First of all, this is NOT in any way, shape or form, a sponsored post. I’m not even using my referral link.
Okay, now with that out of the way, let me tell you my story.
On December 23, I was going over my to do list for the day in my head and avoiding actually doing anything on the list by instead scrolling through Facebook. (Anyone with me, here?)
I saw this photo which was taken by a friend at a grocery store near me:
I did NOT want to battle that mess. I did not want to think about what the parking lot might look like, or what the shelves might be like, or how long I might be waiting in line.
Instead I decided it was time to give Instacart a try.
I was hosting dinner for my extended family on the 25th, so if all crashed and burned, I would still have another day to shop. But if Instacart worked well, I could avoid it altogether and it would be AWESOME!
I had been an early adopter of grocery delivery in the late 90s, so this wasn’t my first online grocery ordering experience– but it had sure been awhile. (Oh, how I’ve missed the PeaPod days!)
I downloaded the free app, checked out the store options for my zip code (Whole Foods, Costco, Target and H-E-B.), selected H-E-B and began building my list. It was crazy easy, as I sat in my living room and asked the kids what foods they wanted to be on our Christmas Day menu. We decided on ribeye steaks, potatoes, salad, garlic bread, broccolini, spinach and tomatoes and I tapped along on all the ingredients and a few other items as well. I had the kids bring me cookbooks to check ingredients for our desserts and baking projects, as well. It was awesome!
I could see photos, brand names and prices to guide my selections and could even make notes. I selected Prime Ribeye and indicated the total weight, but then made a note that I was looking for 15 steaks of 6 ounces each. I made notes for a few produce items, as well.
Next I was given a total and entered my credit card information and was prompted to select a delivery time. (The earliest delivery time was suggested as I began building the list, but then a few more options opened after I completed it.)
I confirmed the delivery time for later that evening, confirmed the purchase amount and went along with my day.
I hung out with the kids, set the table and then even went out to eat with my family to watch my older son at his first paying percussion gig. (Woo-HOOO!)
While we were eating, I received notification my shopper was shopping.
She messaged a few times to confirm brand changes on a few products and even asked a few clarifying questions about the ribeye, as Prime ribeye was not in stock. I answered her notes as she sent them and headed home after dinner to meet her at the house.
She was very polite and efficient in bringing the groceries into my kitchen.
And the groceries were ALL FANTASTIC!
I did end up with the largest sweet potatoes I have ever seen (typically I go for the small ones) but that was no problem at all. (Next time I’ll make a note of my preference.)
Here’s a snapshot of some of those groceries in Christmas dinner at the Gross home:
Overall, it was a great experience. The groceries were just what I ordered, except where approved modifications were made…. and I didn’t even have to go to the store!
I did need to be available to message via the app as she was shopping, which I did not expect, but that was a tiny concession to make.
Instacart, I’ll be back.
Thanks for making my Christmas a little merrier!
Now if only they had a wine advisor in the app, like, say the technology from VineSleuth/Wine4.Me….
Then it would be PERFECT!
Have you used any of the grocery delivery apps or services lately? What was your experience like? I’d love to know!
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