By now you all know that I’m not only a single mom, but I’m also a high school math teacher. (Follow me on my second Instagram account @SqRtofTeaching for teacher humor and daily reflections of life in the classroom.) So for me, time is my most precious resource with balancing all my responsibilities. One way I’ve learned to save time is with the use of grocery delivery apps, specifically Instacart. I’ve been a huge fan since Ava was born in 2017.

About two years ago I noticed that Instacart added a “pick-up” at the store feature to the app. Curious, I decided to add the items I needed for that night’s dinner and scheduled a pick-up time right after school. Now keep in mind that I’d placed the order during my lunch break around 11:30 a.m. and within an hour it was ready for pick-up. Three hours before my designated pick-up time!

The Instacart app also allows you to alert the store both when you’re on your way and once you’ve arrived at the store. Whenever I use this feature I’m never waiting more than five minutes for a store associate to bring my groceries out to my car.

Over the last year I’ve (unofficially) been collecting data on the pros and cons of Instacart’s delivery versus pick-up options and to be honest I do think one is better than the other. Keep reading to find out which one and why!

Pros of Instacart Delivery:

You don’t have to leave your home to grocery shop (perfect for new/busy moms, the elderly, etc.)
Available for stores other than grocery stores (in my local area Instacart features stores like Sephora, Michael’s, Staples, Walgreens, etc.)
You can schedule for delivery in the future (maximum 5 days out)

Cons of Instacart Delivery:

Delivery tips can be expensive depending on your order total and the percent you’re willing to tip.
Instacart shoppers can sometimes be unfamiliar with a particular grocery store (i.e. Sprouts) or where items are located (I’ve learned that every Publix has its own particular layout). These issues can increase the time it takes for your order to be fulfilled or them saying items are out of stock when they really aren’t.
Instacart shoppers are pressed for time so they don’t always check expiration dates or pick the prettiest produce. (I hate when my order arrives with the most depressing looking grapes ever.)
There can be a large time gap between your order being completed by the shopper and you actually receiving your items (Despite Instacart’s claim the use of insulated bags, there were a few times where I questioned my dairy and fresh meat because it took so long for my order to arrive).

Pros of Instacart Pick-Up:

Just as with delivery, you have the option to pick-up your items from stores other than grocery stores i.e. Sephora, Michael’s, etc.
Just as with delivery, store pick-ups can be scheduled in the future with the same 5 day maximum
YOU CAN EARN 5% BACK IN INSTACART CREDITS! These savings are applied to your next Instacart order.
No delivery tips or fees
Instacart pick-up orders are (usually) shopped by store employees. This means they know their way around the store. I have never once for a curbside order received an Instacart message saying that my shopper couldn’t find a particular item. Even better, if an item is out of stock on the floor, the store employee has the option (and usually they do) to go into the stockroom and retrieve the item.
Instacart pick-up orders are usually prepared quicker. Again, because your shopper in this instance is a store employee you won’t have to wait for a shopper to become available. Their knowledge of the store’s layout guarantees that your order will almost always be ready for pick-up before your pick-up window.
Also because your Instacart pick-up orders are being fulfilled by store associates, THEY PICK OUT THE PRETTIEST PRODUCE FOR YOU! No more sad grapes lol!
If you miss your pick-up window, they will keep your items until the last time slot of that day. Perfect for days when you get caught in traffic on your way to the store.

Cons of Instacart Pick-Up:

You have to leave your house to retrieve your groceries lol! I usually get around this by scheduling pick-ups for after work or when Ava and I are already out running errands on the weekend.

By now you can clearly see which option is the winner here….drumroll please…INSTACART PICK-UP! Between my groceries being chosen by store associates and the 5% back you get in Instacart credits, I find the Instacart pick-up option to be better for my lifestyle as a working mom.

But now it’s your turn. If you would look to try out Instacart, use the code: SBRISBANE147118 for a $10 reward on your first Instacart order (I will be rewarded $10 as well). Happy shopping!