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.
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.
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.
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?
Monday’s Gift Card Winners 12/3
Thanks for sharing this very useful article about instacart. I got a lot of knowledge from this post.
I wish you will provide articles like this article.
Again Thanks!
Regards Emma!
Instacart has Problems at Costco or Sam’s Club or Jetro or BJ’s to save money and buy Bulk there are many mistakes instead of a case of tuna they have it as One Can for $29 dollars and many similar items with the same problem unless it says 10Lbs or the word Case otherwise a can of soup could cost $40 dollars ! Be Aware of this. I spent many hours looking at this !
and there is no icon to click on for all of your Favorites .
was hoping for an actual evaluation of instacart by someone who had ordered and received an Instacart delivery. Still not sure whether “instacart is worth the cost”
For senior citizens who have or have had to restrict their driving, this is a valuable service. For some older people, driving and walking around a big grocery store or wholesale outlet is a painful physical burden and a challenge. This type of service can be the difference between a senior being able to stay in their home or having to move to a senior living facility where everything is convenient, but also sometimes more expensive.
Never tried the instacart or any delivery service. I enjoy shopping for my food seeing and picking it out . Sam’s club has the click-n-pull service which saves people a lot of time and never over charges.
I’ll pass for now but good to know in case I need in future. Thanks
It’s not for me. I’m not willing to pay more for an item simply to have it delivered. I might feel different if I couldn’t go into the store myself.
This is a great service, but I like to
Pick out my own groceries. I tried Shop Rite from home. I never had them deliver. I would go to the store and pick it up, however, they charge a fee which is not worth it to me.
There will be time it will be invaluable. We all get squeezed for time occasionally. The rest of the time, just one more chore.
This is the 1st time I’ve heard of instacart. Thank you for this. I’m a cheapo so I’m not willing to pay more
I can see why some people don’t mind having there groceries delivered but really’ why go that far, people today are not communicating as much because everyone is to busy on there cell phone,LOL I think having this will just isolate more people.
@tisonlyme143
Not only that the cost! I don’t get why people would spend that much more money.
I prfer to do my own grocery shopping but I can also see how this could be beneficial for someone who can’t go shopping themselves. Someone who recently had surgery and doesn’t have much help or a senior who doesn’t drive and can’t manage all the bags may be happy to use this service.
If they can afford it 🙂
Had not used it yet. I use similar services. Some stuff I just prefer to pick out myself. Like meat and produce. I do use walmart grocery 1 or 2 times a month.
Yes I’ve thought about it too but haven’t done it. I didn’t realize it would cost more. No thank as a family of six soon to be seven, I need to save every dollar.
I think that is the biggest problem , people do not realize how much extra it costs. The grocery pick ups are usually the same price but Instacart is not.
Didn’t realize that insta cart is different. Ordered some stuff on line & got sucked into free delivery. After checking out , noticed the additional charge.
Wasn’t able to cancel. Called bjs and was told that they couldn’t do anything about it because it’s separate from them.
Lesson learned 🙁
Yes if you want same day delivery that is Instacart, but if you choose 2 day shipping that’s through BJs. It is a little confusing.
I dont think it’s for me; however, I can see its benefits for some with physical or time limitations or young or even sick children.
Sometimes walking around the store is my only exercise for the day.
I love to go to the start in person sorry. People may put anything in your cart. I like to check dates and check for all the great deals in person. So no am a go to the store person.
?I would rather shop myself I like to look at the foods or products I am buying so I will have to pass ?
It does come in handy for me. Here is why. I use it for my daughter who is away at college. Comes in real handy for me. If the price is way out of line I dont buy that item.
Never tried instacart before, I may have to look it to this. Thanks for sharing.. I have many friends who do the pick up at Walmart and sweat by it. I’m ready to start doing that as shopping sometimes withy 4yr old gets so exhausting and re consuming to say the least .