Introduction
Peapod is a grocery delivery service that is available in most parts of the country. Instacart launched in 2013 and offers delivery within a 4-hour time frame. Instacart was acquired by Whole Foods Market in 2017 and now delivers groceries from various vendors. Here, let’s know ‘Which is Better Peapod or Instacart?’
Peapod is a grocery delivery service that allows you to shop online for the products you need, and then have those products delivered to your door within 24 hours. Instacart is a grocery delivery service that prides itself on its ability to deliver the products you need as fast as possible–usually within 4 hours.
Fee Structure and Returns:
Both Peapod and Instacart charge for their services. Peapod charges $9.99 per delivery, while Instacart charges $10.99 per delivery. Both services allow you to return items within 45 days of purchase for free. For items returned after 45 days, Peapod will charge a 20% restocking fee, while Instacart will charge a 50% restocking fee.
Speed of Delivery:
Peapod currently has more than 800 stores across the country that are certified to accept the company’s signature orange-speckled shopping bags (called “pods”). Instacart provides delivery within 4 hours or less, with some stores delivering as quickly as an hour after the order is placed.
Pricing and Special Offers:
Peapod’s prices vary based on where you live, but Instacart offers the same price on all orders. Peapod will offer special deals, such as two-for-one items, throughout certain times of the year. Instacart does not offer any special deals.
Company Privacy Policy Complications:
Both services have strict privacy policy guidelines for all of their users. When you sign up for Peapod, you agree to the company’s privacy policy. Instacart has similar policies and guidelines, so there are no privacy concerns with either company.
Web Site and Ordering Processes:
Instacart offers several membership plans that allow you to save money on your orders. You can choose one with a $10 or $40 per month subscription, or you can opt for a monthly subscription of $10 or $20. All plans allow you to create as many shopping lists as needed. Peapod does not offer any membership plans, but most customers can create multiple shopping lists using their email addresses.
Customer Service:
Both Peapod and Instacart offer customer service that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You cannot speak with an actual person on Peapod’s customer service line, but you can schedule a callback if you need assistance. With Instacart, you do have the option of speaking with a person over the phone in most cases.
Availability:
Instacart has agreements with more than 150 stores across the country, including Whole Foods, Costco, and Petco. Peapod can currently deliver to more than 1,300 grocery stores and shops in 37 states.
Review Process:
Both Peapod and Instacart have a rating system in place to help customers understand the experience they had with each company. Peapod receives 4.5 stars on CNET and has an average rating of 4 stars from users who have ordered and received their groceries from the service. Instacart has a 4-star average rating on CNET, which is based on users’ opinions about the service’s shopping process, the effectiveness of delivery, and value for money compared to more traditional grocery delivery services such as FreshDirect, CityTarget, and LocalRipOff.com
Price Discounts and Promotions:
Peapod frequently offers discounts on certain items, while Instacart doesn’t have any promotions.
Conclusion:
Peapod is the way to go if you desire flexibility and control over your delivery. You don’t have to be home when your groceries arrive, but you can choose to drop them off at your local store yourself. Instacart’s 4-hour promise has gotten more reliable over time, but you still need to rely on them for their “guaranteed” promises. Above being said Instacart is also a very reliable and good option for food delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can anyone order alcohol on Peapod?
A: Yes, Peapod offers alcohol delivery through BeerPulse.
2. Can anyone order alcohol on Instacart?
A: Yes, Instacart offers alcohol delivery from some retail vendors. Customers can only place orders from permitted retailers with valid permits to sell alcohol.
3. How many times can anyone order on Peapod?
A: A person can have up to 100 items picked and delivered by Peapod within a calendar month. Orders can be canceled if needed, but payment should be done for the items that are pending pick up within 48 hours or they will be charged to a respectable account and this will be eligible for a refund.
4. Is Instacart available everywhere?
A: No – Instacart is available only in the following areas: Atlanta, Austin, Chicago (Northwest), Chicago (South West), Dallas-Fort Worth Area, Denver Area, Houston Area, Los Angeles Metro Area*, Miami/Ft Lauderdale Metro Area*, Minneapolis-St. Paul Area, Portland/Vancouver Area, San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, and Washington, DC areas.
