Grocery delivery services like Instacart are booming with quarantine and stay-at-home regulations now in effect in many parts of the country If you are looking for Instacart promo codes, information about how Instacart works and what Instacart shoppers do, you are not alone

Demand for Instacart and other top grocery delivery services is surging exponentially; Instacart said in a statement that it had the highest customer demand for groceries in its history this week

In addition, Instacart's iPhone app downloads quadrupled last week, with many new customers signing up daily To meet this increased demand, Instacart introduced a faster checkout and canceled out-of-stock orders It also added restrictions on some products to prevent hoarding

For more information on Instacart's pricing, shipping costs, etc, read [Instacart is a grocery delivery service available in 40 states and Washington, DC The company uses personal shoppers to pick up items from local stores and, unlike other grocery delivery services, does not store inventory in warehouses to fulfill orders

Stores where Instacart is available depend on where you live Enter your address and the site or app will tell you where you can shop, including major grocery chains like Kroger, Safeway, and Whole Foods, as well as larger stores like Target The store lineup allows users to see which stores offer the same prices as the actual store

You can also order from Costco and Sam's Club without being a member, but it will be more expensive than in-store purchases You can also order from wine stores, pet stores, and pharmacies, depending on where you live Note: Instacart is not affiliated with Trader Joe's

Instacart can be accessed through their website or app (iOS or Android)

Instacart does not require promo codes or coupons, and first orders are delivered for free

In addition, a referral code from an Instacart user will get $10 off your first order

Instacart does not require a paid membership to place an order However, it is possible to sign up for Instacart Express, which costs $99 per year or $999 per month; Instacart Express offers free two-hour delivery on orders over $35 Additionally, customers can shop from multiple stores with a single order

Without the Express plan, delivery fees start at $399 (depending on location); one- and two-hour deliveries are more expensive, and there is also a Busy Pricing fee during busy hours

Instacart shopping works like most online shopping sites: you select a store, browse the store's products (which are grouped into categories), and click on products to add them to your cart Instacart is kind enough to show you the sale and bargain items

As you shop, you can indicate substitutions for items that are not available You can also have the clerk contact you about alternatives

At checkout, you can choose a delivery time zone, usually within an hour to a maximum of six days The time zone is displayed along with the associated delivery charges

After checkout, you receive live updates from the shopper and track their progress via GPS The shopper will hand-deliver your order directly to you

During the coronavirus pandemic, Instacart introduced a no-contact "delivery to your doorstep" option to adhere to instructions for social distancing Shoppers leave their orders at the door during delivery hours

High demand means that Instacart has few open delivery windows and some items may not be available while shoppers fill their orders Make a note to the shopper if you would like a specific alternative or if you would like them to contact you with any questions

Yes, you must tip Instacart shoppers 20% of the order value or $5, whichever is higher While Instacart does not mandate tipping, it is the right thing to do; Instacart shoppers and other delivery people are vital to keeping society from collapsing

There are two types of Instacart shoppers: full-service shoppers and in-store shoppers

Both types of shoppers must meet basic requirements: be at least 18 years old, be able to lift at least 40 pounds, have a smartphone, and pass a background check

Full-service shoppers make purchases and deliver orders, are considered independent contractors, and may work unlimited hours Full Service Shoppers must own a vehicle, have two years of driving experience, and pass a vehicle inspection

In-store shoppers only fulfill orders at one store, are considered part-time workers, can work up to 29 hours per week, and do not need access to a car

Instacart is still looking for new shoppers, but you may be right to be wary of putting yourself at risk By fulfilling orders, you will be in contact with more people than you would be at home But if you need a job and are following precautions, Instacart has promised to pay two-week sick leave benefits to shoppers diagnosed with COVID-19

If you are interested in becoming an Instacart shopper, visit shoppersinstacartcom to apply