The first step to getting started with Instacart is going to the company’s website or downloading the app from your smartphone’s store. Once you’re at the website or you have the app pulled up on your device, look for the Sign Up button in the upper right-hand corner and follow the instructions. Signing up requires giving Instacart your email, phone number and address, then choosing a secure password for access.
Once you’re signed in to the website or app, take some time to look through the main sections, including the Home button, which takes you back to the main page when needed, and the Account portion, where you can enter personal and payment information. The main page shows you the stores available in your area, including how fast they can deliver to your location. It also tells you whether the store charges normal prices without upcharging for Instacart service and if it accepts EBT cards so you can make more educated choices as you shop.
After you’ve selected the store you want, look for the items you need. Instacart makes searching for specific items fast and simple. Just type what you want into the search bar at the top to find it quickly, or browse through different categories. Make sure to tap on items to look at key details, such as price and reviews from other customers. If you want the product you’re looking at, use the + icon to add it to your cart. If you want more than one of the item, keep hitting + until you get the quantity you desire. When you add items, you also have the choice between substituting a different product if the store is out of the item or getting a refund. You can also let the shopper make a substitution of their own choosing.
Once you’ve added everything you want to your cart, carefully review to make sure all the products you want are there and available. Take a look at the sizes you’re buying to ensure you have the right ones, then add any special instructions you may have for the worker filling your Instacart order.
Next, click the Checkout button and reserve a delivery time that works best for you. Note that most stores have minimum dollar amounts you must spend, and the amount charged for delivery fees typically varies depending on how much you’re buying at the time. Larger orders usually have lower delivery fees. Likewise, same-day deliveries often have more expensive fees than those with longer lead times.
When you have everything you want in your Instacart shopping cart, it’s time to pay for your purchase and start the delivery process. The company accepts various methods of payment, including credit cards, debit cards, digital wallets and EBT, and the app and website are both secure, so you don’t have to worry about data theft when using Instacart’s services. Next, make sure any coupons or discounts are subtracted from your cart total when you’re reviewing your order summary. If everything looks good, click the payment button.
Placing your order starts the process of a personal shopper going to the store you chose, then picking out the items you added to your cart. You can track the process in real-time using the app, and the shopper may provide updates as they go in a chat window, noting anything that may need substitutions. Keep in mind that you can add items to your list while the shopping is in process.
Instacart offers contactless delivery for extra safety if you need it, and you can also specify drop-off locations and specific delivery instructions such as "Leave at the door and knock," especially if you’re getting your order at an assisted living facility such as The Gardens at Barry Road. Upon arrival, inspect your purchases to make sure you received what you ordered, and contact Instacart with any issues you may have.
If you come across any issues, you can contact Instacart customer support via the chat option in the app or by calling the company. The normal customer support phone number is (888) 246-7822, but older adults have a special number for senior support: (844) 981-3433. Specialists at this number go the extra mile to help seniors with their purchases and ensure complete customer satisfaction with the grocery delivery service.
Maintaining good nutrition levels is more important than ever for Kansas City seniors, and Instacart helps with that by providing older adults easy access to high-quality groceries without having to leave their homes. Learning how to use the website and app helps seniors make the most of their golden years by embracing new technologies like Instacart that keep them happier and healthier in the long run.
