Instacart Vs Amazon Fresh – Which Delivery Service Is Best? All in This Guide

Last updated on October 16th, 2024 at 04:16 pm

 

Instacart Vs Amazon Fresh, the first call on the mind is delivery. If you’ve never used any of the delivery apps, I guess one time one day you may have to use it for convenience purposes. And it’s just a matter of choosing the app that meets your needs then delivery is made to that accessible location in time.

Sure, you might have not used any before but it’s real and providing to users. Despite advancements in technology in making online purchases, still, there’s a limited number of people using online delivery.

Amazon Fresh and Instacart are among the sites with apps to use in case one is interested in making orders or making the delivery as a shopper. Though, there’re reasons why one would prefer one delivery platform to the other, and of which we’re going to dive deep into.

What About Instacart Delivery Service?

It’s a multibillion-dollar company that works in the United States and Canada offering delivery and pick-up services. Instacart has been around for almost now a decade that is since 2012 when it launched as an American tech company.

Since its inception, it’s now worth over $7 billion through delivery and pick-up services online.

How Instacart Works?

This delivery service platform works on either Android or iOS devices and you can access it through the app or site. Like some other delivery services, you’re required to join the service in order to get started.

As long as you’re within a covered area by the platform you can get access to a variety of groceries delivered from different stores to you on time.

How to do it, right? Just put the grocery orders in the cart then make payments using PayPal, credit or debit card whichever works best in your interest.

Delivery is made as scheduled on the app for convenience and on time, how cool is that? It’s designed to meet shoppers’ needs and that’s what makes it a preferred app to its users.

Pros And Cons of Instacart

Pros

• You don’t need to get a membership in case you want to get started using the delivery service.
• Instacart is available in many different cities that is over 4000 cities.
• Real-time updates to shoppers during shopping hours
• Connects with up to 14000 stores and partners with over 300 retailers
• Makes deliveries and pick-ups in the shortest time possible

Cons

• There’re several costs attached to the platform which makes it costly to use.
• Missing items and poor substitutions while using the platform.
• Instore retail costs are lower compared to the platform.

What About Amazon Fresh Delivery Service?

Amazon Fresh is among the well-established delivery platforms in the online space. Are you interested in groceries and other local items? Amazon Fresh is here to serve.

You get access to a variety of items through the app or using the site and they can be delivered to your doorstep.

How Amazon Fresh Works?

This platform offers delivery services and it’s included in Prime. Like with Instacart, clients just have to make a selection of preferred items to be added to the cart and then chose a delivery date with a two-hour delivery window.

And compared to other companies, amazon fresh has a different configuration supply chain. Yes, local Amazon warehouses handle most of the platform orders from clients.

Asking about amazon fresh drivers, right? They are independent contractors that deliver fresh orders.

The way amazon fresh work is not as complicated as most people think when it comes to making deliveries. But with this platform one needs to be a prime member in order to access its features and which is not the case with Instacart.

Pros And Cons of Amazon Fresh?

Pros

• Quick delivery is made within two hours after making an order.
• Amazon Prime members can access amazon fresh with convenience.
• The platform offers a variety including items from local whole foods.
• Compared to Instacart, fast food on amazon fresh is cheaper.

Cons

• Deliveries are made to a limited number of cities.
• Amazon Fresh doesn’t accept paper and digital coupons.
• Free deliveries are only made on items worth $35 and more.

Which Stores Work with Amazon Fresh and Instacart Delivery Service?

If you’re all about items to be delivered to your doorstep, amazon fresh and Instacart have a lot to offer. Some of the products delivered include fresh produce, processed foods, meat, and more.

And since we’re comparing two service providers, Instacart has over 14000 stores in different locations hence it has an edge over the competitor. Instacart partners with a good number of local retailers say Costco, grocery outlets, Aldi, and more.

There’re lots of orders taking place on the platform hence making deliveries from different stores. However, Amazon Fresh mostly considers its own brands in their stores though they include other brands too.

Last but not least, in case you’re interested in any alcoholic drink, the best platform to use that won’t disappoint you is Instacart.

Which Delivery Service Works Best: Instacart Vs Amazon Fresh

Though a lot has been covered in the first place, still it’s not enough with these grocery delivery platforms. There’re some more important things to look through such as pricing, stores, membership, customer service, deals, delivery period, and availability.

And if you just randomly decide to use any without considering such features then you might be missing out.

1. Pricing

Most people first consider the cost of an item despite brand recognition while making selections. And this means pricing highly determines whether the client can use the service to make an order or not.

Wanting to know more about the charges on the platforms? Here we go.

• Instacart Grocery Prices

Always first things first, and that’s why whenever one is to use the delivery service consider grocery pricing in the first place before anything else. This platform is one of a kind that won’t disappoint you in terms of costs since they are definitely in line with those at the stores.

Though a number of retailers need to cover Instacart delivery fees by shooting up costs, here everything is disclosed to users. Better offers are on this platform when you make use of the deal section on the app.

• Instacart Delivery Prices

On this platform, it’s possible using the app or site immediately as long as you create an account. For a new user, delivery is free of charge with that first order made on Instacart.

And again, one can save money on deliveries in case he or she is a regular customer with a membership. The best part, is if you’re making orders exceeding $35 as an express member delivery is free from charges yet a subscription entitles one to more other benefits.

• Instacart Tipping Charges

You have nothing to worry about tipping, after all, it’s not part of the costs incurred in making an order. And it’s up to the client to decide whether to tip the driver or not on delivering.

However, it’s still not a bad idea to appreciate a driver for the service offered despite the pay per hour since they are independent workers in charge of their car gas and maintenance.

• Amazon Fresh Prices

In order to get access to the service you need to be a prime user and which is not the case on Instacart. But with a free trial one can get started with grocery shopping online, that’s cool not so?

Prime membership charges in the United States are:  monthly ($12.99 per month), student ($6.49 per month), and Annual ($119 per year). As a prime user expect to get a free delivery offer on the platform according to order type and cost which is $35 and more.

Though orders are delivered within two hours-time, in case you want delivery in an hour it’s still possible though there’re some extra Amazon Fresh delivery fees attached. And on checking out you very well get to see the fees you incur in the process.

2. Membership

Am not recommending it, but if am to choose between the two in terms of subscription I would go for Instacart. One can start using the platform even before getting a membership with Instacart Express.

When it comes to Fresh in case you don’t have Prime membership it’s not possible to access it. You won’t have to incur any unclear costs before using Instacart, which gives it an edge over Fresh.

There’re benefits that come along with membership on the platform and with Fresh it’s like you pay for all the benefits yet it’s not the case on Instacart.

3. Availability

If you want variety Instacart is one that will provide a number of items across different stores. Fresh gives priority to its own brand though it includes other brands but is limited in number.

You can conveniently get access to different items using Instacart which is starting from local to processed foods. Amazon Fresh is more of a centralized platform with a stable inventory free from external pressure.

When doing the shopping you have access to a number of items in the catalog within your location. On Fresh most orders are done from one store yet with Instacart separate orders are done from different stores.

In case all purchases are available under one roof that is Amazon Fresh it then makes sense to use it. However, where your orders are coming from different stores connected to Instacart it’s then a better option.

4. Stores

Instacart works with a variety of stores whereas amazon fresh uses its own store despite partnering with a few other brands. There’re over 14000 stores from which Instacart shoppers get access to a number of items around more than 4000 cities.

However, clients are looking for one that meets their needs, and stores with supply could be part of the requirements.

5. Customer Service

This is a very important feature in business and in case the service provider fails to relate with clients it’s hard to succeed in business. Clients have a lot in mind before and after using the service, they need to be attended to in time and with care.

Since amazon fresh is more of a centralized business, working with clients becomes much easier with live customer support. Expect an immediate response from the support center in case of any inquiries on fresh.

And they have no issues with shoppers in terms of refunds and credits since clients are prioritized. Instacart also has customer support but compared to Fresh its way behind it in reality.

6. Deals

Most shoppers would prefer using a platform with promotional offers that save money in order to cut costs. And that’s why it’s wise making use of social handles of delivery platforms as a user not to miss out in case a deal comes up.

Normally promotional codes to be used are sent through social media or by email to users in order to save when shopping. Instacart and Amazon Fresh provide promotional deals as a marketing strategy to retain customers through cash-back offers.

On Instacart it’s easier to bump into some deals at no cost say shopping, delivery offers, and more. In order to get a service on amazon fresh you must be a prime user, which it’s not the case with the competitor.

And when it gets to membership and charges Instacart has an edge over the other player in the industry.

7. Delivery Period

Shoppers want same-day delivery in most cases and if a platform can provide as promised, all the best. In terms of same-day delivery, Instacart would be a better option to use in the case of stores for target items located within your location.

However, you must choose a time window in order to schedule your deliveries to arrive on time. Compared to fresh, users with items above $35 on Instacart without membership are offered a free 2-hour delivery order.

And express members below the minimum which is $35 are charged $3.99, but non-members are charged a little higher. With amazon fresh in most cases, one has to ensure makes orders very early in order to have a same-day delivery service.

Most clients find themselves receiving their orders the following day hence time management issues on their side. Also, with faster delivery on fresh items below $35 one has to pay $10 in order to be delivered within a 1-hour period and $6 for 2 hours period.

Amazon Fresh also requires you to choose the time period in which you want to receive your deliveries which is a two-hour window. Still, for the delivery period, it will very much depend on the user compared to the competitor. honestly, it’s a plus to Instacart.

FAQs

1. What Is Amazon Fresh Minimum Order?

Amazon Fresh offers a free delivery service for orders exceeding $35 and more to its clients in certain locations. And in case you’re below the threshold minimum it charges 6$ to $10 depending on how fast delivery should be done.

2. Amazon Fresh and Instacart, which one is very well known?

The most commonly known delivery service is Instacart since it has a good number of stores and sends its personal shoppers to stores wherever they are.

3. If I Want Cheaper Groceries, Should I Use Amazon Fresh or Instacart?

Fresh ensure that grocery prices are kept as low as possible since it’s more of a centralized platform compared to the competitor. Happy Belly brand is used which enables it to manage prices for groceries with other standard brands.

4. Is Spending on Grocery Delivery Service Worth It?

In case it’s hard for you to get to the store in person then delivery services are worth spending on. But in case you prefer saving to spending it may not be worth using a delivery service

5. How Best Can Instacart and Amazon Fresh Be Differentiated?

If you’re to compare the two delivery services it’s primarily better to look at where each one focuses. Amazon Fresh works more as an independent store whereas Instacart operates using personal shoppers in different grocery stores.

6. Amazon Fresh and Instacart, Are They the Same?

If you want groceries and other household items to be delivered to your doorstep both companies can offer the service. There’s also a pick-up option in case you have a busy schedule and you’re in need of more convenience.

As said before the difference lies in how they both operate the service in order to attain customer satisfaction.

7. Which Requirements Should I Possess in Order to Work for Any of The Platforms?

You need to be 18 years of age to work with Instacart and 21 years of age to work with amazon fresh. However, both platforms consider 1099 contractors reporting income to IRS with a 1099 tax form.

Last but not least, one has to possess a driving license and car insurance with a clear track record.

Conclusion

According to the survey done it’s crystal clear that Instacart has more wins compared to amazon fresh. But it doesn’t mean that if Instacart services are not sufficient in your city you don’t have an option yet amazon fresh is available.

If in your city both service providers are available, at times you might use amazon fresh though the competitor has more wins. Of course, when it’s about saving definitely more so for those without membership, they can’t miss out on Instacart services.