Is Instacart Worth the Cost?


There it is flashing at the top of BJs website- free same day shipping with Instacart. Are you tempted to go for it? Should you try it because they are promoting it right there at the top of the screen?

Are you more likely to click because it says free? Let's dig into why you should or shouldn't use Instacart.

instacart robbing you of money

The top image to the left where it says LIVE Convenient-ly should say LIVE Expensive-ly. 

Why would anyone choose Instacart? That's always been my thinking. Then I saw a couple people on Facebook sharing how excited they were that Aldi was now on Instacart.

I guess I can wrap my head around Aldi, in general, they are known for having very low prices.

But then I saw the BIG push for BJs on Instacart and how they were offering free shipping for a time.

I get it, you can order groceries online and have them delivered to you on the same day.

What I don't get is how are we too busy to get our own groceries? Or how do we afford to have our groceries delivered?

I am willing to try the grocery pick up. That I get because usually, the prices aren't the same. And it takes less time to order online and then just pick them up at the store.

BUT having your groceries delivered to you is going to cost you. Items on Instacart ARE NOT the same price as in store. No matter WHAT store you are shopping at.

*UPDATE: Since writing this post Instacart's prices are almost identical to IN store pricing!  

I can see how this service would be convenient for those who are living in a major city, where you don't own a car and pay convenient pricing anyways.

The bottom line is -It is important to weigh the benefits verse cost.

Here is what I had on my list

  • Ketchup
  • Mayo
  • Tape
  • Mozz. Cheese
  • Milk
  • Coffee
  • Creamer
  • Ibuprofen
  • Cooking Spray and Oil

Look at items I picked from my grocery list on Instacart.

Instacart did have BJ's brand items I wanted, but the price was higher.

For example, a gallon of Wellsley Farms Whole Milk is $3.49 on Instacart- in-club it is $2.08.  Hellmann's Real Mayonnaise is $8.09. In club, it's $6.49.

It seems where one price may not be much higher another items price will be.

instacart review worth the cost

Do you see that total?

$89.61. 

Now look at the same items from BJs.com

Keep in mind BJ's is missing out on not having perishable items available for pick up. I couldn't get everything I needed on either list. Another downside.

For example, I could get my whole list over on Walmart.com and choose to pick up and not pay higher prices for the same items.

instacart review worth the cost

While ordering online through BJs.com is a better deal I will have to wait 3 days possibly more. The total over at bjs.com is $55.54.

As I was adding items to my online shopping cart through BJs website they gave the in-club price as well. Which was ALWAYS lower. At least for the items on my list.

PLUS this didn't allow for any coupons.

The cheapest route to take is going into the club.

Instacart has utilized their marketing with folks who want to save.  See all those red buttons with savings. They will even add there are coupons. The thing is even WITH those red savings you are paying more.

Overall, you are going to pay more for shopping through Instacart. The benefit is your groceries are delivered to you in the same day. It looks like the only thing you will be saving with Instacart is time.

Yet, why would you choose this over a pickup and pay feature that doesn't charge any extra and the items are the same prices? I have to say Walmart is on top of their game with this.

They don't charge extra for pick up and pay purchases and you can get your produce, milk and everything on your list. BJ's only allows you to pick up non-perishable items.

The question becomes how much are you willing to pay for convenience?


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