Which Is Cheaper: Instacart or DoorDash?

Alright, let’s cut straight to the chase. Determining whether Instacart or DoorDash is cheaper isn’t a simple, black-and-white answer. It’s a nuanced comparison that depends heavily on your individual shopping habits, order size, delivery distance, promotional deals, and whether you opt for membership programs. In general, DoorDash tends to be more cost-effective for smaller, restaurant-specific orders delivered over shorter distances. On the other hand, Instacart often proves cheaper for larger grocery hauls, especially when leveraging in-store prices and utilizing promotions. But, before you decide to click that order button, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty details that influence the final price tag.

Decoding the Cost Structures: Instacart vs. DoorDash

To truly understand which service reigns supreme in the cost-effectiveness arena, we need to dissect their respective pricing models. They are similar, but important distinctions exist.

Instacart’s Pricing Breakdown

Instacart, at its core, is a grocery delivery service. Here’s how they structure their costs:

• Item Prices: This is where the waters get a little murky. While Instacart strives to reflect in-store prices, some retailers mark up items on the platform. This markup can range from a few cents to several dollars per item. This is an important factor to watch out for.
• Delivery Fee: This fee varies depending on several factors, including the delivery distance, the time of day, and the demand for shoppers. Expect to pay more during peak hours or in densely populated areas.
• Service Fee: Instacart tacks on a service fee, which is a percentage of your order subtotal. This fee helps cover operational costs and support the platform.
• Tipping: Tipping your shopper is customary and expected. Instacart suggests a tip percentage, which significantly impacts the overall cost.
• Optional Instacart Express Membership: For frequent users, Instacart Express offers free delivery on orders over $35 and reduced service fees. However, the membership fee itself adds to the overall cost if you don’t use the service frequently enough to justify it.
• Potential “Heavy Fee”: If your order contains heavy items, such as cases of water or multiple bags of potatoes, Instacart may charge an additional fee.

DoorDash’s Pricing Breakdown

DoorDash primarily focuses on restaurant deliveries, although they have expanded into grocery and convenience store items. Here’s what to expect:

• Menu Prices: Similar to Instacart, restaurant prices may be slightly higher on DoorDash compared to dining in or ordering directly from the restaurant. Restaurants often increase the price to offset the commission paid to DoorDash.
• Delivery Fee: DoorDash’s delivery fee is also variable, fluctuating based on distance, time of day, and demand.
• Service Fee: DoorDash also charges a service fee calculated as a percentage of your order subtotal.
• Tipping: Just like with Instacart, tipping your Dasher is standard practice and contributes significantly to the total cost.
• DashPass Membership: DashPass offers free delivery and reduced service fees on eligible orders over a certain amount (usually $12-$15). This subscription can be worthwhile for regular DoorDash users.
• Small Order Fee: If your order falls below a certain threshold (often around $10-$12), DoorDash may impose a small order fee.

The Showdown: Comparing Real-World Scenarios

Let’s consider two hypothetical scenarios to illustrate the cost differences:

• Scenario 1: Small Lunch Order. You want a single burger and fries from a nearby restaurant. DoorDash is likely cheaper here. The order is small, the distance is short, and the delivery fee will likely be lower than Instacart’s delivery and service fees.
• Scenario 2: Weekly Grocery Shopping. You need a full week’s worth of groceries, including produce, meat, and pantry staples. Instacart will often be the cheaper option, especially if you can find sales and promotions that match in-store prices. Instacart Express might further reduce the cost.

Maximizing Savings: Tips and Tricks

No matter which platform you choose, there are several ways to minimize your delivery expenses:

• Compare Prices: Always compare prices between the platform and the restaurant/store’s direct ordering system (if available).
• Look for Promotions: Both Instacart and DoorDash frequently offer promotions, discounts, and free delivery deals. Keep an eye out for these!
• Consider Membership Programs: If you use either service regularly, a DashPass or Instacart Express membership can save you money in the long run.
• Order During Off-Peak Hours: Delivery fees tend to be lower during less busy times.
• Meet the Minimum Order Requirement: Avoid small order fees by ensuring your order meets the minimum requirement.
• Group Orders: Combining orders with friends or family can help you meet minimum order requirements and split delivery fees.
• Plan Ahead: Planning your meals and grocery needs in advance can help you consolidate orders and avoid impulse purchases (which often lead to higher costs).
• Pay Attention to Tipping: While tipping is customary, be mindful of the amount you’re tipping. You can adjust the tip based on the quality of service.

The Verdict: It Depends!

There’s no definitive winner in the Instacart vs. DoorDash cost battle. The cheapest option depends on your specific needs and circumstances. For small, restaurant-specific orders, DoorDash often comes out on top. For larger grocery hauls, Instacart usually offers better value, particularly with promotions and potential in-store pricing. Carefully consider the pricing structures, your order size, delivery distance, and potential membership benefits to make the most cost-effective choice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do Instacart and DoorDash offer price matching?

No, neither Instacart nor DoorDash typically offers price matching with other stores or restaurants. However, Instacart sometimes reflects in-store prices, which can be a form of price matching depending on the retailer.

2. Are delivery fees higher during certain times of the day?

Yes, both Instacart and DoorDash often charge higher delivery fees during peak hours, such as lunch and dinner times, or on weekends.

3. Can I use coupons on Instacart and DoorDash?

Yes, both platforms often allow you to use digital coupons. Instacart frequently has digital coupons available for specific products, while DoorDash may offer promotional codes for discounts on your entire order.

4. What is the difference between a delivery fee and a service fee?

The delivery fee covers the cost of delivering your order, while the service fee is a percentage of your order subtotal that helps support the platform’s operations.

5. Is it possible to avoid tipping my shopper or Dasher?

While technically possible, it is generally considered poor etiquette and can impact the quality of service you receive in the future. Tipping is a significant part of their compensation.

6. Do Instacart and DoorDash accept EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) payments?

Instacart accepts EBT SNAP benefits at select retailers in certain states. DoorDash does not currently accept EBT SNAP benefits for restaurant deliveries but may allow it for grocery orders at participating stores.

7. Can I order alcohol through Instacart and DoorDash?

Yes, both Instacart and DoorDash offer alcohol delivery in select areas, subject to local laws and regulations. You will typically need to provide proof of age upon delivery.

8. What happens if an item is out of stock on Instacart?

Instacart allows you to specify preferences for out-of-stock items. You can choose a replacement item, request a refund, or instruct the shopper to skip the item.

9. What happens if my DoorDash order is late?

DoorDash typically provides estimated delivery times and may offer compensation, such as a refund or credit, if your order is significantly delayed due to their fault.

10. Can I cancel an order after placing it on Instacart or DoorDash?

Cancellation policies vary depending on the platform and the stage of the order. You may be able to cancel the order, but you may incur fees if the shopper has already started shopping or the restaurant has started preparing your food.

11. How do I report a problem with my Instacart or DoorDash order?

Both platforms have customer support channels available through their apps or websites. You can report issues such as missing items, incorrect orders, or unsatisfactory service.

12. Are there any alternatives to Instacart and DoorDash?

Yes, several other delivery services exist, including Uber Eats, Grubhub, Shipt, and regional grocery delivery services. Comparing prices and services across multiple platforms is always a good idea.