GoPuff vs. Instacart: Online Grocery Delivery Comparison

GoPuff and Instacart are two main players in the online grocery delivery business in the US. And with a growing number of consumers wanting to access groceries online, both platforms are growing exponentially.

Both companies offer a wide range of services, including drop-off grocery pick-up and home delivery and same-day, in-store orders from multiple retailers across the country. They are all trying to be a better alternative to traditional groceries. But what makes them different? 

Let’s take a closer look at both companies and see how they differ in their business model, pricing, delivery times, cost savings, customer experience, and more!

GoPuff Vs. Instacart: Overview

What Is GoPuff

The GoPuff is an online grocery delivery business that offers a simple, hassle-free way to shop for groceries online. You can deliver your groceries straight to your door in minutes without standing in line or worrying about driving home with bags of groceries weighing you down.

GoPuff was founded in 2013 and has grown to be one of the largest grocery delivery companies in the country. The company is headquartered in Philadelphia and has expanded its operations to over 650 cities across the United States.

It offers an online marketplace that connects customers with local grocers, allowing them to shop for groceries virtually. Similarly, customers can order items from their favorite brands and get them delivered within an hour of making their request, or they can pick up their order at one of Gopuff’s convenient locations.

GoPuff’s mission is to make shopping for groceries as easy as possible for busy families. And with a free mobile app, GoPuff makes it easy for anyone who wants to buy food—whether it’s for a family dinner or a late-night snack—to get what they need without leaving their couch.

Benefits of Using GoPuff

If you have been looking for an alternative to traditional grocery stores, then GoPuff may be your best choice. The company delivers items from its fulfillment centers in different regions. This means you can get your favorite products from anywhere worldwide without going out of your way or spending extra money on shipping costs. 

Furthermore, GoPuff offers a rewards program for customers who sign up for monthly subscriptions for their deliveries (or for annual subscriptions). You’ll get points every time you order groceries through GoPuff—and then you can redeem those points for gift cards or other perks like discounts on food items that aren’t on the regular menu.

With GoPuff, you can save time and money by skipping the hassle of shopping at the grocery store. You’ll also enjoy fresh food delivered to your door every week, so you can ensure everything in your fridge is always stocked up with delicious options and never run out of anything again.

And finally, it’s super easy! All you have to do is put in your address, select what you want from the menu, and then sit back while someone else does all the work for you.

Limitation

The major disadvantage of using GoPuff is that it offers a limited selection of products. So, if you are looking for a particular product, this might not be your best option.

What Is Instacart?

Instacart is an online grocery shopping service that lets you order groceries from local stores in your area. It works with national retailers like Whole Foods and Safeway, who use Instacart’s technology to fill orders quickly and efficiently on behalf of customers who live near those stores.

Additionally, Instacart’s business model matches shoppers with buyers, typically from grocery stores. So shoppers can use Instacart to shop for groceries online or through the Instacart app, then order them directly from the store. 

Instacart’s goal is to make shopping convenient by offering a wide variety of high-quality grocery options, including organic produce and other specialty items unavailable through many conventional retailers. 

With Instacart, there’s no need to go out of your way — shop online and have your order delivered directly to your home or office within one hour.

Benefits of Using Instacart

With more than 1 million shoppers, Instacart is one of the US’s most extensive grocery delivery services. It’s also one of the best — and most convenient — ways to save money on groceries. Here are some of its benefits:

The benefits of using Instacart are many. In addition to offering same-day delivery, it has partnered with large grocery stores such as Costco and Whole Foods to provide home delivery.

Similarly, with Instacart, you will save time on shopping. You don’t have to go to the store or wait in line at the checkout counter — all you have to do is order from their website or mobile app and have your groceries delivered directly to your home or office within an hour or two, depending on where you live and where they deliver from.

Furthermore, Instacart offers a wide variety of grocery items, including fresh produce, meat and seafood, dairy products, snacks, and more. Customers can also order specialty items such as wine or flower bouquets. The company’s selection constantly changes as new products are added or otherwise changed.

Limitations

The biggest drawback of using Instacart is that it’s only available in major cities. Even if your city has an Instacart, it’s not guaranteed to be available to you. If you live in a rural area, you’re out of luck.

Additionally, it charges both a service and a delivery fee. So, in the long run, your total cost will be higher than if you were to order groceries from your local grocery store.

How GoPuff and Instacart Compare

I’m sure you are eager to learn how these two online grocery delivery services compare. Here is how they compare pricing, services, and membership.

Fees

First, let’s talk about each company’s fees for its services. GoPuff and Instacart both charge an initial fee to use their service and monthly fees after that. These fees can vary depending on how many items you purchase each month and how often you order items from them.

However, GoPuff has a flat delivery fee of $1.95, without compromising order quantity, while Instacart charges $3.99 for goods worth $35 and above. So they differ a little bit in their pricing models. 

Services

The two online delivery grocery hubs are also different in their services. For instance, GoPuff offers a limited selection of basic products while Instacart offers almost everything simply because Instacart has links with large store chains across the US.

Membership Programs

Both companies have membership plans at a fee but with enormous benefits. For instance, GoPuff boasts its Fam Subscription Plan, which covers goods worth above $10.95, and costs as low as $5.95 a month, while Instacart has a yearly renewable plan at a rate of $99, which allows you to pay minimum service delivery fees.

Bottom Line

Both GoPuff and Instacart offer reliable grocery delivery options to customers. However, as seen above, these two services differ in their business models. Overall, goPuff is a better service than Instacart because it’s generally easier to use and has more options. If you can get past the pricey grocery store delivery fee that the latter charges, GoPuff is the way to go!