Instacart vs Doordash for Customers: Which Is Best?
Tired of grocery shopping and restaurant lines? In today’s fast-paced world, the convenience of on-demand delivery services has become a necessity. Two giants dominate this space: Instacart and DoorDash, both vying for your business. But which one reigns supreme when it comes to serving customers?
This comparison dives deep into the core offerings of each service. We’ll explore their strengths and weaknesses, helping you decide which platform best suits your needs and preferences. From grocery hauls to late-night cravings, we’ll cover it all.
Get ready to discover the ultimate delivery champion. We’ll analyze everything from pricing and selection to delivery speed and customer service. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of Instacart vs DoorDash and which is the smarter choice for you.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Instacart | DoorDash |
|---|---|---|
| Grocery Delivery | Yes | Yes |
| Restaurant Delivery | Limited | Yes |
| Alcohol Delivery | Yes (where available) | Yes (where available) |
| Pharmacy Delivery | Yes | Yes |
| Retail Delivery | Yes | Yes |
| Subscription Service | Instacart+ | DashPass |
| Order Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Customer Support | Yes | Yes |
| Driver Tipping | Yes | Yes |
| Delivery Speed | Varies | Varies |
| Available Items | Groceries & Retail | Restaurants & Retail |
| Delivery Zones | Varies by location | Varies by location |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Grocery Selection & Availability
- Instacart: Offers a wide selection of grocery stores, including major chains and local options. Availability depends on partnered stores in the customer’s area. This often leads to a broader range of products but can be limited by store selection.
- Doordash for Customers: Primarily focuses on restaurant food delivery, but has expanded into grocery delivery. Grocery selection is more limited, often with fewer store options compared to Instacart. This can be less convenient for complete grocery shopping.
- Winner: Instacart
Delivery Speed & Times
- Instacart: Offers delivery within hours, sometimes even within an hour, depending on shopper availability and store proximity. Delivery times are generally reliable, but can fluctuate during peak hours or due to shopper availability.
- Doordash for Customers: Delivery times vary, but are often faster for restaurant food. Grocery delivery times are similar to Instacart, but may be slightly less consistent.
- Winner: Instacart
Delivery Fees & Costs
- Instacart: Charges delivery fees, service fees, and offers a subscription option (Instacart+) to waive some fees. Tipping is also customary. Costs can add up, especially for smaller orders.
- Doordash for Customers: Charges delivery fees, service fees, and offers a subscription option (DashPass) to waive some fees. Tipping is also customary. Fees can be comparable to Instacart, but may vary based on store and order size.
- Winner: Tie
Product Pricing
- Instacart: Prices may be marked up compared to in-store prices, depending on the retailer. This can make the total cost higher than shopping in person. Transparent pricing varies by store.
- Doordash for Customers: Prices may also be marked up, similar to Instacart, or may match the store’s in-store prices, depending on the retailer. This can impact the overall affordability.
- Winner: Tie
Shopper Experience/Quality of Selection
- Instacart: Relies on personal shoppers who select your groceries. This can result in substitutions or out-of-stock items, which can be communicated to the customer. Shopping quality is highly dependent on shopper skill.
- Doordash for Customers: Relies on Dashers who pick up your order. The responsibility for selection rests with the store, so issues with produce quality or substitutions are store-dependent, rather than the Dasher’s fault.
- Winner: Instacart
Ease of Use & App Experience
- Instacart: The Instacart app is generally user-friendly, with a clear interface for browsing, adding items, and managing orders. The app is well-designed and easy to navigate.
- Doordash for Customers: The DoorDash app is primarily focused on restaurant delivery, but the grocery delivery functionality is integrated. While functional, it might be less intuitive for grocery-specific needs.
- Winner: Instacart
Subscription Options & Benefits
- Instacart: Offers Instacart+, which provides free delivery on orders over a certain amount, reduced service fees, and other perks. Subscription benefits can provide significant savings.
- Doordash for Customers: Offers DashPass, which provides free delivery on orders from participating restaurants and stores, and reduced service fees. Useful for frequent users of DoorDash.
- Winner: Tie
Customer Service & Support
- Instacart: Offers customer support through the app and website. Support can vary in responsiveness, but generally provides assistance with order issues and delivery problems.
- Doordash for Customers: Offers customer support through the app and website. Similar to Instacart, responsiveness can vary.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Grocery Delivery | Instacart |
| Restaurant Delivery | DoorDash |
| Retail Delivery | Tie |
| Variety of Stores | Instacart |
| Delivery Speed | DoorDash |
| Ease of Use | Tie |
What They Have in Common:
- Delivery Service: Both Instacart and DoorDash provide on-demand delivery services, connecting customers with drivers who fulfill and deliver orders.
- Mobile App: Both platforms offer user-friendly mobile applications for easy ordering, tracking, and management of deliveries.
- Wide Availability: Both services are available in numerous cities and regions across the United States and Canada, with expanding service areas.
- Payment Options: Both services accept various payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and digital wallets, for convenient transactions.
- Order Tracking: Customers can track the progress of their orders in real-time through both platforms, providing estimated delivery times and driver location.
- Customer Reviews: Both platforms allow customers to leave reviews and ratings, which helps other customers make informed decisions about restaurants and stores.
Instacart Vs Doordash For Customers Buying Guide
Selection and Variety
Instacart generally offers a wider selection of groceries and household items, partnering directly with a vast network of supermarkets and specialty stores. This includes options from well-known chains like Kroger and Whole Foods, as well as local stores. DoorDash, while expanding its grocery offerings, is more focused on restaurant delivery, and its grocery selection might be more limited, depending on your location. The variety in restaurants and food options is typically much greater on DoorDash, catering to diverse tastes and preferences. Consider your primary needs: if groceries are paramount, Instacart may be superior.
Pricing and Fees
Both Instacart and DoorDash have complex pricing structures that can include service fees, delivery fees, and potential markups on product prices. Instacart often charges a service fee based on the order total, and delivery fees vary depending on factors like distance and demand. DoorDash also uses similar fee structures, with delivery fees, service fees, and sometimes small order fees. Comparing prices requires careful scrutiny of all fees, and using any available promo codes or subscription services (such as Instacart+ or DashPass) can help reduce costs. Always compare the total cost before ordering.
Delivery Speed and Reliability
Delivery speed is a critical factor, and both services strive for prompt delivery. Instacart emphasizes grocery delivery, and often boasts faster delivery times for grocery items, especially if you select express delivery options. DoorDash, with its broader focus on restaurant and retail deliveries, might have varying delivery times depending on the restaurant’s preparation time and driver availability. Reliability can be affected by factors like driver availability and traffic. Checking customer reviews for delivery performance in your area can provide insights into each service’s trustworthiness.
Ease of Use and User Experience
Both platforms offer user-friendly mobile apps and websites, but differences exist in their interfaces and features. Instacart’s app is designed specifically for grocery shopping, with features like browsing by aisle and easy substitutions. DoorDash’s app is streamlined for restaurant ordering, offering features like order tracking and driver ratings. The user experience can vary based on individual preferences. Consider which platform’s interface you find easier to navigate and which features best suit your shopping needs. Both offer convenient ordering.
Customer Service
Customer service quality is essential when issues arise with your order. Both Instacart and DoorDash provide customer support, but the responsiveness and resolution of issues can vary. Instacart typically offers customer support focused on addressing grocery-related problems like missing items or incorrect substitutions. DoorDash’s customer service handles a broader range of issues, including restaurant order issues and delivery problems. Checking reviews about customer service experiences is useful. Both platforms offer contact options for addressing order issues, though response times can vary.
Availability and Coverage Area
The availability of Instacart and DoorDash varies depending on your location. Instacart’s coverage area is typically extensive, focusing on grocery stores, but availability can still be limited in rural areas. DoorDash has a broader reach, covering many more cities and towns, due to its restaurant delivery focus. Consider both the availability of the service in your area and the availability of the stores or restaurants you want to order from. Check the app or website to confirm service availability in your specific location before ordering.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Instacart If…
- You primarily need groceries and household essentials delivered from various stores.
- You prefer to shop from a wide selection of grocery stores and retailers.
- You want to be able to order items from multiple stores in a single order.
- You value the ability to communicate directly with your shopper for substitutions.
Buy DoorDash If…
- You primarily want restaurant food delivered from a wide variety of restaurants.
- You want to order from a large selection of restaurants in your area.
- You are looking for delivery of convenience store items or other retail goods.
- You are looking for fast delivery, especially from restaurants.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Instacart work?
Instacart connects customers with personal shoppers who shop for and deliver groceries from local stores. You place your order through the Instacart app or website, select a delivery window, and a shopper picks and delivers your items. You can communicate with the shopper and approve substitutions. Payment is handled through the app, and you can tip the shopper. Instacart provides a convenient way to get groceries delivered to your door.
How does DoorDash work?
DoorDash works by connecting customers with drivers (Dashers) who deliver food from restaurants and other businesses. You order through the DoorDash app or website, and a Dasher picks up your order and delivers it to you. You can track your order in real-time. Payment is made through the app, and you can tip your Dasher. DoorDash offers a convenient way to order food from various restaurants.
What are the fees associated with Instacart?
Instacart fees include a service fee, delivery fees, and potential markups on product prices. The service fee is usually a percentage of your order total. Delivery fees depend on factors like distance, time of day, and demand. Some stores might have higher prices through Instacart than in-store. Subscription options, like Instacart+, can reduce some fees, offering free delivery on orders over a certain amount and other perks. Always check the total cost before ordering.
What are the fees associated with DoorDash?
DoorDash fees include delivery fees, service fees, and sometimes a small order fee. Delivery fees vary based on distance, time, and demand. Service fees are typically a percentage of your order total. Small order fees may apply to orders below a certain amount. Subscription options, such as DashPass, can reduce or eliminate delivery fees. Review all fees before completing your order to ensure transparency.
Which service is better for grocery shopping?
Instacart is generally better for grocery shopping because it specializes in grocery delivery and partners with a wide range of grocery stores. It offers features tailored to grocery shopping, such as browsing by aisle and easy substitutions. DoorDash also offers grocery delivery, but its selection may be more limited, and its platform is primarily designed for restaurant orders. Instacart focuses on grocery delivery.
Which service is better for restaurant delivery?
DoorDash is generally better for restaurant delivery because it has a more extensive network of restaurants and a platform optimized for ordering food. The DoorDash app offers features like order tracking and driver ratings. While Instacart offers some restaurant delivery options, DoorDash is the primary focus. DoorDash provides a wider selection and a better experience for ordering food from restaurants.
How do I choose between Instacart and DoorDash?
Choose based on your needs. Consider what you’re ordering. If you need groceries, Instacart is usually better. If you want restaurant food, DoorDash is typically superior. Factor in pricing, delivery speed, and availability in your area. Compare the fees and delivery options. Check reviews. Evaluate the user experience of each app and choose the one that aligns with your preferences and offers the best value. Both offer convenient services.
Final Verdict
Instacart excels in grocery selection and specialized features, making it ideal for grocery-focused orders. DoorDash offers a broader restaurant network and convenient delivery, catering to diverse food cravings. While both have strengths, the optimal choice depends heavily on your specific needs. Consider the range of products or restaurants available in your area and the associated fees to make the most informed decision.
Winner: Instacart