The Ultimate Guide to Instacart Publix Grocery Delivery in 2024
Publix Super Markets is one of the most beloved grocery chains in the Southeastern U.S., with a cult-like following thanks to its exceptional customer service, high-quality private label products, and pleasant overall shopping experience.
In fact, according to a 2022 consumer survey by Dunnhumby, Publix ranked #1 in customer satisfaction among all grocery retailers in the U.S. [1] This loyalty is especially apparent in Publix‘s home state of Florida, where the grocer commands a market share of nearly 45%. [2]
However, as consumer preferences shift towards online shopping and delivery conveniences, Publix has partnered with Instacart to bring the perks of its stores to doorsteps across the South and beyond.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll explore everything you need to know about getting Publix grocery delivery through Instacart, including how it works, where it‘s available, costs, alcohol delivery, tips for saving, and more.
Overview of Publix Instacart Grocery Delivery
Instacart is the leading online grocery delivery service in the U.S., with a market share of over 55% as of mid-2022 [3]. The retailer enables customers to shop for groceries from partner stores through a user-friendly app and website.
Once an order is placed, Instacart personal shoppers pick, pack, and deliver the groceries direct to the customer‘s door. Instacart partners with over 750 national, regional, and local retailers, including popular chains like Publix, Kroger, Safeway, Aldi, and more.
Publix first launched their Instacart delivery partnership in late 2017 in the Miami area [4]. Today, Instacart facilitates same-day delivery from nearly all of Publix‘s 1,288 store locations across the Southeast.
For customers, this means access to Publix‘s full selection of groceries, pantry staples, household essentials, frozen foods, produce, meat and seafood, and other products available for speedy delivery.
How Does Instacart Publix Grocery Delivery Work?
Ordering from Publix on Instacart is simple – here is an overview of the process:
Create an account: Sign up at www.instacart.com or via the Instacart app on iOS or Android devices.
Enter delivery location: Input your zip code to confirm if Publix delivery is available in your area. Over 90% of Publix locations partner with Instacart.
Browse & shop: Search for Publix, then browse aisles and departments to add groceries to your digital cart. You can also save favorite items for quick reordering.
Pick delivery window: For same-day delivery, choose a 1-hour or 2-hour delivery window, or opt for next-day delivery if your schedule is flexible.
Check out: Select a delivery or pick-up option, enter payment, and place your order. You‘ll receive real-time updates from your shopper.
Delivery: Your personal shopper will pick, pack, and deliver your order within your requested timeframe.
Notifications: Get notifications during shopping, at checkout, when on the way, and upon delivery.
Delivery photo: Shoppers take a photo of delivered orders, which is added to your Instacart account for reference.
Rating & tipping: Post-delivery, you can adjust tips and provide a rating for your shopper.
Instacart Publix shoppers are diligent about choosing fresh produce and expiration dates. You can also communicate special requests or replacements through the app.
Where is Publix Delivery via Instacart Available?
Originally Instacart only offered Publix delivery within the grocer‘s physical retail footprint in the Southeastern U.S. However, today Instacart facilitates Publix delivery in 50+ additional markets beyond the grocer‘s current brick-and-mortar locations. [5]
Some cities, such as Atlanta, Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Nashville, have had access to Publix delivery for several years. More recent expansions include Houston, Dallas, Raleigh, Charlotte, and counties throughout Florida.
So even if you don‘t live near a Publix store, you may still be able to get Publix products delivered if you‘re located within the delivery radius of an Instacart-enabled Publix location.
Cost of Instacart Publix Delivery
Instacart Publix delivery costs include:
- Product prices: Matches Publix in-store prices
- Delivery fee: Starts at $3.99 for same-day orders over $35
- Service fee: Ranges from 1.5% to 5% of the order total
- Tips: Recommended tip is 5-10% of order total
Here‘s how the delivery fees stack up across top national grocery chains:
| Retailer | Delivery Fee | Service Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Publix | $3.99+ | 1.5-5% |
| Kroger | $4.99+ | 1.5-5% |
| Safeway | $3.99+ | 1.5-5% |
| Aldi | $3.99+ | 5% |
As you can see, Publix delivery cost is very comparable to major competitors. However, fees can add up quickly. Here are my top tips to save on your Publix Instacart orders:
- Take advantage of weekly BOGO deals and promotions
- Build a large order to meet $35+ minimums for delivery discounts
- Opt for pick-up over delivery to avoid the delivery fee
- Split costs with family or friends on a group order
Benefits of Instacart Publix Grocery Delivery
While the fees can seem steep for smaller orders, in my experience, the benefits of Publix grocery delivery through Instacart outweigh the costs for many situations.
Convenience
The #1 benefit is unbeatable convenience. Busy families, seniors, or those with limited mobility can save hours per week by having fresh groceries delivered versus shopping in-store.
Time Savings
Grocery shopping can take over an hour per trip, not including driving and parking. Instacart eliminates travel and wait time at checkout.
Product Selection
Access Publix‘s full inventory of 45,000+ products without ever leaving home. Instacart gives you the entirety of the Publix shopping experience online
New Customer Access
Non-local customers who don‘t live near a Publix can now shop the store‘s renowned selections through Instacart delivery.
Food Quality
With personal shoppers handling picking, Publix‘s high standards for freshness and shelf life are maintained through to the last mile.
Alcohol Delivery
In eligible regions, Instacart facilitates delivery of Publix‘s wide beer, wine, and liquor selection. Just have a valid ID ready!
Tips for Instacart Publix Grocery Delivery
As a frequent Instacart shopper myself, here are my top tips for making the most of Publix grocery delivery:
Communicate special requests: Entering requests for shoppers in the order notes field ensures accuracy.
Browse weekly ads: Add BOGO and coupon deals to your cart directly from the weekly ad section.
Track shopper progress: Watch in real-time as your shopper navigates the virtual aisles.
Tip generously for excellent service: Shoppers rely on tips, so tip above 5% for speedy, accurate shops.
Limit replacements: Opt out of replacements to prevent unwanted subs at checkout.
Check sell-by dates: Ask shoppers to grab furthest dates, and check upon delivery.
Rate & review accordingly: Your feedback helps improve shopper performance.
The Verdict: Is Publix Delivery via Instacart Worth It?
In closing, while Instacart does charge nominal fees, I believe the sheer convenience and time savings of grocery delivery outweigh the costs. The accessibility of Publix‘s top-rated selections and friendly service nationwide via Instacart makes it a worthwhile service.
Just be smart – take advantage of sales and coupons, tip generously to get your order picked up quickly, and don‘t be afraid to give feedback when warranted. Happy Instacarting!
