How Much Should You Tip on Instacart or Shipt?

When it comes to tipping for grocery delivery services like Instacart or Shipt, the amount can vary widely depending on the level of service and the circumstances of the order. Understanding these factors can help you determine the appropriate tip to ensure you receive excellent service in the future.

Tipping Guidelines for Instacart and Shipt

Tipping for grocery delivery services typically ranges from 10% to 20% of the total order amount. Here are some key factors to consider when deciding how much to tip:

1. Standard Tip

A common recommendation is to tip around 15% to 20% of the total order amount if the service was good. This range accounts for both proper and efficient delivery as well as excellent service. If you are satisfied with the delivery experience, sticking to this range is often the safest bet.

2. Minimum Tip

Many experts suggest a minimum tip of $5, regardless of the order size, to ensure that the delivery person is compensated fairly for their work. This is especially important in situations where you may not want to go above the standard range.

3. Special Circumstances

Consider tipping more if the shopper went above and beyond to provide exceptional service. This could include delivering items in poor weather, handling a large order, or providing outstanding customer service. These situations often warrant a higher tip to reflect the added effort.

4. Order Size

The size of the order can affect the tip. Smaller orders may warrant a higher percentage of the total amount, such as 15% to 20%, while larger orders might be moderated to 10% to 15%. Balancing the order size with the quality of service is key.

5. Additional Considerations

Several factors can influence the appropriate tip amount. For example, if the order included heavy items that required carrying up multiple flights of stairs in adverse weather, you should tip more than the standard 15%.

Other considerations include the distance from the store to your location, the cost of gasoline, and the time the delivery person spent to pick up and deliver your groceries. If you are disabled and use the service frequently, regular and generous tips can lead to better service. Conversely, a history of inadequate tips may result in fewer deliverers accepting your orders in the future.

The Standard in Tipping

Across the United States, the standard for tipping is at least 15% of the purchase price. However, situations where the delivery person incurs additional costs, such as carrying heavy items in poor weather, may require a higher tip. Tipping is particularly important for delivery services as it directly impacts the delivery cost and the worker's time and effort.

Impact of Insufficient Tipping

Failing to tip appropriately can have several negative consequences. Delivery workers are unlikely to accept orders that cost them money, and a history of inadequate tipping can lead to poor service or even refusal of future orders. Tipping is crucial for those who rely on delivery services due to disabilities, illnesses, or other constraints.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the tip should reflect the level of service you received and your personal satisfaction with the delivery. Most reasonable people would tip appropriately in similar situations. By considering the factors outlined above, you can ensure that you are tipping correctly and that you are willing to pay a fair amount for exceptional service.