler interface.

Managing Costs

Understanding Fees

Instacart charges several types of fees.

• Delivery fee. Typically $3.99 to $7.99 per order
• Service fee. A percentage of your order total, usually around 5%
• Heavy fee. For bulky or heavy items
• Tip. At your discretion, and you can decide how much

Don’t let these costs stop you from using the service, though. A study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that online grocery shopping often leads to fewer impulse purchases, potentially saving shoppers money despite delivery fees.

Saving Money on Instacart

Smart shopping strategies can offset delivery fees and make online grocery shopping comparable to in-store prices. Here are some tips.

• Use Instacart+. This subscription service ($99/year or $9.99/month) eliminates delivery fees on orders over $35.
• Shop sales. Instacart shows in-store promotions and deals.
• Compare prices. Check prices across different stores.
• Use loyalty programs. Link your store loyalty cards to get the same discounts you would in-store.

Communicating With Your Shopper

During Shopping

Once a shopper begins your order, keep your smartphone handy. Your shopper will send notifications about replacements or out-of-stock items, and you can approve the change, request another item or ask for a refund for the item. You can also chat live with your shopper for questions or more detailed delivery information.

After Delivery

After your order is complete, rate your experience and provide feedback about your shopper and order. If items are missing or incorrect, you can report problems and receive refunds. Once you see how the delivery, packaging and everything else went, you can change the tip amount up to 24 hours after delivery.

Safety and Security

Protecting Your Information

Instacart takes several measures to keep your information secure. For example, payment information is protected via encryption, and shoppers only see your address during active orders. You can also enable two-factor authentication for added security.

COVID-19 Safety

Although pandemic restrictions have eased, Instacart maintains safety protocols beneficial to seniors.

• Contactless delivery is available for all orders.
• Shoppers follow health safety protocols.
• Delivery equipment is cleaned regularly.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

What If Something Goes Wrong?

Even with a well-established service like Instacart, issues occasionally arise.

• Missing items: Report through the app for a refund.
• Late deliveries: Contact customer service for assistance.
• Quality issue: If produce or other items aren't fresh, report within 24 hours.

Getting Help

Customer support is available through:

• In-App help. Access the help center directly in the app.
• Website chat. Live chat support is on the website.
• Phone support. Call 1-888-246-7822 for immediate assistance.

Email. Send questions to help@instacart.com.